Doctor's office refused to provide interpreter!!!

LuciaDisturbed · 10-02-2007, 05:09 PM

Today I went to my doctor's office and when I got there they refused to see me. They said they can't provide an interpreter for me and then I offered to use paper and pen (I was out of meds and needed new scripts NOW) and they still refused to see me. They told me that it is the law and that they are not certified to WRITE BACK AND FORTH. WTF?! And they refused to get an interpreter...I asked for an interpreter months ago when I called ahead to make an appointment!!! The lady was so rude to me and she took the paper and tore up the paper I was writing on and said "this conversation is over, end of discussion" and had an attitude and everything. Her behavior was so unprofessional!!! She told me to go somewhere else. I was so upset and when I left the office I went on my Sidekick 3 and told my fiance everything what happened. My fiance's boss just happens to deal with ADA laws and so my fiance told his boss everything and she called the doctor's office and took of the whole mess. Now I just have to call the AMA (American Medical Association) and see about getting that bitch fired. Her behavior was very unprofessional!

LakeTahoe · 10-02-2007, 05:19 PM

OH GOD! That's not right! That's very nonprofessionals!!! I hope she get fired and hire a nice sweet one! UGH I hate when I have to deal with that kind of situation!!! I hope you able to find a way to get more medication.

Banjo · 10-02-2007, 05:36 PM

Whoa.

shel90 · 10-02-2007, 05:39 PM

Wow! Not required to write using pen and paper? What is she, trippin'?

Hope she gets fired and hope u are there the day she gets fired to say "Hope that teaches u a lesson on sensitivity!"

Phillips · 10-02-2007, 05:46 PM

Jeez!! Hope she get into biggest trouble! what if you have problem serious sick heart and need medication!! huh GRR... Make sure Ada and Ama will take care of it!

diehardbiker · 10-02-2007, 06:00 PM

Im smellin a decent lawsuit right here. What would I do? Dial a attorney who specialize in ADA and have good long conversation. Let him or her do all the work and screw these doctor office. Hope this goes on headline!

jillio · 10-02-2007, 06:11 PM

Absolutely file a complaint with the AMA, and also with peer review in your state. And if I were you, I'd call a local reporter and have the story put in the paper. I don't usually recommend vengence, but this is unacceptable behavior, and the whole town should know what kind of ethics this doctor has.

LuciaDisturbed · 10-02-2007, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LakeTahoe

OH GOD! That's not right! That's very nonprofessionals!!! I hope she get fired and hire a nice sweet one! UGH I hate when I have to deal with that kind of situation!!! I hope you able to find a way to get more medication.

I talked to my old doctor and was able to get some of my meds refilled today, but need to get two more refilled tomorrow. I'm good for tonight and tomorrow night, though. The reason I left my old doctor was because he made me wait hours to see him, I don't have all day to wait to see him. But I may go back to him if my new doctor's office pulls this shit again.

LuciaDisturbed · 10-02-2007, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jillio

Absolutely file a complaint with the AMA, and also with peer review in your state. And if I were you, I'd call a local reporter and have the story put in the paper. I don't usually recommend vengence, but this is unacceptable behavior, and the whole town should know what kind of ethics this doctor has.

It wasn't the doctor himself that did this, it was one of the receptionists at the office that did this. So, I am going to make another appointment with the doctor and see how I like the doctor himself. My fiance is going to come with me to the appointment and If the receptionist pulls the same shit again, he will take care of the situation face to face, and I will go elsewhere.

shel90 · 10-02-2007, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuciaDisturbed

It wasn't the doctor himself that did this, it was one of the receptionists at the office that did this. So, I am going to make another appointment with the doctor and see how I like the doctor himself. My fiance is going to come with me to the appointment and If the receptionist pulls the same shit again, he will take care of the situation face to face, and I will go elsewhere.

Is the doctor aware of the situation?

LuciaDisturbed · 10-02-2007, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shel90

Is the doctor aware of the situation?

No, I never even had a chance to meet or talk with him at all. They refused to let me see him.

Tousi · 10-02-2007, 06:59 PM

Whoa is right!

