to feel annoyed by what this doctor's receptionist said?

[DoctorRobert]

Phoned our surgery yesterday to make an appointment for DH. He thinks he may have an ear infection on both sides, but not sure. Could be something more serious given his history.

Made an appt, and she then asked for a brief overview of the problem. I replied "it's a problem with his ears" - was vague as obviously we don't know.

She then laughed and said "oh, selective hearing is it?!"

Now, DH has had a lot of problems and bad luck with his ears. He has permanent partial deafness on one side due to a brain injury last year; he has an unrelated cholesteatoma (growth) in the other ear which has also caused hearing loss and he has been undergoing surgery for. Will need another operation next year.

I know that the receptionist isn't party to his medical history, and she was just making a lighthearted joke. Men never listen do they, oh how funny. But AIBU to think that given a receptionist doesn't know a patient's history or what the outcome of their appt may be, that they shouldn't be making jokes at all?

I would say that you should lighten up.

Everyone is so miserable all the time. It's wearing.

Yes it was a little thoughtless of her, but said without malice, she probably had no idea she was doing harm so I'd brush it off as one of those things. She probably thought about if afterwards and had a little cringe.

Yab over sensitive.It wasn't offensive, it was a lighthearted comment.

Here, take my grip. You need it more than I do!

Why does the receptionist want to know what the problem is? Is she a doctor?

Quite funny... But not for you so YANBU but it was light hearted...

yanbu, yes she was trying to make a light joke, but what's acceptable chat at say a supermarket till with a customer you know might not work with a client on the phone.

At the same time, it would be a shame to get her into big trouble over it. If you mention it to the gp or the practice supervisor they might take too seriously and hand out a reprimand, when all that's really needed is a check on training re boundaries in customer service.

I would have been inclined to say, "no he is stone deaf, which is why I am making the appointment an not him" Just in a light-hearted way, like!

YABU

They always ask at my doctors lem so the GP has a brief idea of what is coming up next.

I think you are being a little oversensitive.

Monty - have you been wanting to give your grip away for a while? Im not sure this thread was really the best one to give it out on. You may need it for someone more deserving.

They are supposed to ask LEM, it's so they can make a brief note on the system to give theGP/PN heads up of why you are going. You are not obliged to tell them though, you can just say its personal, or I would rather just discuss its with the Dr.

What a large chip on your shoulder. Is it heavy?

Maybe I do need to lighten up, get a grip etc...I guess I am sensitive over his health - the brain injury nearly killed him and his deafness is a permanent reminder.

LEM They always ask for an overview of the problem, which annoys me a little. I suppose it's for the GP to see before the appt.

Oh sorry, I missed the bit about the brain injury which can't be great for him/you.

But I still think it's nice for people to try and raise a smile. She wasn't being malicious.

Yes Tee, it is extremely heavy. I live with constant anxiety over his health. Thanks.

Sometimes it's helpful to know what the appointment is for, e.g. if a nurse appointment to take out the ear syringing equipment or make sure the travel vaccinations are available or adequate time if the appointment is for a smear etc.

I think it was a lighthearted comment, as the OP in fact agrees. Just at the wrong time for her.

You're welcome. Glad to help.

I have never been asked by a Drs receptionist what the appointment is for, if the doctors are full and there is a nurse prac on the premises they will ask if its something the nurse can help with.

Of course when i was a veterinary receptionist i ALWAYS asked

Im so surprised at everyone who gets asked what thrir appt is for. I ring "Can I see a GP today?" and get a "yes at..." or "no, but I can do...."

How odd

YANBU at all. It's not appropriate for a GPs receptionist to be making jokes about people's health. She should know better considering she deals with potentially seriously ill patients on a daily basis.

No need to try and get her sacked tho.

I think you are over thinking it. It is nice not to have a miserable receptionist, frankly.

Tee, id rather have a chip or two than be a bit of a prat

I actually think that whilst the receptionist meant no harm, it was a thoughtless comment and pretty unprofessional actually.

She's just trying to be friendly.