I'm really,really angry - YorkieTalk.com Forums

veguroev · 09-30-2006, 07:19 PM

Ok, I've said this before, that ever since I switched vets I had loved my new vet, well, that didn't last long. Around 6 in the morning I heard this noise and I thought it was my husbands tummy that was hurting or he wa hungry or something b/c it was so loud that he even woke up. It was Chikquito's stomach growling and he was shaking, so I thought he had dhiarrea or wanted to use the bathroom, so I took him and Jerome outside, Chikis didn't do anything but his tummy continued growling, needles to say, I couldn't sleep after that. I had to be at work at 9 and my husband had to go to work for a little while as well, noit as long as me but at least until noon. I was really worried about Chikis and his tummy, I didn't know what to do, so I told mu husband that I was going to take Chikis to the vet. It was like 7:30 by then, my husband tells me to call them first. I told him I didn't need to call them I just waned a docotr to see my baby, hubby insisted that I should call them first, well, I called the vets office and asked the receptionist if they could see Chikis b/c I was so worried and didn't know what to do, plus I had to go to work and if they saw Chikis ealry and told me what he had I migh had been able to call someone at work and tell them I wasn't going to work today, so I requested if one of the docs could see my Chikis before 9. She told me that the erliest the doc could se him it was gonna be at noon, so I begged her to please squeez him sometime early b/c I didn't know what the problem was, she didn't even bother in asking what the symptoms were or anything and put me on hold afer a few seconds she tell me that they can't see him at all and that she could call another vets office close by to see if they could see my baby, by then I was furious and fuming, so I told her that if that was the case I could had called the other doctor myself and that she was probably going to have my three pets files transfer to that other clinic because what she was telling me was bulls**t, she wasn't willing to help me period. I aso told her that what was the purpose of the office being open on saturdays if they are not willing to see patients with no appointments. I hung up after that. I told my husband that I was ready to switch vets, I don't want and I don't need crappy customer service. I know about customer service b/c I work with the public. He told me I was overreacting, but he didn't likethe way the receptionist told me those things.
To make the story short. The main vet, the one that owns the practice is one of my customers, I was actually referred by him to go to ihs practice when someone at work told him that I was looking for a vet. Husband told me to write him a letter b/c he probalby has no idea on how his reeptionist treated me and warn him that he could loose us as customers and to wait until I hear from him, but then I thought maybe I can go and see him onMonday, he doesn't work but Mondays only.
Am I overreacting? Am I making a big deal out of this? what do you girls think? Should I go see the vet and tell him what happened?
Chikis is doing better now I gave him a microspoon of pepto bismol and he has eaten since then and his tummy is not growling anymore and he doean't look like he was sick this morning, by the way, hubby didn' go to work to stay with the babies and keep an eye on Chikis too. After all, he didn't have to go to work.

peanut · 09-30-2006, 07:39 PM

Glad your baby is doing better...I would write the vet a letter and tell that everyone highly recommend him and since you switch to him you have had nothing but crapy customer services from his front office....

Patti · 09-30-2006, 07:44 PM

Iwould definately tell the vet. Where I take my dogs the receptionists are all so nice and always fit me in with Cali as they now us so well by now. If I was the vet I would want to know how my employees on the front line are doing. I bring my vets office candy periodically for always fitting us in.

Oscar's Mummy · 10-01-2006, 05:38 AM

The Reception staff at a vet (or anywhere) speaks VOLUMES about a place (whether it be your vet, your doctor, etc.). The first time I called my vet the receptionist was soooo sweet I just love her - and I knew I would love it there for my babies and I do.

I think you should let the vet know that his receptionist is reflecting poorly on him and his business and that he could be loosing clients as a result.

Piccolo's mom · 10-01-2006, 05:50 AM

I would let the vet know how you were treated. There's a chance he has no idea how the front desk respond to calls.

Rae Rae · 10-01-2006, 07:56 AM

I woudln't switch vets because of this. The receptionist could've handled this better by atleast asking what was wrong with him, and then deciding if it was urgent or could wait. I would just tell the dr. about her behavior towards you. If you love your vet, don't blame him on the s**tty receptionist.

