Mar
The WAR Continues
Posted by The *Angriest* Pharmacist as Blogs I like, Me being a dick, Me hating others, Rude, True Story, store
Which war you ask? Of course, the WAR BETWEEN PHARMACISTS AND CHIROPRACTORS. In honor of my chiropractor, who has been made privy to this site, I’ve made a couple funny t-shirts. We’ve had a few good conversations about beliefs, traditions, and principles of both of our professions. I’ve cited many peer-reviewed research studies. He’s cited a lot of…well…anecdotal evidence…
Pharmacist 1, Chiropractors 0
It could be worst I could be a silly CHIROPRACTOR
Love, your local PHARMACIST
It could be worst I could be a silly pharmacist
Love, your local CHIROPRACTOR
TheAngriestPharmacist’s T-Shirt Heaven
Feb
Never ask an old bittie her birthday!
Posted by The *Angriest* Pharmacist as Courtesy, Education, GUEST CONTRIBUTOR, Lazy People, Management, Me being a dick, Me hating others, PHARMACY SECRETS!, Patient Education, Rude, Stupid People, Technicians, True Story, Work Sucks
There was a comment made to my last post, SATURDAY’S SUCK! where a guy swore he called and asked me about our having a product. He swore he talked to the male pharmacist. I was the only male working in the store, and we did not talk. My response to the comment turned into a store and then a rant. So, as to not detract from the original post, I’ve taken this comment and my story/response their own post. Hope it doesn’t suck!
We get this all the time…we are a tiny ass pharmacy, i kid you not…we have 2 pharamcists and 2 techs…all week long, same peeps. So when someone says they ’spoke to someone’ it’s very easy to call them out as a liar.
As for your “loud and clear” guy…i totally feel you. We had something very similar happen to us the other day. We just get back from lunch and are opening up when a woman approaches the consultation window where I am at a computer trying to figure out the faxes that came in over lunch. She stares, I greet her cordially and ask her if there’s something I can help her with. She stares and then rolls her eyes and says “No, I just thought i’d come up here and look at you” and then she stares. I blink back at her and glance down at the empty drop off window and empty register and then ask her if she has a specific question about medications (that would require a pharmacist) or if she has a question that I can help her with. She says “Medicines..i’ll talk to him” and points at our pharmacist. He had a student that day so when he had started her on a small task, he went down to offer the woman her consultation. She proceeds to tell him that she needs to know if she has a refill on “some med on her profile” he asks her what she would like him to do specifically, because it’s something that a tech can handle and now she’s interrupted him…she rolls her eyes and tells him to “look it up on the damn computer”
He brings her down to the drop off window and the other tech and I back up about 10 feet. He asks her for her birthday. You know as well as I do that it is the easiest way to look up a patient. She stares at him for a moment and then gives him a month and day. My pharmacist waits for a beat..then asks for a year to which she scoffs and says “every year” my pharmacist waits…and at this point the phone is ringing, there is one on hold, i’m on the 3rd line and the other tech is on the register. So he politely asks for the year once more and the woman flips. Starts yelling at him that he is inconsiderate and can’t take a joke and refuses to help her. My pharmacist calmly tells her “Ma’m, i’m trying to help you, but i don’t exactly know how to respond to you right now, you’re not being very easy to help” so she spouts off that she was just joking and that he shouldn’t need any more information then the month/day of her birthday. So he snarks back “how about your name?” at this point, we back up about 10 more feet.
She finally relented to let him have her name at least and when i was checking her out at the register, it was with a final comment that she should buy us a sign that says “Do Not Joke with Pharmacist…for he has no sense of humor” and then proceeds to tell the other tech that we should spend our breaks and lunchtime out on the floor showing poor people like her where the vitamins are instead of giving them a specific aisle number and shelf.
Just goes to show that apparently no matter what you say or what you do, some people are just that stupid. I’m totally done with everyone looking at me blankly as I remind them that January means reset deductibles and shifted formularies. It’s completely my fault that their insurance probably sent out 10 notifications that they didn’t read
I have an old bitch like this too. All of the FT employees (pharmacist and techs) know who she is on sight. She is the meanest, grumpiest, rudest bitch ever born. We all know that you do not ask her birthday…However, our technicians are BEATEN if they do not acquire the birthday and write it on each prescription as well as verify the birthday upon checkout to verify the correct patient is picking up the medicine. This, for some reason, causes Ms. Bitch considerable problem.
