So as part of my follow-up for my brain tumor, I have to not only see neurology, but endocrinology as well because my tumor is in my pituitary gland and as it grows, it affects all major hormonal processes from my thyroid, to insulin/diabetic issues, to female hormonal issues. I work in this same hospital and in a customer service position, so I definitely know how patients should be treated. We have become a joint base facility and work not only with Air Force, but the Navy intensively as well.
I was seen by an endocrinologist in July, which I honestly felt uncomfortable with. No offense, he is not American born and part of the issue was I couldn't understand what he was saying and I really felt like he didn't understand my concerns. I did my follow-up labs and picked up my medication and took it as prescribed. I was supposed to be contacted in October timeframe for a follow-up and I never heard back. Last week, I went to the clinic to follow-up in person to get an appointment because I'm running low on my thyroid meds and am having reoccuring symptoms the meds were supposed to take care of. I explained my situation to the front desk clerk, who said she would take my information back to the Airman in charge of scheduling. After waiting about 40 minutes, I needed to leave to get back to work and made sure they had my contact information.
Today, that Airman contacted me to make my follow-up. I calmly explained the situation and said I really don't feel comfortable with this provider, I've only seen him once and I'd like to see a different provider. She said, well that's against our clinic policy and if you've already been seen by a provider, you have to stay with that provider. I told the Airman that I completely understood that policy and it's a great one, but I had only seen this guy one time and I was NOT comfortable seeing him again. She hemmed and hawed and then said, well I don't know what to tell you, you CAN'T change providers. I asked to speak to the NCOIC of the clinic and she said that it wouldn't do me any good because he would just tell me the same thing. I said this is affecting my continuity of care and I would like to speak to someone higher up because I need a follow-up. She said either make the appointment or don't, I don't care. So I just responded back with "I guess I just won't make this appointment with you today". She hung up on me!
So, I called the patient advocate and again explained my situation and that I am staff at this hospital as well, so I'm not a complete idiot about clinic procedures, etc. I hate to cause waves again and for a minute I was almost worried that crazy NCOIC in my section would find out and somehow I would get a counseling statement for this too. It just makes me irritated! I'm totally prepared to seek an outside provider until my MEB is complete and I head home, but I shouldn't have to!
I was seen by an endocrinologist in July, which I honestly felt uncomfortable with. No offense, he is not American born and part of the issue was I couldn't understand what he was saying and I really felt like he didn't understand my concerns. I did my follow-up labs and picked up my medication and took it as prescribed. I was supposed to be contacted in October timeframe for a follow-up and I never heard back. Last week, I went to the clinic to follow-up in person to get an appointment because I'm running low on my thyroid meds and am having reoccuring symptoms the meds were supposed to take care of. I explained my situation to the front desk clerk, who said she would take my information back to the Airman in charge of scheduling. After waiting about 40 minutes, I needed to leave to get back to work and made sure they had my contact information.
Today, that Airman contacted me to make my follow-up. I calmly explained the situation and said I really don't feel comfortable with this provider, I've only seen him once and I'd like to see a different provider. She said, well that's against our clinic policy and if you've already been seen by a provider, you have to stay with that provider. I told the Airman that I completely understood that policy and it's a great one, but I had only seen this guy one time and I was NOT comfortable seeing him again. She hemmed and hawed and then said, well I don't know what to tell you, you CAN'T change providers. I asked to speak to the NCOIC of the clinic and she said that it wouldn't do me any good because he would just tell me the same thing. I said this is affecting my continuity of care and I would like to speak to someone higher up because I need a follow-up. She said either make the appointment or don't, I don't care. So I just responded back with "I guess I just won't make this appointment with you today". She hung up on me!
So, I called the patient advocate and again explained my situation and that I am staff at this hospital as well, so I'm not a complete idiot about clinic procedures, etc. I hate to cause waves again and for a minute I was almost worried that crazy NCOIC in my section would find out and somehow I would get a counseling statement for this too. It just makes me irritated! I'm totally prepared to seek an outside provider until my MEB is complete and I head home, but I shouldn't have to!
