Scheduling, Scheduling

I think I can honestly now say that the worst part of being pregnant, at least in a large metropolitan area, is all of the appointments and scheduling them. I don't know if there is just a lack of good care or practices taking too many patients or a combination of both but it is so painful. At my last OB appointment, nearly 4 weeks ago, I was given the order for my mid-pregnancy anatomy ultrasound. This one is kind of a big deal and women look forward to it for many reasons including that is when you typically can find out the sex of the baby. We already know thanks to my "old lady" status. I called the office to schedule it the next day since the office was already closed the day I got the order. I knew it would be a difficult thing to schedule because they usually do it between 18 and 22 weeks. I will hit 19 weeks this week and we are out of town all of next week. The following week is Jake's company's annual conference and he is unavailable. I explained all of this to the receptionist and we settled on an appointment tomorrow. Fast forward to half an hour ago when I received a call from them telling me they need to reschedule me for next week. I gave her a big, ummm, no, since we are going to be out of town. She makes me repeat this fact and then reluctantly tells me they will try someone else. I am not heartless and I realize that sometimes things happen and schedules have to change but she didn't ask me, she told me, when she had other options. They should try some common courtesy and ask instead of telling.

My OB's office doesn't tend to be any easier. During pregnancy you have to schedule appointments 4, 2 and sometimes one week apart. This results in having very few choices to pick from and they tend to be timed such that their back-up during the day will really bite you on the ass. At my last appointment I was supposed to be seen at 3:00. They didn't end up seeing me until 4:15 which resulted in my not being able to have blood work done because the phlebotomist leaves at 4:00. Upon leaving that appointment I asked the receptionist for a morning appointment the next time. The earliest she could give me was 10:45am when they open at 8:00. I probably won't be seen for that appointment until close to lunchtime. Sigh. I realize that the more patients they have the more money they make but is that the only thing that matters? Not to mention if I am more than 20 minutes late for my appointment I forfeit it and get charged a fee. Seems a little unfair if you ask me.