She tries to play the “you should NEVER ask a woman her birthday”, but the problem is, she takes it to a whole new level — a weird, obscene, asinine level of fucked-up-ed-ness. Her reaction and response to the question, “what is your birthday?” is comparable to the response you would receive from other women when asking, “I bet you’ve had miles of dick in you…amiright?” or men when asked, “What were you and your wife doing last night when I was nailing your daughter on your living room couch?” If you get the simile, haha….if not — let’s just say her response/reaction is over the top negative. She is just plain out ugly (in BOTH ways…)
Last time she came in, I approached the counter and you bet your ass I asked her birthday. She gave me the usual, expected attitude — the response I was trying to elicit. I pointed to the sign that every pharmacy has that says, “We verify identity with photo identification for all controlled medications.” I told her that she could either tell me her birthday or show me her driver’s license. She snatched the pen out of my hand and wrote it on the prescription herself — only the month and day mind you — and threw both down on the counter in utter disgust. The pharmacy is completely empty at this point so the big urge for secrecy and confidentiality is unfounded — and by empty I mean REALLY empty…not even OTC shoppers.
She got about 10 feet away and I hollered to her, “I must have the year as well.” –
“You know very well that you do NOT need the year. No one else ever gives me any trouble. They never ask my birthday. Everyone back here knows me — they ALL know me. Ask them. ASK DAVE!”
[If you know me through this blog, you know that referencing DAVE, that old prick that managed the pharmacy before me for 20 years and still works a day or two per week prn is one sure fire way to get on my bad side and ENSURE your script won't be filled...I don't give A FLIPPING FUCK what David used to do for you (most of the time illegally -- based on the letter of the law and MODERN pharmacist code of ethics). I am not him nor do I strive to be him.]
“Dave’s not here. Dave’s not the boss. I’m the boss right now. The rules of this store, and the rules that I am going to follow…the very rules I expect these girls to follow when they take your prescription…is that you MUST give us your complete date of birth upon dropoff.”
DID I MENTION SHE ALWAYS WEARS A MOO-MOO? (and usually has curlers in her hair — or at least a weird showercap/hairnet) I’M NOT EVEN KIDDING. I’M SUPER CEREAL HERE!
“This is ridiculous. I’m calling your superior.”
“Well, then…here’s his business card. I’m sure that I will get in plenty of trouble for following company policy. They fire people all the time for following the rules that ensure patient safety. Why do you take such offense to someone asking your birthday? I mean, we are a part of the healthcare team here and you treat us all like dirt. Do you act so resentful at your doctor’s office when they ask your birthday? I’ve never seen someone yell at their granddaughter before — back when she worked here 5 or 6 years ago — for verifying her grandmother’s birthday (even though she knew it). Did you ever try to eat your young?”
“They may not fire you for following protocol as you call it…” I interjected like a smartass with, “Actually, I called it policy…”
“WHAT – EVER! You have no right. You have no need. You have no access. That is private information that you do not need.”
“Ma’am, you are gravely mistaken. I have a definite need for your birthday — considering some medicines may be contraindicated in certain age groups. That’s for your safety and to ensure the right person is selected in the computer and the right dose is dispensed! In fact, pharmacists have a need and a right to access your complete medical history…and you’re raising cain over your birthday.” [I've revealed TONS of information about readers just by them sending me their email address and name -- I've sent them back their name, address, phone number, map to their house, and a PICTURE of the front of their house in certain cases. You do NOT have privacy in 2010...]
“That’s it…I’ve had it with you…give me the prescription back.” [I, of course, give it right back to her] “I’ve been coming here for 20 years, and David never treated me with such disrespect. I’ll never be back here, and I *will* be calling your employer. May God bless you and let you live a long, but hopefully miserable, life.”
“Aww you’re so nice. May your children place you in the cheapest, roach-ridden nursing home available for the rest of your life.”
She, like all patients continued to come to the pharmacy. She made no effort to change or avoid me. This ordeal was a few months ago, but she suddenly disappeared. I always watch the obituaries, and I was hopeful she’d turn up. But, alas, I discovered she HAD been placed in a home…and YES, it is the most roach-ridden place available in the nearby area!
