On Tuesday afternoon, I was training yet another new person in our department at my desk. At about 2pm or so, my phone rang, so of course, I picked it up but did not expect what I heard on the other end of the line. Here's what happened:
Me: Prior Authorization dept, this is PA Honeybee how can I help you?
Patient: Oh God, oh God, help me! I am hurting so bad. He beat the shit out of me, pushed me on the bathroom floor, and smashed my head against the bathtub!
(she sounded like she was hysterical, in agony, with a shaky voice)
Me (eyes wide, heart now racing): Have you called the police? You need to call the police and seek medical attention for your injuries!
Patient: I need my medication so I can get out of here....Oh God, what if he comes back for me? I need pain gel, I have already been hospitalized they let me go. But I need it I need it, I gotta get out of here before he comes back to beat the shit out of me again! (sounding super frantic/shaky/terrified)
Me: (heart racing, feeling helpless) You need to call the police. You need to talk to them, not me. They can help you.
Patient: they don't do anything, they don't care unless there is blood! Oh my God! Aaaaggggghhhh! If he comes back he could end up killing me, please hurry!
Me: You should call them anyway, this is extremely important. Let me see if we have received a request for your pain gel. Yes, we did earlier today, I will expedite it for you.
Patient: Oh God, Oh God! Please hurry, I gotta get outta here!
Me (in my head): Why the hell would you be calling about a pain gel Prior Auth instead of packing up your crap and getting the hell out of there? If you had the shit beaten out of you, that pain gel is not gonna do much to help you out unless you have some superficial contusions not major bodily injury as stated.
Meanwhile, all the co-workers around me stopped what they are doing, and are staring at me with puzzled looks on their faces during the exchange. My mind is racing as to her rationale, my heart is racing, and I'm freaked out.
To make a long story shorter, I got the auth taken care of for her, we disconnected, and I felt the huge urge to run down the street to the nearest bar to have a few shots to calm my nerves. Instead, I did some deep breathing and drank water since working while intoxicated is not a good idea. This was the most bizarre day I've had in my position to date. I hope it's the last, but, it probably isn't.
Oct 14, 2011
Oct 6, 2011
Busy, busy, busy!
Now that October is here, we are increasingly busy in general, but have added a new health plan to the mix and they are fairly large. GuitarGuy and Youngin' are doing pretty good, but aren't on phones yet :0( so the rest of us have our phones periodically ringing off the hook all day.
I had an urgent request earlier that I knew we were going to deny due to off label use but the MD office was adamant this was an emergency, so I complied and took the information over the phone. I had it reviewed urgently so the office could take another course of action for the patient. I am fervently hoping they don't call back to chew me out. Offices in this situation usually do call back but hopefully they chew out Snort instead. We shall see.
Speaking of Snort, he's trying to be "mentor-ish" to the newbies but I have to wonder, how does a stupid moron mentor the new hires? He doesn't read everything, he blazes through triage making errors all the time, and acts like he's the "PA God" and is infallible.
GreenGirl and I let it slip to GuitarGuy how much we really dislike Snort. We didn't say much, no details or anything, but just made a general statement....I know we shouldn't sway any opinions, we're not trying to, but if they're going to be a part of the team, I guess they should know the internal source of our frustrations. We periodically make vague comments regarding frustration to each other after a call where we had to fix one of his errors & they look at us a little strangely. Whatever.
On another note, I find it interesting how someone's reputation that precedes them can be turned on it's head once that person is a part of your company. I mean this in a good way though I know it can be the opposite as well. In my case, it is the former. GuitarGuy had a reputation as an arrogant, woman-loathing, jerk according to a source from his previous company. In my experience training him, he has had fleeting moments when speaking of his experience prior to working here, but is a pretty humble guy (so far), and seems to treat GreenGirl and I with much respect. I guess time will tell & we'll see if he reverts back to previous behavior.
I had an urgent request earlier that I knew we were going to deny due to off label use but the MD office was adamant this was an emergency, so I complied and took the information over the phone. I had it reviewed urgently so the office could take another course of action for the patient. I am fervently hoping they don't call back to chew me out. Offices in this situation usually do call back but hopefully they chew out Snort instead. We shall see.
Speaking of Snort, he's trying to be "mentor-ish" to the newbies but I have to wonder, how does a stupid moron mentor the new hires? He doesn't read everything, he blazes through triage making errors all the time, and acts like he's the "PA God" and is infallible.
GreenGirl and I let it slip to GuitarGuy how much we really dislike Snort. We didn't say much, no details or anything, but just made a general statement....I know we shouldn't sway any opinions, we're not trying to, but if they're going to be a part of the team, I guess they should know the internal source of our frustrations. We periodically make vague comments regarding frustration to each other after a call where we had to fix one of his errors & they look at us a little strangely. Whatever.
On another note, I find it interesting how someone's reputation that precedes them can be turned on it's head once that person is a part of your company. I mean this in a good way though I know it can be the opposite as well. In my case, it is the former. GuitarGuy had a reputation as an arrogant, woman-loathing, jerk according to a source from his previous company. In my experience training him, he has had fleeting moments when speaking of his experience prior to working here, but is a pretty humble guy (so far), and seems to treat GreenGirl and I with much respect. I guess time will tell & we'll see if he reverts back to previous behavior.
