In defense of CPA's new patient scheduling since she is the only one who answers the new patient line and returns their phone calls, not to mention calling all new patients insurance companies to verify there insurance, I think she does an exceptional job. She receives anywhere between 50 to 75 phone calls a day for new patient appointments from patients and other doctors office. I realize that the mental health field is very different. Let me explain something, they ask for your insurance information before scheduling because of the following: 1. To ensure that the patient has insurance that covers mental health (because not all insurance covers mental health. 2. To ensure that the patient will be placed with a therapist or doctor that takes their insurance (so that the patient does not get stuck with an out of network bill) Would you not want to know that your insurance does not cover this service, I know I would. And 3. So that if you do have a co payment the front desk will know that they are to collect it (which is required by ALL insurances. And in defense of the front desk, there job is very demanding. They have to answer multi phone lines, check in patients, collect payments, check patients out and schedule follow-up appointments. All of this is done with patients (and some not so friendly or just plain rude) in their face. So before you go and judge someone, you need to put yourself in their place. Granted we all have bad days but all in all I think the office is doing very well with the employees they have. I can say this because I am the Intake Coordinator at CPA and I have been in the medical field for over 15 years and I do have sympathy for people who are in need.
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