Grummer · 10-02-2007, 07:17 PM

i had a similar problem last year, not the doctor but an arrogant and uncooperative receptionist made it hell for me, when she didnt book me to see the doctor (GP) after receiving the letter from hospital about my tinnitus which was saying Id need a referral to see a stress counsellor, and or have some medication to reduce the symtop of it (which now im on tebonin that seems to help abit). The whole thing was down to 'how she read the letter and decided its not important enough !!, what right she got to decide ! i mea a request is a request and its not her decision !!!!!

oh, by the way, just as i played into getting the smilys out , i noticed gossip is too very hearies , all oral!, is there some smart Deaf computer nerd/freak who could put in the gossip smileys with hands flaring, waving about? just a suggestion lol see below then you'd know what i mean.......ha

so yeah Lucia, its not on, eh. Hope you'd embarrass the hell of that bitch, better yet make her lose the job, if nto then demand a formal apology

cheers

jillio · 10-02-2007, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuciaDisturbed

It wasn't the doctor himself that did this, it was one of the receptionists at the office that did this. So, I am going to make another appointment with the doctor and see how I like the doctor himself. My fiance is going to come with me to the appointment and If the receptionist pulls the same shit again, he will take care of the situation face to face, and I will go elsewhere.

If she was a nurse, they have a peer review board, as well. But if she was just a receptionist, no luck. But still contact the AMA, and peer review becasue they need to know about this woman's attitude. She has no business working in a medical office...or with the public at all, IMO.

jillio · 10-02-2007, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuciaDisturbed

No, I never even had a chance to meet or talk with him at all. They refused to let me see him.

If you were out of your meds, they could have been putting your health in danger! This is just unacceptable! That doctor needs to be a hell of a lot more careful in his hiring practices!

LuciaDisturbed · 10-02-2007, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jillio

If you were out of your meds, they could have been putting your health in danger! This is just unacceptable! That doctor needs to be a hell of a lot more careful in his hiring practices!

Yeah. I was able to get more meds from my old doctor to tide me over. I got 2 meds tonight and I will be able to get the rest of my meds tomorrow.

jillio · 10-02-2007, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuciaDisturbed

Yeah. I was able to get more meds from my old doctor to tide me over. I got 2 of them tonight and I will be able to get the rest of my meds tomorrow.

I'm glad to hear that. At least that's one thing you don't have to worry about.

Grummer · 10-02-2007, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jillio

If she was a nurse, they have a peer review board, as well. But if she was just a receptionist, no luck. But still contact the AMA, and peer review becasue they need to know about this woman's attitude. She has no business working in a medical office...or with the public at all, IMO.

yeah, I second that, if a person doesnt know how to relate to clients, this is a big no-no in reception work.

Lucia, glad things is on the upside again for you.
Just be sure to get in touch with your doctor (both of them) and express clearly this sort of thing is distressing and unfair and work out a way to prevent from happening again (if you went this route).

I can now email my own doctor, ask (in advance) for an extension of the repeat prescription to be picked up from the office by email. This is the beauty of email, but have others understand your ways or needs.
You could adopt this strategy, just an idea.

Reba · 10-02-2007, 09:39 PM

There is no excuse for that kind of behavior.

Throw the book at her!

sara1981 · 10-03-2007, 12:48 AM

that not right,LuciaDisturbed but that disrespectful!

but you must approve bring paper and pens write to doctors without interpreter! oh my gosh!

i have no problems myself but my mom can interpreter for me at doctor's offices more reasons but i dont need professional interpreter! but i can doit but i would can communicate with doctors with paper and pens what doctors would says! but my mom is not pro interpreter! so my mom is nurse for CCU

you would fighting for bring down to interpreter and dont listen to secretary,whatevers but you can assit for that but you would ingore to secretary for godsakes!

IF im going to doctor's,Dentist's office and i dont need interpreter i can bring paper and pen with us and you dont need interpreter for appt what you wanted it that your choice! but i can doit so my doctors always nice and can paper and write to me and dont need interpreter for me that discuss!

you can doit what you wanted they you can called interpreter for appt that your choice i dont blame you.

Liebling:-))) · 10-03-2007, 02:35 AM

Oh my dear!

What a sucker

*shake my head disgusit*

deafbajagal · 11-06-2007, 12:31 AM

The same thing happened to me last week. I moved to a new area so had to look for a new doctor for my baby who was so sick. Not only they refused to provide an interpreter (BUT they do provide Spanish translators) because the doctor told the nurse to tell me that using an intepreter was "my problem, not his so he REFUSE to get or pay for one" - I didn't have time to look for another doctor so I had to go ahead and make an appointment because my baby was getting sicker by the minute. When I showed up for the appointment, they turned me and my baby AWAY because the doctor was "not comfortable with Deaf people." 'To add salt to this wound, the woman at the front desk asked me if my own mother would be willing to come and take my place!

I filed and faxed a complaint form with the Attorney General's Office THAT DAY but still feel I didn't do enough. My poor baby was sick - and I had to take her to the emergency room to get treatment.

This doctor needs his medical license revoked immediately. It's not even about me - this is about turning away a sick child.