Oct 3, 2011
Training
Last week, GreenGirl and I began training the newbies: GuitarGuy and Youngin'. So far, so good; they are picking up their new roles pretty quickly with Youngin' being the faster of the two. GuitarGuy is slower and more methodical, but is doing pretty good.
I had to tell (demand actually) the newbies to ignore Snort's directions to leave certain information off when they triage as GreenGirl and I did not teach them that way, therefore, it is incorrect. I must admit we're getting pretty annoyed by Snort, he isn't training (thank God!) so doesn't get a say in how they need to make changes, but tries to give them insight anyway. We told them that if they want to listen to him instead that they shouldn't be surprised if they are presented with a stack of errors they made which may or may not threaten their newfound positions. It's their choice.
On another note, Mastiff Lady came into the department (gasp) 4-5 times since Tuesday last week, that's been different. She comes into our section of the department too infrequently preferring to stay in her office. Not terribly exciting from a reader perspective, but from my perspective, she at least knows we're at our desks and physically here.
I had to tell (demand actually) the newbies to ignore Snort's directions to leave certain information off when they triage as GreenGirl and I did not teach them that way, therefore, it is incorrect. I must admit we're getting pretty annoyed by Snort, he isn't training (thank God!) so doesn't get a say in how they need to make changes, but tries to give them insight anyway. We told them that if they want to listen to him instead that they shouldn't be surprised if they are presented with a stack of errors they made which may or may not threaten their newfound positions. It's their choice.
On another note, Mastiff Lady came into the department (gasp) 4-5 times since Tuesday last week, that's been different. She comes into our section of the department too infrequently preferring to stay in her office. Not terribly exciting from a reader perspective, but from my perspective, she at least knows we're at our desks and physically here.
Sep 21, 2011
Packing up my desk
So, due to the newbies joining our stafff on Monday, I am packing up my crap and moving to a different desk in the corner of the department. Apparently, this is to ensure more accessibility for one of them due to the location. Now, I agreed to change desks a couple months ago, as I don't like the orientation of my setup, but I'm a little hung up on the accessibility issue. I'm moving 2 cubicles away, an equivalent of 15 or so feet away from my current desk, and within my department's area in the building.
What exactly do they need that allows my current desk to provide better access?
Only a few things come to mind:
What exactly do they need that allows my current desk to provide better access?
Only a few things come to mind:
- The copy machine that isn't typically going to be used by a newbie for awhile.
- The Clinical Pharmacy staff-but we have phones to call them/legs to walk over to them and talk to them
- MastiffLady's office but she likely won't be coming out of it much anyway, so what's the benefit?
- The Lunch Room (?) they'd be about 6 steps closer than I will be once I move to the corner
- the Restroom-again, maybe about 14 steps closer as the ladies' is further away than the men's
Sep 14, 2011
So Slammed!!!!!
My hands are hurting increasingly. I am typing like a madwoman, and busting my butt to get stuff done but it seems almost futile. I'm tired, I'm achy, I keep getting phone calls that take forever and cause setbacks in work. We're down to 3 people this week thanks to Snort's vacation and we're drowning!!!!
Lord help us.
On the flipside, we have two new people starting next week (yay!).
We have to take time to show them how to do their new job so it slows us down (boo).
The following week we get a new health plan and a previous one back (yay for job security!)
We'll still be training the new guys, learing all about a new plan, CuteShoes is going on maternity leave, and we'll be dealing with even more workload (boo!)
Lord help us.
On the flipside, we have two new people starting next week (yay!).
We have to take time to show them how to do their new job so it slows us down (boo).
The following week we get a new health plan and a previous one back (yay for job security!)
We'll still be training the new guys, learing all about a new plan, CuteShoes is going on maternity leave, and we'll be dealing with even more workload (boo!)
Sep 9, 2011
Questions to Ponder
I just got this email and I loved it so much, I just had to post it here. Enjoy.
QUESTIONS TO PONDER:
Considered assassinated instead of just murdered? |
Where's that extra penny going to?
Clothes you were buried in for eternity?
Out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?
When Babies wake up like every two hours?
Then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?
To a horrible crisp, which no decent human being would eat?
Out of a coconut, why can't he fix a hole in a boat?
ACME crap, why didn't he just buy dinner?
Star have The same tune?
But call it a hemorrhoid when it's in your butt?
Sep 6, 2011
Ah, September.....and some other crap
I love Fall! There is something about September through December. I really love this part of the year. (we're far from feeling like Fall here, but that's ok, I can jump in the pool) Granted, my favorite holidays are during this period of time, but I think it is more than that. I love the change of weather, change of tree colors, school events, the county fair in October, my wedding anniversary, and the air seems cleaner, more refreshing.
