Just some tips

to make things a little easier on you when dealing with the health care industry.
DO always, always, always bring your insurance card(s) and picture ID to your appointment.
DON'T hassle the staff because they ask for your picture ID and insurance card(s). We ask for it at every visit to ensure we have the correct information to bill your insurance and to verify your identity. This ensures YOU do not receive any unnecessary bills and that YOUR identity is not stolen.
DO get angry if you have to wait an unnecessary amount of time for you physician. Your time is just as valuable!
DON'T take out your frustrations on the office staff if you do have a long wait. We schedule all appointments according to what the doctor has specified. If you have a long wait, take it up with your physician. That is the only way things will change.
DO call your physician's office after you schedule any tests that require prior authorization from your insurance at least two business days before.
DON'T call your physician's office an hour before said appointment for us to obtain authorization and then get upset when you're told the appointment needs to be rescheduled.
DO call the office three days in advance when you need a prescription refill
DO guard you narcotic prescription like it is cash.
DON'T call the office 10 days early for a narcotic refill. No matter what your excuse is, it makes you look like a druggie.
DON'T call up and ask us to fax something for you, and then proceed to get angry because we ask you for the fax number and you don't have it. No, I'm not going to look it up online or call information. YOU want it faxed, YOU need to provide the number.
and lastly,
DO treat us how you want to be treated. I am much more apt to go out of my way (like call in your refill RIGHT NOW or look up that fax number you need if I have a free minute) if you are nice and not snarky.
I hope this has been both informative and helpful in your future endeavors into the medical community!

Shankfully, we are not a bank

Not too long ago while closing the office on a Friday afternoon, there was a knock at the front door. I opened the door to find a man about 6 feet tall, braided hair, dirty t-shirt and jean shorts. He asked if Miss B was still in the office, to which I replied she was on vacation for the next week.
"Awe, man! What about Dr. B? Is he here?" He asked, to which I replied that he was also on vacation for the next two weeks.
"Fer real, man?!?"
At this point, he pushes past me into the waiting room while continuing to speak to me.
"You gots to be kiddin' me. See, check this out. I was on my way downtown, man, and I ran outta gas and they just called me for my Social Security hearing and I gotta get down there, like, right now."
Now, while he speaking, he got those shifty eyes and is all fidget-y, so I decided to get straight to the point and ask "What exactly is it that you need?"
"Just like, fifteen dollars, man."
Is he serious? Does he think this is a bank?
"We don't keep cash in the office. At all." I replied.
"Awe, man! Fer real? All I need is, like, fifteen dollars. I can pay it back - Dr. B and Miss B know me and they can vouch for me. Don't you have any money on you?"
"No, I don't bring cash with me to work. Ever."
Long pause where he is just staring at me.
"Ok, well, I'm closing up, so you have to leave now."
He stared at me for a few seconds more and then went out the door, which I promptly closed and locked behind him.
I do have one thing to thank him for. Because of this little incident, I now carry a shank on me at all times- a #15 blade surgical scalpel. Nobody better ever think I'm a bank again, shank you very much!