What Do I Say? - Lincoln,NE

they have heard it all and seen it all - just tell them why you need to be seen. embarrassing as it may be for you - it's their job and they need to know why you need to be seen..

I hope it's nothing serious!!

Almost anything can be summed up in one or two words-- for a gyno appt it's probably either infection or possible infection, pregnancy, bleeding or sexual health.

I work as an operator at a hospital switchboard, trust me the office girls have heard it ALL (and no longer care about most of it!) AND have signed 5000 defferent confidentiality/HIPAA agreements!

I have felt like this before. Lol. My answer was "Umm, there is something wrong with my vagina, Im not really sure."
They are woman, they have vaginas, and they work in an OB/GYN's office. Its ok, thats what they are there for.

They like to know what you are coming in for so they can have the proper tools ready at exam time. I would say "unfortunately I'm suspecting a herpes breakout"... or whatever it is you are actually suspecting. The receptionists have to sign a paper stating that all your info is PRIVATE.
And just remember, you arent the only hole on the golf course ;)

you - I need an exam.
her - Well it looks like you aren't due for your annual exam.
you - I'm having some ongoing issues that I need to have checked out asap. Thx

Give some other medical reason that isn't as embarrassing, but is still as urgent. All they are really wanting to know is approximately how much time will the doctor be spending with you - is it routine or "sick."

Say you think you have a bladder infection or just general "infection." Be vague "odor, discharge, etc." You'll have to repeat it once you see the nurse/doctor anyway.

Or just tell her that you'd rather not say - she'll probably ask additional questions to get the info she needs.

GYN receptionists have heard just about much as nurses and the GYNs themselves. I know you're embarrassed, but you really shouldn't be.

So glad I'm not the only one who hates admitting my problem to the receptionist. I like the suggestions your getting. :)

if its something that needs to get checked... tell her exam.
if its something you need to talk about... tell her I need to talk to him
if its something you need to get tested for... tell her I need some tests.

Keep it short and simple but exactly what you want the Dr. to do.

Try sticking with telling her you have a "medical issue". If she needs more information tell her you are only comfortable explaining it to the doctor. Stand firm. All of the receptionists at my gyno's office are also nurses.

I know what you mean... I too, hate having to tell the receptionist what you are going for. Just remember that they are bound by the privacy laws and I always figure they've probably heard weirder and worse!

You can perhaps be vague about it? Like if you are itching and uncomfortable you could say that you have noticed some abnormalities that you would like to have an exam. That's pretty vague and could still get you in.

Good luck!!! Trips to the Gyno are never fun!!!

I know it's uncomfortable telling some random person your private business, but the thing is the receptionist hears all sorts of things everyday, she is not going to judge you. That is her job, just like the doctors, they don't freak out when they check you out. They do that all the time. Don't be embarrased. I am going to the GYNO later today and have my own uncomfortable issues to talk about. I had to tell the receptionist mine too, all she did was say okay and made the appointment. It will be okay.

She needs to know in general inorder to know how long to make your appointment for. They are bound to confidentiality just as your drs are.

Ask to speak to a nurse.

I was going to say ask to talk to your doctor's nurse. They can usually set up the appointment for you after they know what you need.
Hope everything is ok!

OK, this is a belated answer, but I think that the receptionists need to know how much time to book. I would say, I need a consultation on a current problem. That is really all they need to know. The nurse/MA will ask you more detailed information and set the room up for whatever the doc needs when you come in for the appointment.

Sounds like you've got it figured out, but like the others have said they've heard it all, nothing phases them and they are required to protect your privacy. My mom worked in an OB/GYN clinic for decades.

I know that some things can be embarrassing, but having worked in the healthcare industry, including the OB department at a hospital, there isn't anything that hasn't been seen and/or heard.
I promise you, there is so much work to be done that no one sits around going "Oh my God.....some woman just called because she's having a problem with......"
First of all, that would be incredibly unprofessional, and second of all, as strange as it sounds for as thorough as you have to be about things, stuff like that goes in one ear and out the other.
A medical receptionist isn't asking you questions because she's being snoopy, for one thing, she needs to evaluate how long your appointment needs to be scheduled for. If it's a requirement that you be seen for a prescription refill, that appointment will take a lot less time than one for a full pelvic exam that may include swabs for the lab, etc.
It seems that you understand this concept, but if you won't say what you want to be seen for, are they supposed to guess?
Some people are embarrassed to say it hurts to have intercourse.
Some people are embarrassed to say they are having a burning/itching sensation.
Going to the gyno is never a picnic.
You say you have to go ASAP and it can't wait.
You have to give them a little more to go on than that.
If you are an established patient, maybe you could ask to have the doctor's nurse give you a call back, but you're still going to have to deal with a receptionist at some point.

Try not to worry about embarrassment.
Best wishes.

the more specific you are the better care you will get. depending on the issue the doctor may need a urine or blood sample. and just remember that the receptionist hears tons of things every day, and may have had the same issue you are having. and if it is something rare or oddball, the more the doc knows beforehand the bette prepared and knowledgefull he/she will be, and they may need to do a bit of research beforehand to better treat you. no need to be embarassed, they have seen/heard pretty much everything at this point.