OK, I would really like to get everyone's opinion on this. I have 2,000 patients. One gets pissed. Why? Well, she calls me at 7:24 am on a Saturday for her kid's ear infection. We had seen him two days prior so I told her I would call in an antibiotic. She gave me the pharmacy, and I sent it in. Apparently, they were closed -- holidays and all -- so she called back to change it. My answering service went down so I did not get her next two pages. On her third page, (five total hours) the service told her they would call my cell making it sound as though that it the only way I return my calls. They called me and sent a fax, which basically stated that I only needed to send the script to a different pharmacy which I did. Lesson learned, even so I probably should have called her, but I basically missed two calls and responded promptly to her third. So, on Monday, she called the office and went off on my staff and told them I was the worst pediatrician ever and blah, blah, blah and they were leaving. So, I sent a letter explaining everything and apologized. I explained about the service. What more can I do?
So, today she puts up this derogatory and untrue statement about me on her Facebook account also asking for advice for a good pediatrician. She could have just said she had an issue with her doctor and needs a new doctor, but she had to use my name and the practice's name. Over 20 people, so far, responded.
I, of course, was mortified. I asked questions about with knowledgeable people, but there is absolutely nothing I can do. Facebook has an anti-defamatory policy, but have you ever tried to get hold of them. They list a phone number which then tells you they don't take calls and to email them, which I can't find. I guess you could say having a number at least tells people not to keep looking, but why then have an audex with six options each telling you, sorry but they don't take phone calls.
I don't think this is going to be the end of Facebook. Essentially, there is nothing to do. The reason I found out was because of a patient of mine who "unfriended" her that same morning. Unfortunate, as she could have written a positive comment. Of course, you can delete any comment someone writes on "your wall."
Any suggestions? I am still trying to reach Facebook. What if they said something truly spiteful or demeaning?
I mean, sure, when I step back, how many people see her page and all are friends anyway, so they would hear from her.
