I debated writing this review, but as a mom, I would want to be aware of this experience.
I scheduled an appointment with Dr. Jessica Jean-Baptiste Singleton for my 3-year-old daughter, who had a fever and was complaining of significant stomach pain. Our appointment was at 4:30 PM on a Friday, but we were not seen until 5:35 PM
During the exam, Dr. Singleton attempted to feel my daughter's abdomen, but my daughter was understandably tense and resisting due to pain. I was assisting in holding her still. Dr. Singleton stated she could not feel anything because of my daughter's abdominal tension and told me she could not determine whether it was appendicitis.
She then advised me to take my daughter to the ER for an ultrasound, emphasizing that a ruptured appendix is life-threatening. Naturally, this alarmed me. I asked multiple times if there was anything that could be done in-office to avoid an ER visit, but she insisted that if it were her child, she would go to the ER.
Following her direction, I went to the ER she recommended nearby, only to find out--after being admitted--that they do not perform pediatric ultrasounds. At that point, I was facing the possibility of needing to go to a second ER.
When the ER doctor evaluated my daughter, he took a completely different approach. He had her lie on me and guided me through applying gentle pressure to different areas of her abdomen while he observed her reaction (Rovsing's sign), and then had her climb on and off the exam table. Based on these simple, non-invasive steps, he was quickly able to determine it was not appendicitis--without even needing to physically examine her himself.
When I asked why this couldn't have been done at our pediatrician's office, his response was, "Well, it's a Friday night."
This experience left me extremely frustrated. What felt like a lack of thorough evaluation resulted in unnecessary panic, a trip to the wrong ER for pediatric care, and ultimately a $1,500 bill for a visit where no treatment was even performed.
As a parent, I expect a higher level of care, effort, and guidance--especially in situations involving young children and serious concerns. Please be aware of this when considering care here. read more