Monday, April 20, 2009

What a Rip Off

Before going to Thailand last summer M. and I had to get a few vaccines and some malaria pills.

I went to a travel clinic near where I work and it ended up costing me $160 in total - a $50 consultation fee plus $110 for medication. M went to a walk-in clinic downtown where there was no consultation fee but they upped the prices a little. I think in the end all of the medication was covered by our plans, except for my consultation fee. Okay, fine.

Today I had to go back to the travel clinic to get my second dose of the Hep A vaccine, which ended up costing me $45 for the shot, plus a $20 consultation fee. I don't know what I was consulted on, considering I was in the office for about 2 minutes and knew exactly what I was there for.

When I was making my appointment on the phone, the receptionist reminded me to bring cash, so I ended up giving $80 for my $65 bill. She told me she had no change, which I thought was odd for a place that asks for cash. Then she asked me if I was in a rush to head home, because it might take her 15 minutes to find change - so I said yes, I am in a huge rush. Then she asked me to pay with debit. As I looked at the debit card sitting in my wallet, I said, oops, I must have forgotten it at home. Then she suggested I go downstairs to a store to get change. I think I must have given her a dirty look because she went into her own wallet to get me change.

Don't ask me to bring cash if
1) You don't have change, and
2) You have a debit machine.

Ha, now you know my true colours! And ow, my arm is tender!

2 comments:

  1. She should have told you that they took debit and not just cash.... it would have saved a lot of headaches.... maybe when people don't have the right change and just give her whatever they have ... she keeps it.... a little extra income.... lol
    I'm glad your arm is feeling better today!!!

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  2. Good customer service just doesn't exist today - unless of course someone wants to sell you an extended warranty - then they're all over you like hair on a camel ;)

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