Lucky's Mom · 10-01-2006, 07:57 AM

I would DEFINITELY let your vet know. I know if I was a vet I wouldn't want my front office staff talking to people like that! I'm so glad my vet doesn't take appts & its all on a walk in basis!

SnowWa · 10-01-2006, 03:50 PM

I think a couple things....

1) Yes - the receptionist could have handled everything better -- but, I guarantee if you go in ranting and raving to the vet - he's going to think that you are the problem - and not his receptionist....

2) I have worked in the medical field for more than 35 years. And, you may find it hard to believe - but you really should call your vet's office and not just go in without an appointment. At every office I have ever worked at - we always have occasional walk-ins - and most of the time we can see them -- but not always. Sometimes we have had to refer a patient to the emergency room - because our doctor(s) are totally swamped and very busy with other emergencies, surgeries, and scheduled patients. We bend over backwards to see any patient that just shows up (with a serious problem) -- but a patient can't just walk in and demand to be seen....this just doesn't happen. Our schedules are very full and very busy every day.

---------

I personally would call my vet - see if I could get in - and, if not, have them help me find a place I can go to right away. We have several emergency vet offices where I live - and they are there to accept emergencies (just like an emergency room). Yes - you can always check with your vet first - but be prepared to go anywhere you need to go to get help for your pet.

So - in the end - I think you'r husband is right. You might mention to the vet that you felt his receptionist didn't handle your situation well (in a calm and polite manner) --- However, I wouldn't be upset at all about their being too busy to see me "immediately" as you asked them to do. I would have been willing to go anyplace (since you thought it was an emergency).

**** Now that I think about it - my vets are especially busy earlier in the mornings - this is when they are doing all the surgeries -- so, I am sure it really might have been almost impossible for them to see you at that time. (You can't stop in the middle of a surgery to see a puppy with a "growling stomach.") This is probably why the receptionist mentioned that around noon would be better.

Good luck! Carol Jean

veguroev · 10-01-2006, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SnowWa

I think a couple things....

1) Yes - the receptionist could have handled everything better -- but, I guarantee if you go in ranting and raving to the vet - he's going to think that you are the problem - and not his receptionist....

2) I have worked in the medical field for more than 35 years. And, you may find it hard to believe - but you really should call your vet's office and not just go in without an appointment. At every office I have ever worked at - we always have occasional walk-ins - and most of the time we can see them -- but not always. Sometimes we have had to refer a patient to the emergency room - because our doctor(s) are totally swamped and very busy with other emergencies, surgeries, and scheduled patients. We bend over backwards to see any patient that just shows up (with a serious problem) -- but a patient can't just walk in and demand to be seen....this just doesn't happen. Our schedules are very full and very busy every day.

---------

I personally would call my vet - see if I could get in - and, if not, have them help me find a place I can go to right away. We have several emergency vet offices where I live - and they are there to accept emergencies (just like an emergency room). Yes - you can always check with your vet first - but be prepared to go anywhere you need to go to get help for your pet.

So - in the end - I think you'r husband is right. You might mention to the vet that you felt his receptionist didn't handle your situation well (in a calm and polite manner) --- However, I wouldn't be upset at all about their being too busy to see me "immediately" as you asked them to do. I would have been willing to go anyplace (since you thought it was an emergency).

**** Now that I think about it - my vets are especially busy earlier in the mornings - this is when they are doing all the surgeries -- so, I am sure it really might have been almost impossible for them to see you at that time. (You can't stop in the middle of a surgery to see a puppy with a "growling stomach.") This is probably why the receptionist mentioned that around noon would be better.

