Just an addendum to the above, I actually got into an extended argument with my former pulmonary doctor. It was over a prescription. The drug was only available tru "speciality pharmacies"
He asked how I was handling the drug.
"I've never heard from anyone"
"Do you answer your phone for unknown callers?"
"Not usually"
"You should always answer your phone"...and proceeded to rant never explaining about hipaa laws an such when it came to speciality pharmacies" He had already given me a referral to another specialist and ended the conversation with, "I'm sure you'll be happy with Dr XXX"
My wife and I walked out of the office..."I think we just got fired"
Turns out his assistant never sent the request to the pharmacy or to the referring doctor