I am livid!

[AirmensMom]

Last edited Fri Dec 4, 2020, 10:44 AM - Edit history (1)

I slept on it to see if it would help. It didn't.

This week I had 2 appointments that I couldn't skip. The first one was the optometrist on Tuesday. I was a few months overdue and scared to go. But I'm over 60 and there are some things that run in my family, so I need to stay on top of it. They told me to wear a mask and stay in my car until they called me in. Once I went in, there was no one else there except staff. They all were wearing professional well-fitting face masks, and they were wearing them properly. The exam went well and I had to choose frames. The optician had several frames laid out for me to try. He wore a mask the entire time. As I rejected frame after frame, he gathered them up to take them to their sanitizing room. Finally I found a frame, paid the bill directly to him, and I went on my way. He said I'd be going through his door to pick up my glasses when they arrive, to avoid walking down the hall from the waiting/reception area. That was great. Not once did I see anyone take off their mask, lower it, adjust it, or wear it below the nose. Those masks were just part of their faces.

Contrast with my appointment yesterday at the gastroenterologist's office. The lady at the reception desk was wearing a mask. Meanwhile, another lady kept walking back and forth behind her, wearing a mask below her nose. When they called me in, the nurse who took my temp, weight, etc., was wearing her mask below her nose. I was relieved to finally be shown a room. But there was nowhere to sit except for right next to the computer desk where the next nurse was. And I mean RIGHT next to it. No social distancing. When the PA came in, I complained about the nurse wearing her mask below her nose. She sort of rolled her eyes at me, but at least she had her mask on properly.

So next I had to go to scheduling. Now the below-the-nose nurse was wearing hear mask properly. And again, I had to sit right next to the computer desk where she was sitting. The room wasn't any bigger than a coat closet. The furniture is built-in, so the best I could do was to sit on the far side of the 3-foot-wide bench. She lowered her mask below her nose almost immediately and began talking non-stop. I sat there fuming, afraid to say anything. Then she suggested we go to Cracker Barrel for supper b/c it was so late and we had a long drive. When I told her no way, we're not eating out, she looked at me like I had trees growing out of my head. Honestly, if there was a way I could wish for her to get sick and die without infecting anyone else, I'd sign up.

Finally it was time to check out. The lady taking my credit card had lowered her entire mask all the way to her neck. I backed up as far as I could, but I did have to be able to give her my card and get it back.

Mind you, this was not an optional visit. I have to have a colonoscopy this year, and I'm terrified. These were medical professionals who couldn't fucking figure out how to wear a fucking mask! So they don't want to wear one all day? Fine! But at least in front of patients! Good god, what is wrong with them?

I'm in deep red TN. Cases are growing exponentially in my county and the county where these doctor's offices are. But they simply don't take this virus seriously. I am terrified but also livid that they put my life at risk. My husband is convinced that the staff for the actual procedure will be more careful. How do I know? I won't be wearing a mask during it!

There are no other options in this area. I don't know what to do. Do I have to choose between dying of COVID and dying of colon cancer? Who can I complain to? How can a doctor's office that actually performs invasive procedures be so much more lax than one that simply does eye exams and sells eyeglasses?

Fuck Trump! Fuck his followers! Fuck religion and racism and all the other stuff that makes people act this way.

As I said, I am livid!

Update:

I just did a search and found out that their county has a mask mandate in effect through Dec. 31, "... businesses, organizations and venues open to the public shall require the use of face coverings or masks by employees and the public." Of course, churches are exempt because, you know, stupid. And restaurants are sort of exempt. I don't see where a medical office is exempt, unless it's the "open to the public" part since you need an appointment. Does this change anything as far as who I could complain to? I mean, it doesn't specifically say the masks have to be worn properly, to cover the nose and mouth. Yes, I'm parsing words, trying to figure out in what universe this behavior is acceptable.

[MLAA]

1. You should be livid.

Unbelievable. So much is unbelievable these days.

[AirmensMom]

4. Can't argue with that.

Living here has been a challenge. The fact that they still can't put 2+2 together is disturbing.

[mopinko]

2. call the practice manager.

they are in charge of all the employees, medical or clerical.

[AirmensMom]

3. Thanks.

Is that what the person is called?

I'm not trying to be difficult ... but what if their response is the same? Is there anyone outside the practice I could complain to?

[mopinko]

9. if that doesnt help

find their corporate hq.
some places also have a patient's ombudsman.

[Delmette2.0]

15. County or state health departments?

[PatSeg]

18. Is there another doctor you can go to for this procedure?

I think that I might have walked out early on in the visit. Their behavior and procedures were inexcusable during a pandemic. If this is how they handle office visits, how do they handle colonoscopies? The fact that the carelessness was so pervasive is really disturbing.

