Staff not identified
 

Have you had this experience: You walk into a new doctor's office, sign in and then have your name called out loud by someone behind the desk. You get up there and an unidentified individual takes all your info, makes copies of your IDs and then calls you by your first name. Then your name is once again called out for all in the waiting room to hear by yet another unidentified person and you're escorted to a room by someone who then takes your medical information and vital signs. Again no identification on that person. At last the person you came to see comes in and identifies him/her self. The assistant with the Doctor or PA or NP has no name tag. So you have no idea who is privy to your information. Not even a first name. Not a verbal introduction. Isn't it time we all demand that staff in a doctor's office be identified by a name tag with at least their first name and their credentials. Otherwise, if there's a problem, when asked who you spoke to, you're reduced to describing hair, clothes and complexion. Ridiculous. I'm a retired medical professional who starting, as a student, proudly wore my name and credentials and always introduced myself to the person with who I was about to ask to disrobe in front of me!

What did your doctor say when you brought it to his/her attention?

She cannot bring this up to her doctor because she'll be considered a PIA ....if she is even permitted to remain a patient. My doctor in TV actually told me some patients are known as PIAs. I had to ask him what that meant.
I think they remain anonymous so they cannot be blamed for anything they do or say.

Sorry, I think that is a weak excuse. If nothing else, most physicians would appreciate someone letting them know DISCREETLY about HIPAA violations. Notice I said Discreetly. If you make a scene in front of others you reap what you sow.

You're right, discreetly is the key word.

The o.p. asked if we had this same experience.

I don't ever remember the person giving their name that called my name but does say the name of who is coming to see me. And doctor will see you now has always been without last name.

I've had none of those experiences here in the villages except calling out my name to have me enter the inner sanctum...how else would they do it?

If they don't have a name tag what is preventing you from asking their name? Seems easy enough to do even though a name tag would help.

Hey Bogie Shooter-is your comment of asking what the doctor said the same as asking what the manager said in your replies about restaurant problems?

This is pervasive throughout TV. I have found this in all the medical offices whether it be physiology, medical, podiatrist, opthamology, or neurology. I am a nursing administrator of over 35 years. It was essential for all employees to wear a badge that clearly displayed their name and credentials at the hospital that I practiced. During an eye exam recently a nice young lady with no badge, was performing duties that were normally something performed by the MDs . At least the state I previously lived. She had no education other that what was taught to her by the office. No certification, nothing. But that is another issue her in Florida.
The wide use of unlicensed ancillary staff. How do I know? I asked her. The least that should be done for the health care consumer is proper identification of staff.

The name badge displaying the person's credentials is essential, especially in the hospital, ER and Urgent Care setting.

Patients deserve to know if they are being treated by an MD or a P.A., and patients need to know the MD's specialty training and board certification. On that note, patients should always go to the state licensing board and read the practitioner's license status, disciplinary measures in process or determined, other states the licensee has left, and what specialty training and board certifications the person has and must continue to take coursework and exams in.

In talking about the person at the front desk of a Dr. office, I don't really need to know their name.

Generally true. But if the receptionist takes on the role of doctor or nurse and decides you can wait weeks when you call to be seen by a dr. today for something you sense is serious, I want to know his/her name. Then I'm going to call and ask for the dr. to call me at his/her convenience, and tell them this person is holding the door shut.

That's a little different. The Dr. I used to go to had 3 girl's at the front desk. If I called, I would ask their name if I had a problem. I only meant when I go to the office, I'm going to see the Dr. so I don't need to know who I just talked to at the desk.

:bigbow: Well said and so true!