Pandora's BoxJust to give you a "little foundation" for what I'm going to say...at Extra You, one of the many things we do is take clients (usually seniors to normal visits for tests, exams and such) to the Doctor's office.  We don't just take them (and drop them off) more often than not we go into the appointment with them (just like a family member). If requested we always do. We have more "regular clients" (clients we're doing many things for and have a relationship with) doing this then one time callers.  Before leaving the Doctor's office we always make sure a follow up visit is scheduled and walk out with a card for the client and a card for me that gets posted on my calendar automatically (like I said for our regular clients). If prescriptions are needed we go pick those up, get them lunch (or have lunch with them sometimes) and make the other appointments that connect to this Doctor (if referred to someone else) or go pick up MRI results, etc. that may be needed by the next Doctor we visit.

I recently took a client to a Dermatologist office in DC and he had a question before leaving (in the front check in area - where other patients WERE present) "Bill" is almost 88 and was trying to find the words to elaborate or ask the pressing question he had before leaving the office. The nurse said; in a nasty tone  "I DON'T have time for this!! I have other patients to see!" As she turned to walk away...I stepped in front of her and quietly and nicely said "Excuse me Pandora, but until you're finished with THIS patient, no other patient should matter...I believe Bill was about to ask you a question."

Other patients were STUNNED! I've never seen so many people in 1 room roll their eyes in disgust simultaneously. It was comical later...almost choir like. After she left the people waiting verbalized that was the most RUDE, horrible thing they ever witnessed. I was so stunned I felt "gut punched" but I guess I recovered soon enough to speak up on Bill's behalf.

She now won't "look" at me or speak when we go in the office, but I don't care...so long as Bill gets treated right and is in good care with "The Doctor"

In case you're wondering, Bill's response (in front of her and in the waiting area) was "Thank you, Rebekah."

Honest to God, I wonder sometimes just how many "seniors" aren't being treated very nice "behind closed doors" I have been with Bill twice now that he was treated extremely rude, impatient, unprofessional and hostile.  Never by a Doctor (yet) but certainly by his staff.  Still, that's 2 to many!

If he ever was treated like that by a Doctor, I'd take him by the  hand (like I would my own Dad) and say "we're leaving!"

Don't Mess with Texas,
Rebekah Phelps
703.980.1114