Since moving in January I haven’t found new doctors for myself. Most importantly I needed a Nurse Practitioner/OB/GYN for my girly issues and future pregnancies. I asked around and got some recommendations, it’s hard finding a new practice and building a relationship with someone who is going to go where only your husband is allowed. And this new practice has a lot to live up to, I LOVED my midwives and had an incredibly wonderful relationship with the office staff and nurses who watched my belly grow for 39 weeks and 2 days. My delivery and after care were fabulous, so finding a new group of midwives/doctors has been no easy task. But with my recommendations and recent uterus issues I decided it was time to take the plunge and get acquainted with everyone before their services are needed for pregnancy and childbirth. And I’m guessing they want to know more about my uterus before I walk in there with a fetus in it.
I made the call early before they got busy with paperwork and the usual Monday stuff.
Me: Hi, I’m new to the area and I need to make an appt with a nurse practitioner/midwife in your practice?
Receptionist: Have you been here before?
Me: No, I’m new to the area and this practice came recommended.
Receptionist: Well, what do you need done, an annual exam?
Me: No, I am not due for an annual until October, I am having heavy bleeding and I’m a breastfeeding mom and may need a prescription change, I’m not quite sure what’s going on, but it’s not normal and that’s why I’d like to get in as soon as possible.
Receptionist: Well with your bleeding disorder it might be best to see an M.D. The nurse would refer you to one anyway.
Me: I don’t have a bleeding disorder, just some unusual bleeding, and since I’m breastfeeding and new to this post partum thing I’d like to get an appt sooner than later. With a nurse practitioner. Thanks
Receptionist: Ok, well let me get you registered and then we can find an appointment for you.
The woman goes through the usual list of questions: name, insurance info and address. This is where I should have requested to speak to another person.
Receptionist: Your address ma’am.
Me: 9548 Diddly Doo AVE. (not our real address, gotta keep the crazies away)
Receptionist: Please spell that.
Me: (I spell the street name, it’s two words)
Receptionist: I have that. Is it street?
Me: No, Ave.
Receptionist: Spell it.
Me: A-V-E
Receptionist: Oh, Avenue
Me: ::head hand::
I look up at the clock it says 10:47, I called at 10:16, I had been on the phone for THIRTY MINUTES registering for an appointment. And after spelling Ave. Perhaps she didn’t have enough coffee, or she wasn’t used to taking new patients, either way I really hope the midwives and doctors are more sophisticated and personable than the receptionist I had on the phone. Because they have big shoes to fill.
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Yikes! I certainly hope the professionals you deal with there are actually professional! Good luck!
Mungee's Ma recently posted..Mungees First Days – Part 4 – The Conclusion Days 7-15 and a few other random days
How cool would it be to live on Diddly Doo Avenue?
Here's hoping is was lack of coffee or a case of the Mondays.
Oh God, you are SO much more patient than I am. I would have hung up…and hoped she didn't work tomorrow.
ha. Maybe your blood disorder caused you to slur or something [that would require only an MD) and she just couldn't understand you. Or the blood disorder caused you to speak a foreign language & she couldn't understand.
you're much more patient than I. The sound of frustration would have been seeping through my teeth.
Jennifer S. recently posted..Chicago- My Kind of Town
good grief! Why are doc offices so hard to deal with? I told my Gen Pract office receptionist that I would like an appt because I thought maybe I had PPD and she gave me the RUN AROUND! Seriously? It's a good thing I love my docs!
Katie recently posted..Its Good to Have Crafty Friends
You know.. the receptionists at my OB's office are the same way. Either dumb or just plain insensitive and mean. But my doctor and all of the nurses, I LOVE. So I suck it up while making phone calls and checking in. Hopefully you have the same situation happening here.
Krista @ Not Mommy o recently posted..She really is cute…
Hahaha! But it's true about loving the doctor you have. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my OB, and I would be so sad if I had to find someone else.
Nikki recently posted..Music Monday
ahhhhhh!!! i'm still trying to find a practice too – UGH. i hate moving for that reason.
this just made me laugh so hard!! i REALLY hope they are wonderful!! + i hope everythign is okay!
Kacia @ Coconut Robo recently posted..Even if…
I had to find a new ob/gyn half way through my pregnancy and I was NOT at all happy about it. And I seriously think they let these moron girls answer the phone and sit at the front desk because they aren't much good at anything else in the office. But despite those idiots, I ended up loving my MW. Good luck hun!
Diane recently posted..A Mission Unaccomplished
LOL- it doesn't take a degree to be a receptionist. I especially love how she was suggesting you go to an MD and not the OB. You should probably mention that to the nurse practitioner when you see her/him. The receptionist shouldn't be making suggestions on what type of doctor you need to see.
Laura Jane recently posted..Wordless Wednesday- Dance
Good lord, are you serious? What, were they so desperate they needed to hire the village idiot? Wow. I sure hope the nurse practitioner you're seeing makes that all worth while. In fact, I'd mention the receptionist was trying to give you medical advice (tell you who you needed to see) and the overall first impression was terrible. Be sure to let us know how that works out.
Heligirl recently posted..Life Changes in an Instant