I was recommended to Dr. Tsai by a former co-worker who had great things to say about him when I was new in town and needing to find a new general care practitioner. Dr. Tsai might be the best doctor ever, but I'll never know because of how rude his receptionist was.
I called to ask about making an appointment, said I had never been in there before and that I was pointed to Dr. Tsai by a co-worker. The receptionist proceeded to ask the usual question of what kind of insurance I had and as I was digging my cards out of my purse I told her that I had already looked up Dr. Tsai on my insurance plan and he was in my network. I told her what kind of insurance I had and was ready to give her my info when she rudely cut me off and said "We aren't accepting new patients right now."
I understand that, it happens. But I asked why she even bothered to ask what kind of insurance I had - obviously it didn't matter- if they weren't taking new patients. Why didn't she just say that up front?
Rudely again she said, "well if you had medicare we would take you," I replied that I did not and she just hung up on me! No goodbye, no have a nice day, no sorry for the inconvenience, nothing. She just hung up!
I understand doctors get full and can't always take new patients, but there are more polite ways for staff to explain it. They could also - POLITELY - just say when they answer that they aren't accepting new patients unless they have medicare. Easy and simple.
The receptionist was just plain rude and acted as though I was inconveniencing her by even calling. Sadly, rude front of the house staff just seems to be the norm in this city.