[SharonClark]

5. There is nothing more stupid than medical personnel who ignore safety precautions.

Your frustration is understandable and they are everywhere.

[Maraya1969]

6. I would report it on Google reviews. That's what I've started doing.

And perhaps send a message to the doctor in charge.

[Ferrets are Cool]

7. The same thing happened to my wife with almost identical things happening...

we were equally livid at what transpired, especially after the nurse told administration that we were "extremely disrespectful" to her after complaining about no mask in the waiting area and other infractions.

Bottom line, she called her Dr. and explained the situation. He was very upset. The end result is that the nurse was replaced and the office policy was changed. Then next visit was a completely different experience.

Doctors wield a lot of power. It might behoove you to go that route. Good luck.

[Meowmee]

8. Report it to the doctor

The practice manager and the local health board if the doc etc does nothing. Tell them you don’t feel safe since they are not wearing masks properly and removing them.

[Hortensis]

10. Yes. The practice reflects the doctor, REPORT IT TO THE INSURER.

Liability/malpractice carriers. Insurance companies know how to exclude coverage, or cancel policies altogether. They do it all the time. They also reevaluate risk and increase next year's premiums.

[PatSeg]

19. That was what I was thinking

Such attitudes often start from the top if everyone is equally careless. I would have a hard time trusting that doctor if his/her entire staff is so negligent.

[Hortensis]

26. Yes. If any of us were that doctor, no mask would be pulled down

or hands unwashed. No slips and no excuses allowed. Routine gross negligence like that is best regarded like cockroach and rat sightings: see one and assume there's a whole nest.

[PatSeg]

28. The procedures my son and his family

have experienced with doctors, dentists, and the vet have been very extreme when it comes to masks and social distancing. In most cases, you stay in your car until someone comes to get you and there is no contact with anyone that is not absolutely necessary. There is NO sitting in a waiting room with other patients and no one goes without a mask PERIOD.

I can't believe what this poor woman went through. Clearly no one in that office is taking the virus seriously. It is a tragedy just waiting to happen.

[Hortensis]

33. I'm going to a waiting room today, but I'm directed to a door at the back,

not their usual, temps taken and questions asked on entry, and I expect to spend minimal time there.

I also was shocked that any physician could be this negligent, and clearly aggressively so, at this point. Obviously he couldn't get away with elevating political statements over patient and staff safety in a town where patients had more alternatives.

[PatSeg]

52. It really is hard to believe that any doctor

would be so careless under the circumstances. I would assume any doctor would be aware of what is happening in hospitals all over the country. How could they possibly be oblivious?

That sounds similar to what happened when they took my one grandson to the doctor, but they went directly from the entrance to the examining room. I think they may have been taken out a different exit.

[Meowmee]

40. Yes good idea to report to the insurer as well

[d_r]

11. wait

the nurse wanted to go to cracker barrel with you?


My deep story from deep red TN small town. At first our dog groomers would only come out to the car to take in dogs and bring them back out to you. Now they are wide open, no one in there wears masks and customers coming and going and standing around in there don't wear masks. We waited in the parking lot for it to clear out. We won't go now.

[AirmensMom]

13. Lol no.

My husband had to drive me, so “we” was referring to him and me. I sure didn’t make that clear, did I?

Our experience with our veterinarian was different. First there were no masks, but at least they made us wait in the lobby so we wouldn’t be with other people in the reception area. Next time, they told me to wait in the car but didn’t tell me to wear a mask. Everyone there had one one, though. The receptionist had one that looked like an American flag ... way to disrespect our flag by getting your droplets all over it. But whatever. That was late October. Haven’t been there since, so I can’t be sure what’s going on now. We did have a County-wise mask mandate through October 30. So I guess it’s a free-for-all now.

I am just hoping none of our fur babies need any care from anyone for at least several months. Fuck MF45 for making this political.

[csziggy]

37. My vet's office doesn't let any one in

You park in their lot and call in to be checked in. They come out with masks on to take your animals into the office. They either call for your credit card number or take your card in for payment. The veterinarian calls you to talk about your animals.

I took my two girl kitties in on Wednesday and then went back yesterday because we realized the boy kitty had missed his feline leukemia booster. I have to take all three back around Christmas for their boosters.

I feel very safe with their procedures.

Oh - my dentist's office does the same - when you arrive, you call to check in. When they are ready for you, the dental technician calls you to come inside. The office staff is already behind shields but they are wearing masks. Both the dentist and his techncian wear mask and face shields.

