To go to the doctors appointment: yes or no

[manlymatt83]

Hi all,

I've had a lot of health related issues recently and have missed a lot of work. Of course I have doctors notes for everything, and HR is happy cause I've worked alternate hours and still get my work done. But here's the deal...

I have a really shady boss. He's "OK" with me missing work, but every week he's like "Is it done yet? Is it done yet?"... last week he took me into the office and told me that "He's happy that I am trying to find out the cause of my health issues, but wants to know when this all will end as its gone on for weeks now..."

My attitude: I would LOVE to know what's wrong ... does he think I like getting all these tests done?
His attitude: Company's gotta make money

So here's the deal...

Last Friday I told him about this all day testing session I have this Wednesday. He's cool with it. But today, I got a call from my other doctor saying "Can you come in tomorrow?" --- if I don't come in tomorrow (Tuesday), they can't sneak me in for another three months. However, this is a doctor I've seen for three years for a completely separate issue, and so its more of a "follow up" appointment --- I bet he's just going to say "You're still good -- keep up the good work." (This is the blood pressure doctor).

So now the question:

Do I blow off the doctors appointment, reschedule it, because the one on Wednesday is much more important, and as to not piss my boss off, or do I take the advice of my coworkers, say "F" my boss (because its HEALTH related issues for goodness sake), and go to the appointment tomorrow on top of Wednesday (I'd come in about 2 hours late tomorrow if i went)

Thanks everyone,

Matt

 

[AUMM]

yes, definetely go to both... health>wealth

 

[DaTT]

I have been in similar situations...its not fun. Although, I would much rather be healthy than not, and I'm pretty sure your boss would want the same too.

 

[George P Burdell]

Bosses come and go, but you keep your body for the rest of your life. Instead of breathing down your neck, your boss should be happy that you get your work done despite your health problems.

 

[Patt]

Obviously ... GO TO THE DOCTOR. If your boss has a problem with it, let him talk to HR.

 

[Krazy4Real]

Just go.. better to be safe than sorry.

 

[Kadarin]

On the other hand, if you don't go and therefore die of some disease or another, then we won't have to put up with your YAGTs anymore..

 

[Vette73]

I stopped reading after...

I have a really shady boss. He's "OK" with me missing work, but every week he's like "Is it done yet? Is it done yet?"... last week he took me into the office and told me that "He's happy that I am trying to find out the cause of my health issues, but wants to know when this all will end as its gone on for weeks now..."

I would contact HR now to protect yourself.

He is very close, if not already over stepped, hipaa laws to start with.

 

[Gooberlx2]

So this one of Tuesday is just for a blood pressure test...or something not as important? I'd say reschedule it if it's not related to whatever the health problem is that you're trying to figure out.

I CAN tell you this: My fiance has many health problems due to an autoimmune disease. So she has to miss work when she gets extremely ill, has severe migraines or just HAS make her important doctor's visits. If your boss is shady there's no telling that he won't find "some other" reason to let you go. It's happened to my fiance a few times.

 

[wheresmybacon]

Go to the doctor. Your boss is a fvckface.

 

[theknight571]

Originally posted by: Patt
Obviously ... GO TO THE DOCTOR. If your boss has a problem with it, let him talk to HR.

Agreed.

 

[George P Burdell]

Originally posted by: Marlin1975
I stopped reading after...

I have a really shady boss. He's "OK" with me missing work, but every week he's like "Is it done yet? Is it done yet?"... last week he took me into the office and told me that "He's happy that I am trying to find out the cause of my health issues, but wants to know when this all will end as its gone on for weeks now..."

I would contact HR now to protect yourself.

He is very close, if not already over stepped, hipaa laws to start with.

And keep a record of every conversation your boss has with you regarding your health. Scribble it down in a journal if you want.

 

[manlymatt83]

That's the thing though... he's been understanding up until now, but now since I'm missing at least one day a week for an appointment, I think its getting out of hand according to him. I have offered him doctors notes but he doesn't care about them.

At this point I think missing the appointment might be better, because like they said above, if I piss him off too much he can find any reason to fire me, and at that point I won't have insurance. And Wednesday is the more important one and he's already approved/OK with that.

 

[Kelemvor]

If it's a follow-up, can't you go on a lunch break or after work or anything like that?

 

[AreaCode707]

Go the health route. Inform HR right now of the issues you feel you're having with your manager so they have documentation in case he tries to take it out on you. Health related issues are legally protected and he's stepping over the line.

<---- HR person


[edit] Do you really have to take a full day when you have an appointment? Can you go to work immediately afterwards?

 

[manlymatt83]

Originally posted by: HotChic
Go the health route. Inform HR right now of the issues you feel you're having with your manager so they have documentation in case he tries to take it out on you. Health related issues are legally protected and he's stepping over the line.

<---- HR person


[edit] Do you really have to take a full day when you have an appointment? Can you go to work immediately afterwards?

That's the thing. I live an hour from work, and the appointment Wednesday is at 12:45, and its a pretty complicated medical test so it takes a few hours.

 

[AreaCode707]

Originally posted by: mjuszczak

Originally posted by: HotChic
Go the health route. Inform HR right now of the issues you feel you're having with your manager so they have documentation in case he tries to take it out on you. Health related issues are legally protected and he's stepping over the line.

<---- HR person


[edit] Do you really have to take a full day when you have an appointment? Can you go to work immediately afterwards?

That's the thing. I live an hour from work, and the appointment Wednesday is at 12:45, and its a pretty complicated medical test so it takes a few hours.

Could you go in very early in the morning and then leave at 11 or something? Just to show your boss you're putting in a good faith effort?

Again, I think you should work with HR because you're in the right here. Just never hurts to try to keep the office politics smooth.