Dr Office Wouldn't Take My Appt for My Son!?? What the Heck??!!!! Vent

I used to work as a receptionist (front and back) for a pediatrician. We would double, triple, and quadruple book him. WE NEVER TURNED AWAY SICK KIDS!!!!! If they have any kind of slight fever, they get in a.s.a.p. Kids can get so sick so quick, you don't take it lightly. You have to remember that they work for you, not vice versa. If this is a corporate dr., that explains a lot. Look for a dr. that runs their own private practice...they are small business owners and will work hard to make you happy, plus the staff is usually a million times better because they actually care about the patients and mission of the office, they aren't there just for a paycheck. Drop that office a.s.a.p. and let them know!! If they are corporate, the best place to go is the V.P. of the corporation(yes! you can ask to talk to them) and the dr. You did nothing wrong, you DID NOT over react, you are only guilty of being a GREAT mom. They treated you badly. Learn the lesson and move on. Ask around until you find someone who is totally happy with their dr. and make an appt. Test the receptionist, ask her what she likes most about the dr., why she likes being a part of that office....go with your instincts. Don't even bother if you get a bad vibe right away. Your kids are little and you'll be with the ped. for the next several years, you might as well find one you really love. Good luck, you are an awesome mom! By the way, that fever is very scary and is def. something to be concerned about!

As everyone else has said, get a new doctor!! I would bet you good money that your doctor discriminates against patients whose insurance company pays less, or that he gets a bonus from your insurance company for keeping down the number of office visits.

I'm originally from Australia, which has universal health care. If you want to see a doctor, you just go to one -- any doctor. No preferred provider lists, no gatekeepers trying to keep your out of the doctor's office, no insurance company bean-counters refusing to authorise coverage for something a doctor recommends, no pre-existing condition clauses, no discrimination based on insurance or the lack of it -- everyone is treated equally and everyone has the right to see any doctor they wish. Office visit copays are about US$15, prescriptions are US$23, and hospital care is free. Simple, efficient and fair.

Health care in the US absolutely makes my blood boil. The system is so complex and so corrupt, and so many people don't have access to good care, or any care at all. I've heard so many horror stories about delayed or denied care that I could just scream!

First of all, I'd find a new doctor. A mother knows her son and knows when something is wrong. The same thing happend when my son (now 6) was a year old. The doctor just said to keep giving OTC meds to keep the fever down and he ended up in the hospital that weekend. IF he is still not better by now take him to the ER or urgent care center they will never turn you away!
I'd also file a complaint with the department of insurance(DOI)of your state on the doctor's office! They don't just deal with insurance companies but hospitals and dr's too... Hope your son is feeling better and you can get some help!

Wow, that would tick me off too. How about a walk-in clinic or ER? A fever that long and lethargic would scare me. I'd also consider changing Doctors. Nurses have a licensing board, you might consider filing a complaint. I hope you got this resolved!

L. (mother of two, age 16 and 5)

That is RIDICULOUS! Heck if I call my son's office and tell them he stubbed his toe they get him in. These are BABIES they are dealing with and there should NEVER be any waiting if we as parents feel they need to be seen. God forbid something would happen to one of these angels and there doctor's office had refused to schedule an appt. I would only hope God would protect them from my wrath if it was my child! You have every right to be angry and I would say you would be more than justified to find a much better office to deal with. If the doc had no idea what was going on, LET THEM KNOW!

AH YEAH! You should most certainly be able to take your child in! Never heard of dr's turning away patients...maybe it's time for a new ped.

I am pretty sure that you should find another dr!!! I would be so angry if that happened to me. You should get treatment whenever you want and if you aren't getting it what kind of care is your dr giving when you are there??? If your son is still running a temp and is lethargic then I would just take him to the ER and tell them what happened!!! Take care of your son!

GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM OR URGENT CARE. AFTER YOUR CHILD IS BETTER CONTAC THE DOCTOR....LEAVE THE RECEPTIONIST AND NURSE OUT OF IT. TELL THE DOCTOR WHAT HAPPENED AND IF HE AGREES WITH THIS OFF THE WALL POLICY, START LOOKING FOR A NEW DOCTOR. YOU AND YOUR CHILD NEED A PEDIATRICIAN YOU CAN COUNT ON. I HOPE YOUR CHILD FEELS BETTER SOON.

that' some BS, you should take him to the hosp. if you can't break it..especial over 24 hours..

