Dealing with the doctors office

Why is it such hassle?

I got tired of paying for OTC medication and needed to get my prescription refilled. I called the doctor's office on Friday and said that I needed a prescription. I was placed on hold for 10 minutes and the puzzled receptionist came back on the phone stating that she showed that I switched doctors.

I explained that I did not "switch doctors" but merely went to another doctor one time who did not prescribe me any medication because I already had a prescription with my original doctor. She said she would have to have someone call me back.

Fast forward to Tuesday afternoon. After not receiving a call the remainder of the day Friday or all day Monday, I call back. I go through the same process again. I did not "switch doctors." I merely visited another doctor once who did not prescribe additional medication.

She puts me on hold again and another lady gets on the phone. She explains to me that since I switched doctors that she would have to confer with their doctor. I explained that I did not switch doctors but that I went to another doctor. There is a myriad of reasons why one might go to another doctor at least once. She tried to say that I called them and told them that I was switching doctors. I said no, I have not called anyone.

She then said that regardless, it has been over a year since my last visit and I would have to see the doctor before I could get another prescription. She also said that I did not show up for my one year follow up. I told her that I did not have a one year follow up. She said they had been trying to call me. I said that no one has called me. I did say though that I was expecting to have to see the doctor again and asked if I could go ahead and schedule an appointment.

Because I have seen another doctor since my last visit, they need all my medical records faxed from the other office and then will confer with the local doctor to see if they will allow me to book another appointment.

I said, so wait, let me get this straight. If I call out of the blue and need to book an appointment, you'll let me no questions asked but because I went to another doctor, you won't? That's just our policy she said, but you can get your medication through your GP.

I do have a GP only she is out of town. She is right though, rather than deal with that mess, I'm just going to go through my GP to get a new prescription. At least I can actually book an appointment with her if need be.