PowerWCRulez · 11-06-2007, 01:11 AM

Holy drat!, just totally stupid, the reps should follow the ADA laws.

My same doctor transferred to other new job in few years ago, I joined new Park Nicollet Clinic (PNC) provider with same doctor, the reps very nice to get an interpreter while setting up an appts. I like PNC, I told my same doctor "Pls don't quit this PNC job and I want you to stay on PNC job", my doctor says "Like PNC very much", I am calling my PNC to set up an appt for blood lab to check up my chorestol test results and even medic transportation too (Northland STS Bus). I must go to clinic every 6 months for check up of my chorestol level.

Reba · 11-06-2007, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deafbajagal

The same thing happened to me last week. I moved to a new area so had to look for a new doctor for my baby who was so sick. Not only they refused to provide an interpreter (BUT they do provide Spanish translators) because the doctor told the nurse to tell me that using an intepreter was "my problem, not his so he REFUSE to get or pay for one" - I didn't have time to look for another doctor so I had to go ahead and make an appointment because my baby was getting sicker by the minute. When I showed up for the appointment, they turned me and my baby AWAY because the doctor was "not comfortable with Deaf people." 'To add salt to this wound, the woman at the front desk asked me if my own mother would be willing to come and take my place!

I filed and faxed a complaint form with the Attorney General's Office THAT DAY but still feel I didn't do enough. My poor baby was sick - and I had to take her to the emergency room to get treatment.

This doctor needs his medical license revoked immediately. It's not even about me - this is about turning away a sick child.

That's awful! I would also report that doctor to the AMA and to the press.

Liebling:-))) · 11-06-2007, 07:06 AM

Oh my dear... It's really sucker when anyone are ignorant when you need the interpreter to help you to understand... Doctor? *shake my head*.

Kaitin · 11-06-2007, 08:10 AM

Hi, Lucia:

I showed my dad your thread. He is a doctor. He was so angry at your doctor! He wrote a letter for me to give to any doctor. The letter explains the ADA. Please - anyone who wants the letter - copy and paste into Word to print for yourself.

HTH.

My dad's letter:

----

Dear physician or other health care professional:

Thank you for agreeing to see me today to discuss my medical concerns. In order to have an effective conversation and meaningful patient-doctor relationship, I need to inform you that I am deaf.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, a doctor’s office must make “reasonable accommodations” to ensure “effective communication” with to the deaf and people with other disabilities. This law applies regardless of the number of employees in the doctor’s office.

The most effective means for us to communicate would be to use a professional interpreter. A professional interpreter will facilitate an outstanding level of patient-doctor communication and ensure that our visit is as productive as possible, with little time wasted with poor communication.

The ADA does allow for other means of communication such as the use of pen and paper. For an uncomplicated, routine office visit, pen and paper may be adequate. Unfortunately, pen and paper communication is not nearly as efficient and effective as a qualified interpreter.
The AMA has an informative article on its website (AMA - American Medical Association Home Page) entitled: Americans with Disabilities Act and Hearing Interpreters. In it the AMA notes:

Although the health care professional makes the final decision regarding use of an interpreter or other alternative, the patient's choice should be given primary consideration. Also, the reasonableness of a determination not to provide an accommodation may be challenged in court in an enforcement.

Lastly, as I am sure you are aware, HIPPA rules apply to communication with deaf patients. Therefore, it may not be appropriate to use family members as interpreters without private, effective consultation with the deaf patient.

Thank you very much for your consideration and assistance.

----

I pasted the letter from my dad's message to me. But when I post it, the website for the AMA changed to a link. My dad wrote out the website address, so not a link, for the letter.

10-02-2007, 05:09 PM	#1 (permalink)
LuciaDisturbed Amateur Psychiatrist Join Date: May 2006 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 4,524	Doctor's office refused to provide interpreter!!! Today I went to my doctor's office and when I got there they refused to see me. They said they can't provide an interpreter for me and then I offered to use paper and pen (I was out of meds and needed new scripts NOW) and they still refused to see me. They told me that it is the law and that they are not certified to WRITE BACK AND FORTH. WTF?! And they refused to get an interpreter...I asked for an interpreter months ago when I called ahead to make an appointment!!! The lady was so rude to me and she took the paper and tore up the paper I was writing on and said "this conversation is over, end of discussion" and had an attitude and everything. Her behavior was so unprofessional!!! She told me to go somewhere else. I was so upset and when I left the office I went on my Sidekick 3 and told my fiance everything what happened. My fiance's boss just happens to deal with ADA laws and so my fiance told his boss everything and she called the doctor's office and took of the whole mess. Now I just have to call the AMA (American Medical Association) and see about getting that bitch fired. Her behavior was very unprofessional! __________________ We will assimilate you. Resistance is futile. We will add your distinctiveness to our Collective. Implanted left ear 10/11/06, activated 10/16/06 - Nucleus Freedom DeviantArt