T., I'd switch doctors or take him in to the walk-in clinic or after hours child clinic. If you have a feeling that your son needs seen, then he needs to be seen. A mother's gut is NEVER wrong!

First, if your son is truly lethargic and still has a fever, he needs to be seen by someone right away...I would take him into the ER...there is just so much going around right now...pneumonia, RSV, etc. You know what is best.

Then, I agree with the mom who said to make an appointment to chat with the pediatrician (once you've calmed down). When I made my first sick appts. with my oldest son (7 years ago!), I would try to explain the situation to the receptionist...the nurse...both, who would give input (not always correct or appropriate...esp. the receptionists)...so I figured out to just call and say "I would like to make a sick child check-up for my son today"...that's it...I haven't had a problem since...I always get in that day...in a time-frame that I need. If you are still comfortable with your pediatrician after this experience and decide to remain with him/her, try this the next time you need to get in. I hope your little angel is feeling better very soon...

They are the ones being paid for their services i don't know why they would turn down the money but I totally believe you. I have heard things like this all the time....maybe you should switch doctors. I agree with you--if our kids are sick we have every right to bring them to the dr. when they are sick!! Hope your little one feels better soon.

I would find a new pediatrician. I'm actually looking for a new one now for two reasons, one- my daughter and I just moved. two- her pediatrician and the nurses and receptionist are so difficult to work with. My daughter's doctor is out of the office so often, that it's come to the point I can't count on her. I don't understand why some doctors, evidently, don't think it's very important to be there for little children. I had to call 5 times in one month only to schedule a 12-month check up. Then the day I took her for her 18-month check up, the receptionist said they weren't supposed to take appointments for that day because the doctor was out - after the appointment had been scheduled for a month already! So frustrating!
For now, I would go to the emergency room and while you are there, ask the docs if they have a recommendation for a pediatrician.
Good luck to you! I hope you poor little guy gets better quick!

PPPPLLEEEAASSSEE find another doctor, a mother knows when her child is ill, dont let them give u the run around, even if they have kids its not the same, Cooper is your child get another doctor who cares.I suggest Dr. Todd Dillon ###-###-#### he takes medicaid and other insurance, hes the best.

Hey! I don't know how old this request is, but I thought I'd respond anyway....I'm a little bored today. Anyway, just to let you know, I don't agree with most of the women who have responded so far. I know it's scary when your child has a fever and is acting lethargic, but if you do any kind of research on the internet, you'll actually surprisingly find that fevers up to 104 with young children are considered safe. Their bodies can handle fevers totally differently than adults can. I don't even give my kids anything for fevers until their fevers hit 102. The reason why is because fevers are a direct result of their body burning the virus that is making them sick.

I know it sounds scary, and believe me, I used to get really paranoid too. But, my kids are both very prone to colds because of allergies and asthma, so through the years, I have had a lot of instances where they have had high fevers. I felt opposite of the other women when they said that they think it's great that their doctors will get them in that day if they want their kids to be seen because of a fever. I love my doctor's office because they will tell me whether or not they think my kids need to be seen. I completely trust them. I go to Pediatric Associates in Lutheran Hospital. I think that doctors who are quick to see children are the ones who are out for the money.

This subject is very sensitive because, after all, we're talking about our little treasures here! But, I wanted to make sure you atleast knew what I know about the fever issue so that you are a little less frightened the next time he spikes a fever. If it gets over 104, then it's time for the doctor to get him in, other than that, it's his body's response to fighting the virus. Many people may say this is much too high to keep a child at home, but just look it up. Like I said, kids are way more resilient to fevers than adults are.

Take him to Childrens, you'll probably have to wait hours to get in and then hours at the hospital but you will feel better if you know whats wrong with him. Mothers know best. Do what YOU feel is right. My son gets horrible fevers and had RSV at 17 days old. My Dr told me to wait until morning and I took him to the hospital. They said he was barely breathing if I wouldnt have taken him, he wouldnt have made it through the night. Trust your instincts ALWAYS.

