Copied from email to my prescriber at this location...
On the last appointment I had scheduled with Julie W...Read moreilcox on 1/17; I notified this provider that I had influenza since 1/10 and remained seriously ill. In fact, I still had fevers of 103+ and was treated for pneumonia. The response I received was her advising me of the $99 missed appointment fee.
As a fellow clinician, I am fully aware of the business of providing care. That said, in the year that I’ve been a patient at Thriveworks, I’ve never missed an appointment. In fact, I’ve been extremely accommodating of my provider’s schedules (I’ve had four in the 11 months as a patient.)
As an advanced practice registered nurse, and widely known health advocate, I am asking your owners and office manager to reconsider this penalty. My reasons are two fold. First, having been extremely ill, I would not have exposed their providers by coming to a non-urgent appointment. Additionally, your office is on the second floor. I have a pre-existing disability (as does my son) that makes it difficult to access my appointment when well; therefore, having flu/pneumonia, I would not have been able to safely access my provider.
I advised Ms. Wilcox that I take my behavioral health needs seriously, and that I did not feel she was a good fit. Empathy for a patient as more than a “number” or “fee” is critically important in our field. As my prescriber, you can attest to this first-hand. It is my intent to keep you as my prescriber as I am quite comfortable with our current treatment plan. In fact, I referred my husband to you when he was seriously ill.
It should be an easy decision to waive that late fee, as I have been a good, reliable patient. Ms. Wilcox’s decision resulted in loss of a weekly, insured client; and, left me wondering if I would continue to refer patients, friends, neighbors, colleagues to your practice. I will await their response.
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