The weather also reminds me of our favorite place in the whole wide world: Monterey, CA. I love, love, love Monterey! When I open the windows every morning, if I feel a nice chilly breeze and the air smells fresh and clean, I tell Mr.CooksALot that it's a "Monterey Day". Yep, I love Monterey. That is our "happy place", it never gets old. We got married there, and spend most of our anniversaries there partaking in the Great Wine Escape Weekend. I highly recommend exploring the wines of Monterey, very satisfying, the wineries/wine estates are beautiful, and the wines are tasty! Although we live in a lesser-known wine region, I am way more informed on the wines from the Monterey area! Ironic, I know. I will explore the local wines more, I should, it is my duty.
Here's the other crap:
My kids have been re-treated for lice, they are in the clear (yay!) For two weeks, I have been the "Lice Nazi" checking hair twice daily, washing sheets often in hot water, vacuuming like crazy, and thinking about it constantly, hoping for a quick eradication. I however, just discovered Monday morning that I became "inhabited" at some point. I was sitting on my bed, watching NFL Network with Mr.CooksALot, and I felt something moving in my hair. I fervently hoped that it wasn't what I was dreading, I asked Mr.CooksALot to check my hair, and he looked at me with this look like, "Noooooooooo"! He checked my scalp, asked me some questions to help identify, and confirmed what I was feeling was indeed lice.
(screaming incredulously inside)
How can it be, I was careful, I was on constant alert, we kept our distance just in case! Why?!?!
So, off to CVS I sped to get a big bottle of lice shampoo, I treated myself, and very graciously, Mr.CooksALot went through my long, thick hair in tiny sections with that lice comb, ridding me of my acquired scourge. He originally stated that he had 10 minutes to spare before the next football game came on. I told him that there was no way in hell he could get it done in 10 minutes so he better just deal with it. Once he finished, a little over 2 hours later, I looked like Mufasa from Lion King, I was really fluffy!
I now look like I have fried my hair, it feels kinda like straw, and is very frizzy. If you are a woman, you know this is not a good thing. Conditioner is my very good friend, my hair is thick, wavy, long, and not being able to use any for 48 hours really sucks! I may have to cut some of my hair off for my own sake as well as Mr.CooksALot so he doesn't have so much length to go through when it's time to re-treat. What an experience this has been....it better be the first and last.
The weather also reminds me of our favorite place in the whole wide world: Monterey, CA. I love, love, love Monterey! When I open the windows every morning, if I feel a nice chilly breeze and the air smells fresh and clean, I tell Mr.CooksALot that it's a "Monterey Day". Yep, I love Monterey. That is our "happy place", it never gets old. We got married there, and spend most of our anniversaries there partaking in the Great Wine Escape Weekend. I highly recommend exploring the wines of Monterey, very satisfying, the wineries/wine estates are beautiful, and the wines are tasty! Although we live in a lesser-known wine region, I am way more informed on the wines from the Monterey area! Ironic, I know. I will explore the local wines more, I should, it is my duty.
Here's the other crap:
My kids have been re-treated for lice, they are in the clear (yay!) For two weeks, I have been the "Lice Nazi" checking hair twice daily, washing sheets often in hot water, vacuuming like crazy, and thinking about it constantly, hoping for a quick eradication. I however, just discovered Monday morning that I became "inhabited" at some point. I was sitting on my bed, watching NFL Network with Mr.CooksALot, and I felt something moving in my hair. I fervently hoped that it wasn't what I was dreading, I asked Mr.CooksALot to check my hair, and he looked at me with this look like, "Noooooooooo"! He checked my scalp, asked me some questions to help identify, and confirmed what I was feeling was indeed lice.
(screaming incredulously inside)
How can it be, I was careful, I was on constant alert, we kept our distance just in case! Why?!?!
So, off to CVS I sped to get a big bottle of lice shampoo, I treated myself, and very graciously, Mr.CooksALot went through my long, thick hair in tiny sections with that lice comb, ridding me of my acquired scourge. He originally stated that he had 10 minutes to spare before the next football game came on. I told him that there was no way in hell he could get it done in 10 minutes so he better just deal with it. Once he finished, a little over 2 hours later, I looked like Mufasa from Lion King, I was really fluffy!
I now look like I have fried my hair, it feels kinda like straw, and is very frizzy. If you are a woman, you know this is not a good thing. Conditioner is my very good friend, my hair is thick, wavy, long, and not being able to use any for 48 hours really sucks! I may have to cut some of my hair off for my own sake as well as Mr.CooksALot so he doesn't have so much length to go through when it's time to re-treat. What an experience this has been....it better be the first and last.
Aug 31, 2011
Fresh Meat
We have been increasingly busy, so we are hiring in my department. Only the reviewers' numbers are growing, we have nobody new in my part of the department and we're barely keeping our heads above water so to speak. We need at least two people as of a month ago! There is always a lag when it comes to filling the jobs for triage so we get screwed. To my knowledge, we have held two interviews and we need someone (or two) in less than a month or we're all gonna flip out. Here's what I wanna know: if we have to enter everything into the system, then send the letter after it's reviewed and a decision has been reached, (that's touching each PA twice so double work) why, why, why don't we already have the process accelerated? AAAAAAAAGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!
