A healthcare provider I used in the past had these things, absolutely hated how they used dark patterns to try to get people to consent to this crap. Really wish the US had more backbone to fight these kinds of practices.
I have previously checked the box, then ask the receptionist to immediately remove my authorization and print a confirmation. And it's not just unchecking the box, she's adding an exception note on my account. I doubt it'd be respected correctly if I ever had a bill go to collections.
I do raise a stink with the receptionist every time and she's good about it, but should probably escalate it higher in the organization.
This is the part that sucks. It's not the receptionist's problem, he/she just wants to get on with their day. Generally they're powerless to do anything anyway.
Last time I went to urgent care they had one of those screenless digital signature collection pads. "I just need you to sign a couple intake forms" and she motioned at the pad. I asked what I am signing, and she said "just some intake forms." She looked at me like I had six heads when I asked to see the actual forms, as if no one had ever done that before, then took a few minutes to find them.
Felt bad for making her life harder. Makes me wonder if something like that is even contractually valid: how can you collect a signature "on" a form that you don't even show the signer?
Sorry for my ignorance, but why isn't it the receptionist's problem? Isn't it part of their job to address these sorts of concerns from patients?
Back in the day, the employee would expect the complaint, likely agree with it and not take it personally as it’s very obviously not directed at them or within their power to change. However, what they can do it let their employer know customers are unhappy.
Of course, a sane healthcare system would make sure it never comes to this in the first place.
I was in one situation where I was required to "sign for my belongings" before they were returned to me--and before I was allowed to see them at all--and the document on the screen described someone else's belongings, such as things I did not have. The chick told me to calm down and I asked her if she read her employment contract before signing it.
It’s the office’s problem, and the receptionist is the public interface for the office. (Of course, if you aren’t willing to do anything but complain to the receptionist, and it doesn’t effect the business of the office, then I’m nots sure what the point of repeatedly raising a stink with the receptionist is.)
> a box allowing them to contact friends and family in pursuit of collecting money for unpaid bills
Wow, this is pretty shocking. Could you please share more details e.g. company name?
Did you relay your experience with this evil pattern with the doctor? What did they say?
Not prioritized at all is not what the parent poster alleged.
Sorry, but I interpret "entirely run by capital" differently.
> The US is entirely run by capital. If its profitable it'll be allowed even if it harms peiple
None of this wording excludes the following:
"In contrast to the US, Europe is not entirely run by capital. If it's profitable it may not be allowed if it harms people."