My father-in-law, a 40-year coast guard veteran, rose from sailor to Commander. Along the way, he picked up some wonderfully colorful expressions, many of which the family still uses today.
Most are better saved for another day. But one, "Doctors are like plumbers, if one doesn't work out for you, you go to another," applies here.
I used Lifespan Behavioral Health Services for more than seven years. I stayed with this practice because one thing was always clear: The patient came first. No more. Perhaps due to new ownership, money is paramount here now and patients, well they are just supposed to accept that or move on.
Recently, I "missed" my first appointment. A telehealth appt., I mistakenly clicked on the wrong practitioner's link. Only 10-15 minutes later when I saw this, I fixed my mistake. But my practitioner (who was online) told me it was too late. I'd need to reschedule. Soon after I received a bill for more than $150 for the "missed" 15-minute appointment. (My first missed appointment in seven years!) I asked my practitioner about this (a nurse, not a psychologist) and she said I was late, and she had to move on to the next patient. No empathy, no second chances, the cash register came first.
Moving on to another psychological practice isn't something you do lightly. You've bared your soul to people and getting someone else up to speed takes time. (As Richard Lewis wryly said about the necessary recap, "the crib alone takes six months.")
But I'm doing it. Yes Pop, I'm choosing another plumber. Because to quote you again, "Ain't none of us getting out of this one alive," and I'd rather work with people who want to see me thrive; who care more about their patients than their bank accounts. read more