[Meowmee]

42. I have been delaying

Dvm appointment for my furries. Then dvm emailed and said a staff member tested positive for covid so they are closing for a couple of days and going back to pet drop off from the cars. Most docs and dvm now have you wait in the office and many take temperature etc. I do not want my furries going in by themselves and their vaccinations can wait so I may wait until this new covid wave or whatever they are calling it has subsided and we can really be safe to bring them in etc.

[csziggy]

45. I'd already put it off

One kitty that I adopted in September turned out to not have been vaccinated for rabies in over a year. Sabra was the most traumatized cat and it took a month for her to come out from under the bed regularly so we wanted to wait until she was more comfortable before we traumatized her by stuffing her in a box and handing her over to strangers to do nasty things to her. That worked - she was a little unset the first night after but now she is back to being only slightly spooky and letting me pet her. Maya just needed to be checked for parasites, so it was easier to take her in at the same time.


The cat I took in the vet yesterday had gotten his shots in September but he ran away and was gone for a month so he missed his booster. We didn't realize until they were reviewing his records along with the girl kitties records so we had to start that series of shots over again.

Three weeks from now I have to take all three in for their boosters and then they don't have to go back for a year. I will probably push their next visit back for a year from January to make it easier with holidays and all. By then, Covid should be under control and everything will be almost back to normal - I hope!.

[Meowmee]

46. That's good

It went well with Saba and the others. I am worried about my two being alone, one is a former tnr who I took in and he was not totally tame then but he is now. He has had an us with no sedation though but I am worried he might get scared, it has been a while. And my other boy is a skittish siamese but he was alone for a bit at our former dvm for his neuter. My main reason now is the uptick in covid and the positive test there. They can follow good practices there but may not while not there etc. My guys are totally indoor so I will just wait, but I may bring in a poop sample to drop off at the door. Otherwise I plan to wait until after the current wave and until covid vaccines hopefully if they come soon enough. 3 at one time oh no 😀

[csziggy]

47. What's funny is that it was a total battle to get Maya in the carrier

My husband finally got hold of her without me in the room. I warned the vet techs that she might get nasty since she hates being held, but they said she was sweet. Sabra, the traumatized one, goes completely passive, but then she is less friendly later.

Lucas, on the other hand, surprised them. When they opened the carrier, he just sauntered out. He was raised in a home so is not formerly feral like the two girls. Good thing, since he is the largest and could really tear somebody up if he wanted to!

[Meowmee]

49. It is so strange

The way they all react so differently with their backgrounds. My tnr guy is a big guy too and a total mush now but he is easily startled at times due to living outside. He actually lets me pick him up now but not really carry him around, I never would have imagined it- and clip his claws and rub toothpaste on his teeth, a toothbrush will be next, lol. He bit me outside too, but not aggressively.

[Skittles]

48. I too am satisfied with both my veterinarian and dentist

Last edited Fri Dec 4, 2020, 05:29 PM - Edit history (1)

they're very vigilant about Covid prevention procedures

[csziggy]

51. It's great to see people paying attention, isn't it?

Now I need to take care of the rest of my health stuff. I have to go back to the dentist to get the crown on the tooth that was prepared in January. By the time they opened back up in July the crown they had made didn't fit since my teeth had shifted. they didn't call me back for an appointment once the new crown was made and I had to cancel my next appointment since I had bad sinusitis. Stuff snowballed and I haven't made the next appointment. I'm going to wait until after Christmas to see where things are then.

I haven't gotten the scans done that should have been done in March to see if my kidney cancer has returned - it's supposed to be done once a year for at least a couple of more years. Plus I had a small procedure to get done after my January colonoscopy that just hasn't seemed worth it to try to schedule. And now I think I need to get my foot X-rayed to see if I broke more than my toe when I stubbed it over three weeks ago. I am five months past my annual eye checkup.

And for all of this, I just don't want to deal with it. Aside from worrying about Covid exposure away from, I've gotten too used to being alone and not going anywhere. I'm reclusive anyway and now I just have excuses that reinforce it.

[Skittles]

56. yes

I too have a dental issue in progress; covid has delayed my treatment - my dentist hours changed, making it harder for this night worker, but I'm getting there. I research every place I go - they have have covid procedures on their website AND observe them for me to be a customer. Yeah, I hear you about not wanting to deal with stuff - I feel like I just want to hide out until both Trump and the virus have been stamped out - but hey, there are some things that cannot wait......now go get that foot x-rayed, you have to take care of your feet!