The End.
The End.
Aug 24, 2011
Annoyances on multiple levels (Caution I'm talking bugs!) :0{
So, school is off to a good start, the kids like their new teachers, and are getting back into the daily routine of going to school. So far, so good with one exception: It was discovered that our kiddos have lice on Sunday. The SILs' kids have lice too. We all treated like crazy, all wondered where it came from, and how long they have had this issue. As far as we're concerned (hubby and I), it doesn't really matter where it came from specifically, who had it first and spread it, what matters is that it is treated immediately and the various household items exposed get vacuumed/treated thus eliminating the issue.
We're not pointing fingers, but I guess it goes back to the childhood saying, "Whoever smelt it dealt it" therefore, we saw it first so it must have come from us. Following the discovery, there have been comments made to my nephew about our home, comment to me "he was sitting on your couch", messages on the answering machine "they seem to be increasing on my daughter, are they increasing on yours?" Um, no, I have been diligently checking twice daily and pulling off any nits I see remaining. I have been working very hard to wipe out this crap ASAP.
It's maddening enough that we are on "Lice Alert", constantly thinking about it, wondering if we were thorough enough, asking eachother to check scalps, etc. But it is 10 times worse when two family members blame their infestations on us and are concrete in their assumption.
I say, think about where you have been, there is a possibility your kids got it first and gave it to my kids. Who knows? That's fine, it happens. But don't go pointing fingers at me and my kids as if we are some sort of *%#$@!>?"{}+_ lice nursery that swallowed your kids up and spit them out infested. I'm over it. The next time I talk to either one of them, if they start in again, I'm giving the phone to MrCooksALot, he will gladly tell them off. Hmph!
We're not pointing fingers, but I guess it goes back to the childhood saying, "Whoever smelt it dealt it" therefore, we saw it first so it must have come from us. Following the discovery, there have been comments made to my nephew about our home, comment to me "he was sitting on your couch", messages on the answering machine "they seem to be increasing on my daughter, are they increasing on yours?" Um, no, I have been diligently checking twice daily and pulling off any nits I see remaining. I have been working very hard to wipe out this crap ASAP.
It's maddening enough that we are on "Lice Alert", constantly thinking about it, wondering if we were thorough enough, asking eachother to check scalps, etc. But it is 10 times worse when two family members blame their infestations on us and are concrete in their assumption.
I say, think about where you have been, there is a possibility your kids got it first and gave it to my kids. Who knows? That's fine, it happens. But don't go pointing fingers at me and my kids as if we are some sort of *%#$@!>?"{}+_ lice nursery that swallowed your kids up and spit them out infested. I'm over it. The next time I talk to either one of them, if they start in again, I'm giving the phone to MrCooksALot, he will gladly tell them off. Hmph!
Aug 19, 2011
Dresses, work, and kid stuff
Dresses: I just made two in the span of two lunch breaks from yesterday and today. I have to get one more thing done for one of them but the other I did start to finish in less than an hour. I'm felling pretty accomplished as far as my dressmaking is concerned.
Work: Overloaded!! stressed!! So glad it's Friday today!
Kids: Start school on Monday, are bugging me to go shopping for a jillion items that they don't know if they even need yet in addition to those we know are yearly staples like binders, erasers, folders, etc. While I like shopping in general, I am half dreading this shopping trip tomorrow. I get tired of the "I want, I want, I want!" gibberish. I always fire back with "we're focusing on You Need, you need, you need" first! I also really dislike navigating the mob inevitably stationed in the Back to School Zone, I just want what the kiddos absolutely need, and get out unscathed.
Since it's going to be summer until about mid-October, I'm not concerned with getting any winter clothes until absolutely needed (aka not right now) Shoes are a big deal. Mousie loves shoes like her momma so is particular, and isn't always receptive to what I suggest, which is ironic since I have pretty darn good taste in shoes of all sorts. I combine my taste in shoes with practicality too, so we don't do super trendy, dumb to have in a kid's size type shoes like high-heeled boots, jelly sandals, wedge sandals (reserved only for home/going places, not school). SoftballGirl is easier, but still picky, and inevitably wants shoes that aren't totally necessary for school. That's ok, I always want shoes I don't always need too.
Lord help me survive school shopping this weekend!
Work: Overloaded!! stressed!! So glad it's Friday today!
Kids: Start school on Monday, are bugging me to go shopping for a jillion items that they don't know if they even need yet in addition to those we know are yearly staples like binders, erasers, folders, etc. While I like shopping in general, I am half dreading this shopping trip tomorrow. I get tired of the "I want, I want, I want!" gibberish. I always fire back with "we're focusing on You Need, you need, you need" first! I also really dislike navigating the mob inevitably stationed in the Back to School Zone, I just want what the kiddos absolutely need, and get out unscathed.