I would find a new ped. My girl's ped gets them in anytime usually that day when I call if they think they need to. In fact, I have been frusterated on the other side of it at times, because there have been times that I just want an opinion if something is normal or should be expected and they recommend they see her to be sure. Bottom line is, they should be helping to reassure you even if it is what they think could be an "unnecessary" office vist. I have never run into your situation with either of my children and if I did, I would be finding a new ped. Although, I would be sure to let them know why I left. I have always used Boystown Ped and love them!
Good luck and I hope he is feeling better soon. I hate when my girls are sick--can be scary.

That is not comforting at all. My children have not yet had the flu nor myself. I am one who doesn't get the flu shot either. Call me old fashioned but I am not a big believer in new vaccinations... just me... but I do have a product on my website which is an antioxidant and has been a great blessing to my children and their health. They have been as all children are exposed to other children and the viruses that are going around. My children take an antioxidant it is called isotonix mitamins. The adult version is the OPC-3. I swear by this product which is all natural and made for Dr.'s to prescribe by doctors. Cheaper than dr visits and does the job. You can check out my site at www.marketamerica.com/ourtimenow. I am also available to answer questions if you have any. just email me at ____@____.com he is feeling better. Take care D.

They should have seen him the first day! My doc and all my friends docs all say if it is 101 then call us and they get us in that day. I've never heard of waiting 72 hours. Maybe for an adult but not a toddler! At that age it could even be and ear infection and that may cause some damage waiting that long. If you haven't already taken him to the ER then I would call the on call doctor and tell them what the nurse told you and about him being lethargic. Some insurances may need to have a referal to go to the ER. But if you like the doctor, talk to him about this nurse. He may not know that she is doing this and possibly endangering his patients. Call the on call doctor if you are really worried right now. After all if it's another doctor he may say something to your doctor as well about that nurse.

No Question about it, if the doctor can't/won't- see you and the nurse is being a gatekeeper for whatever reason. I would send th Doctor a letter and fire him. If his nurse is that way he probaly gives her permission. I work for four doctors so I have an idea of how each one works. Don't ever settle for less when it comes to your child. Take him to the ER immediatly. I wouldn't wait the 72 hours. My daughter hardly ever gets fevers but when she does I take her in immediatly - because I know she needs to be seen. If the fever is slight like 99-102 you can treat it at home - but if it doesn't get better and gets higher take that baby in to Er - Urgent Care. If I was you I would just get a new doctor, without even talking to him. But that's me I get so sick of people not doing things right. I would send him a letter or talk to him and tell him this why your leaving.

Hi T.,
I truly do sympathize with you. Mine aren't quite as little anymore but it still is awful when they don't feel well for an extended period of time. I have to tell you my oldest was ill last week (fever from Mon. night until Sat. morning) and the only reason I ended up taking her to the dr. was because she broke out in hives and at the time I did not know what they were. With all the viruses out there it is hard to know what is best for your little ones!
I agree with the others, if you want to make an appt. you should be able to. And if he is extremely lethargic & high fever maybe you should go to Urgent Care.
Are you truly happy with your doc? I have a great relationship with my dr. & his nurses and usually speaking to them over the phone settles my fears a bit. They always have great suggestions as to what meds work best and other types of things we can do at home to make them more comfortable. Their advice always is if the fever runs for more than 72 hours to bring them in because there is a possibility that it is something bacterial instead of virule.
We all need to vent sometimes - I certainly don't blame you and you just want your kiddos to feel better! I hate it when my girls are not feeling well!!
I would talk to the dr. tomorrow about how things were handled and hopefully your little guy will start feeling better soon.
M.

I would be finding a new ped. There is NO reason for them to treat you that way. I have found that Dr. offices always leave spots open for emergencies and that a child shouldn't have a fever that high for that long. What are they thinking? Call them back and demand to be seen. Don't let them run over you. If you feel your child needs medical attention then they probably do.

