I'm a single parent for the next week. Mike went to Phoenix for business. He usually goes back 2-3 times per year and I guess he was due. I really hope Mike is enjoying his sushi and 70 degree weather while I'm wrangling the three beings we call our children and freezing my ass off. :)
I'm not even going to try and make a big meal this week. In fact, we had a frozen pizza for dinner. And I think tomorrow, we're having tuna helper or McDonald's or maybe we'll have cereal. :)
I originally took all three days off this week since Mike was going to be gone. Their preschool transportation can be a nightmare. I decided I didn't want to burn through all of my vacation, so I do have to work a half-day tomorrow and full-day on Thursday. I'll have to leave at 12:00 to take the twins to school and then leave at 3:00 to pick them up, but my boss was okay with it. I think she was happy that she didn't have to find coverage! And I'm happy to get out of the house a little bit.
I would like to thank our awesome neighbor for scooping out our driveway again! I've purposely avoided learning how to use the snow blower so I wouldn't have to do it. It snowed last night and we had a pretty decent drift that extended into the road. I really did not want to go out there and shovel. One less thing I have to worry about!
Ethan and Mia have their kindergarten screening tomorrow. I don't know how that snuck up on me. I still can't believe they're going to kindergarten. I'm kind of nervous for the screening. Their teachers said they know everything they're going to ask. I'm afraid they're going to be shy and not do anything for them. Before the screening, their preschool teachers tell them about the kids' personalities and what they can do in preschool. I thought that was neat. Kindergarten is a full-day and it's right down the road. They are excited for it but I know they're going to miss preschool. They've had the same teachers for two years. It's going to be quite the change for them.
Well, pray for my sanity for the next week! I need to get my three little ones to bed.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Clinic
I feel like I've worked at the clinic long enough to give some pointers on how a clinic works. So, here it goes:
1. Be nice to the receptionist
She has the power to call back to the nurses or even the doctor if she feels it's necessary. She has more influence than you may think. She will want to help you more if you are friendly.
2. Be nice to the nurses
The nurses are the go-to person to reach the doctor. If you are friendly, we want to help you more!
The nurses have the ability to "double book" the doctor's appointments. If you call in and feel it's important to be seen ASAP, we will put two appointments in one fifteen minute block. However, know that this usually means we end up staying late at the clinic because of the extra appointments throughout the day. If you are being an asshole, we're going to be less inclined to help. You can go to acute care. :)
3. Give more than a few hours notice to refill medications
When we get a refill request, we have do a little research as to when you were last seen, what labs were drawn, and determine if any lab work is due. Doctors like to see you once a year if they are going to prescribe medications. This isn't to "get your co-pay" as some people have voiced. It's to protect their license and "lay eyes on you" so to speak.
After we do the research, we send the request to the doctor. Sometimes they are able to get to it in between appointments, but most of the time, they play catch-up and do it over lunch or at the end of the day. Give the clinic at least a day or two to get to your request.
It's also helpful if you choose one pharmacy and stick with them. One of my pet peeves is when one person has 5-6 different pharmacies they go to. Having one pharmacy is safer for you. Your pharmacist can look at all of the medications you are on and determine if one will interact with another etc. If you go to 6 different pharmacies, they don't have the entire picture and something can get missed.
4. Why the wait?
You probably wonder why there are waits at the clinic. The receptionist books the amount of time for an appointment based on why you're coming in. Any acute visit, such as a sore throat or sinus infection, gets a 15 minute appointment. Well-baby checks and some pre-operative exams get 30 minutes. Procedures such as cyst removal and stitches can get 45 minutes to an hour.
A lot of waits happen because someone will make the appointment for a sore throat and just happen to add in that they're having chest pain. Chest pain= EKG, lab work, sometimes x-ray. All of that stuff = at least 45 minutes. Another one of my favorites is when they mention abdominal pain when they're there for an ear infection. An x-ray and lab work is added onto the appointment time. When you call to make the appointment, tell the receptionist everything so she can book the right amount of time.
5. CT scans and MRI's
Nurses hate these tests. When a doctor wants an expensive test done (these costs THOUSANDS), this means the nurse has to call your insurance company and "convince" them that you need the test done. Insurance companies do NOT want to pay thousands of dollars for these tests, so they will try to deny them.
