There’s No Need To Behave Like An Animal About It
IMPOSSIBLE DEMANDS, PHARMACY, USA, VET | HEALTHY | MARCH 19, 2020
(I work as a receptionist for a veterinary hospital. Earlier today, I gave a prescription to a client for a drug that is classified as Schedule II, which means it is considered as having high potential for abuse, so our facility is not licensed to carry it on-site. It can only be picked up from a human pharmacy. Thus, we write prescriptions instead of filling them ourselves at our on-site pharmacy. My first interaction with the client ends like this
Client: “So… what do I do with this?” *holds up prescription*
Me: “You take it to a pharmacy, just as you would with a prescription from your doctor. I would recommend calling around to see which places have it first before going anywhere because not all pharmacies can or do carry it.”
Client: “Can you call the pharmacies for me?” *stares expectantly*
Me: “I’m sorry, but I can’t. There are dozens of pharmacies in the area, and I have no idea which places have this drug. And unfortunately, I have other clients waiting so I’m not able to set aside that kind of time.”
(She’s not happy with my answer, but she takes the prescription and leaves. Maybe an hour later, I get a call from her.)
Client: “So, can I use my insurance card to pick up the medication?”
Me: “I’m sorry, but I don’t believe that’s legal.”
Client: “But I’m getting the medication from a human pharmacy. Why can’t I use my insurance?”
Me: “Because the medication is for your dog, and the prescription is filled out to reflect that. The pharmacy will be aware it is for a dog, and your insurance only covers you. If you have pet insurance, that may or may not help cover it, but that depends on your plan.”
Client: “Well, I should be able to use it. It’s a pharmacy, not a vet. Why can’t I use it?”
Me: “I’m very sorry, but I’m not sure what else I can do for you. If you have further questions, I can ask the vet to speak with you.”
Too Bad Vaccines Don’t Combat Argumentative Behavior
ENGLAND, INSTANT KARMA, JERK, LONDON, MEDICAL OFFICE, NON-DIALOGUE, UK | HEALTHY | FEBRUARY 27, 2021
I am a volunteer vaccine marshall. My colleagues work hard to make sure as many people are vaccinated as quickly and smoothly as possible. We do almost every part of the process except check the patients in when they arrive and actually inject the vaccine.
Today, we have both of the vaccines currently offered by the NHS. One is preferred by most of those who have read about it. I agree it’s the superior vaccine, as do most experts, but either will keep you safe. My job today is to take people from the waiting room to a vaccination room, so I actually get to decide who gets which vaccine. But I have been told that individuals don’t get to choose; they should take whichever vaccine they are offered.
Because I want to be fair, I decide on a rule of how to direct the patients into the two vaccination rooms, so I am not actually making that decision; it’s random depending on when you come to the front of the queue. People go to whichever room has a space. If both rooms have a space, then I direct the patients to the “better” vaccine room until it’s full again, and then the next patients go to the other room.
While both rooms are fully occupied, I hear a man go to the doctor working check-in and have an increasingly animated discussion with him about why he should get the “better” vaccine. The doctor is stoic, never admitting there are two being offered today, and not allowing him to choose. Meanwhile, as the argument continues, spaces open in his preferred vaccine room. I fill them according to my rules. When the argumentative man finally gives up arguing and joins those in the waiting area, I pick him out when his turn comes up and send him to the only room that is accepting patients at that moment, which is not the vaccine he wanted.
If I hadn’t spent so long arguing for the other vaccine, he would have got it!
Makes You Want To Cut Ties With This Client
BIZARRE, CANADA, HEALTH & BODY, VET | HEALTHY | FEBRUARY 25, 2021
I’ve only been working at this vet clinic for about three months, but I’ve had plenty of strange or just plain rude interactions with clients already. This one definitely takes the trophy for TMI. A client calls and wants to make an appointment for his dog to have a urinalysis done, as the dog has had urine issues in the past. I’ve booked him for a few days ahead, and the client has some questions about collecting the urine sample. He’s been very nice and polite throughout the conversation, but then…
Client: “Last time we brought in a sample, we just kinda held a container underneath her to catch the pee. Is that okay?”
Me: “Yes, that’s fine, as long as you bring the sample in to us within an hour of collecting it. And if you have a sterile container, that would also be great.”
Client: “So, like, clean out a Tupperware container or something?”
Me: “Yep, and if you have cleaning alcohol, that would be preferred, but if not, just a clean container will do.”
