I began going to Carrboro Family Medicine in 1990 when they were still in the end unit of the Willow Creek Shopping Center. It had such a warm, inviting atmosphere and Dr. Manor was and still is a dynamo. I had the opportunity to have an appointment with their PA, Rebecca. I began seeing her from then on because I enjoyed her sense of humor, the time she took to really talk to me. It was like talking to someone I had known for years. I still love Dr. Manor. He always has given me great care and when I call to schedule an appointment I ask for Rebecca or Dr. Manor, happy with either choice. Well it is August of 2007 and I have not been for a visit since, gosh, 2005. Why? I have always had good health insurance being an employee of the state. I have always paid my bills. I was diagnosed, thanks to Dr. Manor's wisdom, in Feb. of 2002 with narcolepsy which required that I get a new prescription for my Ritalin written monthly. Without the prescription, I can't function. I can't drive, work, go to a movie, interact with friends without falling asleep or having cataplexy attacks, which is a loss of muscle tone caused by any display of emotion (a good laugh, being startled, angered, etc., etc.). I called one day to get my prescription filled. Since the previous month, insurance had returned with my owing $54. After 15 years of loyalty and staying on top of my bill, the new office staff was unwilling to give Dr. Manor or Rebecca the message to write my prescription until the $54 was paid. I offered to pay the $54 when I picked up the prescription but no, the office person would not budge and I needed the medicine the following day. It angered me so that I have never gone back. I paid the $54. Today when I called to make an appt. for a much needed physical another amount had come due. I never received a bill for it. Needless to say, the office is unwilling to make me an appt. until I pay the balance. I could understand if I were a new client. I could understand if Dr. Manor didn't know me and our boys had never played sports together and he and I had never set side by side cheering them on. I don't blame him. I would like to think that Dr. Manor would have seen me despite the $54 I owed. I miss the old office staff. Change is good but there is something to be said for the warmth of good old fashioned southern hospitality and familiarity. I can still say it the best Dr.s office I have ever visited and would recommend it to anyone. Just make sure your health needs are not urgent and that you don't have a $54 balance. Oh Well.
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