Universal Healthcare

Doctors.

Private healthcare.

My Republican self loves it. Craves it. Love my family doctor.

But when hard times hit, i.e. this recession, I don't expect to be reamed by my doctor's support/business staff--AKA his wife, son, and probably a family friend.

Support/Business Staff -- HA! WHAT A FUCKING OXYMORON!

Behold, the email I fired off to the only email address I could find for his office:

Hello,

I just got off the phone with, first Ashley, then Kathleen. I asked for doctor notes for Ebony because her school has requested copies.

Because I was immediately attacked by Kathleen accusing me of "using her as my personal secretary" and "not keeping my own personal records" I was not able to ask specifically for what I needed.

I understand the office is short staffed, as repeatedly told by Kathleen, however, I was also accused of "keeping the staff well into their lunch hour by 30 minutes" during my last visit, which absolutely is false and exaggerated. I apologize, I don't recall the other woman's name, but she's neither the nurse, Kathleen, or Scott (maybe that's Ashley?), but she was clearly frustrated that there were multiple appointments, including my physical, that ran into the lunch hour, including Dr. Grandjean's lunch time, because a previous appointment either didn't show or took longer. Not my fault! In addition, I would like to point out that what I was waiting for that day is the the itemized bills Kathleen herself promised to have for me on March 30, one week prior to my second-half physical. Because Kathleen was not there, the other woman did not know what to look for. The reason Kathleen promised the information on the follow up visit is because she couldn't figure out how to get the proper dates on the bills/receipts. Again, I understand she was very busy, and short-staffed. I understood, as I had all three children with me, so I told her not to worry, that I could pick it up on the next visit.

In addition, as you will recall, I went to the lab on two separate days for my blood work, which meant I had fasted all day, to find that my orders were not there. I shrugged it off, again, understanding that you all are very busy. I did my labs on the third try, when I personally walked the orders down to the lab.

I point this out because I want you to understand that I have, ON MANY OCCASSIONS, been inconvenienced--with three small children in tow. BUT I love you all (including Kathleen) and trust Dr. Grandjean with all my family's needs and always am willing to overlook minute inconveniences for quality healthcare.

I have to emphasize that when Kathleen told me during her berating "we are just barely managing to keep the doors open," I couldn't help but think if all the patients are treated this way, including those like me who have  been patients for many years, that there is no hope to "keep your doors open" by mistreating the people who always trust and support you.