Client: “Oh! I think I still have a sterile container from a little while ago. I was going to use it for my vasectomy sample, but that never ended up happening, so I can use that!” *Laughs*
I actually pull the phone away from my face and stare at it for a second before composing myself and return to the call.
Me: “Well, yes, like I said, as long as it’s clean…”
I confirmed his appointment time again and hung up, a bit bewildered. My coworker saw my face and asked what happened; when I retold the conversation, she said, “Why the h*** would anyone tell you that willingly?! That’s so gross!” I honestly don’t know. I don’t think he was being creepy but it definitely threw me off.
We’d Be Seriously Pee-ved
COLORADO, DOCTOR/PHYSICIAN, HYPOCRISY, MEDICAL OFFICE, USA | HEALTHY | FEBRUARY 23, 2021
I am seeing my primary care physician.
Doctor: “You really need to start taking a multivitamin.”
The following year, I see them again.
Doctor: “Why on earth are you taking a multivitamin?! All you’re doing is making your pee expensive.”
Well, When You Put It Like That
CALL CENTER, CURRENT EVENTS, GOVERNMENT, STUPID, USA | HEALTHY | FEBRUARY 21, 2021
I work in a call center for my state’s unemployment office. I have a caller who is unable to work due to an asymptomatic case of that nasty disease that has defined 2020. I’m walking him through the documentation I need to qualify him and get him his unemployment. One of the items we need is a doctor’s note saying the individual can’t work.
Caller: “So… you want me to go into a public doctor’s office to get a note that says I shouldn’t go into public?”
Ask Your Optician If Night Vision Is Right For You
OPTOMETRIST/OPTICIAN, PATIENTS, STUPID, USA | HEALTHY | FEBRUARY 20, 2021
I work in an optician’s office and we have a patient come in saying that they can’t see through the glasses they recently bought.
Me: “Hello, how may I help you today?”
Patient: “I have a problem with these glasses; my vision isn’t clear at night.”
Me: “Oh, and how about day time? Are you having problems with reading or distance?”
Patient: “My vision is fine during the day, but everything is dark at night and when I drive through a tunnel.”
Me: “Does your vision get blurry?”
Patient: “No, you’re not understanding. I can’t see far at night with these glasses! Everything is dark! It’s fine during the day, but when it’s dark, I can’t see everything clearly.”
My colleague heard this conversation and quickly jumped in. She had to explain that vision is limited for everyone at night because it’s dark, and no one has night vision. The prescription was fine and we had the health of his eyes checked out, which came out all clear.
It’s been five years but I still think about that man.
Some People Are Just Born For It
AUSTRALIA, DOCTOR/PHYSICIAN, FUNNY NAMES, MEDICAL OFFICE, OPTOMETRIST/OPTICIAN, QUEENSLAND | HEALTHY | FEBRUARY 19, 2021
When my nan was still alive, she had a doctor that she had been going to for many years. He was a nice bloke, friendly, and competent at his job.
Fat People Deserve Better
BIGOTRY, CALIFORNIA, DOCTOR/PHYSICIAN, JERK, LAZY/UNHELPFUL, LOS ANGELES, MEDICAL OFFICE, USA | HEALTHY | FEBRUARY 18, 2021
I’m having chest pains after eating, and it finally becomes bad enough that I go to the doctor. I’m a rather tall 240 pounds. I’m sitting in the exam area waiting for someone to come in when the doctor walks in, looking at a chart.
Doctor: “Mr. [My Name], your problem is that you’re grossly… Wait. You’re 6’9″. I was going to say that you’re obese but you’re not, are you? I guess I’d better examine you.”
After actually examining me and talking to me, I get meds for GERD. But he sure was quick to dismiss me in the beginning.
There’s Strengthening Your Immune System And Then There’s This
CURRENT EVENTS, ENGLAND, IGNORING & INATTENTIVE, LONDON, MEDICAL OFFICE, NURSES, UK, VOLUNTEER | HEALTHY | FEBRUARY 17, 2021
I’m a volunteer marshall. I do anything required at a vaccination site to make things go smoothly, except preparing and giving the actual injections, though I have applied to be trained to do that, too!
The tested vaccine protocol for both vaccines currently on offer in the UK is two doses, three weeks apart. The government has decided to focus on getting as many people their first vaccination as soon as possible, so patients are being told to wait twelve weeks for their second vaccination. I was vaccinated three weeks ago, which means I am ready for a second shot, but I probably won’t be called before Easter; it’s the end of January now. However, I am working on the front line, so I will take it if they offer it to me. Before administering the vaccine, they ask a series of screening questions — allergies, are you well today, etc. — and one of them is, “Have you had a vaccination of any kind in the last seven days?”
