LITTLE ROCK — DEAR READERS: A reader recently complained about rudeness at one of her doctor’s offices. Here are some insightful comments from my readers:
A reader, via e-mail, says: “I think that intelligent, committed, compassionate doctors outnumber the duds, but people are up in arms when they have bad experiences with incompetent or rude doctors, especially given how expensive medical care is. Two thoughts: If you have overall positive feelings about your doctors, then cut them some slack if you have to wait. If you have a standing appointment with a doctor who’s always late, call to ask whether you can come late. If you don’t have positive experiences with your doctor, then write a cordial note explaining what the problems are, or find a new doctor.”
Patsy Binford, via e-mail, says: “Having been on both sides of this coin, as a patient advocate in a hospital and an office manager for doctors, I feel qualified to comment. It is simple: Tell those waiting if there is an emergency or the doctor is running behind.Most people, even when they do not feel well, understand this, and when their time comes, the doctor will spend the necessary time with them. Communication is the customer-service key that works wonders! However, there is never a reason for a ‘front office’ person to be rude and uncaring to patients. Patients have responsibilities as well. Being on time, with paperwork in order, is so helpful to the staff.”
DEAR HELOISE: I just read about the reader who had a bag of self-lighting charcoal ignite in his hands. We use self-lighting charcoal to start the fire, then add regular charcoal to it. There is no danger of a flare-up this way, and the regular charcoal is significantly less expensive.
- Sherry Keiling, Montville, N.J. Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or e-mail
Style, Pages 32 on 09/28/2010