Since it's going to be summer until about mid-October, I'm not concerned with getting any winter clothes until absolutely needed (aka not right now) Shoes are a big deal. Mousie loves shoes like her momma so is particular, and isn't always receptive to what I suggest, which is ironic since I have pretty darn good taste in shoes of all sorts. I combine my taste in shoes with practicality too, so we don't do super trendy, dumb to have in a kid's size type shoes like high-heeled boots, jelly sandals, wedge sandals (reserved only for home/going places, not school). SoftballGirl is easier, but still picky, and inevitably wants shoes that aren't totally necessary for school. That's ok, I always want shoes I don't always need too.
Lord help me survive school shopping this weekend!
Aug 18, 2011
Gross, simply gross
I just got a request for some lidocaine/hydrocortisone cream for a patient. The diagnosis wasn't just hemorrhoids, no, no. It was so much more descriptive! This patient has. . .. . . .wait for it. . . . . .here it comes: hemorrhoids NOS (not otherwise specified) with necrosis. Yep, I said necrosis. As in: Death of a cell or group of cells as a result of injury, disease, or other pathologic state.
(dry heave)
Her hemorrhoids are likely becoming blackened as the tissue cells are dying. The mental pictures are more horrifying than I can explain! All I can say is EEEEEEWWWWWWWWW! Poor woman! Oh, and here's the cherry on top: she's got a bun in the oven.
Here is my minimal emesis inducing example of necrosis:
And now, I have shared. (shudder)
Well, off to lunch now!
(dry heave)
Her hemorrhoids are likely becoming blackened as the tissue cells are dying. The mental pictures are more horrifying than I can explain! All I can say is EEEEEEWWWWWWWWW! Poor woman! Oh, and here's the cherry on top: she's got a bun in the oven.
Here is my minimal emesis inducing example of necrosis:
And now, I have shared. (shudder)
Well, off to lunch now!
Aug 15, 2011
Weekend Craziness and discovery
This weekend was an "adventure". It was a learning experience in multiple ways. On one hand, we discovered the joy of grilled potato salad, it is so yummy!!!! On the other hand, we learned that sometimes helping out family can be a pain, and can end up becoming way more than just helping. This will not be happening again, we have learned our lesson. (I think) ;0)
Potato salad is just brought up a whole 'nother level if you marinate the potatoes an hour in olive oil and whatever seasonings sound good, grill the potatoes instead of boil them, then add them to typical potato salad dressing with whatever veggies you like. We used red potatoes instead of russet, and man were they good! Once you go grilled, you won't want to go back.
Southern Breeze cocktails are one of my new favorites thanks to our poolside bar at the hotel we stayed at in Las Vegas. Mr.CooksALot was smitten with this new discovery as well, declaring that we must make them once we got home. So upon returning home, I got some sweet tea vodka, Southern Comfort, and lemonade so we could continue to enjoy our newfound drink.
We helped out a family member by hosting a party for her son's birthday, he is turning 15. Her situation is shaky right now so we (along with my hubby's parents) said we'd help. Plus, our house is more spacious and better equipped to host 16 for dinner. We were the hosts, but were expected to do the menu, and all the detail planning. She originally asked if we could do it Saturday, we said fine. She calls us Thursday, states she's going out of town for 2 days with her kids, the party is now on Sunday. We were puzzled, but agreed. We made the potato salad, did all the cooking, others brought things to contribute as well. She calls me at 1:15 yesterday, asking what time it starts (???????) and if they arrive at 4pm if that is too late. I about lost it but politely told her 4pm was no problem, we're getting everything ready. We reminded eachother we're doing this for her son, not for her. The party went off really well, we cooked up a storm and all enjoyed it immensely. Yay! Luckily, this family member tackled the hill of dishes that was building in my sink and thanked us profusely for hosting the party for her son.
Potato salad is just brought up a whole 'nother level if you marinate the potatoes an hour in olive oil and whatever seasonings sound good, grill the potatoes instead of boil them, then add them to typical potato salad dressing with whatever veggies you like. We used red potatoes instead of russet, and man were they good! Once you go grilled, you won't want to go back.
Southern Breeze cocktails are one of my new favorites thanks to our poolside bar at the hotel we stayed at in Las Vegas. Mr.CooksALot was smitten with this new discovery as well, declaring that we must make them once we got home. So upon returning home, I got some sweet tea vodka, Southern Comfort, and lemonade so we could continue to enjoy our newfound drink.
We helped out a family member by hosting a party for her son's birthday, he is turning 15. Her situation is shaky right now so we (along with my hubby's parents) said we'd help. Plus, our house is more spacious and better equipped to host 16 for dinner. We were the hosts, but were expected to do the menu, and all the detail planning. She originally asked if we could do it Saturday, we said fine. She calls us Thursday, states she's going out of town for 2 days with her kids, the party is now on Sunday. We were puzzled, but agreed. We made the potato salad, did all the cooking, others brought things to contribute as well. She calls me at 1:15 yesterday, asking what time it starts (???????) and if they arrive at 4pm if that is too late. I about lost it but politely told her 4pm was no problem, we're getting everything ready. We reminded eachother we're doing this for her son, not for her. The party went off really well, we cooked up a storm and all enjoyed it immensely. Yay! Luckily, this family member tackled the hill of dishes that was building in my sink and thanked us profusely for hosting the party for her son.
