"Get her in today, see if she can come in at four. I'm gonna need you to skip your next break and stay late to help me out"
I mentally cursed because I really don't wanna stay any later than I have to, but to ensure this patient receives the attention and care she deserves I will. I would really hate to see this lady have a full blown anxiety attack because we failed to get her in to change her medicine. All anxiety attacks aren't bad but when a person cannot control their emotions during one it can be bad. I've seen people go into panic mode and start crying because they swear they're dying. Some people just cannot handle the thought of feeling as though they can't breathe or control the feelings accompanied by anxiety. Most of the time it's worse than it could be because the patient has gotten themselves worked up. I try to do my best to calm them and help them see they're okay. Not only that what she says she feels could be something much different and my doctor would be at fault if something happened to her and we overlooked her call.
"Alright, no problem"
I hurried back to the phone, I've been away from it for way longer than I should have. When I picked it up the lady was still pleasant on the other end.
"Julie? Sorry to keep you waiting. The doctor would like to see you today at four, will that work for you?"
"Yes it will, thank you so much young lady"
"You're very welcome. I'll see you this afternoon at four"
Once the phone call ended I leaned over and held my head in my hands.. I'm just over everything today. I have never felt the way I do today about my job but I'm just not in the mood. Working front desk is wonderful for some people, especially people who enjoy talking on the phone, scheduling and having more in-depth conversations with the patients. Back office is less complicated to me, it's faster than front office. But I like it much better, I like to stay moving and sitting here staring at a phone and a computer isn't my thing. I actually miss having get the patient in the room and ready to see the doctor.
I looked down at what I had been doing before the phone call and slid the glass window and called a patient so I could get them checked in.
"Nasir?"
I wasn't expecting to see the person that walked up to the window, after all the encounters we've had I never remembered his name until now.
"My favorite MA, how are you today?"
"I'm good, why are you here again? Should I be worried about you?"
"No. I ate some seafood. You know.. the usual"
"Boy.. how many times are they gonna tell you to stop eating seafood? You know you're allergic Nasir"
"I know. I just had to have some crab legs and shrimp. But I won't be eating it anymore, I have hives all over my body"
The closer I looked I could see the change in his skin, this reaction is bad in my opinion. Seafood cannot be that tempting, if you're allergic stay away from it.
"I see, well let me get you checked in so you can be seen by the doctor. All your information is still the same, correct?"
"Yes ma'am"
"Okay, you should be called back within the next five to ten minutes"
"Alright. But don't think I forgot about our conversation at the gas station. You never called me"
13. Practice Makes Perfect.
Start from the beginning
