I was under the care of Dr. Shapiro for 11 months for a fracture. During that entire time, I was kept in a cast and was repeatedly told, either directly or indirectly, that there was little to no hope of proper healing. Despite this, I felt in my gut that I was healing. When I eventually sought second, third, and even fourth opinions, other doctors confirmed that I was in fact healing. One doctor even told me I needed to get out of the negative mindset I had been placed in.
Several of these doctors were familiar with him and mentioned they had seen patients come to them after being misdiagnosed.
The issues extended beyond medical care. The office environment was unprofessional and disrespectful. I had to return multiple times because my cast was not fitted properly. Instead of addressing the issue professionally, an assistant gave me an attitude and "schooled" me for coming in more than once -- even though I was told to call if there were problems. I was made to feel like I was inconveniencing them for correcting their own work.
Parking was also an issue. Staff frequently parked in spaces designated for patients, even though parking was already limited and congested.
On multiple visits, I waited in the exam room for two to two and a half hours past my appointment time. One day, the air conditioning was not working, and I could hear other patients being seen and leaving while I continued waiting. When I asked why I even had an appointment time if I wasn't going to be seen anywhere near it, the blame was shifted to staff.
Shortly after raising concerns, the office attempted to terminate me as a patient by certified letter. When no one was home to sign for it, they then chose to send the termination notice via text message. That level of communication felt highly unprofessional.
Looking back, my biggest lesson is this: if you have bad instincts about a doctor or a medical office, trust them. I gave the benefit of the doubt for too long. I wish I had listened to myself sooner. read more
