A reliable witness sometimes is all that is needed to prevent wrongdoing. One person can sometimes change the direction of a situation.

I have had an irritating health issue for over a year now. I thought it was being exacerbated by the stress I was under, and perhaps the cortisol that went along with it. I saw my regular doctor and anticipated that something would pop up in my labs if there was an underlying issue. I also went to a clinic to narrow out some obvious possibilities.

Recently, I realized this really isn’t getting any better but is getting worse. I went to the clinic again because it was three weeks to see my doctor. I was very grateful to get some feedback in a quick time frame. The tests came negative there which meant a need for seeing a primary physician or specialist. Again, a 3 week wait. For some this is actually a pretty good time frame to get in. (I was hung up on after waiting on hold for an hour during one of these phone calls trying to get in. I am sure that is also a coincidental accident.)

I looked at some other options after messaging one of my doctors. I saw there is an independent lab where you can order tests on your own. What a great option! I made a point to go in, was a bit apprehensive thinking they may turn me away for some reason, but the website said, ‘walk ins’ okay.

I was happy to be seen, chose some tests to get and proceeded to get my blood drawn. I had forgotten my HSA card. This is a medical card where you can save money, tax free, for medical expenses only. I asked if I could call them with my card number when I got home. I have paid many medical bills on the phone.

They said it was okay. They did not say that the test wouldn’t be run if I didn’t make it back that day. They close at 3 pm. I got busy with work and didn’t make it back. A few days later I called, explained and asked if I could pay on the phone. The agent transferred me to someone to answer my question. This went to a voicemail. I left a message with my phone number. No call back. A few days pass. I check my email for test results. Nothing. I call back again.

The woman that answers is very helpful. She should be the quality manager. She gets to the bottom of the issue. Afterward, I share my perception of the issue with her, because I see her as someone that is very capable. There are times when you can express a concern, but that is going no where.

Essentially, they took my blood sample and threw it out. She told me they claimed to have called me and the number was ‘out of service.’ She said they have ‘no record’ of the visit, but they do remember me because of the unique situation.

I understand they have procedures. Because I didn’t work within those rules that were not told to me, this is only the fault of my own. For not double checking, not having my card with me, etc.

The whole point of an independent lab has now lost my trust. I think this is an extremely valuable business that might consider how they would feel if their blood sample goes missing and they waste their precious time. When someone is using an independent lab what is their circumstances? I wonder, did they really throw it away? I hope they did, otherwise it is missing and that is my personal property and my health information, DNA and more. Science has really been expanding with what is possible with biomedical.

I have seen a number of situations with ‘coincidences’ like this that have really just been the result of wasting my time. Time is a major factor with health. Always.

It is almost as if everyone is on a team that they are playing favorites for. It reminds me of a vindictive playmate in grade school that would use rules to their own advantage and not be flexible when it is obviously needed.

-Disappointed