Thursday, September 8, 2011

**UPDATED** I have never in my life been so angry!

Today I was supposed to have an appointment with an endocrinologist to deal with my thyroid issues. I had all of my bloodwork done and an ultrasound. I was actually really excited about my appointment because I've heard good things about this doctor. I'm so sick of feeling like crap and had high hopes that this doctor could help me.

So I show up early. Feed MG in the car just in case it's a long appointment. I didn't want her to get fussy. Put her in her stroller and head up. When I walk up to the desk to sign in I notice a huge sign that says,

"Absolutely no children in the exam room. If you must bring your child with you please bring someone with you who can sit in the waiting room with your child."

Wait, what? I knocked on the glass obviously irritating the woman at the desk. When she opened it I asked about the sign. I told her I wasn't aware of their policy and that I had my 5 1/2 month old with me. She then told me rather rudely that I would have to reschedule. I explained that I don't have anyone who can watch my daughter during the day. She them told me that that was not her problem. I said "Ma'am, she's a baby, she's in a stroller, I'm sure she won't be any trouble." She said no, she can't go back and said she would reschedule me. Um, did she not just listen to what I said? I don't have anyone to watch her! I told her no thank you I will just have to find a new doctor. And do you know what she said? "Fine." Fine? That's it?

By this point I'm boiling and I can feel tears welling up in my eyes so I turn around to get out of there asap before I start crying. There was a nice middle aged woman in the waiting room who held the door for me and kept saying very loudly how ridiculous this was. I hope she thought it was ridiculous enough to say something to the doctor.

In hindsight I should have asked for my blood and ultrasound results. I was just so upset that I had to get out of there. I understand that they are a private business and they can implement whatever policy they choose no matter how absurd it is. However, it would be nice if they told people this on the phone when they made their appointments. Had I known this I wouldn't have made the appointment and waisted an hour long drive.

So I guess I'm back at square one. I have to begin my search all over again and I'm not sure where to start. What frustrates me more than anything is that my results are in and yet I don't know what they say. I just want to know what's wrong with me.

Since when did children become the enemy? I just don't get it? What really boggles my mind is that I was there yet they couldn't just see me. My daughter is not even 6 months old. She was in a stroller. It's not like she could get into anything. Not that that matters. I don't really care to do business with anyone who feels this way about children. I just wanted my flippin' test results.

Am I crazy for being so angry? Do y'all take you babies with you to the doctor?

**UPDATE**

When I left the office I called K immediately. I was crying and fuming mad. My normally very calm husband was pretty ticked off and told me he wad going to call. He left a message for the office manager asking her to please call him back. He explained what happened and also told her that we needed my records sent to me ASAP because we needed to find me a new doctor. I figured she would t call back but she did. K said she was fairly polite but wasn't budging on their policy. He asked why we weren't informed and she said that it is in the new patient forms. Um, hello! New patient here! How an I supposed to know about your stupid policy before my appointment when you haven't given me the forms yet. He said he understood that sometimes toddlers can be unruly and make things difficult but our daughter is 6 months old and was sleeping in her stroller. She said it didn't matter. He also told her how rude the receptionist was and he said she somewhat apologized. But honestly, he got nowhere with her.

I was thinking about calling the actual doctor tomorrow but I'm not sure. Even if he did agree to allow me to bring MG I'm not sure I want to go to a doctor who obviously doesn't like children. I'm not sure I can trust him to treat me properly while I'm pregnant. I already have serious trust issues with doctors. I may write a strongly worded letter to him just letting him know how ridiculous this is but I'm not sure what that would accomplish. There are several doctor review sites out there though and I have every intention of reviewing him and letting people know about his absurd policy. I dot want another parent having the same experience I did.

So I guess the search continues...


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone so please excuse the autocorrect craziness! My phone is out to get me!

11 comments:

  1. That is crazy!!!! I have never seen such a thing. I think you're right...to hell with 'em :)

    I'm sorry you have to start to endocrinologist search all over! So frustrating!!

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  2. Whatever! First of all, I'd call back and ask to speak to the Office Mgr or your doctor's nurse. If that gets you no where, ask to speak to the dr. He needs to know about her snottyness if nothing else. Do it!!!!:)

    Secondly, i have no one to watch my kids during the day either. I toted Maggie everywhere and Nelson too now. I have NEVER seen a sign or policy like that. I would ask why they have it when you call to talk to the Office Mgr or nurse. I get that some toddlers are unruly and distracting, but like you said, MG is a babe.

    If they can be so choosy about who they take adn keep as patients then good for them.

    I have only had an x ray tech one time recently comment on babes in the dr. office. Thankfully, i didn't have kids with me b/c I had Che come home early b/c I knew I couldn't bring kids in w/ me to get an xray. But she said she got annoyed when people came and she had to hold their baby. Well, whatever. Some of us just have to do it.

    Man, I'm ticked now too! If you don't want to call and make a fuss, I'm also a fan of the strongly worded letter. And cc the Dr. and Office Mgr!!

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  3. What?? That is ridiculous. I agree--call and let them know how upset you are! I would be furious! That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard.

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  4. That's just wrong! Now, I have worked in the PT clinic with patients that have brought in babies and toddlers that were out to break equipment or themselves, but usually only if the mothers have no other options for that day (and we don't ask them to keep the children elsewhere, they just usually do when they have a place to take them). It's difficult, but doable. I'm with you that I'd be a little concerned to see a doctor like that while pregnant!

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  5. The unacceptable part of this is that they did not inform you of the policy over the phone when you scheduled your 1st appointment. That is extremely unprofessional and unforgivable, in my opinion.
    But the fact that they have the policy to begin with doesn't necessarily mean the Dr doesn't like kids (sorry to play devil's advocate) - it's just that children can get noisy, among other things, which is not always conducive to a medical office, let alone an appointment. I do think it's a stupid rule, but they have every right to implement it - AS LONG AS THEY TELL PEOPLE AHEAD OF TIME!!
    They piss me off.

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  6. Well, at least you tried:) I vote for the strongly worded letter to the doc:) Have a better day today!

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  7. They are SOOO LUCKY I wasn't there. I would have ripped their heads off.

    I am furious still! GRRRRRRR...

    I am SO SORRY.

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  8. Completely unfair. They either tell you ahead or let you in. CRAZY, and how rude can they be?????

    I would have been shaking for days.

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  9. My endocrinologist's office has the same rule, *except* that they gladly watch your kids at the front desk. I sort of felt weird leaving C there the first time, but I had no choice and it was fine. And they are super nice and sweet and act like having the baby there is fun. Now that is an acceptable alternative, not rudeness and turning you away! I would have cried too!

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  10. I vote for the letter! I'm so sorry hun. I can just see you mouthing off to that receptionist!

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  11. Can someone at your church watch mg? What if he will help you the right way or close to it? Good dr are hard to find...??

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