I’ve arrived late for my shift at a site I haven’t visited before. I go to the check-in desk where patients go when they arrive to pick a fresh mask up before finding something to do.
I take a mask from a box on the table and indicate my hi-viz.
Me: “Thanks. I’m a volunteer; I have just arrived.”
Admin: “Great, just take a seat there.”
I sit in front of a nurse, thinking she is going to deploy me.
Nurse: “What’s your date of birth and NHS number?”
Me: “What’s happening here?!”
Nurse: “Don’t worry; I’m not going to give you an injection.”
Phew! She asks a few more questions and I see where this is going.
Me: “You are not going to give me an injection, but after this, someone else will?”
Nurse: “That’s right.”
Me: “I had the [Company #1 ] vaccine on the eighth.”
Nurse: “That’s fine; it’s more than seven days ago.”
It took a few more moments to work it out. It had been a long day, and she had asked these questions a lot. There was much laughter as the people nearby had wondered why I kept saying [Company #1 ]! If I had been at the end of my shift and as much on autopilot as she was, I might have been an n=1 study of the effects of mixing two vaccines.
I guess it’s a reminder to own your own healthcare.
A Bad Idea For So Many Reasons
COWORKERS, LABORATORY, RUDE & RISQUE, SOUTH AFRICA, WORDPLAY | HEALTHY | FEBRUARY 16, 2021
I’m training a colleague to work in a lab for rapidly spreading diseases. The standard operating procedures are slightly different than for some of the other germs we usually work with, including wearing extra Personal Protective Equipment on top of the usual kit. As we are about to exit…
Colleague: “I want to watch you disrobe.”
Me: “I think the word for PPE is ‘doff.’ ‘Disrobe’ sounds like we’re about to have sex.”
This Heart Attack Is A Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
BAD BEHAVIOR, ILLINOIS, MEDICAL OFFICE, NURSES, USA | HEALTHY | FEBRUARY 15, 2021
I get strep twice per year, every year. It never fails. It comes at different times, but twice a year it comes. I have unusual symptoms that aren’t typically linked to strep as it gets worse every time I get it.
I wake up one morning and sure enough, my head is throbbing and hot, I have the chills, my throat hurts slightly, and my stomach is cramping. My heart is also thumping pretty hard. My fiancé decides I need to go to the doctor, and I agree since it is that time again! Strep.
Not once have I had an issue with going to the doctor, telling them I have strep, and having them test and give me my prescription in under an hour. This time is different.
My fiancé has to drive me, and we can’t get a sitter so he and the kids are waiting for me in the car. I walk in and wait for about ten minutes before getting into a room. After about another ten minutes, a nurse comes in and, without saying a word, checks my blood pressure and heart rate.
Nurse: “Your heart is beating really fast.”
Me: “Yes, I know. I have a naturally fast heart rate, and I’m sick, which makes it beat faster. It’s normal for me.”
Nurse: “You’re going to have a heart attack. We need to run an EKG.”
Me: *Starting to panic* “Um, no, this is a normal heart rate for me. I just have strep throat; I’d like to be tested for that, please.”
Nurse: “No. You’re going to have a heart attack and die. You need an EKG now.”
She leaves the room. Now I am alone and completely freaking out. This has never happened to me before and I am in full panic mode. She comes back into the room with another nurse and a big machine trailing behind her.
Nurse: “Take off your shirt and bra.”
Me: “What? No, absolutely not!”
Nurse: “Take them off. You are having a heart attack and we need to do this test.”
She is hovering over me and glaring at me, and I’m crying at this point, scared out of my mind. The other nurse that came in rolls her eyes at me, and I am confused and still have no idea what’s going on. So, I follow her instructions, unclear on what else to do. She pushes me down and starts hooking up the wires attached to the machine, not explaining what they do or what the machine is. What happens to a person’s heart rate when they are panicking? It increases! After I spend a couple of minutes hooked up to the machine, the nurse clucks her tongue at me.
Nurse: “Yes, you are going to have a heart attack within the next twenty-four hours. All I can do for you is tell you to go home and wait for it. Chew some aspirin if you feel something coming on.”
I’m completely in tears and barely able to speak.
