I think I have finally lost it. After 10 days of waiting (on top of 4 weeks) and 6 separate phone calls, I am still high and dry with no test results and no new thyroid drugs. It’s a long story, but here are some things I said (okay, screamed) to the medical assistant that I probably shouldn’t have:
I don’t know why I paid so much money for nothing. I was better off with my Endocrinologist.
I don’t care if you were at a funeral – you are not going to make me feel guilty about your lack of organization.
My hairdresser had a better maternity back-up plan, and all she was worried about is that my bangs were too long.
She ended the call by saying I was discharged as a patient, and not entitled to my results. I can fill out paperwork to have the results sent to my new doctor (whoever that might be). I called back an hour later and apologized, but it doesn’t really get me anywhere closer to a solution. Me and my big mouth. After two years of “it’s in your head” and “we don’t have your results” and “you are in normal ranges” and waiting and waiting…I just can’t take it anymore. I can’t just sit around and leave my fate in the hands of people who don’t listen and don’t care.
For the first time since my surgery, I really feel helpless. I’m depressed and sad and I don’t know what to do. I am a pretty educated patient…I know the system, the science, the speak. I am willing to pay whatever it costs, and in this case, paid it all up front. Yet I am in worse shape that most other patients that just shut up and do what their doctor tells them to do. Is that what I am supposed to learn from all this? That it’s ME and not THEM?
I wish I could forget my “before” life. Then maybe I wouldn’t grieve it like this.
Thyroidless 
Man, I hate most doctor’s offices…and those nazi office bitches that hold court there. I’m so sorry!
Such a great way to put it! I have really had my fill after working in pharma. At least now I don’t have to bring them lunch after they patronize me.
One of the important points about HIPAA is that your data is yours. Even nontraditional providers have to provide your information. Put the request in writing and tell her you will be pursuing legal action. Remember your mood is medical. Good luck and hugs.
I agree. Legally they have to give you your results. And by the way, that woman is not a nurse. She may not even be a medical assistant because apparently she’s never heard of HIPAA. And any doctor who cares about patients doesn’t run an office like that. She wasn’t in an unexpected accident. She’s known for months she was going to give birth and didn’t prepare for her patients’ care. Doctors arrange for a colleague to cover the practice all the time. I”m sorry to hear this happened. This office doesn’t know that they are just one more chapter in a years’ long story. I sympathize and completely understand why you’d blow up at them.
I did mention HIPPA and that they were MY results. She said I need to come to the office (90 minutes from my house), sign paper work, and then pay $25 and $1 per page. I am so annoyed and over it. I plan to connect with the holistic doctor I saw in Southfield before I was diagnosed…hoping she can help.
Sarah that SUCKS!! I agree with previous comment, you should write a letter and tell them you are seeking legal counsel!! See if you have a friend or know someone that is a lawyer that might write the letter for you!! Those are your results, they can’t keep them from you indefinitely! Especially since you had to PAY up front for them!