[d_r]

39. Thanks for clearing up for me!

[Meowmee]

41. I thought that too and wondered why she invited you to eat out 😹

[Hortensis]

12. AirmensMom, these people reflect their GE's attitude.

Most people do not get seriously ill, much less die, from Covid, even the elderly don't, and I'd go through with it rather than skip for a long period.

But you know you really need a new GE; this one's negligent attitude is likely to be reflected in ways you can't see. If you don't need frequent visits, a practice can be as far as you are able to travel. Another state you're insured in. And, especially with your history, you might not have to miss much time finding a new one at all.

I just got established with two new specialists within a week of calling for an appointment, not the usual several weeks for new patients. My first ophthalmologist appointment (needed because of a new medication) is this afternoon, four days after calling. There will be no time spent filling out papers in the waiting room, already done on line and over the phone.

Also any reputable physician would understand your dilemma full well, and many would arrange to get you in. I'm sure they're all passing around plenty of horror stories about other practices.

Btw, if you have a next visit with this one you might take a few pix "for your collection of friends." Smile at them while you do it. They won't be able to do a thing except maybe warn others before you get there.

[mnhtnbb]

14. You can't be surprised that an office which specializes in assholes would have

some working there.

No, seriously, many docs who are specialists hauling in big $$ are Republicans. They worship money and it's not surprising they would be Trump supporters. Given the location--red Tennessee--even more likely.

It has less to do with the type of practice than politics. Republicans are attracted to money and Republican docs will choose the specialties where there are big bucks rewarding them.

https://www.kaptest.com/study/mcat/doctor-salaries-by-specialty/

[Illumination]

16. Speak up! You should not be treated like this. They all need to be exposed! Too bad you didn't

take some photos..... .....I'm livid also just reading about this!..... .....What's wrong with people?..... .....Best of luck to you!.....

[Meowmee]

43. Yes my thoughts as well, take pics for evidence

[DownriverDem]

17. Where I live

(Michigan) I would call the State Department of Health. They would be fined big time and shut down. Hate to say it, but I could never live in the south.

[Leith]

20. I would have spoken up

First, I would request that the person dealing with me at the moment wear the mask properly. As long as that works with each one, I would be fairly okay with it. Not happy, but the first mark on the side of satisfied.

If that does not work, my voice would get louder. One eyeroll and the doctor gets notified. Any other sort of noncompliant behavior (including not masking properly, rudeness, whatever treatment I don't like), I would let them know that I am reporting it to the county as Delmette suggested and, as Hortensis suggested, the insurance company.

There is absolutely NO excuse for medical personnel in a medical office to be half-assed about safety during a pandemic with more than a quarter million dead, millions more with lifelong serious health issues because of it.

I learned 40 years ago that causing a righteous ruckus and having people look at you is really not such a big deal.

[csziggy]

38. I think that is called "good trouble" nt

[BobTheSubgenius]

21. I was at a lab last week, getting blood tests.

They had stickers on the floor, of course, and there was space for 2 people waiting to get to the admissions counter, and, of course, one person at the counter. Everyone else was spaced down the hallway outside the office.

They had protocols in place, let me tell you. You didn't even hand them your medical card. You held it out to them while they scanned it. There are no payments involved, unless you are a visitor to Canada, so that part is moot.

Medical offices and facilities here are stringent.

[Disaffected]

32. Same experience here.

The lab even had a receptionist who required you to don one of their masks (no outside masks allowed).

[jcgoldie]

22. "Of course, churches are exempt because, you know, stupid."

Great line Im going to use it sorry for your stressful appointment hang in there

[Ligyron]

23. Can someone tell me what's with this mask below the nose?

Besides they’re just stupid? Is this some secret Q anon signal maybe?

Or is there any reasoning involved like they think nose hairs catch and kill all virus or what?

I’d ask someone doing it but I’ve actually never seen it. In fact I rarely see anyone without a full mask when inside an in closed space unless they were eating.

Maybe I’m just lucky in where I live and visit, IDK.

Thanks.

[LuckyCharms]

35. It's a combination of apathy and stupidity. nt

[Meowmee]

44. It is easier to breath with your nose out

As an asthmatic that is my guess. I have adjusted to kn95 now when I had covid pneumonia and went back to er I could not wear one so switched to my clothe one with filter. Now I always wear kn95 or a surgical mask. Kn95 have a pointed open area which leaves more space for your nose.

