Reception desk behind frosted glass window (San Antonio, Howe: moving, office, best)

[MoveFromSeattle]

One of the culture shocks I experienced in SA is the practice of "Reception Desk behind Frosted Glass Window". You walk into a doctor's office, expecting to be greeted by the reception staff. However, what you see is a closed frosted glass window. Multiple patients in waiting clearly indicate they are open for business.... hmmmm.... you are then told to knock the window, perhaps wait for another few minutes for it to open, someone shows up and handles you a stack of forms... the window shuts down behind you immediately when you walk back to your seats.

Since I never experienced this before moving into SA, I am wondering if it is common in San Antonio or if it is another culturally acceptable thing. It feels rude to me, though, or perhaps I am too sensitive.

[kendsley]

I have seen it only in one clinic and i too thought it was weird and kinda rude.

[WilGar]

Do not feel rude. I usually slide the window open and let them see that I am being ignored. If the window is latched, I will tap on it to be taken care of. The only exception is if I hear a phone conversation behind the glass that suggests a business related call not a personal call. If I am still being ignored I usually call on my cell, ask to speak to the business manager and explain my problem. That person is usually in an office getting work done but immediately comes out. The dirty looks from the window brigade is made up from the appreciation by the others in the waiting area.

[TowBar]

My dentist's office is like that. I at first found it strange, but guess I have become used to it over the years. On my first few trips there I would knock on the glass so they would slide it open to see I was there. But eventually I just started going in and having a seat, and eventually they would either open the glass, or just come out and get me. Now they have a small piece of paper stuck to the glass that says, "please check in", but I still don't. I figure that is really for new patients.

[skeet09]

Some of the reception areas are really small so the frosted glass window thing is for patient confidentiality (when staff are talking about patient records at their desks).

[zhugeliang1]

The reception areas being encased in glass is all over San Antonio. WilGar's advice is the best ever.

[SnappyBob]

Talk about a 'frosty reception'.

[flourpower]

I think it has to do with HEPA laws (patient confidentiality).

[Bo]

IMO, privacy is important. I used to take my kids to dentist and orthodontist appointments at an office where the appointment desk was adjacent to the waiting area and without a barrier. After 30-60 minutes in the waiting area reading magazines, I often left those appointments feeling like I knew more about the staff and way more about the other patients than I really needed to know.

[Paul56]

Originally Posted by MoveFromSeattle

One of the culture shocks I experienced in SA is the practice of "Reception Desk behind Frosted Glass Window". You walk into a doctor's office, expecting to be greeted by the reception staff. However, what you see is a closed frosted glass window. Multiple patients in waiting clearly indicate they are open for business.... hmmmm.... you are then told to knock the window, perhaps wait for another few minutes for it to open, someone shows up and handles you a stack of forms... the window shuts down behind you immediately when you walk back to your seats.

Since I never experienced this before moving into SA, I am wondering if it is common in San Antonio or if it is another culturally acceptable thing. It feels rude to me, though, or perhaps I am too sensitive.

At my Doc's office the window is clear and always open; however, I have noticed the door from the waiting room into the main office is locked all the time.

This is the first time I have experienced that.