10-02-2007, 05:19 PM	#2 (permalink)
LakeTahoe ~~SPRING!!~~ Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Lost somewhere on the Earth! Posts: 11,036	OH GOD! That's not right! That's very nonprofessionals!!! I hope she get fired and hire a nice sweet one! UGH I hate when I have to deal with that kind of situation!!! I hope you able to find a way to get more medication. __________________ My fairy name is Bramble Elfglitter LakeTahoe

10-02-2007, 05:39 PM	#4 (permalink)
shel90 So ready for Springtime! Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: A Desert Rat that has found herself in Maryland Posts: 11,365 Blog Entries: 1	Wow! Not required to write using pen and paper? What is she, trippin'? Hope she gets fired and hope u are there the day she gets fired to say "Hope that teaches u a lesson on sensitivity!" __________________ ~Shel~

10-02-2007, 05:46 PM	#5 (permalink)
Phillips Lets ride horses! Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Somewhere in Northeast Posts: 4,897 Blog Entries: 2	Jeez!! Hope she get into biggest trouble! what if you have problem serious sick heart and need medication!! huh GRR... Make sure Ada and Ama will take care of it! __________________ *Enjoy life today, Yesterday has past and Tomorrow may never come.*

10-03-2007, 12:48 AM	#20 (permalink)
sara1981 Batista's Fans Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: North Little Rock,Ar Posts: 2,384	that not right,LuciaDisturbed but that disrespectful! but you must approve bring paper and pens write to doctors without interpreter! oh my gosh! i have no problems myself but my mom can interpreter for me at doctor's offices more reasons but i dont need professional interpreter! but i can doit but i would can communicate with doctors with paper and pens what doctors would says! but my mom is not pro interpreter! so my mom is nurse for CCU you would fighting for bring down to interpreter and dont listen to secretary,whatevers but you can assit for that but you would ingore to secretary for godsakes! IF im going to doctor's,Dentist's office and i dont need interpreter i can bring paper and pen with us and you dont need interpreter for appt what you wanted it that your choice! but i can doit so my doctors always nice and can paper and write to me and dont need interpreter for me that discuss! you can doit what you wanted they you can called interpreter for appt that your choice i dont blame you. __________________

Today
Deafness	Sponsored Links __________________ This advertising will not be shown in this way to registered members. Register your free account today and become a member on AllDeaf.com

10-02-2007, 05:36 PM	#3 (permalink)
Banjo Mr. Movie Guy Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 4,704 Blog Entries: 1	Whoa.

10-02-2007, 06:00 PM	#6 (permalink)
diehardbiker Busy in poker room Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 5,776	Im smellin a decent lawsuit right here. What would I do? Dial a attorney who specialize in ADA and have good long conversation. Let him or her do all the work and screw these doctor office. Hope this goes on headline!

10-02-2007, 06:11 PM	#7 (permalink)
jillio Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 12,592	Absolutely file a complaint with the AMA, and also with peer review in your state. And if I were you, I'd call a local reporter and have the story put in the paper. I don't usually recommend vengence, but this is unacceptable behavior, and the whole town should know what kind of ethics this doctor has.

10-02-2007, 06:59 PM	#12 (permalink)
Tousi Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 6,366	Whoa is right!

10-02-2007, 07:17 PM	#13 (permalink)
Grummer Burn fat off your soul Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: North Island in the South Posts: 327	i had a similar problem last year, not the doctor but an arrogant and uncooperative receptionist made it hell for me, when she didnt book me to see the doctor (GP) after receiving the letter from hospital about my tinnitus which was saying Id need a referral to see a stress counsellor, and or have some medication to reduce the symtop of it (which now im on tebonin that seems to help abit). The whole thing was down to 'how she read the letter and decided its not important enough !!, what right she got to decide ! i mea a request is a request and its not her decision !!!!! oh, by the way, just as i played into getting the smilys out , i noticed gossip is too very hearies , all oral!, is there some smart Deaf computer nerd/freak who could put in the gossip smileys with hands flaring, waving about? just a suggestion lol see below then you'd know what i mean.......ha so yeah Lucia, its not on, eh. Hope you'd embarrass the hell of that bitch, better yet make her lose the job, if nto then demand a formal apology cheers

10-02-2007, 09:39 PM	#19 (permalink)
Reba Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 14,895	There is no excuse for that kind of behavior. Throw the book at her!

