The Only Thing Confirmed Is Bad Communication

I had to make a last-minute appointment with the doctor. (It wasn’t an emergency; I just forgot to do it before my prescription ran out.)

When I was on the phone, they said they would have to look at their schedule, so I received the notice of my appointment over text. There were also a few missed calls and a voicemail from [Nurse #1] telling me when my appointment was.

There was no way to confirm that I had gotten the text, so I called them up and let them know that I had gotten the text and would like to confirm that the appointment was fine.

Nurse #2: “Okay, I have it marked down that your appointment is confirmed.”

The next day, I got a text with a link for pre-check-in to fill out paperwork before I got there. I also got a few phone calls and a voicemail from [Nurse #1], wanting to confirm my appointment. I filled out the paperwork and called up the office.

Me: “Hi, I just filled out the paperwork and I wanted to make sure, again, that my appointment is confirmed.”

Nurse #3: “Yes, I will mark it as confirmed.”

The next day, I had a little time off to do housework and noticed I had ANOTHER few calls from [Nurse #1], wanting to confirm my appointment. I called up the office. 

Me: “Hi! I got the text, I filled out the paperwork, I called in, and I’m still getting calls from [Nurse #1] about confirming my appointment. Can someone please tell her that I got the message and would like to confirm my appointment?”

Nurse #4: “Yes, it is now marked on your chart that your appointment is confirmed.”

I used the break to spend a few minutes being useless and scrolling on my phone. Suddenly, I got a phone call. It was from the doctor’s office, so I answered.

Nurse #1: “Oh, good! I got a hold of you! I’m calling to confirm your appointment for tomorrow at [time].”

Me: “Yes, thank you. I got your messages and the texts, I filled out the paperwork, and I called three times to confirm. I guess they didn’t tell you.”

Nurse #1: “They did not, but I’ll mark you down as confirmed now! Thank you!”

I really hope my appointment is confirmed this time.