I have been wanting to change pediatricians for several months now, but keep putting it off because there really is no reason, other than I just don't like ours. Is that reason enough to make a change? I felt like if I did change it would be rude because he hasn't done anything wrong. Well, I have just scheduled an appointment with a new pediatrician, and it is not because of our peditricain, but his office.
This morning we went for Antalya's 18 month visit. I admit, I arrived 5 minutes late. That was my fault, and I should have made a bigger effort to arrive on time - but I was only 5 MINUTES LATE. Antalya was not happy with me, since the appointment was right during her morning nap (it was originally scheduled so that it would be a good time of the day for her, but a month ago the Dr's office called and said they had to reschedule). There was one person in the waiting room when I arrived. We got checked in, and started to wait. The room filled up with about 4 or 5 other people, and then I watched as one by one they all got called back. So then I asked how much longer of a wait and was told I was next. So we waited. One by one more kids filled in to the office, and one by one they all got called back after waiting about 5 or 10 minutes. After we had been there over 30 minutes Antalya was screaming and I was done! I asked to reschedule and was told the soonest would be in July. Are you joking? You can guess what I did. I picked up our stuff and we left.
On our walk home I realized I could have handled the situation a little better. My storming out of there didn't accomplish anything. The problem won't get fixed for the next person, because I never explained the problem nor asked for a solution. The Dr will never know why we didn't keep our appointment, and why we are never going back. Why is it so hard sometimes for me to control my emotions and communicate problems, rather than just get upset and walk away?
Hopefully I can remember this experience and handle things a little better if it comes up again. We have to wait over a month to see our new doctor, but I have heard a lot of good recommendations from other T21 mom's in the area, so I hope it is worth the wait!
6 comments:
now that you have waited a while you need to call and make a complaint. I am not one to just sit back and do nothing. I usually will go off on the receptionist or whoever else is there. Sometimes it sucks cause people think I'm a jerk but if you don't voice how you are feeling then you won't get what you feel you need. Personally as a mother we know best and they just get to deal with it.
AH, that is so frustrating! I got anxious just sitting here reading the post. :) I'm with you...i totally get emotional about things and get too angry to say anything rational.
However, I totally agree with alexis 18. I would say something now that you've had a chance to cool down.
I totally understand. I get a bit 'mama bear-ish' when it comes to my kids. I probably would have done something similar!
It's so hard because I get so concerned about making a scene that later I realize I could have at least done something effective like you were saying.
Good luck finding a new pediatrician! It totally makes a difference when you feel good about your doctor.
Not liking the ped is a perfectly good reason to change! You're entrusting your kid's health to this person. It's important.
I think you should write a letter to the doc (possibly marking the envelope "confidential"). Unless you think you can get him on the phone, which sounds unlikely. He should know why you're leaving.
5 minutes late is nothin'. Especially when you're dealing with kids -- one messy diaper and you're easily 15 minutes late.
We all have times in our lives when we wish we had reacted differently. In your case you can be grateful that you didn't say anything in the heat of the moment that you would later regret. David has taught me an important business principle related to satisfied customers. You may walk into a bad situation (such as your needless extended wait), but the fact that you never return should speak volumes about dis-satisfaction. (They can get me once, but they're not going to get me twice!) No need to apologize for wanting better treatment. You deserve it, and somewhere out there is someone who is willing to give it to you. Go find them!
I can feel your pain! That is how I would have reacted as well. I would definitely call them now and ask to speak to the receptionist manager. They will want to know these thing for sure.
Post a Comment