Author Topic: Tonight she texts me this series of messages:  (Read 2791 times)

barb2512

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Tonight she texts me this series of messages:
« on: September 06, 2013, 12:17:32 AM »
I don't even know how to title this. I am an independent biller working for several mental health counselors. I work hourly and in addition to billing I do help with administrative tasks as I can.

One of the reasons I have this business is to set my own hours and be my own boss.

I have a new client, psychologist, who started in May. She is frequently ill. Tonight she texts me this series of messages:
8:32 pm Please cx my 3 pts tomorrow. Confirm w me that u got this. Thx.
8:42 pm Did u get this?
8:48 pm I need to know u got this & r taking care of it so I don't.
8:58 pm Since u haven't answered me I'll just do it myself.
8:59 pm Thx

Seems really demanding and aggressive to me. I was making dinner and having dinner with my husband. I did tell her when we met that I would help if she needed to cancel appts. But this is not good.

I need to know how to respond to her tomorrow when I call her about it. Or would you just recommend to ignore late night requests? I would stop what I am doing to make the three calls and make about $5 to $7 for my trouble?

I am flabbergasted by her tone. But let's say that the tone should be interpreted to be sweet and kind, then I would just tell her that I got her texts and sorry I was unable to help. She has been demanding in the past but not at this late hour. She has lupus. I don't know if that means that illness comes on her very suddenly. Maybe I should ask her that? Maybe I should set a fee for any work after 6pm?

We have a contract but it does not cover after hours. I am not a personal assistant.

I need some feedback. Thank you.
Barbara

Merry

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Re: Tonight she texts me this series of messages:
« Reply #1 on: September 06, 2013, 03:28:44 AM »
Sounds like you have to set limits for her or this will happen again. Since this is not part of your contract, and if you want to help her with extra work, why not draw up an addendum to your contract with the hours that you will be available and the fee that you charge. Sounds like she may be having a difficult day but that is never an excuse to be rude. JMHO

barb2512

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Re: Tonight she texts me this series of messages:
« Reply #2 on: September 06, 2013, 10:16:52 AM »
Thank you for your advice.

I was thinking the same thing this morning. Perhaps an addendum. I appreciate your taking time to answer me.

Barbara

PMRNC

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Re: Tonight she texts me this series of messages:
« Reply #3 on: September 06, 2013, 06:16:46 PM »
Barb before I or any one else really can weigh in on this we would need to see your contract with this provider.

I really don't believe anyone should even wave in on this w/out that.
Linda Walker
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Christy

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Re: Tonight she texts me this series of messages:
« Reply #4 on: September 10, 2013, 11:13:51 AM »
Just commiserating here. Her tone is extremely child-ish. I am dealing with a provider who is infantile at times as well....
It's so frustrating to try to communicate effectively sometimes....

I would definitely address your availability and include it in the contract.


Medical Billing Forum

Re: Tonight she texts me this series of messages:
« Reply #4 on: September 10, 2013, 11:13:51 AM »

shanbull

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Re: Tonight she texts me this series of messages:
« Reply #5 on: September 27, 2013, 07:45:22 PM »
You could always add a clause that you will charge double your normal hourly rate for after-hours services? I suppose if you don't need the money you can have set hours and not respond outside of them, but if it were me I'd get up in the middle of the night for double pay.

Medical Billing Forum

Re: Tonight she texts me this series of messages:
« Reply #5 on: September 27, 2013, 07:45:22 PM »