health care center doesnt respond

[bobo60]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? nc

I have been going to the same family pratice health center, for about 5 yrs now. On 03/01/10 I called for my rutine doctors visit, only to find out that my doctor had left this pratice. The earliest appointment I could get with a new doctor was on 03/31/10. I was down to my last blood pressure meds on 03/01/10, when I called for an appointment, but wasnt worried, because I ususally could get an appointment the day after I called in for one. Well now I cant, and dont have my blood pressure meds, which are very important, because I have esophageall varices, and without my meds, I could possibly bleed uncontrollably from my esophagus, which is life threatening. I explained this to the recepcionist, and she told me to call my pharmacy, and ask them to fax a note to their office, describing what meds I need, and the doctor would fax the scripts back to the pharmacy, to be filled. its been 9 days, and ive called the doctors office about 6 times, asking them to have a doctor fax the scripts to the pharmacy, and they keep saying, we have the note from the phamacy, but the doctor hasnt signed off on the scripts yet!!! ive been getting a few samples from the pharmacy, to help, but its not nearly my normal dosage needed for each day. what can I do? I want to bring a law suit againts then if I can. I have an appointment with another doctor, but I still think something should be done for the way they have just plain ignored me! please advise...thank you...bob

 

[GotSmart]

Walk into the office with the empty bottle, and using a polite but firm voice, ask about getting a refill of your medications. By the time it is all done they will have it called in while you are there. (just to get rid of you.)

Medical offices sometimes are extremely busy places, that do all the can to take care of the current problem. Become the current problem, but not in a way that will cause a major problem.

 

[lealea1005]

In addition to what Gotsmart already stated, in the future, it would be a good idea if you didn't wait until the very last moment to refill your meds. I would venture a guess that the Physician taking over the practice is a little overwhelmed with reviewing the medical records of each patients needing med refills, not to mention reviewing the records before seeing the scheduled patients of the day.

Just explain that you did as they asked and got the Rx list immediately faxed over.... you've been patiently waiting for refills to be called in for 9 days....you already have an appointment on the books....and you'd REALLY appreciate having them called in, or given a written Rx, TODAY. Remember the front office people are just the messengers. Perhaps you'd get a faster response if you spoke with the practice manager. Good luck.

 

[bobo60]

Thank You all for your advice. I really shouldnt have waited so late to make my appointment, I was wrong on that point. it just seems, that you would think that people that need meds refilled, that could be life threatening, if they dont have them, would be a priority. Maybe they are treating my request with top priority, but from where im sitting, it doesnt look like it. 9 days is quite awhile to wait for a signiture. Im changing doctors anyway. In the past year, I had 3 different doctors, because the turn around for doctors there is so rapid. Its like the rats are leaving the ship!!! I will try the sugar coated method, and go to the office in person with the empty med bottles in hand. Thanks again!...bob