Dear Doctor

Dear Dr. X:

Today I was supposed to have an appointment with you at 2 pm. I made this appointment a month and a half ago. Yesterday your office called me to tell me that there was a possibility that you would have to cancel for today because your son was sick. I understood completely. I was told to call back today just to make sure. I did. Your office told me that you were in today but that you might be running late and that I should call back in an hour. I did. Your office gave me the all-clear and told me to come on down for my appointment. I did. Let me be more specific. I walked across town to your office. During my lunch break. I walked because unfortunately there is no direct subway or bus line from my office to your office, and taking a cab at lunchtime is neither fast nor cost-effective. Oh, did you happen to notice the weather today? Mid-80's and overcast with 75% humidity. Yeah -- that's why I showed up looking like a sewer rat. Pretty cute, right?

I can't say that I was pleasantly surprised to find your waiting room packed, nor did delight tickle me through and through when the receptionist said that the doctor wouldn't be able to see me for at least an hour. You know how I mentioned "my office" earlier? That was an allusion to a job. That I have. Meaning, I work -- as in, I have responsibilities and people who need me to do things for them. Things that are tied to money. Money that my company relies on. See, when I set up this appointment, I thought we had made some sort of business deal: I acknowledged needing your time and expertise, and you said that you would give that to me. We "shook on it" over the phone via your office staff -- twice! Today! I consider you in breach of contract.

These days, when a patient doesn't show for a doctor's appointment, said patient is often charged a cancellation fee -- sometimes a pretty hefty one. Interesting how there's no cancellation fee given to the patient when the doctor can't fulfill the obligation.

Best,
GalWednesday