So..why did I bother to tell you..

[Mytical]

when I have to repeat the same thing a dozen times? One thing that really gets me is when you go to the doctor. The receptionist asks you why you are there. Then the person who takes your vitals asks you. Then the nurse that sees you right before the doctor, and then the doctor him/herself. So why did I bother telling the first three if I just have to tell the doctor? Do they think it will change or something?

[HYHYBT]

Maybe hoping for a different answer?

[Andara Bledin]

They're all asking the same question for different reasons.

Plus, if the doctor confirms with the patient whey they're there, it covers their ass in the case of possible mistakes.

[AccountingDrone]

Receptionist is asking for coding the insurance billing, intake is asking because they might need to take additional vitals or take them in a different manner, and doctor because it is the start of how you are trained to conduct an exam.

[crashhelmet]

Receptionist is asking for coding the insurance billing, intake is asking because they might need to take additional vitals or take them in a different manner, and doctor because it is the start of how you are trained to conduct an exam.

Yes, but you're also asked when you make the appointment.

it should be recorded in your file and they should check it as they go through each step. If it's not in their, the first person to ask should include it.

Appointment Taker: What is the appointment for?
Nurse: You're here for "X"? Ok, let's check this and this in addition tot he standard weight/BP?Temp/etc
Doctor: It says you're having issues with "X"? Can you describe it?

When you show that you're attentive to your patient/client, you'll find them more trusting and comfortable.

[AccountingDrone]

When I call for an appointment, they want to know if I need certain bloodwork done [if I am coming in for something involving either my diabetes, or a medication adjust,ent/tracking] if it is a pre-existing or new condition. She also prescrens if I need Doc Campos himself, or if one of the PAs or other docs in the practice can handle it. If it involves pain control, I deal only with Doc Campos himself.

[PepperElf]

Yes, but you're also asked when you make the appointment.

it should be recorded in your file and they should check it as they go through each step. If it's not in their, the first person to ask should include it.

do the receptionists see those notes? i could be wrong, but if their job is primarily office-based (scheduling, calls, etc) then they might not have the same kind of access to the files.

Or, if they do have access, it might be something they're not allowed to discuss with the patient. I remember from a "not always working" story that the worker was allowed to give the results to a patient, but wasn't allowed to explain what it meant and that the doctor would have to do this. (can't remember if it was HIPAA or liability or both).

[HYHYBT]

Part of it is going to be time and accuracy. All of the people who ask are also dealing with other patients. They're not bringing the whole office to a screeching halt to go off together and discuss what your issue is, and as PepperElf said, they don't all have your file with them right then. Asking you yourself what's wrong is quicker, and also less likely to lead to a mixup among patients who are all there at around the same time.