Aug 10, 2011
My Daily Daydream
I want to learn something the exact same way Trinity did in the Matrix movies; I want to learn how to MMA fight so I can use those lovely skills to clobber a certain person. I know that kicking someone's butt isn't a reasonable solution to a problem, it isn't productive, nothing gets solved, but it does allow you to work off some stress. (there is always an up-side to everything!)
Snort is an idiot, I have to fix his glaringly obvious mistakes, and he needs a good ass-whoopin'. We all overlook some information periodically by mistake, but he just does not read! Ugh! I inevitably get the phone calls from the pharmacy or the MD office as the result of his seemingly growing mistakes that are easily prevented if.....he.....would.....just.....READ the medication request form!!!!!!!!
He's lucky I'm not the supervisor, he'd be gone by now. He better count his blessings and shape-up because, I'm going to verbally go postal on him if he doesn't quit it!
Snort is an idiot, I have to fix his glaringly obvious mistakes, and he needs a good ass-whoopin'. We all overlook some information periodically by mistake, but he just does not read! Ugh! I inevitably get the phone calls from the pharmacy or the MD office as the result of his seemingly growing mistakes that are easily prevented if.....he.....would.....just.....READ the medication request form!!!!!!!!
He's lucky I'm not the supervisor, he'd be gone by now. He better count his blessings and shape-up because, I'm going to verbally go postal on him if he doesn't quit it!
Aug 8, 2011
Back from my Vegas Vacation
I spent Sunday through Friday last week in Las Vegas. I saw some things I have never seen before and you may not have experienced this yourself.
We took pictures in front of the Welcome to Las Vegas sign, practically coughed and wheezed our way through the Excalibur on our way to the Luxor, wandered the Cosmopolitan-very sparkly and had some great sculptures, went to Hard Rock hotel ate at Mr. Lucky's (great steak & shrimp special for $7.77 not listed on menu), took lots of pictures of all the music memorabilia, updated our gambling cards-but didn't gamble. All in all, it was tons of fun and I can't wait to go back-without the kiddos.
- On the way there, pouring rain in the desert: doesn't absorb into the earth very quickly, it puddles, creating flooded areas
- Also on the way, an almost completely flattened top half of a Ford Explorer that rolled several times due to bad driving in the rain!
- A really trashy looking woman on Fremont St. (downtown) dressed as a pirate wench, with the largest bosom (like a shelf) just barely covered at the um, "headlight" area. Many men were drooling as they stared, I almost barfed.
- An extremely talented spray paint artist-he created some really amazing artwork using spray paint, a crumpled up napkin, a plastic pitcher lid, and a makeup sponge.
- Innumerable women brazen enough to wear a bikini with all their rolls/jiggly bits/cellulite showing. I have heard of this, and now I can say I witnessed it everyday by the pool. (dry heave) I even saw one woman who had laid out in the sun, complain that she had lines between her rolls that didn't tan. (should've been covered then!)
- Women strolling down the Strip in super high heels, barely there dresses, and complaining how their feet hurt. Um, use your brain, get some tennies dumb ass!
We took pictures in front of the Welcome to Las Vegas sign, practically coughed and wheezed our way through the Excalibur on our way to the Luxor, wandered the Cosmopolitan-very sparkly and had some great sculptures, went to Hard Rock hotel ate at Mr. Lucky's (great steak & shrimp special for $7.77 not listed on menu), took lots of pictures of all the music memorabilia, updated our gambling cards-but didn't gamble. All in all, it was tons of fun and I can't wait to go back-without the kiddos.
Jul 28, 2011
MD Nonsense
I got a call from an office today that ended in a disgruntling conversation. The Medical Assistant calls me stating the doctor wants to discuss a denial we issued on a patient. I look up the information and lo and behold, they want a narcolepsy drug that doesn't treat ADHD for a patient with ADHD. I don't have any idea why on earth the MD would want this drug, it doesn't make sense, and is not FDA approved for this indication. We of course, denied it for off-label use. If the FDA doesn't approve it, we don't either.
The MD calls back ticked off and they want to speak with the reivewer, who is (hands flying to both cheeks in shock) NOT A Medical Doctor but a Doctor of Pharmacy!!!!!! What is the world coming to???? Apparently FunnyMan's doctorate is not good enough for Mr. MD. Oh, well! His pharmacological knowledge eclipses yours jackass, deal with it!
I asked FunnyMan if he queried the doctor as to why a PharmD isn't as good as an MD. His reply: Delusions of grandeur...why bother.
My impression: good call, good call.
The MD calls back ticked off and they want to speak with the reivewer, who is (hands flying to both cheeks in shock) NOT A Medical Doctor but a Doctor of Pharmacy!!!!!! What is the world coming to???? Apparently FunnyMan's doctorate is not good enough for Mr. MD. Oh, well! His pharmacological knowledge eclipses yours jackass, deal with it!
