I had the dentist appointment for the three girls written down on the calendar for 11:30. The day before I got the regular reminder phone call. I only half listened. I was planning on the appointment. And then as I was getting ready to hang up I heard her say the appointment was at 11:45. “Um just a second. Did you say the appointments are at 11:45? I have 11:30 written on my calendar.” She said she would double check, and then confirmed that the appointments were for 11:45? “Okay,” I told her, “I’ll change it.”
The next day we arrived right on time. When I got there she said, “Are you ‘Irish?'” I nodded. “Oh good,” she didn’t look happy. “I’ve been trying to reach you.”
“Is something wrong?”
“You’re late. You’re appointment was for 11:30.”
“Uh…” I explained what happened but it was obvious she didn’t believe me.
We returned the next week for a filling. I left with plenty of time to get there on time, but I did not plan on being stuck at one stop light for 20 minutes, thanks to the road construction. When I explained my ordeal to the same lady as to why I was late she just rolled her eyes and said, “Uh huh!”
I wonder. If I were in her shoes, if I would have believed me either. I doubt it!
There was no reason to not believe you. She acted inappropriately. Even if she didn’t believe you – it’s never appropriate to roll her eyes at you. Ridiculous.
I don’t know how many times I’ve changed dentists because their receptionists were constantly rude. Is it a prerequisite to working in a dentist office I wonder.
I turned up one day, couldn’t remember what time my appointment was, and thought I’d phone, but as I couldn’t find the number and was in town I popped along just to check “is it 2pm or 2.30pm?” NO APPOINTMENT AT ALL!!!! Thankfully the girl remembered overhearing one of her colleagues make the appointment a couple of days before, and they had a space available if I just waited 10minutes – Whhhheeeeww!! I was never so relieved – after all my dentist is 120 miles away from my house – YES that’s a 240 mile round trip, however a trip to the dentist also means an opportunity for shopping!! 😀
I totally agree with Mari!! Stuff like that needs to stop. Things happen, but to roll her eyes, that is just plain ignorant!
I always double and triple check appt times and still manage to mess up. I do agree that the receptionist should have been more professional – I changed pediatricians because I really had issues with the office staff.
I agree with everyone else. She should have believed you in the beginning or simply checked it out with the person who verifies appointments. Customer service is something that seems to be lacking in our socieity these days. I always get a name in a situation like that. There was no reason for you to have to reschedule your appointment. Doctors are normally running late also so I am sure she could have politely seen if she could have worked you in.