HeLLO people.
Yesterday I went to the hospital to see a specialist. If you are like me who have been to any public hospitals especially those in Malaysia Cities, you would know how crazy it gets.
I remember my first time and was trying to figure out how to get around to obtain an appointment. After that during the day itself to see the specialist, it was just utter chaos for me. If your appointment is at 8 am, you should get there before 7 am. If your appointment is at 10 am, you should also get there before 7 am. That was something i had to personally experience to learn it the hard way.
Don't schedule anything on the day of the appointment from morning till at least late afternoon. Otherwise, you will just find yourself calling to reschedule or cancel your appointment anyway.
Anyway, I have made a simple video on my experience at the hospital yesterday just for others to take a look and see what goes on.
Click to go to video on my DLIVE site
However if you don't feel like watching the video, here is a step by step instruction.
To get an appointment with the specialist at a public hospital or any other hospital, you generally need a referral letter from a Medical officer either from private clinic or government clinic. As for government clinic in Malaysia, you are better off going to a Klinik Kesihatan to obtain the referral.
Once you get the referral, that when the process starts.
Head to the hospital during working hours and find the specialist clinic you intended to see. For example, I needed to see a Rheumatologist, so I asked the information desk for Rheumathology clinic. Speak to the nurse in charge of that clinic, present your referral and obtain your appointment date which is usually at least a month or two away depending on how busy they are.
This is what happens on appointment day:
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Get there early for two reasons. Get a parking and line up to get first dips for registration so you can see the doctor earlier.
Once you are there, find the specialist clinic registration line. You will be lining up for a ticket number which then allow you to wait for your number to be called. The lining up early morning when doors are just open requires some martial art stance and movements as some people do get a little violent with pushing even if the security guards are there.
When registering, be prepared to pay RM5 if you have been there before or Free for your first time, those with OKU cards, public serviceman and women. you will be handed your registration ticket number back and a receipt for your payment if you paid.
Now, find the specialist clinic which you went to last to get your appointment. hand them your registration number, show them the receipt if asked and wait for them to pull up your records in the system for registration at the clinic.
Don't wander around too far unless you have told the nurses who will be able to tell you to come back in approximate time. Make sure you make yourself known to them when you get back. Although, try not to go anywhere as the nurses themselves are under staff and swamp with other duties too. Be considerate.
This will be the longest waiting time in this whole process to see the doctor. Although if you arrived early before anyone else and get first dips, you probably be the first to be called in at 8 am- ish and be out of there by 10 am.
After seeing the doctor, go back to the nurses station and get your next appointment as per doctor's order. Also ensure before you leave the doctor's room to get a list of medications, he or she will be giving you. Wait for your appointment set by the nurses.
After getting your appointment date and time, it is time to find the pharmacy.
Every department has their own pharmacy. So don't go to emergency department pharmacy instead look for the specialist clinic's pharmacy.
Go get yourself registered by showing them your appointment card. They will issue you another registration number. Generally speaking, hospital pharmacy has a policy where they will try their utmost best to dispense your medication within 30 mins. They work really fast, so hang around and get to the counter as soon as your number is called or your name yelled for.
To get refills, there are couple of ways. You can request a form to be filled if you want it to be posted to you or call them to make an appointment for a pick up or drive through. Yes... they do have drive through!
Collect your medication and ensure you understand the instructions on how to take your medications.
With this you are done! Time to get out of the place!
Personal note:
It takes a lot of patience and understanding when you deal with healthcare professionals who see patients day in and day out. Some probably get abused verbally or even physically when the patient or their family doesn't get what they want. Sometimes our medical issues are way beyond what they understand as well. So yes, be firm if you encounter this situation but be understanding too. In my case, the doctor was nice enough and kind enough to admit that he doesn't know so he would refer me on to someone else which would be taking another month and half. Compared to the other doctor I met on my previous visit where I left more annoyed and angry but they are humans too.
We should pray and hope that they grow wiser in their professions and is able to help more people in future.
I hope this post have been informative and let me know if you need any other information on the matter. I would be more than happy to share if I know the answer.
Get better soon or I wish you feel better and have an awesome day.
Till next time.
Vetz