I was about 1 week away from needing a refill on my regular medication that I’ve been taking for 2 years. I requested the refill, and the pharmacy requested the refill. We submitted about 6 requests between both myself and the pharmacy and did not hear anything back for 7 days. Finally, someone called me to tell me that the Doctor denied the refill 5 days prior, because they wanted to see me – the person on the phone had “no idea” why that message didn’t get to me. At this time I was out of the medication that you cannot stop taking without negative health effects.
I asked them to please schedule me immediately for an appointment since I was not aware of this. I asked them if the Doctor would at least OK a week’s supply and this was denied. I was then very surprised to hear that “the only way” I could get an appointment is to call at 7AM the next day and “battle” with other people for the two available “same day appointments”. I couldn’t believe they were basically auctioning off appointments, like it was a radio show and the 5th caller wins. Even the representative was apologetic as the whole thing was very silly and inconvenient.
Today, my doctor appointment was at 12:00PM. I showed up at 11:45AM. There were about 2 people along with myself in the waiting room. I was not brought back until 12:50PM. I was not actually SEEN until 1:15. The back area was basically empty so I don’t understand why they were so behind.
The unfriendly doctor said to me (without my asking about it): “we just want you to come in every 6 months, it’s not that you’re “Bad”” Which was an odd statement, but I understand that you need to come in every so often.. she asked if I had any side effects from the medication, I said no, she then told me that my face was unsymmetrical. I was worried as I’ve never heard this before, and asked her “Does that mean I had a stroke, or am in danger??” She said “No not at all, nobody is perfect, some people just have minor things that aren’t even like arm length..etc.” So that was a bit unnecessarily alarming and unflattering…. I then told her that I have been having headaches, and asked if she had any suggestions, she said not to put my hair in a pony tail. I told her I’ve had the same hair styles for the past 15 years, and only had headaches the past 2 months. She still insisted it was my hair… Which was, fine.. just odd that that was her only suggestion.
The follow up nurse then came in with instructions about my hair, and told me that they would send my refill to the pharmacy. Naturally, I said I’d like to make sure it went to the right pharmacy. They did have the wrong one on file, so I waited and gave them the address to the new pharmacy, since I’ve moved since then about 30 minutes away. I even gave them an empty pill bottle with all of the pharmacy information to the nurse to keep.
I got a call 5 minutes ago, from the wrong pharmacy 30 minutes away, letting me know they have my medication.
It was just an awful experience on every level I am switching physicians. I was treated awfully, offended, disrespected and missed hours of work.