Here's my take on all of this. You, as a patient, always have options. The option here was for you to simply say, I came to see Dr. Smith and not Dr. Jones. So, I'd like to reschedule my appointment and I know you won't be charging me for today's appointment, right? That is always the best approach. Be direct and handle it right away.
The problem is you let the other doctor come in and talk to you. Their time has a price tag on it as well. That was a choice you made. Taking into consideration though, I'm sure you were caught off guard by all of this.
This goes back to being able to advocate for yourself and speak your mind. Don't wait. You must strike while the iron is hot. Never assume someones going to do what you consider to be the right thing. You know what they say about ass..uming, don't you???
Now, the core issue is, do you want to have a relationship with a doctor who's office didn't know if she was in surgery or having a latte?? Although, clearly, he or she may have encountered complications while operating. I would error on the side of the doctor and give he or she the benefit of the doubt... that something didn't go quite the way she thought.
Also, remember, everyone's time is so valuable. Your time is just as valuable as theirs. Could they have called you to tell you this ahead of time??? Maybe, or maybe not. That's a question I'd ask them. Is this typical of what happens? Do you ever try to reach a patient to reschedule if the doctor is running late or is stuck in surgery?
Now, you have to go back and talk to this doctor with all of these concerns and figure out whether he or she isthe best doctor for you. You know I talk about that "chemistry" thing with your doctor... a lot.
If this doctor is as good as you've heard.... And the chemistry is there. Then, I say, go for it. If not, go find yourself another doctor. The choice is always yours as the patient. You get to hire and you get to fire!!
As for the bill. You spent time with the other doctor and that doctor should be compensated for her time. Nothing unethical about what they did.
Comment Reply
Hi Todd,
Here's my take on all of this. You, as a patient, always have options. The option here was for you to simply say, I came to see Dr. Smith and not Dr. Jones. So, I'd like to reschedule my appointment and I know you won't be charging me for today's appointment, right? That is always the best approach. Be direct and handle it right away.
The problem is you let the other doctor come in and talk to you. Their time has a price tag on it as well. That was a choice you made. Taking into consideration though, I'm sure you were caught off guard by all of this.
This goes back to being able to advocate for yourself and speak your mind. Don't wait. You must strike while the iron is hot. Never assume someones going to do what you consider to be the right thing. You know what they say about ass..uming, don't you???
Now, the core issue is, do you want to have a relationship with a doctor who's office didn't know if she was in surgery or having a latte?? Although, clearly, he or she may have encountered complications while operating. I would error on the side of the doctor and give he or she the benefit of the doubt... that something didn't go quite the way she thought.
Also, remember, everyone's time is so valuable. Your time is just as valuable as theirs. Could they have called you to tell you this ahead of time??? Maybe, or maybe not. That's a question I'd ask them. Is this typical of what happens? Do you ever try to reach a patient to reschedule if the doctor is running late or is stuck in surgery?
Now, you have to go back and talk to this doctor with all of these concerns and figure out whether he or she isthe best doctor for you. You know I talk about that "chemistry" thing with your doctor... a lot.
If this doctor is as good as you've heard.... And the chemistry is there. Then, I say, go for it. If not, go find yourself another doctor. The choice is always yours as the patient. You get to hire and you get to fire!!
As for the bill. You spent time with the other doctor and that doctor should be compensated for her time. Nothing unethical about what they did.
Best in health,
Michelle
August 8, 2008 - 10:01amThis Comment
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