She works for a doctor in the front office and she regales me with tales from the phone. A recent conversation with someone who speaks English as a second langauge went a little something like this.....
My friend: Thank you for calling xyz doctor's office. How can I help you?
Lady: I would like to make an appointment.
My friend: Sure no problem, I just need to get some information.
(Gathers some info like name, address and phone number)
My friend: And what insurance do you have?
Lady: Penicillin
My friend: I'm sorry, what insurance?
Lady: I'm allergic to penicillin
My friend: I will make note of that but can you tell me what INSURANCE (she's using the voice, you know, the one you use that is loud and slow because you are hoping by going loud and slow they will understand better) you have?
Lady: I don't have any.
My friend: OK, no problem. I just need to let you know the first visit will be $145.00 dollars and any further appointments will be $75.00.
Lady: One Forty Five?
My friend: Yes, $145.00 dollars.
Lady: 1:45 today?
My friend: No, ONE HUNDRED FORTY FIVE DOLLARS (in THAT voice again)
Lady: Do you have anything cheaper?
My friend: (Silence at first) Ummmmmm, no ma'am. That is the cost of the first visit.
Lady: Click
