Urgent Care

I went to urgent care this week. I wanted to see my personal physician, but could not get an appointment, until the next week. I had an issue with my blood pressure, it was much higher than normal. I could not get it to normalized, and had blurred vision.

The clerk at the Urgent Care Clinic, asked me what my issue was and she told me they can not do anything about it. She went on to say they were backed up and it would be 70 minutes before I could be seen. I leaned over and told her “you know people can have strokes because of a high blood pressure”. She asked me what was my blood pressure, I thought really. I told her and suggested she tell the nurse or the doctor. She said to have a seat! I told her I was going to my car.

I called a colleague to discuss this issue, because I was fuming, and could not continue to be upset. I did not want to go to the ED because of COVID issues. Dealing with ignorance and a health emergency can produce more stress and anxiety than needed.

Approximately 60 minutes later I received a called, and was told they were ready to see me. I asked if this was the clerk, and she replied yes, and I told her, I would not be coming in, I toke care of myself. She replied oh you went to the ER, I said no, but I am fine. I also told her she should not tell a patient what they need, before I could finish speaking to her, she hung up on me.

Everyone wants to be the expert! I was trying to remain calm to ensure I did not exacerbate my blood pressure. On another note, people with pets can get same day appointments when they have an emergency, but I digress.

I lived to tell about it and want to ensure that those that are in the healthcare profession treat all patients with respect. All though my encounter was not with a medical professional, this probably is not the first time this person has taken the liberty to triage patients for this clinic. This is a very dangerous practice, and next time I will go to the ED. The results could have been devastating for me.

Stay well!