Who says dreams don’t come true?
Buy TAestP a drink if you agree with this post.Dec
Logical Rage
Posted by The *Angriest* Pharmacist as Courtesy, Drug Seekers, Insurance Companies, Just a question, Lazy People, Me being a dick, Me hating others, Patient Education, Rude, Stupid People, True Story, Work Sucks
I’m sitting here desperate to post something. I’ve literally stared at this empty text box for going on 10 minutes. All I’ve typed amounts t0 25 words…no 29…wait, 30.
My thoughts have staggered and stammered here and there, back and forth. I started to post about a lady, angry at me because she had to drive 8 miles both ways twice because her doctor’s office sent in 1 eRx at 1pm and another at 5:45pm….totally my fault. She also had to wait each time. Totally my fault. What was her gripe? Gas money. Gas money? I drive a car that get’s 26 miles per gallon. Even if she drives a truck getting 16mpg, she’s out what? $2.50 — That’s the cost of being sick. Going to the doctor and then them being inconsiderate and doing a crappy job at clicking OK.
I also thought about bitching about that same doctor’s office sending ALL their eRx’s for the day at 5:45pm — when my main staff was all gone and I had around 50 prescriptions to process with a young, untrained, skeleton crew at best. One called in sick. It was loads of fun. I (and every other pharmacy) let them know of our displeasure with that practice and how it would stop. I went as far as telling them I would make it known to their patients that if they continued that practice, having no respect towards my staff and business practices, those prescriptions would not be filled until the following morning. [Which is of course bullshit. I would just have 2 or 3 hour waits -- finishing most sales and Rxs up after close]
I’ve also, for a long time, wanted to write a post about some weird ambitions I’ve had for some time. I’ve considered converting some of my stories and anecdotes into a short comedy routine / spot and going to an open mic night somewhere. I know it sounds absurd. I’d probably bomb.
Ya never know though. I’m a funny guy outside of my serious job. I can make up bullshit to make people laugh on the spot. But, can I make pharmacy funny? Can I convert my anger, hostility, and, most recently, pain, into something enjoyable? Something to brighten someone else up? As a reader, you might quickly say — “c’mon of course you can this shits hilarious dood!” And it is…to us. The average reader reads my stories an empathizes with my plight. Can a layperson empathize? Can they even sympathize?
It’d be much easier to convert to a tv show…like “The Office,” which is perhaps one of my most favorite shows. Or perhaps a different concept. Maybe three short 8-minute episodes in a half-hour spot. Pharmacy is 15 minutes or less anyway right?
So, whose going to pay for her fucking gas money? I don’t know what hit me in that moment, but I was struck by the rod of golden logical rage.
“Who’s going to pay for your gas money? Well, I guess I will. But, from now on, I’m going to start charging you for all the free services I once provided. Next time you have a question about whether you should take APAP, Ibuprofen, or Aspirin, call me with your credit card number ready, and I’ll be glad to help. When your daughter has the flu and you have no clue what to do with the 7 different types of Triaminic, Tylenol Cold, Tylenol Sinus, and Motrin Cold and Sinus you have in your closet, I’d be glad to help you for a price.You see, you expect me to always be here for you — always free. You pay for your prescriptions, yes, guaranteeing you a certain set of specific services, but I’m so much more to you — whether you realize it or merely respect me so little you don’t care. I’m your “doctor said” fact-checker, your pill identifier, your prescription insurance problem finder AND fixer, your store-next-door-phone-number finder, your late-night fever buster, your icky medicine flavorer, your idea man for reducing rx costs. Always there….a phone call away. Do you really want to bother me with 3 dollars worth of gas? Is it so important to you that you simply must rant and rave until I dig a few dollars out of my pocket? I thought not. ”
PS — Go check out THE RAGING SERVER. He’s back and cooking up some good shit…
PPS — Since it’s the Christmas Season, T-shirt sales have shot through the roof. Apparently, pharmacists enjoy getting bomb ass shirts for Christmas.
The *Angriest* Pharmacist Store
Nov
Why Would I Lie?