Good luck! Carol Jean

I'm not the that type of person that goes and makes a drama about something and then looks like an idiot in front of everybody I have manners. I got angry at the recepstionist yes, but even when she didn't handle the situation properly I didn't show her how angry I was. I could had been a really bad witch and told her what I was really thinking, but I didn't. Instead, I hung up. Not as nice but better than releasing everything that my I was thinking to tell her.
My point is that they send me reminders about the dogs and the cat being due for this and that all the time, so that tells me there that they only want to see my pets when they want to, not when they are supposed to.
I know they are not an emergency hospital and that you have to make an appointment before you go there, so what is the purpose of them being open on saturday mornings anyways, I'm sure an emergency clinic would had taken me right away, but they are not as close as this vet.
I wasn't "demanding" anything, I was asking in a polite and nice manner if they could see my pet before I went to work so that I could make arrangements and call work ahead of time, plus and the most important thing was that I was very worried about him.
I don't thing that saturday mornigs the doctors perform surgeries, because everytime I have had an appointment with them it has been on saturday morning, they only do surgeries on tuesdays, wednesdays and thursdays and if they are going to refer me to a doctor whenever they don't have time for me, well, I guess I don't need a vet like that.
Anyways, I'm going to the office tomorrow to talk to the vet in person.

kriston · 10-01-2006, 05:09 PM

My Hubby always says that if you don't tell the Doc, then they will never know it happened, because the receptionist sure won't tell him! Most of the time, the Doc needs to hear it or else he will keep his rude receptionist because he didn't know any better. Makes sense to me!

SnowWa · 10-01-2006, 07:08 PM

QUOTING YOU ---

. . . by then I was furious and fuming, so I told herthat if that was the case I could had called the other doctor myself and that she was probably going to have my three pets files transfer to that other clinic because what she was telling me was bulls**t, she wasn't willing to help me period. I aso told her that what was the purpose of the office being open on saturdays if they are not willing to see patients with no appointments. I hung up after that.

------------------------------------

The above is why I thought you might have sounded a little angry on the phone - and didn't want you to visit or call the vet "furious and fuming."

I really think it would be good for you to talk with him - no doubt, he can explain things better to you than the receptionist took the time to do.

I can say whenever our office has been busy - and we have had to route our "walk-in patients" or "patients who have no appointment and want to be seen right away" to their family physician or to the ER - they have never gotten mad at us. All of us just want to see that they get taken care of as soon as possible.

Good luck! Carol Jean

doortego · 10-01-2006, 07:12 PM

This isn't really related so don't know why I feel compelled to add it but here goes. Many years ago when my first child was still an infant, she had a high fever and I called to speak to the pediatrician. Well, they gave me to his nurse instead, and she told me to put her in an ice bath in our tub to get the fever down & gave me an appointment for the next day. I was young & scared but I did what she said. When I went in the next day & told the dr about her high fever, he almost jumped down my throat saying why didn't you bring her in immediately. So I told him that I called & the nurse wouldn't let me see him. He didn't say much, but I could tell he was shocked. I continued to see that doctor for the next several years but that nurse was never there again. I really think I got her fired.

SnowWa · 10-02-2006, 12:15 PM

Doortrego --- You brought up a very good point. I mentioned that I have worked in medicine for more than 35 years --- and I have often seen nurses, and even worse yet - medical assistants - overstep their bounds... I have seen them give medical advise (often that is not correct) - and for sure not their place to do.

And - unfortunately - I see this same thing happening here on YT all the time too. It's true that a lot of people here are knowledgeable about many different medicines and treatments for their pets -- but no one here is really qualified to diagnose another person's pet ---especially over the Internet. I, personally, don't agree with anyone's ever doing this.

The old adage "A little medicine is worse than none at all" is very very true.
I think with a sick baby (or any serious problem) -- you have the right to speak to the doctor. My doctor's nurse answers a lot of questions for me. But, she has been with him for nearly 20 years - and more often than not, she confers with him and then calls me back or has him call me back himself. She is very professional and never takes it upon herself to treat her doctor's patients.

**** I have also heard receptionists (nonmedical personnel) at vet's offices give out information and instructions over the phone that they have no right to be giving out.

I think if you are sick, your child is sick, or your pet is sick (and you think it might be serious - even though it may not be) -- you have every right in the world to insist that a doctor call you back. I think it is important though to insist on this in as nice and polite a way as possible - if you're nice - everyone will bend over backward to help you as soon as possible. If you're not - you can figure this out for yourself.......

