I tried to have an initial appointment with Dr. Lien today.
When I had made my appointment, the receptionist I spoke to over the phone did not properly answer my basic questions regarding copay (I gave them my insurance), nor did they tell me which suite I needed to go to for Dr. Lien's office. His name is not specifically listed in the building, so I was worried that I had gone to the wrong office.
When I arrived, the entire office smelled strongly of perfume, despite being an office which specifically helps people with allergies.
I had questions about my copay for my initial appointment, and about how many more appointments I would need to make in order to complete a patch test and what those copays would be, so that I could plan my appointments in accordance with my financial ability, but the receptionist refused to answer about follow up appointments. She kept saying that the patch test takes three days, but wouldn't say if that was an additional charge.
I am autistic, and I know that I did not phrase my initial questions clearly at all because I was so stressed about the perfume, so I asked to start over and apologized for my tone and also for not getting eye contact right. I also stopped making eye contact because I was worried about using the wrong facial expression. The receptionist still would not give me the information I was asking for, and said that I already knew that information since I had chosen my health insurance. I did not choose my health insurance, so I don't know why she said that, and health insurance companies can be very difficult to get that sort of information from directly, and every other doctor's office I visit has always given me that information, often without me even needing to ask.
The receptionist started calling me irresponsible, which bothered me, because I was asking about the cost of patch test appointments because that felt like a responsible question. At this point, she also repeatedly told me that I had "planned this," that I "knew what the cost was already," and that I was "trembling," which was also proof of what I had planned...but she wouldn't tell me what she thought I had planned. I didn't realize until then, but I do think that I was shaking slightly at this point, as she was speaking to me like I was a naughty child, and I felt completely humiliated, and also wasn't sure if maybe the entire thing was my fault. I thought it was okay to ask that information, and it's so hard trying to get that same info from the insurance company itself, but after this attempt at an appointment, I felt stupid and useless.
I ended up deciding to leave and didn't even have my appointment, because I feel like if the receptionists are angry at you, then you probably won't be able to access healthcare, because you have to access healthcare through them. I was very confused, and I told her this before I left, but she was so angry, and she kept interrupting everything I tried to say to diffuse the situation.
I still don't know what she was trying to accuse me of. She said that I didn't want to pay my copay, but that doesn't make any sense, because everyone knows that you can't see your doctor until you sign in and pay the copay and fill out papers.
This was an important appointment, because I believe I have a kind of serious latex allergy, but I was able to call my primary care doctor's office and get a referral to a different allergist.
I do not think that Dr. Lien's office is a safe or comfortable place for neurodivergent people. If you are autistic, please seek a different office. read more