Sounds like you need a new doctor's office that is more willing to help when you feel the need. Better to be safe than sorry is my doctor's motto. My 18 mo. old nephew had a 102.6 temp. the other week and his doctor (since he was out of town) said for them to go to a urgent care med clinic. That is a high temp. to mess with, especially if it doesn't go down for several days. How scary! I would look into other options!

i might start looking for a new doc...i take my daughter to PAA on harrodsburg rd...they are wonderful...but until then you might want to call the ER

That is RIDICULOUS!! But I am afraid that I have the same problem. We have been going to the same doctor since my oldest daughter was 3 years old and he has given birth to 2 of my children. I call there and get the receptionist/nurse(if that is what she is calling herself that day) and she is very rude. She will ask a million questions and in the end some how I end up hanging up and right where I started, NO APPOINTMENT and my children are still sick!! I told the doctor about her and the nurses but I felt like I was getting brushed off, and even I was in there for an appointment one day and just so happen to be in a room right by where she sits and heard her talking about one girl having a positive std test and how she must have not been right by her mother, every time the "receptionist/nurse" would answer the phone while I was waiting patiently on the doctor she would make comments about the people who were calling and nothing was nice. She would basically blow them off just like she did me. So, today even I finally called and said enough is enough Im done, I asked for all of my kid's medical records (and let me tell you that was not easy, she made me go through at least 5 people till I got the actual person I talk to) but its done and I will not return. My whole thing is that when my kids need to be seen they need to be seen. I feel like I will be the judge of when they need to be seen! I pay one way or another (if not to the doctor but to the insurance company) so what is the big incoveince. I think that some of these practices get so many patients that the doctor's start to get overbooked and then overwhelmed. It is very had to find a doctor that you like and a doctor that you can stay with. I know that I may not have been much help but it was funny that I just came upon this and this just happened to me today. I do wish you luck but my advice to you is to just find another doctor because it doesnt get better only worse as long as they have their "receptionist/nurses" answering the phones!!!!!

He might have strep, sounds like my daughter, we went in and they looked at her throat very red, and she tested positive for strep. It is going around right now. If you have to lie when talking the office, make it sound worse than it is, if the temp is 102 make it 104 that is life threatening and they will want to see your son, at 104 he would be at risk for dehydration. Most of the time they won't see a kid unless they think it is really bad, they ask everyone to wait and call back if the fever is still their after 48-72 hours.

get a second opinion!

I would be upset too. I would think that if you couldn't get your son in to see his own personal physician, then he could at least see one of the partners in the practice (if there are any). If and when you do get into see his physician, I would bring this to his attention. I am thinking he won't be too happy about it. I know when I have had problems with the reception staff at my pedi's office, I have gone straight to the doctor with them and the problems have been resolved immediately.

Take him to a Med Check. It's better to be safe than sorry and lord knows we pay an arm/ leg for health ins. We should be able to use it esspecially under these circumstances. Good luck. Let us know how he is doing.

J.

You're right to be upset. My son's pediatrician will see us anytime - middle of the night, on a sunday, when the office is closed....

My recommendation is calm down enough to try and be objective, at which point I recommend you make an appointment for an interview with the pediatrician, no one else. Discuss the situation with him/her in detail, but try to keep your emotions out of it (you don't want to come off like you're spiteful and trying to get the nurse fired...) If the pediatrician doesn't act as completely surprised with her behavior as you obviously are, commence a search for a new pediatrician IMMEDIATELY. absolutely make the appt to see a pediatrican tomorrow to get your son well, tho.

good luck!!!! let us know how it goes.

TAKE HIM TO THE E.R. IMMEDIATELY! Fevers are not something to play around with. I know. My son ended up having a febral seizure because of an old ped. that did the same thing to me. Tell them at the E.R. that the dr.'s office told you that it wasn't important enough, to them, to make an appt. for your son. They can relay this info to your insurance co. if your company expects referrals from your doc before you take him in. I had to do the same thing, unfortunately, my poor son had to pay the consequence by having a seizure. After you take him in, then look for a new doctor the next day.

D. Blackford,
Professional Psychic Intuitive
A.K.A.: The Indiana Ghost Whisperer

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I say find another doctor because that is crazy! I just had a similar problem where I took my ten week old in on a thursday and they said he had an infection so they gave him antibiotics. well on saturday it was getting worse so I called the on call doctor which was not my normal doctor that weekend. He just made me feel so stupid and told me that antibiotics take time. Well mothers intuition made me ignore the doctor and take him to the emergency room where he ended up in the hospital for 5 days with pnemonia so stick with your gut and take him to the immediate care of emergency room if that is what you need to do. Hope everything works out for you.

K.