maybe this is common and not only my experience...

[Ohiogal]

5. Oh yes

I like all my doctors, but two of them have office staff that is horrible. At the one place I actually wonder why this woman works with the public. She is his nurse and she is the one who takes you back, weighs you, takes your blood pressure, any new issues, etc. She has all the warmth and personality of a stone and answers you with one word sentences or gives you one word commands. I like to joke around when I go to a medical appt. just to make it less nerve racking but I think this woman was missing the day the good lord passed out personality.

Another place, my husband and I go to the same one -- he has been feuding with their billing dept. for 6 months now.

My former mother-in-law had a doctor whose staff was from hell. I used to take her to her appts. She was in her mid 90s and they'd keep her waiting in the inner room for an hour or more! I'd complain and complain and they'd give me attitude. She refused to switch doctors so what could I do.

As far as your doctor saying he doesn't have any control over his office staff, that is BS. They should absolutely raise issues with the staff over complaints like yours. I find it appalling that you had to deal with this person after she knew you complained and you were treated so rudely. I don't know if this is just an American health care issue? Who needs to put up with this horrible treatment when you need to see a doctor?