**** I have to laugh a little - because last week I saw an office note from another doctor's office that described a patient who was really difficult. She was a new patient for this doctor - and twice he left an hour in his schedule to see her to do a new patient consult (she was 45 minutes late both times - and mad because he couldn't spend much time with her - and she never showed up for any tests that were scheduled - causing those test areas to be empty for an hour). After about six weeks of trying to deal with this woman, he dictated, "Any desire I might have to treat this patient long term is quickly dwindling."

Anyway Doortegro - thanks for your post - you definitely brought up an important point.

Carol Jean

09-30-2006, 07:19 PM	#1
veguroev Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Space City Posts: 2,079	I'm really,really angry Ok, I've said this before, that ever since I switched vets I had loved my new vet, well, that didn't last long. Around 6 in the morning I heard this noise and I thought it was my husbands tummy that was hurting or he wa hungry or something b/c it was so loud that he even woke up. It was Chikquito's stomach growling and he was shaking, so I thought he had dhiarrea or wanted to use the bathroom, so I took him and Jerome outside, Chikis didn't do anything but his tummy continued growling, needles to say, I couldn't sleep after that. I had to be at work at 9 and my husband had to go to work for a little while as well, noit as long as me but at least until noon. I was really worried about Chikis and his tummy, I didn't know what to do, so I told mu husband that I was going to take Chikis to the vet. It was like 7:30 by then, my husband tells me to call them first. I told him I didn't need to call them I just waned a docotr to see my baby, hubby insisted that I should call them first, well, I called the vets office and asked the receptionist if they could see Chikis b/c I was so worried and didn't know what to do, plus I had to go to work and if they saw Chikis ealry and told me what he had I migh had been able to call someone at work and tell them I wasn't going to work today, so I requested if one of the docs could see my Chikis before 9. She told me that the erliest the doc could se him it was gonna be at noon, so I begged her to please squeez him sometime early b/c I didn't know what the problem was, she didn't even bother in asking what the symptoms were or anything and put me on hold afer a few seconds she tell me that they can't see him at all and that she could call another vets office close by to see if they could see my baby, by then I was furious and fuming, so I told her that if that was the case I could had called the other doctor myself and that she was probably going to have my three pets files transfer to that other clinic because what she was telling me was bullst, she wasn't willing to help me period. I aso told her that what was the purpose of the office being open on saturdays if they are not willing to see patients with no appointments. I hung up after that. I told my husband that I was ready to switch vets, I don't want and I don't need crappy customer service. I know about customer service b/c I work with the public. He told me I was overreacting, but he didn't likethe way the receptionist told me those things. To make the story short. The main vet, the one that owns the practice is one of my customers, I was actually referred by him to go to ihs practice when someone at work told him that I was looking for a vet. Husband told me to write him a letter b/c he probalby has no idea on how his reeptionist treated me and warn him that he could loose us as customers and to wait until I hear from him, but then I thought maybe I can go and see him onMonday, he doesn't work but Mondays only. Am I overreacting? Am I making a big deal out of this? what do you girls think? Should I go see the vet and tell him what happened? Chikis is doing better now I gave him a microspoon of pepto bismol and he has eaten since then and his tummy is not growling anymore and he doean't look like he was sick this morning, by the way, hubby didn' go to work to stay with the babies and keep an eye on Chikis too. After all, he didn't have to go to work. __________________ IF THERE ARE NO DOGS IN HEAVEN, THEN WHEN I DIE I WANT TO GO WHERE THEY GO.** CHIKIS, OSCARITO,JEROME, KIKI, AND NEGRITA.