I asked FunnyMan if he queried the doctor as to why a PharmD isn't as good as an MD. His reply: Delusions of grandeur...why bother.
My impression: good call, good call.
Feeling Naked
Yes, it is true, I am feeling naked today. I don't know what to do. There is nothing for me to do until I go home at the end of my day. How am I naked at work? I'm not entirely naked, I am dressed properly, wearing heels, and in looking at me, one would not be able to tell unless they focused on my hands.
I removed my wedding ring and my favorite sapphire ring that I wear daily, before I got in the shower last night. I looked at my rings on the counter this morning while I was getting ready, but they did not end up on my fingers. Therefore, I am naked. I don't like being naked, it actually makes me acutely aware of their absence. I am also aware of how obsessively I touch the bottom of my wedding ring throughout the day.
Today, I feel my finger, not my ring. I feel guilty. I know I didn't do anything wrong, it was 5:00 this morning, my brain was still in a patchy fog at that time, and I didn't put them back on. Oddly I feel like I'm misrepresenting my marital status today as the result of a mistake.
Weird, I know.
I removed my wedding ring and my favorite sapphire ring that I wear daily, before I got in the shower last night. I looked at my rings on the counter this morning while I was getting ready, but they did not end up on my fingers. Therefore, I am naked. I don't like being naked, it actually makes me acutely aware of their absence. I am also aware of how obsessively I touch the bottom of my wedding ring throughout the day.
Today, I feel my finger, not my ring. I feel guilty. I know I didn't do anything wrong, it was 5:00 this morning, my brain was still in a patchy fog at that time, and I didn't put them back on. Oddly I feel like I'm misrepresenting my marital status today as the result of a mistake.
Weird, I know.
Jul 22, 2011
Love/Hate fabric stores
When it comes to sewing, I am pretty new to it. Still learning the difference between certain fabrics so need some guidance as I go along. Of late, I have a particular urgency when it comes to obtaining fabric that I want. We're taking a trip to GamblingVille and I want to make a few dresses for my trip. I got impulsive, and here's what happened:
I went to a nearby fabric store and asked an employee where to find the various types of jersey fabric (there are several so wasn't sure where to look) I was directed to matte jersey only and was told that was the only one she was aware of. There was only solid colors and it was too see-through for my taste. I asked another person, who it turns out was brand-spankin' new, and knew less than I did about different fabrics. So she asks the same lady I already talked to who of course, gave her the same answer. Being that my trip is looming, I want fabric, I have dresses on my agenda. So, since I wasted my whole lunch hour, I came back to work and promptly browsed fabric.com, ordered my fabric, and discovered it takes up to 48 hours to ship, and 4-5 days to arrive. Crap. I could have driven a bit further to another fabric store the next day, gotten what I wanted, and I could've been able to begin my dresses this week. But, I got good deals so crossed my fingers that my fabric would come fairly quickly. Had I just gone to that store, I wouldn't be griping right now. Grrrrrrrr.....
Yesterday, as I anxiously checked my email for a shipping confirmation, I discovered that one of my fabrics was out of stock and I had 24 hours to let them know if I wanted to substitute another or leave it off. I called STAT, waited on hold for a good 15 minutes to have a 3 minute conversation which ended with the rep telling me my fabric would ship out Friday (today). I told her that I was really needing it ASAP but that did me no good, she wasn't handling it personally.
So, here I am anxiously awaiting my package that likely won't get here until next Thursday, which leaves me 3 days (during/after work only) to make 3 dresses, and pack for 3 people. Maybe I will dial-down my ambition and just do what I can. Imagine that! We'll see what happens.
I went to a nearby fabric store and asked an employee where to find the various types of jersey fabric (there are several so wasn't sure where to look) I was directed to matte jersey only and was told that was the only one she was aware of. There was only solid colors and it was too see-through for my taste. I asked another person, who it turns out was brand-spankin' new, and knew less than I did about different fabrics. So she asks the same lady I already talked to who of course, gave her the same answer. Being that my trip is looming, I want fabric, I have dresses on my agenda. So, since I wasted my whole lunch hour, I came back to work and promptly browsed fabric.com, ordered my fabric, and discovered it takes up to 48 hours to ship, and 4-5 days to arrive. Crap. I could have driven a bit further to another fabric store the next day, gotten what I wanted, and I could've been able to begin my dresses this week. But, I got good deals so crossed my fingers that my fabric would come fairly quickly. Had I just gone to that store, I wouldn't be griping right now. Grrrrrrrr.....
Yesterday, as I anxiously checked my email for a shipping confirmation, I discovered that one of my fabrics was out of stock and I had 24 hours to let them know if I wanted to substitute another or leave it off. I called STAT, waited on hold for a good 15 minutes to have a 3 minute conversation which ended with the rep telling me my fabric would ship out Friday (today). I told her that I was really needing it ASAP but that did me no good, she wasn't handling it personally.
So, here I am anxiously awaiting my package that likely won't get here until next Thursday, which leaves me 3 days (during/after work only) to make 3 dresses, and pack for 3 people. Maybe I will dial-down my ambition and just do what I can. Imagine that! We'll see what happens.
