It’s easy to complain about things. It’s harder to do something about them. But when you feel helpless to change something, where else can you go? Maybe to the College of Physicians and Surgeons?
Regardless of what happens, I will take our health care system over most others. It’s usually pretty good. But when it isn’t, it’s so frustrating.
I have a medical issue that requires a visit to a specialist once a year. I did not know this and neither did my physician, apparently. We were discussing something last year and she said, “are you seeing doctor so-and-so every year?” And I replied, “I only saw her when she did the thing with the stuff!” “Well we’d better change that. I’ll set up an appointment for you.”
Okay, stuff happens, I’m not worried. A couple of weeks later I got a letter informing me that I had an appointment with the specialist in more than a year. That was more than a year ago.
Fast-Forward to Summer of 2026
One day, I screened an UNKNOWN NUMBER call. The message was from the specialist’s administrative assistant. Her voice cut in and out because – Port Stanley. So, I called the office to ask for whatever I missed. But first, I needed to wait through a long message informing me what she, the AA, will and won’t do. She won’t call you back. She won’t confirm appointments. I’m assuming she doesn’t do windows. It was really over the top. Some of the things she mentioned fall smack dab in the middle of her job description.
I hoped she’d make an exception and call me but she didn’t. Well, she did, but it was a couple of weeks later when I missed the appointment that had been moved up. Apparently, that’s what the original phone call was about. But because she wouldn’t call me back, I didn’t know it.
Great! Now What?
I tell all of this to my family doctor who is (rightly) horrified at the way this woman behaves. Her boss, the specialist, is no doubt very busy. I’m sure it was a pain in the ass that I missed the appointment. But it wasn’t for a lack of trying! My doctor and I agreed that the specialist will probably defend her assistant’s behavior. So, let’s just get another appointment for me, shall we?
My GP has tried to reschedule it and it’s not happening. No one is returning messages. This is my HEALTH we are talking about. You know, it’s what a doctor DOES if you can get past their bulldog AA. My health is in the hands of a woman who has no, or limited, medical training.
I suppose we will have to find another specialist. Someone who will have to be brought up to speed because they didn’t discover the thing that warrants monitoring. It’s infuriating.
Not to be Taken Lightly
When I first got sick with what I now know was sepsis, my then-doctor’s receptionist wouldn’t book me for an appointment. It was the height of flu season but I knew I didn’t have the flu and said so. Still, she outright refused to get me in. A receptionist! It amounted to diagnosing me over the phone. Ultimately she was fired but her decision started the chain of events that almost lead to me needlessly dying in 2012. She didn’t stay in her lane.
I also remember when my family doctor in Hamilton, the late (wonderful) Dr. Neil Finnie, had his wife take over managing his practice. Suddenly a friendly office became a detention centre. She put up posters every few inches that all started with DON’T! DON’T bring up more than three issues. DON’T expect the doctor to sign a form for free. DON’T DON’T DON’T! Maybe the business had been bleeding money and she took over to stop that. But she gave the impression of a coiled, venomous snake, poised to strike. I hated having to do anything at the counter once she got involved.
Toxic people exist in every profession but this specialist’s assistant is taking the cake. Because she’s annoyed or irritated or whatever she’s feeling, I’m being denied health care from a provider whose expertise I need. I don’t need or want drama but I’m sure you can see how the power to keep me out of the office is in the wrong hands. I just need a damn appointment. And she needs to find a less stressful job.