When we do the pre-authorization, we have to go through your chart and figure out what medications you have tried, what therapy you have tried, and your basic medical history. If you've ever spent time on the phone with an insurance company, you feel our pain. I think it's a small miracle if you push the right buttons and get to speak to a real live person! Though, most of the people you speak to are foreign and you can't understand them. It can get quite frustrating, to say the least.
Another pet peeve of mine is when you go through all of that work to get the MRI approved, the patient then decides they don't want it done. UGGGGGGGGGH!!
If you are having any reservations about having a CT scan or an MRI done, voice your concerns right away!
6. Don't Kill the Messenger
The nurses do all of the doctor's communicating. We'll go to the doctor with your requests and questions. We relay information back and forth. Try not to kill us if it's not the answer you want. You can nicely ask the nurse to go back and talk to the doctor again and "convince" the doctor to see it your way. Sometimes this works and the doctor will change his mind and sometimes it doesn't.
7. Don't "no-show"
When patients make appointments and miss them, we call it a "no-show." Clinics keep track of how many times you no-show and can fire you as a patient if you do it a lot. If you are going to miss your appointment, be sure to call and let the clinic know.
8. Know your Insurance Policy
There are hundreds of different insurance policies. There is no possible way for the clinic to know everything about your insurance. We know some of the basics of Sanford vs Wellmark vs DakotaCare and what they may cover, but it's always wise to call and see if the service you want is covered.
9. Antibiotics
Antibiotics are for bacterial infections such as strep throat. Antibiotics do nothing if you have a cold which is caused by a virus. They will not help you. Don't ask us for antibiotics. We are going to say no. :)
If you do get prescribed an antibiotic, TAKE THE ENTIRE DOSE. Don't take half of the pills. That's how antibiotic-resistant bugs start. Antibiotics kill off the weakest bacteria first. If you take a few days worth, the weak bacteria are dead but the strong bacteria remain and get even stronger.
We want to shake you when you tell us you took some left-over antibiotics you had. You shouldn't have leftover antibiotics! Plus, if you do that, any testing we try to do on you can be skewed.
10. Be Honest
Tell your doctor everything. If you only took your lipitor (for cholesterol) once a week instead of every day, tell him. Your labs are going to be screwy and he's going to want to increase your dosage. That can cause more side effects. It's best to be honest. He's there to help you!
1. Be nice to the receptionist
She has the power to call back to the nurses or even the doctor if she feels it's necessary. She has more influence than you may think. She will want to help you more if you are friendly.
2. Be nice to the nurses
The nurses are the go-to person to reach the doctor. If you are friendly, we want to help you more!
The nurses have the ability to "double book" the doctor's appointments. If you call in and feel it's important to be seen ASAP, we will put two appointments in one fifteen minute block. However, know that this usually means we end up staying late at the clinic because of the extra appointments throughout the day. If you are being an asshole, we're going to be less inclined to help. You can go to acute care. :)
3. Give more than a few hours notice to refill medications
When we get a refill request, we have do a little research as to when you were last seen, what labs were drawn, and determine if any lab work is due. Doctors like to see you once a year if they are going to prescribe medications. This isn't to "get your co-pay" as some people have voiced. It's to protect their license and "lay eyes on you" so to speak.
After we do the research, we send the request to the doctor. Sometimes they are able to get to it in between appointments, but most of the time, they play catch-up and do it over lunch or at the end of the day. Give the clinic at least a day or two to get to your request.
It's also helpful if you choose one pharmacy and stick with them. One of my pet peeves is when one person has 5-6 different pharmacies they go to. Having one pharmacy is safer for you. Your pharmacist can look at all of the medications you are on and determine if one will interact with another etc. If you go to 6 different pharmacies, they don't have the entire picture and something can get missed.
4. Why the wait?
You probably wonder why there are waits at the clinic. The receptionist books the amount of time for an appointment based on why you're coming in. Any acute visit, such as a sore throat or sinus infection, gets a 15 minute appointment. Well-baby checks and some pre-operative exams get 30 minutes. Procedures such as cyst removal and stitches can get 45 minutes to an hour.
A lot of waits happen because someone will make the appointment for a sore throat and just happen to add in that they're having chest pain. Chest pain= EKG, lab work, sometimes x-ray. All of that stuff = at least 45 minutes. Another one of my favorites is when they mention abdominal pain when they're there for an ear infection. An x-ray and lab work is added onto the appointment time. When you call to make the appointment, tell the receptionist everything so she can book the right amount of time.