Me: “I— I still need the strep test. I just came in for strep. Please just give me the test. Strep is really bad for me. I need the antibiotics, please—”
Nurse: “Ugh, fine. Wait here.”
She leaves me in the room by myself having a panic attack for THIRTY minutes and comes back with the strep swab. It’s never hurt before, but she shoves it down my throat hard, which makes me cry harder.
Nurse: “Okay, your test is done, but it will probably be negative. Go home and put 911 into your phone; you’ll need it later!”
I left shaking and sobbing. When I got to the car, my fiancé was FURIOUS and offered to go in and cause a scene, but I was horribly upset and just wanted to go home. I did leave a nasty review for them and they contacted me two years later asking about what happened. TEN days later, I got a call with the results from the test. Guess what? Positive! And for some reason, they had sent my prescription to the wrong pharmacy an HOUR away. I never did go back, and I never had that heart attack!
A Difference As Simple As Black And White
DOCTOR/PHYSICIAN, HOSPITAL, IGNORING & INATTENTIVE, SILLY, USA | HEALTHY | APRIL 15, 2020
Even though this incident had me briefly worried, I really love it in retrospect simply because of what it meant about the young man involved. His heart was in the right place, and I have to say, he had a good world view.
I’m in the hospital for what the doctor tells me is major surgery. As often happens in these hospital jaunts, I meet the entire staff of people who will be attending my operation.
Just before surgery, the anesthesiologist and his — rather new and green and eager — assistant come in to bid me a good day. They are in masks, scrubs, and caps.
Anesthesiologist: “Hi, [My Name]. My name is [Anesthesiologist] and this is my assistant, [Assistant]. We will be taking care of the anesthesia for you this morning.”
We chat, and I ask questions. [Assistant] desperately wants to prove to the two of us that he knows what is going on and makes a couple of comments that are really gauche and a little stupid, but since it has nothing to do with anesthesia or surgery, I am not concerned. His boss occasionally rolls his eyes, and he tells me, “He really knows his stuff but he’s a little awkward socially,” when [Assistant] leaves the room.
I’m not concerned; I trust my doctor, the anesthesiologist has been very reassuring, and I figure it’s a little late to turn back now.
The surgery goes fine and I wake up a few hours later. Eventually, two handsome young men walk into my room.
Anesthesiologist: “Hi, [My Name]! Do you remember us?”
Me: “I sure do.” *Pointing* “You’re [Anesthesiologist] and you’re [Assistant].”
Anesthesiologist: “Wow. You’re really sharp. You remembered our names!”
Assistant: *In awe* “And, hey. She got us right, too. You couldn’t even see us when we first met. We were in masks! She was still able to tell us apart!”
[Anesthesiologist] and I look at each other and [Anesthesiologist] cheerfully smacks [Assistant] in the shoulder.
Anesthesiologist: *To me* “Tell him how you could tell us apart! Go on. Tell him.”
[Assistant] looks at me expectantly.
Me: “I could tell you apart because [Anesthesiologist] is black and you are not.”
[Assistant] stares at us for a few minutes as if just noticing that he and his mentor look nothing alike, even down to the fact that [Anesthesiologist] is small and compact and [Assistant] is tall and lanky.
It is the cutest moment ever. And I just love the fact that [Assistant] never considered it. When I speak with my doctor later, I mention the incident. She bursts out laughing.
Doctor: “Yeah, [Assistant]’s a little ditzy, but I have to say we should all have his world view.”
A Hearty Dose Of Stupid Questions
EMPLOYEES, FLORIDA, HOSPITAL, STUPID, USA | HEALTHY | APRIL 13, 2020
I’m a nurse at a busy hospital. We often get calls about anomalous readings regarding the heart monitors from the techs who monitor them remotely. Usually, it’s an easy fix like changing out the batteries of the monitor, making sure the connection is secure, or reattaching leads — those sticky things they stick all over your chest and belly at the hospital.
One afternoon, I get this call.
Heart Monitor Tech: “Are you the nurse for room [number]? Oh, my God, your patient is in asystole!” *Meaning they’re flat-lining* “You need to check on them right away.”
Me: “Hmm, I assure you she is not. I’m standing in front of her and she is breathing and talking to me right now.”
Heart Monitor Tech: “Are you sure?”
Me: *In my head* “Yes, I’m absolutely sure I’m not talking to a f****** corpse.”
Me: *Out loud* “I’ll be sure to check the monitor and leads, thanks.”