09-30-2006, 07:39 PM	#2
peanut Dogs Rule Cats Drool! Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Tennessee Posts: 7,895	Glad your baby is doing better...I would write the vet a letter and tell that everyone highly recommend him and since you switch to him you have had nothing but crapy customer services from his front office.... __________________ KIM

09-30-2006, 07:44 PM	#3
Patti Donating YT 30K Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 35,509 Blog Entries: 6	Iwould definately tell the vet. Where I take my dogs the receptionists are all so nice and always fit me in with Cali as they now us so well by now. If I was the vet I would want to know how my employees on the front line are doing. I bring my vets office candy periodically for always fitting us in. __________________ Cali Pixie Roxie : RIP Nikki; RIP Maya;RIP my sweet Dixie girl 1/17/08 http://callipuppyscastle.bravehost.com/index.html

10-01-2006, 05:38 AM	#4
Oscar's Mummy Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2006 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,275	The Reception staff at a vet (or anywhere) speaks VOLUMES about a place (whether it be your vet, your doctor, etc.). The first time I called my vet the receptionist was soooo sweet I just love her - and I knew I would love it there for my babies and I do. I think you should let the vet know that his receptionist is reflecting poorly on him and his business and that he could be loosing clients as a result. __________________ Janice, Oscar and Baby Ruth "The more people I meet, the more I love my dog."

10-01-2006, 05:50 AM	#5
Piccolo's mom Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada Posts: 778	I would let the vet know how you were treated. There's a chance he has no idea how the front desk respond to calls. __________________ Barb & Piccolo If your dog barks and doesn't fit in a bread roll, don't eat it.

10-01-2006, 07:56 AM	#6
Rae Rae YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Illinois Posts: 4,823	I woudln't switch vets because of this. The receptionist could've handled this better by atleast asking what was wrong with him, and then deciding if it was urgent or could wait. I would just tell the dr. about her behavior towards you. If you love your vet, don't blame him on the s**tty receptionist. __________________ Owned by Rocky and Bella

10-01-2006, 07:57 AM	#7
Lucky's Mom And Lucy Too! Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,481	I would DEFINITELY let your vet know. I know if I was a vet I wouldn't want my front office staff talking to people like that! I'm so glad my vet doesn't take appts & its all on a walk in basis! __________________ Jessica--mom to my furbabies-- Jasper & my angel in heaven Lucky-RIP

10-01-2006, 03:50 PM	#8
SnowWa YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: USA Posts: 2,992	I think a couple things.... 1) Yes - the receptionist could have handled everything better -- but, I guarantee if you go in ranting and raving to the vet - he's going to think that you are the problem - and not his receptionist.... 2) I have worked in the medical field for more than 35 years. And, you may find it hard to believe - but you really should call your vet's office and not just go in without an appointment. At every office I have ever worked at - we always have occasional walk-ins - and most of the time we can see them -- but not always. Sometimes we have had to refer a patient to the emergency room - because our doctor(s) are totally swamped and very busy with other emergencies, surgeries, and scheduled patients. We bend over backwards to see any patient that just shows up (with a serious problem) -- but a patient can't just walk in and demand to be seen....this just doesn't happen. Our schedules are very full and very busy every day. --------- I personally would call my vet - see if I could get in - and, if not, have them help me find a place I can go to right away. We have several emergency vet offices where I live - and they are there to accept emergencies (just like an emergency room). Yes - you can always check with your vet first - but be prepared to go anywhere you need to go to get help for your pet. So - in the end - I think you'r husband is right. You might mention to the vet that you felt his receptionist didn't handle your situation well (in a calm and polite manner) --- However, I wouldn't be upset at all about their being too busy to see me "immediately" as you asked them to do. I would have been willing to go anyplace (since you thought it was an emergency). **** Now that I think about it - my vets are especially busy earlier in the mornings - this is when they are doing all the surgeries -- so, I am sure it really might have been almost impossible for them to see you at that time. (You can't stop in the middle of a surgery to see a puppy with a "growling stomach.") This is probably why the receptionist mentioned that around noon would be better. Good luck! Carol Jean __________________ http://tinypic.com/ipxhmb.jpg A Yorkie is worth a thousand words.

