Receptionists

Snow_Cyster · 10-25-2007, 11:36 AM

Does anyone get sick of telling their whole, long, sad, PCOS story to a receptionist when trying to reach a nurse or OBGYN?

I just had to call my doctor's office and tell a receptionist, "Well, Dr. So-and-So prescribed Prometrium about 12 days ago and told me to call either Nurse Such-and-Such or herself when my period started and I'm supposed to start Clomid soon and..." blah blah blah blah. I feel like I've just told my life story/medical record file to someone who just answers the phone...and I never know exactly how much information they need...whether I am getting too specific or not specific enough!

This is better, at least, than trying to talk PCOS sense into a receptionist at a general practiconer's office..."PCOS? What's THAT?" Uhh, my doctor knows what it is, that's all YOU need to know.

I really don't have anything against receptionists as a group, I just have had interesting experiences with a few of them.

Cynlu · 10-25-2007, 11:57 AM

My gyno referred me to a specific Endo that supposedly specializes in PCOS in this area -- and I couldn't get an appt with her because her receptionist was dead certain that they don't work with non-menopausal women. She wouldn't even talk to the nurse (or let me talk to her). Thankfully I got a name of another dr in the area who I will have an appt with in a few weeks.

deblynnc · 10-25-2007, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snow_Cyster

Does anyone get sick of telling their whole, long, sad, PCOS story to a receptionist when trying to reach a nurse or OBGYN?

I just had to call my doctor's office and tell a receptionist, "Well, Dr. So-and-So prescribed Prometrium about 12 days ago and told me to call either Nurse Such-and-Such or herself when my period started and I'm supposed to start Clomid soon and..." blah blah blah blah. I feel like I've just told my life story/medical record file to someone who just answers the phone...and I never know exactly how much information they need...whether I am getting too specific or not specific enough!

This is better, at least, than trying to talk PCOS sense into a receptionist at a general practiconer's office..."PCOS? What's THAT?" Uhh, my doctor knows what it is, that's all YOU need to know.

I really don't have anything against receptionists as a group, I just have had interesting experiences with a few of them.

That must be aggravating! I always try to give as little info as possible to the person who answers. I just say "Dr. A told me it was important that I talk to Nurse B today about my medication because the timing is crucial." So far, no problems, but maybe the receptionists I've had to deal with are easier to work with.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cyndilou

My gyno referred me to a specific Endo that supposedly specializes in PCOS in this area -- and I couldn't get an appt with her because her receptionist was dead certain that they don't work with non-menopausal women. She wouldn't even talk to the nurse (or let me talk to her). Thankfully I got a name of another dr in the area who I will have an appt with in a few weeks.

I would write a letter to that Endo (or whoever is in charge if she works for a clinic or something and not an independent practice) telling what happened, and I would CC the gyno who referred you so he/she won't refer other non-menopausal patients to that Endo. Either that receptionist is incompetent, or your gyno was misinformed about whom the Endo treats. Either way, it should be resolved so no one else has the same experience. Glad you found another doctor

share3232 · 10-25-2007, 12:16 PM

Sorry about the experience, but I feel the same way. I never know if I am giving the right amount of info.

Snow_Cyster · 10-25-2007, 02:21 PM

I like the little (not detailed) script you suggested. I'll have to try that next time. My DH laughed when he heard the (way too detailed) conversation I had with the receptionist..."Boy, I'm glad I'm not a woman" were the words out out of his mouth. I guess I was worried that if I didn't leave a good message, the nurse wouldn't have any idea what I needed and I would fall to the bottom of her calling list. As it is, I called three hours ago and still haven't heard back...trying to decide when a callback is in order...I don't want to be annoying, but I want my Clomid!

I know receptionists must have to deal with crazies, and I know they are supposed to act as gatekeepers for the doctors, but sometimes they gatekeep just a little bit too much.

down_in_tx · 10-31-2007, 11:21 AM

It's just good these things don't happen to men because they would just NEVER call!! My DH just laughs every time I have to call for any reason.... I guess you have to laugh or go crazy! Hugs ladies!

pinktink · 11-01-2007, 01:16 PM

i hate that to. I hate when i call to ask a nurse a question the lady who answers the phone makes me tell her the whole situation. Then when the nurse returns my call she asks me whats going on. Its like i just had to tell your receptionist now i have to explain it all to you too.

sinnie · 11-01-2007, 01:28 PM

I have been lucky with receptionists for the most part. But when I had my first visit to my endo, I nearly left because of the receptionists.

First they scheduled my appointment in the wrong day and told me a different day. So I waited 6 months to see the endo and when I got there they told me I had missed the appointment. (They didn't do a reminder call on me either or I might have made it.)

