Am I nuts

[MCKH]

So on July 7th I made the $650.00 appt. with the backup OB for my mandatory meet-n-greet and the optional "big" ultrasound for the 27th. My husband took the day off work and we were SO excited to go - nervous, of course for the ultrasound, but super excited.

Well, I gave the office my home number and then they asked for my cell. I gave it to them, even though my cell is mainly in the car and just for emergencies. I rarely use it or look at it. Yesterday I happened to notice there was a message - from the 9th - from their office saying they would have to reschedule me so could I call them back. I can't believe they didn't try my house or leave a message on my answering machine and I can't believe they only tried to contact me that one time - over two weeks ago!

Am I crazy to be pissed about this? I told my sister and she said, "Well, they tried.... It's not their fault you don't use that phone." That's true, of course, but don't you typically try someone's house BEFORE you try the cell??? And don't you typically call again in a few days if you haven't heard from the patient??

Now I am so incredibly disappointed that I will probably have to reschedule for next week or the week after... I guess I just feel like for $650.00 in cash they should TRY to get ahold of me, kwim? It just as easily could have happened that I showed up on Friday fully expecting my u/s!

Am I nuts to feel this way? Is this my fault? I am debating whether or not I am going to say anything when I call this morning.

[YummyYumYumMama]

I would be seriously PO'd. My cell is not at all the best way to reach me and I would way rather that people just call & leave a message at home - I check those every day. My cell messages don't get checked that often and I just don't use it as often. I think the default used to be to call someone at home and THEN try the cell but these days everyone assumes that everyone else is glued to their cells and try only that. Grrr. At least you found out now and not while you were on your way to the appointment! When you call to reschedule tell them that contacting you/leaving messages at your other number is a much better way to get in touch - and that it would have been nice if they had tried to reach you there too!

[DucetteMama21842]

Oh man that sucks! I'm so sorry! I agree with MmeMuffin... so maybe when you go in you could mention that the house was the first number given and it's the best way to reach you. I would also gently inform them that it is frusterating when you aren't tried on both numbers. Maybe then they can improve themselves for other clients.

[minsca]

You aren't nuts. I would be pissed if I had to pay $650 for an u/s and then not followed up on the proper number. I'm very much like you, I rarely have my cell phone on, and even if it is on, I rarely check it. I'm a sahm when I was single and always out then it would have been a good idea to phone my cell... now not so much. But they deal with parents all the time... you would think they would know this information!

[MCKH]

Well, I called and the secretary was super rude on the phone. She did not want to hear what I had to say and just cut me off straight away, no apologies or anything. The earliest appointment I could get is a week from Friday. I am so disappointed I have such a bad feeling about this doctor - first the high fees, the rude staff, the way they were not willing to get me in sooner even after they had to cancel on me. I really don't want to see him at all, but I do want an ultrasound and I do need to meet him for my midwife to continue with me.

I am not really sure what to do at this point. I really like my midwife and feel good about the out-of-hospital birth, but this backup office is really, really bothering me. I want to feel good about going to see my baby but I feel like I want to avoid these people. I'm not into superstition or even much into intuitions, but I am now wondering if all this is telling me to look elsewhere for care. I am actually emotional about this, which is very unlike me...

[YummyYumYumMama]

I think it wouldn't hurt to keep your appointment but see what your other options are. At least then no matter what you decide you'll know you went with what seemed like the best choice.

That being said - I like my MW practice and have heard great things about it. But the people in charge of ultrasound are so frustrating. One of them was REALLY nasty to me and LAUGHED at me when I told her I could feel movement (at 17w1d). They've also all made me feel awful about how "uncooperative" my baby is during u/s and how I'll probably just have to keep coming back for more because they can't get a good view of my "frickin baby." I hope I never have to see them again - such jerks. I'm glad that they won't be around when I give birth!

[bigeyes]

Isn't there anywhere you can file consumer complaints against doctor's offices?
I mean, they are a business like anywhere else, and they do work for you.

[DucetteMama21842]

Yeah... I would definitely research my other options... but see how this pans out with the appointment thing. I'm a big believer in trust your gut, but I can't remember if you were saying this was your only option or not.... If it isn't... I'd still look around and find a RESPECTFUL OB to be your back up.

[crsta33]

I would tell your midwife about the frustrations with the backup doc. And be comforted knowing that chances are your birth is going to go beautifully at home just as you have planned and you won't have to deal with the backup doc and his staff. Also, his staff isn't necessarily a reflection of him...he may be all right.

Best of luck.
Christa