Jul 18, 2011
Weekend Whining/Grumbling
We hosted a birthday party this weekend for one of our girls and inevitably some drama took place. I have one sibling-in-law that cannot mind their manners and makes scenes over stupid crap. True to form, a mini-scene was performed in the dining room for everyone to see, and the climax occurred in the middle of the street for all the neighbors to see.
(sigh, shaking head)
It's a child's birthday party, can't you just mind your manners you insensitive yet overly sensitive, self-absorbed, negativity driven, overly critical, big-mouth person? A simple request made of every parent who was there is not a stab at you or your children. We love your kids, we always have and will. It wasn't specific to you, but your world doesn't work like that I guess. All I can say is thank God you left and decided not to return, you spared us and the rest of the guests your needless, childish, reactionary bullshit.
Stupid ass. (a quote from my mother-in-law)
(sigh, shaking head)
It's a child's birthday party, can't you just mind your manners you insensitive yet overly sensitive, self-absorbed, negativity driven, overly critical, big-mouth person? A simple request made of every parent who was there is not a stab at you or your children. We love your kids, we always have and will. It wasn't specific to you, but your world doesn't work like that I guess. All I can say is thank God you left and decided not to return, you spared us and the rest of the guests your needless, childish, reactionary bullshit.
Stupid ass. (a quote from my mother-in-law)
Jul 13, 2011
Can I inflict bodily injury?
Snort is making me crazy! I am "rescuing" him by fixing errors, making things right, and I'm done. I snapped at him earlier because he intercepted a request I was personally handling, didn't do it right, and I could not find what I was looking for. This request had a special process I needed to follow and when I asked if anyone had seen it, nobody knew about one but he said he saw something like that earlier. I brought it up on my screen and asked if that was the one and he said yes.
Two Words: So Done/Choke Him/Don't Touch!!!!!!!
(sigh of relief now that I've vented)
Two Words: So Done/Choke Him/Don't Touch!!!!!!!
(sigh of relief now that I've vented)
Jul 8, 2011
Don't you dare call me. . . . . . . .. . .
Any of the following names when we are on the phone discussing a patient or if you are the patient and I'm answering your questions.
Hon-Sorry, not your hon.
Honey-unless you are my mom, but she works in finance so doesn't fit the above description
Sweetie-unless you're one of my parents, neither of whom work in health care
Sugar-don't even dare
Babe or Baby-unless you're Mr.CooksALot
Love(y)-prepare to forfeit your ear, I will rip it off over the phone if you call me this!
Missy-I will inflict bodily injury over the phone if you use this
Child-I don't know you, I am not your child!
I recently was speaking with a patient about her prior authorization and I almost completely lost it as she repeatedly called me Honey and Hon. I let it slide when the voice (or DOB if a patient) indicates someone who is much older than I am. This was a 23 year-old calling me this. I about told her off, but didn't as I need my paycheck. It is actually exponentially worse when these terms of endearment come from a man, unless as previously stated, he is of advanced age and doesn't sound creepy or shady. I will ask them to stop calling me by those terms and cross my fingers they don't get off subject in our conversation. This happens rarely, as I can be a chicken and try to keep my professionalism to a maximum at all times. It has however, happened.
For the record, to the creepy, sleazy sounding pharmacy owner in New Jersey: NO, I WILL NOT take a trip to your state soon, you will not, I repeat will not call me babydoll, and I WILL NOT be calling you to show me around. EVER. The fact that you told me I sound very beautiful and like an amazingly interesting woman didn't help either. You really freaked me out and I am now thoroughly weirded out. Thanks a lot.
Hon-Sorry, not your hon.
Honey-unless you are my mom, but she works in finance so doesn't fit the above description
Sweetie-unless you're one of my parents, neither of whom work in health care
Sugar-don't even dare
Babe or Baby-unless you're Mr.CooksALot
Love(y)-prepare to forfeit your ear, I will rip it off over the phone if you call me this!
Missy-I will inflict bodily injury over the phone if you use this
Child-I don't know you, I am not your child!
I recently was speaking with a patient about her prior authorization and I almost completely lost it as she repeatedly called me Honey and Hon. I let it slide when the voice (or DOB if a patient) indicates someone who is much older than I am. This was a 23 year-old calling me this. I about told her off, but didn't as I need my paycheck. It is actually exponentially worse when these terms of endearment come from a man, unless as previously stated, he is of advanced age and doesn't sound creepy or shady. I will ask them to stop calling me by those terms and cross my fingers they don't get off subject in our conversation. This happens rarely, as I can be a chicken and try to keep my professionalism to a maximum at all times. It has however, happened.
For the record, to the creepy, sleazy sounding pharmacy owner in New Jersey: NO, I WILL NOT take a trip to your state soon, you will not, I repeat will not call me babydoll, and I WILL NOT be calling you to show me around. EVER. The fact that you told me I sound very beautiful and like an amazingly interesting woman didn't help either. You really freaked me out and I am now thoroughly weirded out. Thanks a lot.
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