Next they did it AGAIN but it was a different receptionist. I complained loudly at the counter (this is now 8 months after making my first appointment) and my endo happened to be walking by and told them he had time to see me and to send me back.

It hasn't happened since then and my endo is wonderful. I'm really glad I had the patience to stick it out.

ttara123 · 11-01-2007, 02:17 PM

I try to give as little information as possible. Whenever the receptionists/dr's asst asks for more info, I find that they mess things up. For example, I called my GI dr a few months ago about starting a new medication that HE suggested at my last visit. During the visit I told him that I wanted to go home and think about it, and try something else first. So a couple weeks after, I call to try and get the prescription. I have IBS, the lovely diarrhea variety, and I they wouldn't let me talk to the doc. Said I had to talk to the dr's asst. Okay, I said "I want this prescription for Lomotil that the Dr and I talked about." She said "we don't give that for IBS, we only give that for diarrhea." I was stunned for a second, I said "um, I have diarrhea all the time, that's what IBS is. The dr said I should take this" and she kept telling me that I was wrong. She wouldn't even let me talk to the dr!

Anyway, long story short, I usually try to be as ambiguous as possible so that the receptionist doesn't try to help me herself. I just say "I need to discuss my medication" etc.

Carrie24TX · 11-01-2007, 03:29 PM

Yea, when I call and ask to leave a message for the dr/nurse, the receptionist always askes me what I want.. Its none of her business, thats why I say I will leave a message.. And I HATE HATE HATE when she calls me Hun... UGGHHHHHH!!!!!! Ok thanks..lol..

deblynnc · 11-01-2007, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ttara123

I try to give as little information as possible. Whenever the receptionists/dr's asst asks for more info, I find that they mess things up. For example, I called my GI dr a few months ago about starting a new medication that HE suggested at my last visit. During the visit I told him that I wanted to go home and think about it, and try something else first. So a couple weeks after, I call to try and get the prescription. I have IBS, the lovely diarrhea variety, and I they wouldn't let me talk to the doc. Said I had to talk to the dr's asst. Okay, I said "I want this prescription for Lomotil that the Dr and I talked about." She said "we don't give that for IBS, we only give that for diarrhea." I was stunned for a second, I said "um, I have diarrhea all the time, that's what IBS is. The dr said I should take this" and she kept telling me that I was wrong. She wouldn't even let me talk to the dr!

Anyway, long story short, I usually try to be as ambiguous as possible so that the receptionist doesn't try to help me herself. I just say "I need to discuss my medication" etc.

Dontcha hate when someone who works for the doctor thinks you're too stupid to remember what the doc told you. I hope you eventually got the correct prescription.

11-02-2007, 05:57 PM

i have trouble too with my gps receptionists. I once went in (its only a min walk from my house) to get an app, i was going through a bad patch and wanted to discuss anti depressants, and the waiting room was packed and she kept asking why i needed to see him, i just said its a personal matter, but no she needed a reason. In the end i was like ffs, cos i need to see someone before i top myself, unless you want that on your conscience! i got an app the next day tho lol.
What really bothers me is that they have no medical knowledge, i have more than they do! sorry rant over lol

Snow_Cyster · 11-03-2007, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carrie24TX

Yea, when I call and ask to leave a message for the dr/nurse, the receptionist always askes me what I want.. Its none of her business, thats why I say I will leave a message.. And I HATE HATE HATE when she calls me Hun... UGGHHHHHH!!!!!! Ok thanks..lol..

I also hate when I get called "hun" by receptionists. They think they are being so nice, but they are really being condescending!

ttara123 · 11-03-2007, 12:10 PM

I just have to rant! I went to my GP the other day. My dr is in the middle of this huge cluster of drs, dentists, etc (actually, every one of my drs except my gyno is in this cluster). it's like a mile long. So a lot of them have access to the records at the hospital through an intranet or something. I called my GP's office ahead of time and said, "there's a CT scan I got at the hospital I'd like my Dr to see. Should I bring that in, or do you guys have access to that?"

The receptionist said, "we have access to it, don't worry, just tell the medical assistant when she brings you back to the room." So I come in for my appt, they call me back, and I say, "the receptionist said you have access to the records at the hosptial, there's a CT scan I want the dr to see." She says, "um, we'll have it if you sent it to us I guess, I'll go look for it." She left and never brought it back. So either the receptionist lied, the medical asst was stupid, or the medical asst was lazy.

Either way, this adds one more reason I don't like my GP!

aufachse405 · 11-03-2007, 12:11 PM

Haha--I USED to. When I was first diagnosed, every time I had a question I had to call and re-tell the whole story. Now, I just call and give my name and they transfer me to the nurse practitioner who helps me every time. So, call enough and they will get to know you and your story!