On Patient Service

It's been while since I posted. Tis the Season, right? Although I have been busy getting ready for the holiday, I have a lot on my mind. Top of the list- Patient Service.

Being a part of the hospitality business for the last 30 years has kept our family in tune with what good and bad service is. Since I have become sick, I have experienced the good and bad sides of patient service. Call me crazy but when you are dealing with people who are fighting for their lives I firmly believe you should be bending over backwards to give good service and make them as comfortable as possible.

I left my first oncologist because of her staff-some were rude and belligerent-and they couldn't keep track of my blood work. Not a good sign, in my opinion.

I have been told by many friends who have fought cancer and those who are in the fight with me, that if you have a question, call the doctor. That's what they're there for. Honestly, I haven't had much luck with that.  When I was sick as a dog after Round 2, we called the nurse. She did answer but still insisted that we come down to West Palm Beach for my shot.  We went down but no one seemed to be concerned enough to come check on me or call me later to see how I was doing. (Come to find out after Round 3, I could have driven to Palm Beach Gardens to get my shot. More on that later. . .)

I have called several times since then, including Thursday and today, Saturday. The nurse on Thursday said she would call me on Friday with an answer from the doctor. Guess what? Still waiting on that one. Today, the on-call doctor called me back but wasn't much help.

My doctor gave me his cell phone number, but when I called him and left a message a few weeks ago, he never called back. At my next office visit, he said he didn't get my message until 2 days later because he doesn't always have his phone on. Maybe I should call the service if it's an emergency.

Getting back to the shot-I chose after Round 4 to get my shot in the Gardens office. Instead of driving 30 minutes each way to get a shot which takes 2 minutes, It took 10 minutes each way. The office did not have the feel of the West Palm ward. No one to greet you in reception. I signed in and told the gentleman
behind the desk who I was and what I was there for. No reaction. The receptionist finally came in but never acknowledged me. They started to converse amongst themselves while the man put moisturizer up and down his arms and elbows, tucked his shirt in his pants and god knows what else.  Disgusting! If I hadn't offered to pay my co pay on the way out they would have never known the difference. No warm fuzzies at this place!

I just don't get it!!!! Where's the love and compassion?

Suffice it to say, I am not having a good day. I appreciate you letting me get this nonsense off my chest. Craig said I'm entitled to have a bad day and I guess this is the one.