My son had an 8:30 appt and we arrived before 8:15AM. After almost 2 hrs in the waiting room watching other patients come in after us and leave, we were still not even in a exam room yet. My son (a Senior in high school)had informed me of a important make-up exam the night before and now we were going to miss it if we weren't seen soon. I went to the front desk to nicely inquire about and explain our situation. There was no apology, show of concern, or explanation for our inconvenience. I then attempted to reschedule but he was booked for the next 6-7 weeks. I decided to find another MD with a more efficient office, less rude staff, and no overbooking. We've already been seen by someone else (who agreed that 2 hrs is a ridiculous wait) and only had to wait 15 minutes in that MD's office. I was an office manager of an MD's practice in Florida followed by a Bachelor's in Nursing so I am knowledgeable about the medical field. I understand extenuating circumstances but communication is key when providing a service to patients as is just basic respect. I don't recommend an appt with this doctor unless you have plenty of time to waste.
Addendum: I got a call from Dr. Fowler's ofc AFTER posting a few reviews. This person only referred to me by my last name; negligent, resentful, or disrespectful, I couldn't care to decide. "Dr. Fowler wants your son back on the schedule" she demands as though it is an edit from God. I hadn't asked to be contacted; in fact, I had said I would seek healthcare elsewhere when I left the ofc. There are other ENT's in town. Furthermore, I am sure that as consumers WE choose the services we retain and where we spend our healthcare dollars. "You will have an early appt" she said as I hesitated, stymied as to why I was being called (the reviews?). I HAD an early appt (there were only 2 or 3 other people waiting in the room at 8:15A) and I STILL waited almost 2 hours. As I posted my reviews for this ofc on other sites I read of another who had the same experience, 2 hr wait, no apology.
Saying "I'm sorry" is not an act of humiliation; it is an of contrition for the inconvenience you or the service you represent has caused. I've done it a million times in my career in healthcare. The gesture is magic but more importantly, it is RIGHT. But I'm not their mother or ofc manager and can't teach them basic manners. I have a good relationship with my other health health care providers. If you check my reviews, you will see 4, mostly 5 stars. Furthermore, Dr. Fowler may be a good physician; I don't know, I'm not commenting on his skills as we never saw him on this visit. And since not one person from this ofc has uttered a single word of regret as I told the person on the phone, "It's not happening." I'm incredulous that they would think otherwise. read more