Doctor never sent script for test

[debodun]

I was scheduled for a CT scan this morning. I arrived for it only to be informed that the test could not be performed because the doctor never sent them a script for it. When the doctor's office called me to tell me the date of the appointment, I assumed everything was set. Of course, I called the doctor's office and left a message regarding this. I have yet to hear back about it. I am livid. I re-arranged my schedule for the day, made a 20 mile round-trip and for nothing. Am I over-reacting?

 

[Ruthanne]

I was scheduled for a CT scan this morning. I arrived for it only to be informed that the test could not be performed because the doctor never sent them a script for it. When the doctor's office called me to tell me the date of the appointment, I assumed everything was set. Of course, I called the doctor's office and left a message regarding this. I have yet to hear back about it. I am livid. I re-arranged my schedule for the day, made a 20 mile round-trip and for nothing. Am I over-reacting?

I would be angry too Deb. You had a long trip to make. I would tell the doctor just how I felt about this mishap.

 

[debodun]

Another thing that bugs me is that when you call a professional office, you never get to speak with anyone. You have to leave a voice mail, they they get back to you when they have time.

 

[debodun]

The test facility called me and said the fault wasn't with the doctor. They had the script and apparently the receptionist just didn't know where to look for it. I was compensated for my two trips with a $5 gift card to a local convenience store.

 

[Ruthanne]

The test facility called me and said the fault wasn't with the doctor. They had the script and apparently the receptionist just didn't know where to look for it. I was compensated for my two trips with a $5 gift card to a local convenience store.

I think they should have given you more than that, like a $20.00 gift card for your time and gas.

 

[debodun]

I think they should have given you more than that, like a $20.00 gift card for your time and gas.

Legally, they didn't have to do anything for a clerical snafu. It just seems whatever situation I'm in, I end up the ping pong between two paddles.

I did receive the script this afternoon in the MAIL! Now what dickwad doctors office still uses snail mail to send this type of material? I assumed it would be sent by FAX to the testing facility.

 

[SeaBreeze]

It's annoying how many people are not reliable these days and the customer suffers for it, I would be angry too. A $5 gift card is nothing. Does your doctor have any online communication with you? You may want to look into that. I have Kaiser for my health insurance and they notify me of test results, upcoming appointments, etc. via email and snail mail. I can also send them an email and receive a reply online.

 

[debbie in seattle]

The test facility called me and said the fault wasn't with the doctor. They had the script and apparently the receptionist just didn't know where to look for it. I was compensated for my two trips with a $5 gift card to a local convenience store.

At least they were honest with you. Yes, more than $5 was in order........

 

[Ruthanne]

Legally, they didn't have to do anything for a clerical snafu. It just seems whatever situation I'm in, I end up the ping pong between two paddles.

I did receive the script this afternoon in the MAIL! Now what dickwad doctors office still uses snail mail to send this type of material? I assumed it would be sent by FAX to the testing facility.

Hey I'm on your side.

 

[debodun]

Does your doctor have any online communication with you? You may want to look into that.

They have what they term a "patient portal" and believe me, I used it to send them a strongly worded message. Here was the reply:

We do fax all scripts involed in medical testing to the facility and then we mail a copy to the pt as well. We did fax the script for your test. I am not sure why they didn't have it. Sorry about the mix up.

 

[Butterfly]

I call ahead to confirm when I have something like that scheduled. Between my sister's medical appts, and my niece's before she died, and my own, I've seen too many snafus.

Also because of experiences back when I was working, I know the whole faxing thing isn't as reliable as some think it is. I've been om both ends of faxing snafus and many times they're just inexplicable.

 

[Carla]

Isn't technology wonderful? I think we were more efficient when we did this stuff manually. I have this distrust issue, there just seems to be an acceptable margin for error and it makes me nervous. A few years ago, I was seeing a hematologist who came in the room where a computer was set up (for someone else) and he went rambling on about my condition but it didn't sound right. When he looked at my face (dropped jaw) he realized I wasn't this person then apologized profusely. This dr was teaching students and had a lot going on and I could understand but still makes me nervous.