10-03-2007, 02:35 AM	#21 (permalink)
Liebling:-))) me in Springfield, IL '07 Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Germany Posts: 22,429	Oh my dear! What a sucker shake my head disgusit __________________ sniffing you

11-06-2007, 12:31 AM	#22 (permalink)
deafbajagal Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: USA Posts: 700	The same thing happened to me last week. I moved to a new area so had to look for a new doctor for my baby who was so sick. Not only they refused to provide an interpreter (BUT they do provide Spanish translators) because the doctor told the nurse to tell me that using an intepreter was "my problem, not his so he REFUSE to get or pay for one" - I didn't have time to look for another doctor so I had to go ahead and make an appointment because my baby was getting sicker by the minute. When I showed up for the appointment, they turned me and my baby AWAY because the doctor was "not comfortable with Deaf people." 'To add salt to this wound, the woman at the front desk asked me if my own mother would be willing to come and take my place! I filed and faxed a complaint form with the Attorney General's Office THAT DAY but still feel I didn't do enough. My poor baby was sick - and I had to take her to the emergency room to get treatment. This doctor needs his medical license revoked immediately. It's not even about me - this is about turning away a sick child.

11-06-2007, 01:11 AM	#23 (permalink)
PowerWCRulez Ubuntu Linux User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Minneapolis, MN, USA Posts: 678	Holy drat!, just totally stupid, the reps should follow the ADA laws. My same doctor transferred to other new job in few years ago, I joined new Park Nicollet Clinic (PNC) provider with same doctor, the reps very nice to get an interpreter while setting up an appts. I like PNC, I told my same doctor "Pls don't quit this PNC job and I want you to stay on PNC job", my doctor says "Like PNC very much", I am calling my PNC to set up an appt for blood lab to check up my chorestol test results and even medic transportation too (Northland STS Bus). I must go to clinic every 6 months for check up of my chorestol level. __________________ [] Astrospace IRC Chat clients [] Astrospace IRC Web [] Ubuntu Linux [] [] Personal Web [] Wheelchairjunkie [] Join FuBaR friend list [] Join MyYearBook [] [] My Mini City [] [] *SK3 Cellphone Pics -Warning, Parental Advisory Explicit Contents-* [] [] Updated: 9/10/2007 - SK3 is here! [] [] Avatar Pic: Camp Courage North 2007 []

11-06-2007, 07:06 AM	#25 (permalink)
Liebling:-))) me in Springfield, IL '07 Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Germany Posts: 22,429	Oh my dear... It's really sucker when anyone are ignorant when you need the interpreter to help you to understand... Doctor? shake my head. __________________ sniffing you

11-06-2007, 08:10 AM	#26 (permalink)
Kaitin Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 845 Blog Entries: 23	Hi, Lucia: I showed my dad your thread. He is a doctor. He was so angry at your doctor! He wrote a letter for me to give to any doctor. The letter explains the ADA. Please - anyone who wants the letter - copy and paste into Word to print for yourself. HTH. My dad's letter: ---- Dear physician or other health care professional: Thank you for agreeing to see me today to discuss my medical concerns. In order to have an effective conversation and meaningful patient-doctor relationship, I need to inform you that I am deaf. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, a doctor’s office must make “reasonable accommodations” to ensure “effective communication” with to the deaf and people with other disabilities. This law applies regardless of the number of employees in the doctor’s office. The most effective means for us to communicate would be to use a professional interpreter. A professional interpreter will facilitate an outstanding level of patient-doctor communication and ensure that our visit is as productive as possible, with little time wasted with poor communication. The ADA does allow for other means of communication such as the use of pen and paper. For an uncomplicated, routine office visit, pen and paper may be adequate. Unfortunately, pen and paper communication is not nearly as efficient and effective as a qualified interpreter. The AMA has an informative article on its website (AMA - American Medical Association Home Page) entitled: Americans with Disabilities Act and Hearing Interpreters. In it the AMA notes: Although the health care professional makes the final decision regarding use of an interpreter or other alternative, the patient's choice should be given primary consideration. Also, the reasonableness of a determination not to provide an accommodation may be challenged in court in an enforcement. Lastly, as I am sure you are aware, HIPPA rules apply to communication with deaf patients. Therefore, it may not be appropriate to use family members as interpreters without private, effective consultation with the deaf patient. Thank you very much for your consideration and assistance. ---- I pasted the letter from my dad's message to me. But when I post it, the website for the AMA changed to a link. My dad wrote out the website address, so not a link, for the letter.