A couple of days ago while at work, I hear one of the staff answer the phone. I overhear the staff member trying to be as cordial as possible but trying not to outright cuss the person out on the phone. After the conversation was over, I asked about it. Apparently, the client wanted to bring in their dog to "have the doctor check his leg. I know his leg's broke 'cause he won't put any weight on it but I just want the doctor to tell me whether it's broke or not."
Client had asked about costs, so staff member told them about the office call charge and the average cost of radiographs to diagnose a fractured leg. Costs of treatment would, of course, depend on what the actual problem turned out to be, and radiographs would be necessary even if it were obvious the leg were fractured to determine the type of fracture and surgery vs. splinting/casts.
Client - "I don't want no x-rays! I know the leg's broken but I just want the doctor to tell me it is."
Staff member had proceeded to explain that the doctor may have to do "x-rays" to be able to tell whether or not the leg was truly broken. Client continued to complain and staff member told them that they could discuss that with the doctor when they brought the dog in for an exam/office visit.
Client - "I ain't paying for no office visit! I just want the doctor to look at my dog's leg and tell me it's broke!"
Client never came in with the dog. I hope the dog is ok.
Unfortunately, I have to deal with things like this all the time at my workplace. I truly love the calls of people who refuse to bring in their animal and expect a doctor to diagnose their pet over the phone. Most of the time, these clients have "looked it up on the internet", therefore they "know" what the problem is and just want me to write them a prescription for whatever cure is described on the website.
Remind me again why I wasted my 21 years of schooling (including 8 years of college) to get a doctorate degree when I could've just looked it up on the internet?
