I didn't know my first rant today actually went through, as I waited for my test results from the Glover Road medical clinic, before my melt down comment for anyone that saw it, so I will add to that rant. Christy Clark promised every British Columbian access to a family doctor 3 years ago. But we're getting used to her promises these days.
This is why walk-ins suck. I had the melt down, because as I first posted, after waiting 40 minutes to see the specific doctor at Glover Road they usher me into a private room and then tell me the doctor has left for the day. That was the straw. Here's why:
The Glover Rd dr had added on to the original lab test orders from the Aldergrove Walk In clinic when I had brought them in to him before i went for the tests. Long story. Went to Aldergrove first because it was new and thought I could get my own GP from there, but to no avail, just a rushed, hurry up, one issue only, what's it gonna be and then ok I'll order these lab tests to be done.
So next day went back to Glover because at least I had been there a few times and they had some files on me, and the doc there under protest, listened to my story and agreed that yes, maybe it could all be one issue and then added to the types of tests/checked off more. So then I get a call yesterday from Aldergrove Clinic saying I need to come in as the tests came back abnormal and made an appointment for today. As you can imagine my mind wandered a bit into negative territory and I was anxious to get the results. I go in and a different dr there (brother to the woman dr I saw originally) says "How can I help you"... "You called me - something about abnormal results" I said. "Oh...well, ok...let's see...ah...yes, but the results are not from tests we ordered." I explained the other dr.'s addition. "Well, only he would know why and what these tests mean. We can't do anything here. You should go back to Glover Rd."
I left there and off to Glover Road I go and as I said, after waiting for the only doctor that apparently can explain the results (?), has left. When I came in with the copy of my lab tests and explained that the dr. would know what it was about, they said he was there and I explained how it had to be him and I would wait for him, and so they put me in cue for him, and then after all that, thinking I am finally getting somewhere, and I see him in passing to the private room, he leaves! And plus I am told you cannot go to two walk in clinics in one day, because MSP will not pay for it. "But he's right here. I saw him just now"... "No, he has left." (Me thinks he just doesn't want to see me and maybe he knows he should have ordered separate tests and not added on to another dr's requisition). "But I waited and was told he was here and I could see him... No, I don't want to see anyone else, because I will get the same answer I got today - I need to talk to him! This is crazy making!"
The aide said 'don't take it out on me!' I said "I'm not, it's this crazy walk-in system." (By this time everyone in the waiting room is watching the 'drama') Now I am getting emotional and teary..."Can't you understand why, after being sick for a long time and going to the walk in clinics for a couple months now, that I finally might get an answer because I am told there is something abnormal in the tests and I need to talk to the dr about it and only that specific dr. and then the dr. leaves just as my time is due... why I might be upset?" The aide stormed through the station and haughtily threw my file on the counter and walked away. Yes, I kinda lost it.
Thank goodness a more professional receptionist calmed me down. "Yes, I am sorry, but now he really is gone for the day. No, he's not in tomorrow but he's in Saturday and here's a card. You bring it in and it says to fast track you to him as soon as you come in." So now I will wait 'til Saturday...
This has become a short novel, ... for anyone that lasted this long...Long story - short: We need more doctors that see patients full time so they can give ongoing support, know your history and can do follow up. (My doctor had a stroke and quit his practice over a year ago). A few years ago there were only a couple walk in clinics in Langley and they were open until late at night and were only for urgent care to relieve the pressure from the hospital emergency rooms. There were lots of doctors with full time practices. Now walk-ins are the norm and are everywhere, replacing many full time practices, with the drs doing some full time patients and filling the rest of their day with easy, no follow up, walk ins - give a prescription and usually close at 3:00 pm or earlier because they have filled their 'patient quota' for the day. I was told by the Aldergrove clinic that they would not order an MRI even though perhaps I needed one, because they cannot follow up on it. Stinks to high heaven.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/walk-in-clinics-patient-caps-1.3480377 read more