I have a problem
 

I have been with the same pain management group for 7 years. I never had a bad experience got the best care in the world, truly. Never had a problem with calling a doctor, getting in to the office if I have a emergency, worked with me on insurance issues. I mean it's wasn't shangra-la but it is a great facility and still is.

I had a, I quess you could say argument, with on of the women who works for one of the doctors. But she was like a crazy women making accusations about me,being extremely rude and the worst making medical decisions for the doctor she works for, which was what got me.I can take someone being rude, I'll be rude right back. It takes a lot to rattle me. The doctor actually asked me what happen and I told him the exact truth and he was shocked to here that she would speak to me like that and apologized, fine. Now being a patient in the same place you get to know people so one of the nurses who works there stated she is becoming a problem and other people have complained for the same reason as I am.

My problem is do I switch doctors or do I stay.I feel very uncomfortable because the doctor becomes unreachable. She lies about where he is, he's a great doctor but as the other people who work in the dept. say he is just blinded by her. This girl is just a secretary and she said some really mean and strange things to me and I just don't trust her. And for me if I don't trust someone I have a real problem with that. And she seems to have quite a bit of control of what goes on, she is the first one to answer the phone.

What would you do?

Gabbycakes

I would discuss it again with your doctor the next time you are there.

They really want to know about it, and certainly wouldn't want you to leave because of her. And if you're having trouble, others are too. It rarely is an isolated problem, and what you heard the other employees say confirms that.

I had a problem recently with a nurse at a hospital treating my mother terribly when she was in that hospital after having a stroke. I ended up talking to the charge nurse and calmly discussed the situation; I think she was glad we brought it up to her. The resolution was that we ended up not having that nurse assigned to my mother's room beginning immediately. She got the message pretty quickly that I complained about her, and wouldn't even make eye contact with me the rest of the stay when I met her in the hall.

I'm not a whiner, this was the only time in my entire life that a health care professionals behavior didn't sit well with me.

Everybody deserves to be treated respectfully.

Could you say something to this lady directly? I also agree about speaking to the doctor again. I used to dread going to my neurologist office due to the office staff being so rude. I wish doctors would see how their staff impacts us. So many people need a job you would think they could hire someone better.

Hi Gabby,
 

I would not jump the gun too quick and leave. Sometimes these people are getting tired of their job or causing other problems and will be gone soon anyway.

I went through this a couple of years ago down at my Drs. office. The girl finally got fired, not just because of me but due to things she was doing at the office.

If someone else in the office is having problems with her then it's not you, it's her so sat back and wait.

In the meantime do talk to your Dr. again about the fact that you feel uncomfortable coming there anymore.

Sometimes people like that think they have been there so long they can do anything they want.

Good luck,
Ada

Wow-getting into those "it's either her or me" situations can be really tough. it sounds like that's where you feel like you are at -- and even though you told your doc the woman is a problem, he's apparently not doing anything about it.

I have a similar problem with my attorney. his paralegal is truly awful, and I have often considered taking my business elsewhere. But lawyers are different than docs, IMO. IF you have a doc you love that knows his stuff and takes really good care of you, you may want to stick this one out. unless you are absolutely certain there is someone else that can take his place at the equivalent or better level of competency. In RI good docs are a rarity.

So sorry you are going through this, hang in there...like Ada said, hopefully she is just tired of things and will be gone soon anyway. Xoxox Sandy

I agree...Seems there is more than what meets the eye in this ladies rudeness...but I dont blame you for unloading on her...It's so no your issue should she be unhappy and bring her troubles with her to her work..After all...when people work with those who are not feeling well...in PM offices etc... No way are they to have a reason to be nasty to their clients, patients...almost not allowed a bad day...they should only wonder how we feel...everyday!! But Gabbycakes, I wouldn't pack up least not yet...Give this time if you can still have and get respect from your Dr.... The real issues with this sweet pie will surface and then less grief in the future...Avoid her in the mean time...when calling there...ask for a particular person instead just to get by her....

much luck... We gotz your back....

Hugs, Kathy

Stay. The doctor knows it's a problem. And don't back down if you have to deal with her again. And if she acts like it again, call her on it and get the office manager and your doctor involved before you leave that office. They will only tolerate so much.

Liz

Thanks
 

Great advise, thanks to everyone. My husband is telling me the same thing, "don't leave".

I will never understand why doctors tolorate behavior like that. As I said others have complained and from what I here one of them went to the CEO of the whole facility and where talking about one of best orthopedic facilities in the world.

He is technically great, I have epidurals for my back that last a year plus, if I need a cortisone shot, I have a shoulder issue also, he'll do it just right there and then not make another appt, blah, blah. I do hate to leave he's accomodating, smart, very smart but you have to get to him. What I have started to do is just ask to speak to him when I have a question and he has been calling. I only did it twice but normally I would just ask her and then she would get back to me, but I refuse to even look at her. I hate to feel that I have to demand to speak to him just because you can't trust her. It's not fair to him or me.

Thanks again everyone,

Gabbycakes