I also noticed many people have not figured out that you have to press the band around the nose for it to stay on properly. I have to be careful if I remove my goggles between places because my mask loop can fall off my ear when I remove the goggles. Unfortunately I have fogging issues due to my glasses even with a mask alone and worse with goggles. I have not figured a way around it yet. I saw Dr Vin show a smaller goggle attachment on tv that encloses your glasses and seals around your eyes but I can’t find them anywhere. I am planning to try contacts again but am avoiding the eye doc for now due to not feeling it is safe. An er doc told me contacts will not cause fogging issues so he wore them when he was working in ambulances but in the er they got dried out due to the ventilation so he switched back to glasses then.

[Ligyron]

57. Wow, hope things work out for you with all that.

[Meowmee]

58. Thanks 🤗

[mgardener]

24. Call the county health Dept.

Where the dr. Office is as ask what the policy is.
Then explain what happened.
I am having surgery on Tues. My husband drops me off at the front door and I will not see him till he picks me up the next morning..

To get into the lab to get a COVID test today, my temp was taken and I had to answer questions. I will have to isolate till Tues.
Everyone was masked. The waiting room chairs were at least 10 ft apart. There were chairs in another area for extra psople

But I live in NY.
We do not mess around.
Too bad other states did not learn from ours and other state 's sickness and death toll.

[The Jungle 1]

25. Kids not using masks

It kinda burns my buns that so many parents bring their children into stores without masks. I know the kids do not get Covid but they can spread it. The parents will have a mask on but the kids are running wild with no mask. Clearly the parents do not care about me.

[Lars39]

27. Kids do get Covid

[PatSeg]

29. Yes and some do die

Also, we have no idea what long term damage they might suffer even if they don't get very sick. This is the big unknowable about COVID.

[Lars39]

30. Yes! This virus can really mess you up, no matter what age.

My grandchild got it from a babysitter. She's over it, but who knows what health problems she might have in the future because of it.

[PatSeg]

50. We've never confronted anything quite like it

Microscopic blood clots in the lungs, heart, and brain in people who were asymptomatic and damaged organs in people months after first contracting the disease. The more we learn about COVID, the more frightening it becomes. I can't help but wonder how many seemingly healthy people walking about are ticking time bombs.

[Lars39]

54. Yes, very concerning

[CoryTrevor]

31. After a similar experience, I wrote a long letter to the president of the hospital.

A representative called me on the phone the next day, and I believe some staff were replaced.

The next time I had to take my child to that hospital, at least staff were in compliance. Not so much the patients and family members in the waiting room.

[LuckyCharms]

34. Use these words while piecing them with your eyes:

"Put your mask up tight over your nose and keep it there".

If your colonoscopy is routine, and they give you any shit about this, walk out of the office, go home, write or call the doctor in charge, and ask him/her to refer you to another GI doctor and transfer your records immediately. If they tell you that you need to sign a piece of paper in order to do that, tell them you will email them with your permission to transfer the records, and that will be all of the documentation they will be receiving from you because you feel you are at risk because the staff does not take proper precautions. If he/she still gives you shit, contact your lawyer, the AMA, your county health department, and complete any/all online reviews for this practice.

If the colonoscopy is of an emergent nature, tell the doctor that you expect him or her to set you up with an alternative practice immediately to perform the colonoscopy. If you are given any further shit explain the hell that will be cast upon their practice by your lawyer and the AMA.

Pardon my french, but don't fuck around. These people are not your friends, you don't have to be nice to them. You have a professional relationship with them, and they should be expected to act in a safe and professional manner.

I once had an office receptionist tell me on the phone "We are not doing telephone visits. Just come in. Stop being so paranoid". My reaction was "You said the wrong thing. Let me speak to Dr. X. If he is with a patient, I'll wait on hold". I gave Dr. X an earful, and I received an apology from the receptionist. I also got a phone appointment.

[Vinca]

36. If your colonoscopy is just a routine check and you have nothing to make you think you've got

anything going on, I'd cancel the appointment until sometime in 2021 after people are vaccinated and things settle down. I've been putting off everything for the time being unless I think it's absolutely necessary. It's not worth the risk of Covid as far as I'm concerned. I can't believe how negligent the medical people were in that gastroenterologist's office. You should write a note to the doctor about it.

[CabalPowered]

53. Similar experience

We had to visit the pediatrician for flu shots and wellness checkup for our toddler this week. 3 out of 4 parents and kids were not masked. The staff was good though. A few weeks earlier, I went to quick care after pulling a muscle. Went to go check in, told I could not wear my N95 and I'd have to don a brand new disposable mask. An administrator walked right in, no mask. Deep red Idaho, hospital at 95% capacity.

[radius777]

55. Look for a doctor in blue areas.

Even a red state like TN has blue areas, ie the metro/urban areas, who likely would take the virus more seriously.