10-01-2006, 05:09 PM	#10
kriston Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: W. KY Posts: 693	My Hubby always says that if you don't tell the Doc, then they will never know it happened, because the receptionist sure won't tell him! Most of the time, the Doc needs to hear it or else he will keep his rude receptionist because he didn't know any better. Makes sense to me! __________________ Kriston Very Proud to be Lola, Ted, & baby Chip's Human! "Puppy kisses are GOOOOOD medicine!"

10-01-2006, 07:08 PM	#11
SnowWa YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: USA Posts: 2,992	QUOTING YOU --- . . . by then I was furious and fuming, so I told herthat if that was the case I could had called the other doctor myself and that she was probably going to have my three pets files transfer to that other clinic because what she was telling me was bulls**t, she wasn't willing to help me period. I aso told her that what was the purpose of the office being open on saturdays if they are not willing to see patients with no appointments. I hung up after that. ------------------------------------ The above is why I thought you might have sounded a little angry on the phone - and didn't want you to visit or call the vet "furious and fuming." I really think it would be good for you to talk with him - no doubt, he can explain things better to you than the receptionist took the time to do. I can say whenever our office has been busy - and we have had to route our "walk-in patients" or "patients who have no appointment and want to be seen right away" to their family physician or to the ER - they have never gotten mad at us. All of us just want to see that they get taken care of as soon as possible. Good luck! Carol Jean __________________ http://tinypic.com/ipxhmb.jpg A Yorkie is worth a thousand words.

10-01-2006, 07:12 PM	#12
doortego Little Bit & Buttons Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: US Posts: 2,160	This isn't really related so don't know why I feel compelled to add it but here goes. Many years ago when my first child was still an infant, she had a high fever and I called to speak to the pediatrician. Well, they gave me to his nurse instead, and she told me to put her in an ice bath in our tub to get the fever down & gave me an appointment for the next day. I was young & scared but I did what she said. When I went in the next day & told the dr about her high fever, he almost jumped down my throat saying why didn't you bring her in immediately. So I told him that I called & the nurse wouldn't let me see him. He didn't say much, but I could tell he was shocked. I continued to see that doctor for the next several years but that nurse was never there again. I really think I got her fired.

10-02-2006, 12:15 PM	#13
SnowWa YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: USA Posts: 2,992	Doortrego --- You brought up a very good point. I mentioned that I have worked in medicine for more than 35 years --- and I have often seen nurses, and even worse yet - medical assistants - overstep their bounds... I have seen them give medical advise (often that is not correct) - and for sure not their place to do. And - unfortunately - I see this same thing happening here on YT all the time too. It's true that a lot of people here are knowledgeable about many different medicines and treatments for their pets -- but no one here is really qualified to diagnose another person's pet ---especially over the Internet. I, personally, don't agree with anyone's ever doing this. The old adage "A little medicine is worse than none at all" is very very true. I think with a sick baby (or any serious problem) -- you have the right to speak to the doctor. My doctor's nurse answers a lot of questions for me. But, she has been with him for nearly 20 years - and more often than not, she confers with him and then calls me back or has him call me back himself. She is very professional and never takes it upon herself to treat her doctor's patients. ** I have also heard receptionists (nonmedical personnel) at vet's offices give out information and instructions over the phone that they have no right to be giving out. I think if you are sick, your child is sick, or your pet is sick (and you think it might be serious - even though it may not be) -- you have every right in the world to insist that a doctor call you back. I think it is important though to insist on this in as nice and polite a way as possible - if you're nice - everyone will bend over backward to help you as soon as possible. If you're not - you can figure this out for yourself....... ** I have to laugh a little - because last week I saw an office note from another doctor's office that described a patient who was really difficult. She was a new patient for this doctor - and twice he left an hour in his schedule to see her to do a new patient consult (she was 45 minutes late both times - and mad because he couldn't spend much time with her - and she never showed up for any tests that were scheduled - causing those test areas to be empty for an hour). After about six weeks of trying to deal with this woman, he dictated, "Any desire I might have to treat this patient long term is quickly dwindling." Anyway Doortegro - thanks for your post - you definitely brought up an important point. Carol Jean __________________ http://tinypic.com/ipxhmb.jpg A Yorkie is worth a thousand words.