Posted by The *Angriest* Pharmacist as Courtesy, Engrish, Insurance Companies, Laws, Me being a dick, Me hating others, PHARMACY SECRETS!, Patient Education, Rude, Stupid People, Technicians, True Story, Work Sucks
I hate how several times per day I find myself in a situation where the only possible outcomes in the mind of the patient is that I am either A) Idiotic and know nothing about what I’m talking or B) Lying.
For instance, a patient approached today (who was confrontational from the get-go) and told us he wanted all of his medicines filled as a 90 days supply rather than 30/month. I’m more than happy to do that. DUH!! Our profit margin is usually better on 90 days– especially if it is a generic drug or one of Wal-Mart’s famous 4-dollar respect killers. [One dispensing fee, one label, one count, one check, one vial/lid -- it's savings all around!]
The older gentleman, of course, had already called his insurance company and “Nancy” told him that he certainly could get ninety days for 3 times the copayment of one month. Guess what…Nancy was wrong.
The patient knew that this would happen though — Nancy told him so! Nancy told him that the Pharmacy would merely have to call after getting the rejection and the insurance company would input a code. Right…insurance companies are constantly helping people out, giving out correct information, and speaking English in an understandable accent!
At this point, my tech told him that she thought our keystone tech called the insurance company yesterday and confirmed that the 90-day option was a fallacy. He would have to use their mail order pharmacy. Whoever Nancy is was wrong or he misunderstood. This did not sit well with him — and he did what patients always do: act like an asshole and reduce yourself to the level of merely a customer.
He looked me in the eye and told me, “Now, lookie here. Ya’ll gun’ call that inshowance cumpny right herre an’ now to have’m put dat 90 day in der or he wuz gun’ take his bidness to ‘nother fahmucy that’a doo wut he say.” — This of course did not sit right.
“Now, you lookee here. There’s absolutely no reason to get nasty and make threats about going to another pharmacy. I understand you want 90 days. You see right here on this rejection that says 30 days max. However, since I cannot confirm or deny that my other tech called the insurance company for you, we will call again. Just hold on for a little bit.”
I called the insurance company. He cannot fill 90 days unless he uses their mail order pharmacy — big fucking surprise. I asked them if there was any way for me to fill 90 at the retail level, and to my surprise, there was. I would have to have the MD’s Office call and get a PA on each prescription (he has 5 total), and they will allow 3 mos.
How many offices will call at 5 different times over the course of 30 days for non-essential PAs for a patient? Luckily, this office has a nurse that will take care of this — she’s very good.
I asked this insurance company to fax me the PA form. He wouldn’t do it. Absolutely refused. The office would have to call, give their information, and have the PA Form faxed to them. Is there a portion for the pharmacy to fill out? Yes: Name, Addy, Phone, NCPDP, NPI, DEA, Rx#, and Signature Line. Why couldn’t he fax it to the pharmacy so I can fill out my portions and forward it to the MD Office? Absolutely not. Did he have a good reason? Absolutely not. He just “couldn’t do it” — or “didn’t want to do it.” Regardless of his reasoning (or lack thereof), I wasn’t getting that damn form faxed to me. Did I mention “Dut Dut Dut.” He called me MA’AM the entire conversation. I faked a very good cry at one point to try and get the form, but he didn’t know what to think. He just feigned empathy and told me he couldn’t understand me! HA!
Back to my original thesis of this post. The patient-turned-customer, holding a copy of the rejection plainly stating “30 days max” from the insurance company, and being told by a technician that a 90 day option wasn’t possible in a retail store, still challenged the facts we posed to him.
The only way he was right in the situation and we were wrong is that we are either OBSCENE IDIOTS or LYING TO HIM for some random, unknown, stupid ass reason. The thing is, we have nothing to gain by not filling 90 days — so that suggestion is asinine. Like I said, 90d in most cases is more profitable. I want to do what patients want if it’s in their best interests and allowed by governing bodies, insurance companies, and in-line with my professional judgment.
Patient’s need to understand that things in the world, and especially in pharmacy, are not black and white. Sometimes, there is a little gray — a little bit of gray area isn’t the end of the world. Open your eyes and see it!
Customers are like poodles. The world is black and white. There is no gray. If you even HINT that there is any gray area, what happens? Yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip, yip. Fucking Yip.
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(since 1/31/2010)