5. CT scans and MRI's
Nurses hate these tests. When a doctor wants an expensive test done (these costs THOUSANDS), this means the nurse has to call your insurance company and "convince" them that you need the test done. Insurance companies do NOT want to pay thousands of dollars for these tests, so they will try to deny them.
When we do the pre-authorization, we have to go through your chart and figure out what medications you have tried, what therapy you have tried, and your basic medical history. If you've ever spent time on the phone with an insurance company, you feel our pain. I think it's a small miracle if you push the right buttons and get to speak to a real live person! Though, most of the people you speak to are foreign and you can't understand them. It can get quite frustrating, to say the least.
Another pet peeve of mine is when you go through all of that work to get the MRI approved, the patient then decides they don't want it done. UGGGGGGGGGH!!
If you are having any reservations about having a CT scan or an MRI done, voice your concerns right away!
6. Don't Kill the Messenger
The nurses do all of the doctor's communicating. We'll go to the doctor with your requests and questions. We relay information back and forth. Try not to kill us if it's not the answer you want. You can nicely ask the nurse to go back and talk to the doctor again and "convince" the doctor to see it your way. Sometimes this works and the doctor will change his mind and sometimes it doesn't.
7. Don't "no-show"
When patients make appointments and miss them, we call it a "no-show." Clinics keep track of how many times you no-show and can fire you as a patient if you do it a lot. If you are going to miss your appointment, be sure to call and let the clinic know.
8. Know your Insurance Policy
There are hundreds of different insurance policies. There is no possible way for the clinic to know everything about your insurance. We know some of the basics of Sanford vs Wellmark vs DakotaCare and what they may cover, but it's always wise to call and see if the service you want is covered.
9. Antibiotics
Antibiotics are for bacterial infections such as strep throat. Antibiotics do nothing if you have a cold which is caused by a virus. They will not help you. Don't ask us for antibiotics. We are going to say no. :)
If you do get prescribed an antibiotic, TAKE THE ENTIRE DOSE. Don't take half of the pills. That's how antibiotic-resistant bugs start. Antibiotics kill off the weakest bacteria first. If you take a few days worth, the weak bacteria are dead but the strong bacteria remain and get even stronger.
We want to shake you when you tell us you took some left-over antibiotics you had. You shouldn't have leftover antibiotics! Plus, if you do that, any testing we try to do on you can be skewed.
10. Be Honest
Tell your doctor everything. If you only took your lipitor (for cholesterol) once a week instead of every day, tell him. Your labs are going to be screwy and he's going to want to increase your dosage. That can cause more side effects. It's best to be honest. He's there to help you!
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Oh Noah
Of course, Sarah wasn't pleased, but she couldn't help but laugh.
Congratulations
All joking aside, we couldn't be happier for them. She's been sick on and off throughout the first trimester, so hopefully she starts feeling better soon! I hope this baby is ready to be a part of our family. For those trying to keep track, baby will be the 8th grandchild for my parents.
Ahoy Matey
I can't believe Ash Wednesday is tomorrow. It kind of snuck up on me. We're off to Target when the kids get home to buy their Valentine's and some treats to bring. They are so excited about picking them out!
I'm pushing for them to go to kindergarten although sad at the same time. I know they are ready and by the time kindergarten starts, they will be 5 1/2, almost 6. If I hold them back, they'll be almost 7 by the time they start kindergarten and Ethan, Mia, and Riley would be in the same grade. I wouldn't do that to the twins, so Riley would be held back as well.
Julie was pretty impressed with how Riley is doing. She all ready recognizes some letters of the alphabet which is a skill that is beyond her age. We still have some numbers to work on, but she's doing well. So far, none of them will go to summer school unless they see a dramatic change with how they're doing in school.
Mike and I had a much deserved break. We slept in, went out to eat, and watched movies. I think every couple needs a free weekend every few months. It does wonders!
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
New Daycare
We decided to switch day cares. Mia and Riley did all right in the big daycare center (I wouldn't say they loved it), but Ethan was a different story. I could tell a difference in his behavior right from the start. He was more aggressive and just plain naughty. I put him in time-out constantly.
