Signage

  It's important to post signs and provide  written advisories about expected behavior, especially in a cardiologist's office.  A number of cardiologists  share the office, so the lines can be long while you wait attention from the staff behind the desk (none of whom portrays the epitome of cardiac health), but I digress.  The line extends to the door so you have to move to get out of the way of incomers while still preserving your place in line.  There is a sign instructing you to wait until the person ahead of you moves away from the desk, for privacy reasons.  Yet when it's your turn, someone  bellows out your full name from one of the doorways.  Today a woman stood up, hearing her name called, but knew not from what doorway, just stood looking baffled.  So I made sure to keep my eyes open so I wouldn't look like another lost soul---"I know I heard my name, but where am I supposed to go? " 
     Another sign warns not to stand too close to one doorway because it opens outward. In addition, If you need  a prescription refill, say so in the office.  A service charge will be applied for renewals between visits.  Those taking Coumadin need to have protime levels checked, by appointment only.  And if you go to another location, such as your primary, a monthly service charge will apply.  If you have lab work and tests done in this office, you will be contacted only for significant abnormalties, as we do not call or mail out tests on a routine basis; you will be provided results at next visit.  If you do not pay your co-pay at the time of your visit, there is a service feeof $10.00.  The same applies to any balance not covered by insurance.  (They don't know about my changed insurance yet.)  There was formerly a sign assessing a charge for returned checks, but I didn't see it this time, probably not room on the wall, or could be they no longer accept checks. 
   Such measures may be necessary, but they seem somewhat harsh, especially for cardiac patients who are supposed to avoid stress.  The esteemed doctors could at least take a tip from the television ads where the banks advertise no waiting lines, and other user-friendly features.