Liebling:-)))

Many bosses or owners (I am not saying all) are coward and get their secretaries or employers do dirty job, make excuses or deny the customers, etc. for them.


As what Lucia described that the Receptionist refused to make a new appointment for her and deny her to face doctor sound something fishy to me.


The Receptionist or Secretary doing their job on their bosses's behalf. The Receptionists or Secretary will get in trouble for deny to make a new apppointment without doctor's behalf if the doctor or boss found out.

I would advise Lucia to look for another doctor.

We have similar problem here as well... Our boss asked us to find any excuse for him to deal with the customers sometimes... something like that, "he is not here - you will get next appointment soon... until or cancel the appointment... Oh well... I know that we are not alone but many secretaries and Receptionists doing their job on their bosses's behalf.

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*sniffing you*

Deafness

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Kalista

I had my Ob/Gyn doctor over twenty years, we struggled to get an interpreter because she thinks writing on the notes will be helpful. I said, Hello.... medical terms can cause misunderstand each other. I decided to switch to a new OB/Gyn doctor few months ago because they willing to request an interpreter anytime I had the appointments with them. I am so happy with new doctor for a better communication accessible to make sure what the procedure would be next.

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Enjoy the Autumn time as much as we can. The foliage are such beautiful in Vermont and New Hampshire.

Kai Onca

It doesnt matter WHO broke the law in the doctors office- regardless of his/her postition-

when they're on the job- its the doctor's responsiblity to make sure his/her employees are following the law- they are representing the doctor's business and helping run it-

the doctor is at fault too under the eyes of the law

-cheers

Jasper Fair

You should explore the NAD, National Association of the Deaf, home page, home, deaf - National Association of the Deaf website. There it will explain many of your rights that you are entitled to under the ADA. You can also print that off and fax it/ give it to your Doctor (lawyer, etc..) and at the same time you request an interpreter to be at your next appointment. If they still refuse, then file a formal complaint with the Department of Justice (DOJ) under Title III of the ADA 'effective communication public accomodation'. It may take a long time to get results... 4-6 months has been my experience... but the point is not to let them get away with treating Deaf like second class citizens! Usually what happens after the complaint is DOJ will set-up a time to 'mediate' between you and whomever you are complaining about. Often, the Doctor/Lawyer will see that just spending this much time away from the office... 1-3 days to mediate... it would be cheaper just to get the interpreter. You have to stand up for your rights to at least make it easier for the next Deaf person who comes into their office... they will know exactly what is required of them under the law.

Hope this helps!

Jiro

I agreed with most of you that what receptionist did was abhorrent but not illegal. Like restaurants, they can refuse to serve the customers. Doctors can refuse to treat you (as long as it's nothing discriminant - race/gender/etc.) and non-emergency. Obviously - you need to seek another doctor because that doctor is not interested in treating patients. He's just worried about protecting his ass.

I somehow understand the doctor's concern because there could be a miscommunication in pen-paper and he would be held liable. I know it's silly when you simply want a med refill but doctors are constantly under duress every single day because he can easily get sued for anything. That's why doctors are dreading about very high malpractice insurance costs that they have to pay. There's article from CNN relating to your situation. You did right thing by ripping him a new ass - file a complaint with ADA and everybody.