Why does my Dr's receptionist argue with me?

I'm 7 months, I really actually love my OB but I HATE his receptionist. Amongst other times, today, I called and she argued with me instead of just doing what I asked. I asked if I could travel 8 hours away for a court date next month or if my OB would give an excuse letter so we can push the trial back. First she argued that the city we are going is only 6 hours, although I've made the drive every other weekend for years. Then she asked how long the trip would be, I said up to 3 days, and she said it shouldn't take more than 2. I will be 8 months at the time of travel, and I was told by my last OB that I shouldn't really travel that late in pregnancy. How do I handle this situation? I love the Dr but I have to deal with this receptionist every time, and all she does is argue. I'm stressed enough as it is, and don't want to lose my cool with her. I don't like being confrontational. Should I just try to change Drs or what?

Let me elaborate, I wasn't asking for her opinion, I was asking her to give the Dr the message. I appreciate all your responses, they made me laugh and put me in a better mood. My husband, because he doesn't have to deal with it, says, aww just calm down blah blah blah. So thanks for empathizing!

You don't have to confront her directly...the next time you go to your Dr. talk to him about her.
Tell him that at first you thought maybe you were being just a little hormonal, but now that ther has been several instances you believe she is unprofessional and hope that he will take that into consideration.
Make sure you tell him what is going on...tell him about this most recent time and about others so it doesn't sound like she just caught you off guard on a bad day or something.

Good luck!

I'm sure you're not the first person to have problems with her. Speak to the doctor about her behavior during your next visit, or ask to speak to someone else, like another receptionist or nurse, when you call.

There is a nurse at my OB office who challenges me on everything. I know how irritating and frustrating that is.

What a Hooker! That's why I left my last doctors office because of the staff. Just tell your doctor how you feel about her, or next time tell her that you want to speak with a nurse or your doctor about a matter that you don't want to talk to her about. Your pregnant you have every excuse to be as big of a B word as you want.

you should advise your OB of the situation and see what he says. if he is un cooperative about it then i would suggest to change dr's. Another option is when you speak with him, ask him,if when you call, if it is ok for you leave a message for him to return your call directly instead of talking to his receptionist or asking her any questions. ???

hope this helps.

I would call and ask to leave a message for the doctor. When she asks why, tell her that you will discuss it with the doctor. If she gets all pissy, tell her exactly why you don't want to discuss it with her. I'm sorry, but that kind of thing would tick me off if it was my doctor's office. I'd also mention it to your doctor. Surely, you are not the only patient being treated this way by the receptionist.

When you call with a question ask to speak with a nurse or the doctor, or leave a message for them to call you back if they are busy, that's what I do when I call my OB. The receptionist isn't qualified to answer your questions anyway, they aren't there to answer those kinds of questions.

If you love your doctor then no. You should just confront the receptionist & ask her why she must argue with you all the time. Tell her that you do not appreciate it and that you would like her to stop..her job is to be a receptionist...but of course you have to be nice about it.

Before you change doctors, tell your doctor about the behavior of the receptionist! It's a big deal and with enough such complaints she'll be let go. Seriously, the doctors take such things seriously because it effects patient care.

talk to your doctor about her behaviour. she's being rude and unprofessional. let your doctor know the situations you have had with her and let him know how much you enjoy him as a doctor but his rude receptionist is causing you to reconsider where you get your prenatal care.

I don't think you should change docs this late in the pregnancy. I do believe you should inform your doc of his receptionist behavior and asked if you could have a direct line to get to him.She should not be making it difficult for you.

At your next apt casually mention to your Dr what happened. Your Dr needs to have a talk w/ her she is probably treating other women the same way. People in those jobs are under paid and over worked. If she's going to have an attitude she's in the wrong job.

just tell her you need to speak to the Dr directly and it's not her business about what. Or you why not just talk to the Dr about the problems you have with her and let him take care of it since she works for him.

i would ask to talk to an office manager and tell them that she is arguing with her and you do not like her attitude maybe she will get a tune up or lose her job... somebody like that should not be working with the public.

I would explain the situation to the doctor. Then it will for sure get taken care of. People aggravate me so much! Good luck, if it were me I would be fighting in the office!!

i would put that lil hefa in her place quick...but that is just me. Talk to your doc or simply let her know that u didnt ask for her personal opion and limit herself of doing her job.

I would say something to your doctor. from now on when you have questions have the doctor call and directly talk to you..make sure you don't give her any details..they are none of her business...

She's a receptionist, why would you ask her for advice?!?!....ask to speak with either your doctor or someone else certified to answer your question intelligently.

Don't drop your doctor because of his evil receptionist!!! Tell the doctor about her bad attitude! Have him call you back directly! Good luck!

Talk to her supervisor. If she doesn't like her job she needs to get a new one!

talk to your doctor fisrt.. you shouldn't havte suffer cause she hates her job and has nothing better to do then annoy pregnant women..

I strongly agree with (hi there)

I'd tell your doctor about her nastiness, and if/when she starts again, politely (and this is the key that confrontational people cannot stand) tell her you are giving HER a message for the DOCTOR, not asking her MEDICAL opinion, so could she please listen so that she gets the message correct, or would it be easier for her to just take a non discriptive message requesting that he call you? If she continues, you might have to be a bit rude, and congratulate her on her "medical degree"....

I doubt your doctor is fully aware of how confrontational this woman is, or he wouldn't have her dealing with patients, especially pregnant women. You do need to discuss this with him, because you do not need the stress.

Good luck. And if you do have to get a bit rude, blame it on "hormones"!!!!!!!!!!!

Have you mentioned the problems you have w/her to your doctor? In a lot of offices, the doctor chooses the clerical staff and they answer to her; s/he will probably want to hear about it if one of her employees is giving her patients a hard time. I don't think it's appropriate for the receptionist to be doing anything outside of taking messages and setting appointments; if she's giving you instructions or contradicting instructions the doctor gives you, it becomes a liability issue (she's not a medical professional) and your doctor NEEDS to hear about it.