Friday, August 22, 2008

Why I Hate Dealing With Doctors, Part 2

On the same afternoon as the infamous Rogers team phone calls, I called a few other doctors who I found through the Armour website. First one I called is a couple miles away. Score! That would be really convenient if he works out!
So, I call and the first thing I say is: I'm looking for a new doctor who prescribes Armour.

"No, he doesn't."

But I found him listed on the Armour website.

"He doesn't prescribe Armour."

Ok. Next. I call another doctor who's a little farther away. Same script. Ha! Now I'm using scripts! Where do I learn this stuff?

"What insurance do you have?"

I have an HSA.

"What's that?"

A health savings account.

"Huh?"

I repeat myself. Surely medical staff have heard of HSAs, right?

"What's that mean?"

Cash. I'll be paying cash. (I utilize the KISS strategy, hoping for more success.)

"We're not taking any new patients."

Then why did you need to know what insurance I have?

"Oh I wasn't talking to you. I was talking to the lady at the desk."

Uh huh.

6 comments:

MommaofMany said...

I think I've heard that receptionists have to go to a special class to learn to do things like this to customers. Since they all seem to ask the same, it would make sense ;)

amy in peru said...

I know! I've dealt with this same exact thing before, and it is SO frustrating. It is so hard to be nice! I fail.

I also do a lot of self-diagnosing around here mostly out of necessity, and have a general lack of confidence in medical care here or the States. But the system with insurance and all that is just totally annoying!

Anyway, you're funny. :)

I'm having a blog warming party over at my place, so come on by! Bring your friends :)

Amy
Trujillo, Peru
homeschoolblogger.com/amada
fisheracademy.blogger.com

musicmommy3 said...

Ease up there Momma! LOL

I was a pretty darn good receptionist when I worked at our clinic...plus, sometimes they are ordered to say stupid things...trust me. They hate it too. :)

p.s. My mother is also a receptionist for a DR and she about DIED laughing when I read her the part 1.

Nealy said...

I'm beginning to understand why people who aren't in control of their emotions actually kill people. These types of scenarios really make you want to strangle somebody! How could so many people be so stupid? Like when I was activating my new Visa card and was told,"That's not your mother's maiden name," and "Happyville USA" is not in "Smallville County." AAARRRRGGGHHHH

The Mama Behind the Story said...

Ugh--it can be so hard to find a good thyroid dr. After nearly 20 years, I've learned word of mouth is the best way to find one and even then, it can take FOREVER!!!! I've only worked with two drs. who knew what they were doing with their thyroid patients. When we were moving to Houston, I nearly refused to go because I didn't want to leave my Endocrinologist. Ha!

Anonymous said...

I'm playing catch up reading your blog. How terrible she did that to you.

HSA, is that through your husband's employer or can you do that independently. I did a quick search on it, and I'm intrigued.

~Gretchen