Doctor, Doctor

Today I came from the doctors office. Being a first time HMO user, I was not expecting the runaround involved with the whole service. This is especially true since I have been so lucky with my regular doctor, who always would be in her clinic on time and would make sure she is able to attend to all her patients quickly.

Anyway, because my doctor was not accredited with my HMO, I had no choice but to consult with another physician. In all fairness to this new doctor, she was very nice and accommodating. And she wasn’t super, uber late either, like other doctors who make their patients wait FOREVER!!! However, it was annoying that the HMO Coordinators office informed me that her clinic hours were from 1-6 pm, when in fact it was from 2-5. This after being given the wrong doctors name…

Anyway, after having the forms filled up, I finally made my way to the doc’s clinic and saw her for shorter than the time I spent waiting (which was not her fault, I repeat. She was so nice, it would be unfair to diss her). Then I made my way back to the HMO office so I could get the lab request forms. 

This is when it got uber frustrating!!! The secretary left the clinic for errands (which I’m sure is part of her job) but she took almost an hour to return! Then I saw her taking her time, walking leisurely while chatting with a friend. Finally I got the forms approved and made my way to the Women’s Health Center where I was to have my ultrasound. In the cashier’s counter, however, I found out that the secretary screwed up and forgot to include one of the tests being ordered!!! I made my way back to the HMO office only to find it locked. Twenty minutes later, I find her inside (I was waiting outside the whole time so I couldn’t have missed her!) with two friends. Grr….

In the end, despite the aggravation of waiting and having to go all around the frigging hospital, I have to admit it was worth it as I saved over five thousand bucks on tests and doctors fees.

I just wish there was a better way of getting it done.