The Hamster Is Probably More Self-Aware
CURRENT EVENTS, HEALTH & BODY, IGNORING & INATTENTIVE, JERK, SOUTH CAROLINA, STRANGERS, USA, VET | HEALTHY | APRIL 12, 2020
I’m in my mid-forties. My beloved hamster started to have blood in his urine at about the worst possible time, during the start of a widespread illness. I got a same-day emergency appointment and took him to my local vet who, thankfully, was open.
There was a large sign on their door asking patients not to enter if they showed any signs of the illness, but rather to call for further instructions. I stopped, read the sign, and then carefully entered, stopping at the tape marker before the receptionist’s desk. The receptionist was a woman in her sixties wearing gloves and other protective equipment.
I noted after greeting her that I had read the sign and had no symptoms. The vet, the receptionist, and I were all careful to keep separation as much as possible during the visit.
The visit went well and my hamster was prescribed antibiotics. As I was waiting to check out and pay, a woman in her sixties walked in the door with no pet and stood right next to me, despite the fact that the place had no other clients and she could easily have moved further away.
I moved away as far as I could get and still conduct my transaction.
The receptionist told the woman, “I need to ask you if you have read the sign.”
“What sign?” the woman asked.
“Please go outside and read the sign.”
The woman stepped out, huffing, and read the sign while the receptionist and I looked at each other in horror like, “Duh? There is a flipping world-wide crisis going on.” The receptionist actually smacked her forehead and I shook my head in sheer disbelief.
The woman stepped back in and said, “I read the sign. I’m fine,” and then flopped down in a chair as close to me as she could possibly get.
I looked at the receptionist like, “Help!” and she got me checked out and on my way as fast as possible. I fled out the door with my sweet boy — the receptionist was kind enough to hold the door for us — and I hear the woman asking her if she could buy a commonly available brand of dog food you can get at nearly any store.
I still can’t believe she’d risk her life in an international health crisis for dog food she could have ordered online or had delivered to her car at the nearest pet store, and then further do so by standing right next to someone.
If I get this illness, I have a pretty good chance of making it. People her age are dying at a rate of one out of three. If the CDC and WHO and everyone else tell you to separate as much as possible, do it!
Much as I am annoyed by young people partying on the beach during this, it’s not just them that are acting foolishly.
Putting The Wrong Person Under Pressure
HOSPITAL, IMPOSSIBLE DEMANDS, PATIENTS, USA | HEALTHY | APRIL 11, 2020
I work in an ER as a health unit coordinator, which means one of my many jobs is answering the phones. I’m not allowed to give medical advice over the phone, and neither is anyone else. The phone rings.
Me: “[ER], this is [My Name].”
Man: “Hey, uh, so, I’m sitting in [Other Local ER]’s waiting room. They just took my blood pressure and it seemed high; can you tell me if it’s high or not?”
Me: “Did you say you’re sitting at the [Other Local ER]?”
Man: “Yeah! So, my blood pressure was [a very normal and perfect pressure]; is that high?”
Me: “Unfortunately, sir, I can’t give you any medical advice over the phone, but since you’re sitting in another ER, you could ask them, or I could refer you to a nurse hotline number.”
Man: “Could I get that number, please?”
Me: “Uh, sure.”
He took the number and hung up. For the life of me, I can’t figure out why he would think to call another ER to find out if his blood pressure was high.
A Grand Effort To Prevent Disease
CURRENT EVENTS, GRANDPARENTS, HEALTH & BODY, MEDICAL OFFICE, MICHIGAN, NON-DIALOGUE, USA | HEALTHY | APRIL 10, 2020
My aunt was about to become a grandmother and wanted to make sure she was clean of any diseases before visiting her daughter and newborn grandchild in the hospital. She had suspected that she had a cold and wanted to make sure it wasn’t anything worse, so she set up a doctor’s appointment.
When she went in for her appointment, the doctor came into the exam room in a full hazmat suit.
The doctor apologized and explained that it was a new protocol when seeing patients who might have a certain disease. My aunt was given a clean bill of health and will see her first grandchild soon.
Weird Is The Word
HOSPITAL, IMPOSSIBLE DEMANDS, PATIENTS, USA | HEALTHY | APRIL 9, 2020
I work in an ER as a health unit coordinator, which means one of my many jobs is answering the phones. I’m not allowed to look up patients’ medical records except for in certain circumstances.
The phone rings.
Me: “[ER], this is [My Name]; how can I help you?”
Man: “What’s this word?”
Me: “I’m sorry?”
