Miscommunication between Therapist and Front Office

During the past couple of months my T-doc and I have been working on a plan of action when I feel an episode coming on. My episodes usually result in extreme confusion and anxiety. I thought the plan was that I was to call the office and leave a message for both the T-doc and P-doc. Then one of them would return my call and help me walk through the action plan. This was established in order to prevent an unnecessary trip to the ER and/or hospitalization.

When the episode started I realized that it was escalating quickly so I called the office. Unfortunately, I got the answer machine (this is a high patient volume office with multiple providers). I called back about 15 minutes later and was then extremely upset. The individual answering the phone asked my name and I was unable to provide it. I was unable to talk. I was told to hang up and dial 911. Did the t-doc fail to communicate with the front office or did I get the instructions wrong? I did hang up but did not make the emergency call because it would have resulted in a trip to the local hospital. Eventually, after several hours, I was able to remember where I lived and returned home.

I haven't seen my Tdoc yet to discuss this episode. I'm not sure if I misunderstood the action plan, if the front office was unaware of the plan, or, perhaps, I was so upset that I should have call 911.

This clinic is noted for its professionalism and compassion for its clients during the hours of 8-5 p.m. If there is an after hours emergency all patients are instructed to call 911.

I'm wondering if the clinic should have a t-doc or p-doc "on call" for those after hours situations. I know I would have benefitted from just talking to someone for a few minutes and being reassured that I was indeed following the plan. I recognize many factors (staffing, liability issues, monetary concerns, etc) play into the decision to refer patients to the local hospital after hours. Does this place an unneccary burden on the hospital. Should I expect to receive treatment after 5 p.m. from the Clinic?

I would welcome any feedback. Thanks

Unless this is a private clinic and you are a private-paying patient (not coming in under insurance), I don't think you ought to expect support after hours. If there were a p- or t-doc on call, increasing numbers of people would call, needing to talk. Human nature. They would end up needing dozens on-call docs.

Health costs are already far beyond what any normal person can afford. Hospitals pick up after hour care pretty much for the entire health care community, always for financial reasons.

I'm so glad you pulled yourself through this episode. Maybe you can use this failure to re-work your plan for next time. It's terrific that you & your team have a plan!

My Therapist gave me a Hotline # If I was suicidal ( for after hours )...during office hours if I get in a mess he would call me back as soon as it was
possible .I have never had to call him I tend to get into messes after hours or weekends go figure LOL

But also gave me a "warmline" # also To call If I wasnt suicidal but just needed to talk with someone . ( head off a er visit/hospital trip )

I have in fact called the warmline 4 or 5 times since March. The people who are answering the line are either people with bipolar that can talk to you and listen . Or I have also talked to someone in college working towards her psych degree. They cant really give medical advice of course but it helps to at least have someone to talk to. I have found it sooooo helpful .

I think alot of times we just need someone to listen.. This site has helped me sooo much ..Ive had a few episodes where i just needed to rant or whine or cry my feelings out and then im able to cope better ..This site has amazing wonderful caring people who really can understand and you dont have to worry about being judged

Hope you get a more defined plan with your Pdoc and T ..

Maybe you can ask your T and Pdoc if your area has a " warmline" type service .

Very happy you were able to get yourself calmed down and your feeling safe ...

Be Kind to yourself

Today is just heavy.

Everything seems so heavy ... the life situations, my physical stressors, my mental stability, or lack thereof, and then the realization that I've become way too familiar to law enforcement oofficers and medical providers. Until five years ago, my life was so predictable, so "normal", so non-messy. Now ... when the ambulance driver knows me by my first name it's proof that these mixed episodes are all to frequent and increasing in rapidity.

Today is just too heavy.