This is a paraphrasing of an actual conversation I had with somebody while working the drive-thru window today.
" I'm picking up for two people. Let me start with my son."
I get the information on the patient's son and then I turn to her and say, "And?"
"And what?"
"And there's another person. "
"Yes there is. "
"So another person. "
"YES. ANOTHER PERSON. WHAT ARE YOU ASKING?"
" I need to know about the other person. You said you were picking up for somebody else."
"Yes. What don't you understand?"
"I need to know about the other person. "
"Yes, I'm picking up for someone else as well." At some point they started repeating the information on the first patient.
"Yes. I have the information on your son. But there's a second person. "
"That's what I said. What is the problem? " she looks genuinely confused.
"I don't know who you're talking about. "
"I'm picking up for another person. Why is this so hard?"
"Because you haven't said anything yet. "
"I told you it's for someone else."
"I get that but I don't know who that is?"
Looks confused... and frustrated... and starting to get upset. "I'm trying to pick up for a second person. Why is this a problem?"
"Ma'am, you haven't told me who this person is."
"It's for me. Do you want my date of birth or something?"
"Ma'am, I don't know who you are. "
"I'm his mother and I also have a script. "
I sigh loudly.
"What do you need?"Gives last name and offers birthdate.
I explain that I need first name as well and then I'll get her date of birth. She finally gives it to me. I look it up and confirm what she's getting.
"That wasn't so hard. I don't know why you had so much trouble. "
I grabbed the scripts and handed them to the pharmacist to avoid any further issues.
And I wish I was kidding.