Man: “This word in front of me; what does it mean?”
Me: “Sir, I can’t see what’s in front of you. Could you spell the word out for me?”
He spells out a word and I write it down; it’s not a word, term, or medication I’ve ever heard of before. I pronounce it how I assume the word would be pronounced.
Man: “What is it?”
Me: “I’m not sure. Uh… how can I help you?”
Man: “This paper here said to call this number for the pharmacy if I had any questions, so I did!”
Me: “Sir, this is the ER.”
Man: “Oh, really?! Can you, like, look up medical records?!”
Me: “I’m sorry, but unfortunately, I can’t do that.”
Man: “Really? You can’t look it up for [Man]?”
Me: “No, I’m sorry, I’m not allowed.”
Man: “Aw, man! Okay, well, have a good night!”
That was one of the weirdest calls I have ever gotten.
Self-Isolate Before It’s Too Iso-Late
AUSTRALIA, CURRENT EVENTS, HEALTH & BODY, HOSPITAL, STUPID | HEALTHY | APRIL 8, 2020
This call takes place in mid-February 2020, just as the panic is starting but before any of the major lockdowns in Australia. My hospital has just opened up a testing clinic but is only accepting patients who meet certain criteria. I’m a switchboard operator, and we’re not medically trained and are not meant to give advice, but in this strange new world we’re in we are finding ourselves having to triage callers to help lighten the load.
Caller: “I heard you guys are testing for that Corona? Where do I go?”
Me: “Okay, first, I just need to check that you meet the criteria to be tested. Are you currently experiencing flu-like symptoms?”
Caller: “Yes, my husband and I have a fever and sore throat.”
Me: “Okay, and have you been overseas in the last fourteen days?”
Caller: “Yes, we just got back from Italy two days ago.”
Me: “Okay. It sounds like you do meet the criteria to be tested.”
I give specific instructions for how to access the clinic using a special entrance.
Caller: “Okay, thanks. We’ll come in soon. Oh, also, my aunty is admitted there with you guys at the moment. Might as well kill two birds with one stone and visit her while we’re there!”
Me: “Umm, no, please don’t do that.”
Caller: “Huh? Why not?”
Me: “Uh… They ask you to self-isolate if you believe you have it. I would not recommend visiting an inpatient.”
Caller: “What? Oh, yeah, I guess that makes sense. Okay, we won’t visit her, then. Thank you, bye!”
A Depressing Misunderstanding
CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES, MEDICAL OFFICE, NURSES, USA, WORDPLAY | HEALTHY | APRIL 7, 2020
I’ve recently started antidepressants, and a nurse calls me a few days later to check on me.
Nurse: “How are you feeling? Are the meds working for you?”
Me: “A bit better, but I’m still taking stock.”
Nurse: “What was that?”
Me: “I’m taking stock? To see if I feel better?”
Nurse: “You shouldn’t be doing that.”
Me: “What? Why not?”
Nurse: “You shouldn’t be taking anything not prescribed by your doctor.”
Me: “But I’m taking stock; it’s just an idiom. Because I’m not sure yet whether the medicine is working.”
Nurse: “Would you like me to have the pharmacy give you a call?”
America, Ladies And Gents!
BILLING, COLORADO, EDITORS' CHOICE, HEALTH & BODY, HOSPITAL, NON-DIALOGUE, STUPID, USA | HEALTHY | APRIL 6, 2020
My dad needed to get his physical done and went to our family doctor. The doctor’s office was located in a sort of strip mall setup along with other private practitioners and specialists. This building was, in turn, located directly adjacent to the actual local hospital, even sharing the same parking lot.
As part of the physical, my dad was getting blood drawn but the nurse had difficulty getting their needle into his veins, meaning he had a needle probing in his body much longer than usual. Eventually, his body decided enough was enough and he seized.
Worried for his health, they quickly loaded my dad onto a gurney and wheeled him across the parking lot to the ER where he was quickly diagnosed as being fine. After he recovered, the blood draw was rescheduled and he headed home.
Fast forward a few weeks: a bill from the hospital arrived. Since he’d gone to the ER, my dad was expecting a high price, but this proved to be even more than expected by several hundred dollars.
Looking through the itemized bill, it was mostly the expected expenses: ER visit, fluids, etc. What stuck out was the several-hundred-dollar ambulance service my dad apparently got from being wheeled across the parking lot on a gurney.
He fought the bill, saying he might have paid if they’d at least put him in an ambulance and let him turn on the siren.
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