Minutes Never Gotten Back

What a way to begin the week: first thing Monday morning, my Nephrologist’s (Renal Doctor’s) secretary leaves a message on my phone that they have just realized they have outdated bloodwork reports on me. I need to go get new bloodwork. So I call back – how does the doctor want me to proceed? I know how to get bloodwork done, but where? When? Have the lab results sent to where? The answer is, where ever and however I usually get it done. Send them to our FAX number. Before Friday. OK.

I call the lab to schedule an appointment. They tell me I cannot get bloodwork without the proper paperwork order from my doctor. OK.

I call back my Nephrologist’s. Can I get a paper order for the new bloodwork? The answer: It was already given to you.

Um… no it wasn’t, you just notified me LESS THAN AN HOUR AGO, over the phone yet.

THEM: On your last medical visit, your order for bloodwork was given you with your next appointment card. OK. So I ransack my room – and then my car – looking for the documents given me at my last medical appointment. Nothing.

I call my Primary Care Provider. “Is there a way I can get a copy of the bloodwork order I was given at my last appointment?" The answer: We didn’t give you anything else with your appointment card. Maybe your Nephrologist’s office issued it? OK.

Now I realize I am acting as a mule, for a conversation between my medical providers. I call back the Nephrologist’s. "Is it possible that YOUR office already issued paperwork for updated bloodwork?" The answer: Yes, that’s what we meant. (???) OK. "Can I get a copy of that order?" Sure – come in.

So I drive to an office I’ve been to a dozen times, and somehow am frazzled to the point that I get lost. Really? Are you flippin’ serious. I stop and ask directions. Two ladies taking out the trash at a nearby office building help me.

Finally I find the Nephrologist’s. I walk in, tell them who I am… and bingo. A faded Xerox of my bloodwork order is sitting on the receptionist desk. But I can’t go get the bloodwork today because I’ve had breakfast. Tomorrow morning – blood lab, here I come.

American Medical Providers – booking your Monday out from under you. Welcome.