How many ways can I hate you?
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Yeah, kitt finished writing this at 13:17 on 8 September 2004
How many ways can I hate the current medical system? Here's the conversation I had yesterday, trying to get the results from tests I had done last week. Doctor's office = DO. I spoke to Debbie yesterday.
Me: Hi, I'm calling about the results for tests I had done last week. I'm wondering how they turned out. DO: Your doctor will mail you the results of your tests. If there are any abnormal results, he'll call you. Me: My doctor is out of town until the end of the week. Can you just tell me if the results are positive or negative? DO: No, I can't do that. The results will be mailed out. Me: Look, the tests were checking for intestinal parasites. I have a referral to another doctor if the test is positive. Can you just tell me that? DO: Oh, okay. What's your chart number? Me: It's [chart number] DO: The results aren't back yet. They were sent out on the first of September. Can you call back tomorrow? Me: Sent out? Good to know. I'll call back tomorrow. Thanks!
Well, here it is tomorrow, so I call again. This time, Cynthia answers the phone.
Me: Hi, I'm calling to see if my test results are in. I was told yesterday that the results can't be given out over the phone, but I just need a positive or a negative result. DO: I can't do that. I can leave a message for your doctor to give you a call back. Me: My doctor is out of town until the end of the week, so that won't work. Can you see if the results are in? DO: No, I can leave a message for the on-call doctor. Me: To see if the results were back? Can't you just look it up? DO: I don't have access to the records. Me: Okay, can you transfer me to someone in the lab who does? DO: The lab is closed from 1 to 2 for lunch break. I can have the on-call doctor call you back.I hung up. I'll call back after 2:30. Maybe someone else will be able to help.