His teacher, Allison, even sent me an email about him misbehaving in preschool. Allison said he was putting together a 25 piece puzzle and she told him it was time to put it away. He wasn't quite finished so he got mad and threw it. She said puzzle pieces went everywhere. Allison made him sit back down and put the puzzle back together. She said he's never done it again. :) (I absolutely love his teacher!) She said he quit participating in circle time and singing songs, which he's never done. He also started using the word poopy in preschool and said it constantly.
I wanted to pull them out the first month (after I received her email.) Mike convinced me to leave them there for a few more weeks to see how he did. Ethan seemed to get a little better but still wasn't loving it.
A school-aged kid started picking on him and started calling him all sorts of nasty names (fucker and told him he was going to kick his ass.) I told the daycare teacher, but Ethan didn't know his name, so it wasn't much help.
Ethan sobbed and threw himself to the ground when I'd leave in the mornings. I really think he was scared to be there. His teacher said he'd sob for an hour after I'd leave. I knew it was more than separation anxiety because Ethan isn't a crier.
I told Mike that I was putting our two week notice in. I didn't have anyone lined up to watch the kids, but I didn't care at that point.
I found an ad advertising an in-home daycare. I was kind of nervous because I didn't know her, but we went and met her a couple of weeks ago. I knew immediately that the kids would like it there. Mia and Riley made themselves right at home playing with the toys. Ethan was more reserved and held my hand the entire time we were there.
There were some tears shed the first couple of days (by Ethan and Riley) but that didn't last long. In fact, the first day, Mia told me that she liked Traci's house and that it was fun. Ethan piped in, "yeah, I like Traci's house." The kids really like going there. Traci is really laid back about things. It's kind of like dropping the kids off at your sister's house.
She only has 6 kids so it's pretty small. She watches a couple of babies, so the girls are in heaven. There's a 5 year old little boy that Ethan gets to play with.
Ethan is so much happier. His teacher emailed me yesterday and said she notices a difference in his behavior since starting with Traci. It's so nice knowing my kids like going there and they're well taken care of. It makes going to work so much easier!
His teacher, Allison, even sent me an email about him misbehaving in preschool. Allison said he was putting together a 25 piece puzzle and she told him it was time to put it away. He wasn't quite finished so he got mad and threw it. She said puzzle pieces went everywhere. Allison made him sit back down and put the puzzle back together. She said he's never done it again. :) (I absolutely love his teacher!) She said he quit participating in circle time and singing songs, which he's never done. He also started using the word poopy in preschool and said it constantly.
I wanted to pull them out the first month (after I received her email.) Mike convinced me to leave them there for a few more weeks to see how he did. Ethan seemed to get a little better but still wasn't loving it.
A school-aged kid started picking on him and started calling him all sorts of nasty names (fucker and told him he was going to kick his ass.) I told the daycare teacher, but Ethan didn't know his name, so it wasn't much help.
Ethan sobbed and threw himself to the ground when I'd leave in the mornings. I really think he was scared to be there. His teacher said he'd sob for an hour after I'd leave. I knew it was more than separation anxiety because Ethan isn't a crier.
I told Mike that I was putting our two week notice in. I didn't have anyone lined up to watch the kids, but I didn't care at that point.
I found an ad advertising an in-home daycare. I was kind of nervous because I didn't know her, but we went and met her a couple of weeks ago. I knew immediately that the kids would like it there. Mia and Riley made themselves right at home playing with the toys. Ethan was more reserved and held my hand the entire time we were there.
There were some tears shed the first couple of days (by Ethan and Riley) but that didn't last long. In fact, the first day, Mia told me that she liked Traci's house and that it was fun. Ethan piped in, "yeah, I like Traci's house." The kids really like going there. Traci is really laid back about things. It's kind of like dropping the kids off at your sister's house.
She only has 6 kids so it's pretty small. She watches a couple of babies, so the girls are in heaven. There's a 5 year old little boy that Ethan gets to play with.
Ethan is so much happier. His teacher emailed me yesterday and said she notices a difference in his behavior since starting with Traci. It's so nice knowing my kids like going there and they're well taken care of. It makes going to work so much easier!
Monday, January 21, 2013
Family Picture
I hope this next year will go as well as last year minus all the medical bills. :)
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