On the morning of August 21, I needed to find a gastroenterologist and located Dr. Raja M. Din. Because I had a concern, I wanted an appointment as soon as I could make one. Dr. Din's office uses an online appointment service called Zocdoc, which indicated there was an opening at 3:20pm on the same day, which I made. I had to create a Zocdoc account, log in, provide copies of my insurance card and other information. The appointment was made and off I went to work meetings.
I left my last meeting early in order to get to his office in the middle of an ill-timed downpour. I finally make it to his office at 3:05pm, glad that I got there early.
Within a few minutes I was called to the counter and told by a staff member that I did NOT have an appointment. Zocdoc was mistaken that the time slot was available ("sometimes it does that", I was told) and they absolutely did not have any other openings. Sorry, no appointment. She also told me I should have called first to confirm. How many times do I need to confirm an appointment?
They use an appointment service that fails to work properly and it's my fault Zocdoc was incorrect about the opening? If I was in the system (apparently they knew I was coming) why not contact me, since my phone number was provided. Somebody dropped the ball on their end. Either they weren't updating Zocdoc or the service failed on its own. Other doctors' officers sure have been able to contact me when a change is made to a schedule.
I'm not sure if his office staff really understand how frustrating it can be when their system fails. Patients (and potential patients) often have to make big changes to their work day or other commitments to come to the doctors office, some of us must take leave. It is generally condescending to be asked "can we make an appointment for you for another day?" knowing they made a big mistake; not to mention I'm standing there soaking wet after running in the heavy rain. I was there because of a health concern, not to schedule a casual visit. No way would I make another appointment since my time and health are too valuable.
I can't review the doctor's own service because their system failed before I had the chance to see him. read more