A lot of people over-drinking and over-drugging are self-medicating, and many don't realize it, and all need to be seen by proper docs.

There are much better drugs for anxiety. All you need to do is submit to the system. But now that you've admitted a pre-existing condition,...

The doc's office manager called and left a message, apologized, wants to set up an appointment to meet in-person with her, my doc, and the head doc to discuss everything.

Should I go? It's hard to see a benefit in it. I'm mortified by my behavior in their office but more mortified by the entire situation that they contributed to. Mortified, even, by the very idea that a stable guy like myself could wind up exploding like that.

On the other hand, they would probably give me a longer script for my meds and do the blood work I should be getting, for free. As an underinsured individual the value of this is actually nontrivial.

Hmm, I say go and see what you can get out of it, and if they don't make up for it enough just ditch 'em.

Definitely go, UT. you've nothing to lose and you could be helping someone else out by making the staff AWARE of their behavior/consequences thereof.

If you feel mortified, just say what you said above: that you were mortified at your behavior in the office but you are really not like that and you were pushed beyond endurance. I'll bet you get much better treatment for the duration of your association with them :)

Well said, Brianna.

I think you should go, UT. You called the Dr. out to be part of the solution. You should give him a chance to fix things. And you may end up having amazing service from now on. Just apologize and move on. They have much more to apologize for.

Under the circumstances I think you should go.

Thanks for the advice, you've all convinced me... I'll go. (and report back, because isn't the drama lovely?)

No you're lovely.

Hi [office manager] Brooke, I'm returning your call.

Yes Mr UT, We would like to apologize to you.. I'm so sorry you got caught up in how we train our staff in protocols, and there was a lack of communication and blah blah our computer system and so we are so sorry, we apologize.

Oh - well, thank you...

And Dr. Westin wanted to meet with you to make sure you're okay, you know, make sure you have enough medication until your appointment in July.

She wants a medical appointment? Well no, I'm fine, and the ER gave me enough of a prescription to get me by.

So you're OK until your July appointment?

Well, no, I think I should be looking for a new G.P.

(quickly) I totally understand. Do you want me to send you the paperwork to transfer your records?

Yes, yes that would be fine.

Do you want me to cancel that July appointment?

Yes.

(call ends)

Wow. That was quick. So Brooke is the office hatchet man, sent out to prune unruly customers? I would fire her. She should be in the business of *retaining* customers/patients. Sounds like you're better off without them. Especially if you contact with them has to go through this person.

Do you need customers in modern medicine?

Many businesses are more than happy to lose the occasional "trouble" customer. Anyone who wants more than their alloted 5 minutes and isn't satisfied with the automated website/phonetree customer service is usually more effort than they are worth...
As long as most of the sheeple don't complain, that business model works fine. :rolleyes:

Get rid of the potential lawsuit is more like it, though that will not do it if that was his choice.

Just to document things completely and bump the thread, there has been no further followup from Pennhealth / University of Pennsylvania Health System.

I'm serious ... you ever have a problem identical to that again, call me at work. The number's in the phone book, first page, right after 911.