Weird Is The Word
HOSPITAL, IMPOSSIBLE DEMANDS, PATIENTS, USA | HEALTHY | APRIL 9, 2020
I work in an ER as a health unit coordinator, which means one of my many jobs is answering the phones. I’m not allowed to look up patients’ medical records except for in certain circumstances.
The phone rings.
Me: “[ER], this is [My Name]; how can I help you?”
Man: “What’s this word?”
Me: “I’m sorry?”
Man: “This word in front of me; what does it mean?”
Me: “Sir, I can’t see what’s in front of you. Could you spell the word out for me?”
He spells out a word and I write it down; it’s not a word, term, or medication I’ve ever heard of before. I pronounce it how I assume the word would be pronounced.
Man: “What is it?”
Me: “I’m not sure. Uh… how can I help you?”
Man: “This paper here said to call this number for the pharmacy if I had any questions, so I did!”
Me: “Sir, this is the ER.”
Man: “Oh, really?! Can you, like, look up medical records?!”
Me: “I’m sorry, but unfortunately, I can’t do that.”
Man: “Really? You can’t look it up for [Man]?”
Me: “No, I’m sorry, I’m not allowed.”
Man: “Aw, man! Okay, well, have a good night!”
That was one of the weirdest calls I have ever gotten.
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