** I have opted to update my rating based on the practice as a whole & the fact that the provider discussed below is no longer there. Lifting my rating back to my initial impression of Argyll, as a whole. With the situation that prompted me to write the below review- I stand by an initial rating of a 2 (that's being nice) for Dara McKinley, NP****
My rating is not specifically intended for the group as a whole, I have seen a few of the providers at this location and had no issues or qualms until one amazing provider left and another took over his practice- Dara McKinley, NP.
Beware!! Her bedside manner is terrible, she was blunt, rude, and not empathetic at the least. One time, she blindly approved an authorization for a refill early on a medication and when I called to let her know that I really needed it filled- my pain levels were higher than usual due to unforseen circumstances- i was also on a very low dosage...her staff went from promising the refill to proceeding to "take back" the Auth and stated I would have to come in for an appointment. Fine...New condition- I can do that- would have been nice to start there instead of it taking my pharmacy to let you know your patient needed a refill a couple days early.
The first sign should have been being asked to sign a pain contract for 30 day supply of low dose T3....okay... i will sign it. No biggie. Weird since ive seen you twice and have been on this for months, but okay. I was taken off guard when I came in for my next appointment where I was offered a cup to test my urine. What?! This was a first in my life- ever....that made me feel like she thought I was a drug seeker... totally not the case! At that time, i had chronic neck and shoulder pain causing serious tension headaches and migraines. She made me feel like my symptoms were not real and only in my head. I had been coming to this practice for nearly two years. She made me feel belittled, uneducated, and uncomfortable. Prescribing blood pressure medications to a person that has symptoms due to low blood pressure to try to curb headaches. I understand it can offer relief in some patients- i have read the studies; however, I get low blood pressure...
If it can be avoided I have no desire to take medications... I have my MBA and many years of experience in healthcare- I have done my homework, yet i have always been open to trying new routes to improve my health. Prior to seeing her, I had a couple CT scans, EMS tests, Xrays, blood work, physical therapy, went to an endocrinologist and neurologist. While I was seeing her I was going to a massage therapist, chiropractor and acupuncturist to help manage my pain- all of which are not covered by my insurance. Cash practices- I was in no way faking it.
The break up--- I received an appt reminder call stating that if I did not call back to confirm that my appt would be cancelled. So I did not call back and was sent a bill for a no show fee. Prior to receiving the bill, I attempted to remain with an awesome practice and schedule with the Doctor. I left a voicemail stating that I was not comfortable with Dara and would like to see him directly. I didn't recieve a call back. I called to followup and was advised on the phone that Dara had released me from care due to no show appointments and not following her advise. That I would recieve a letter with more details. I never did recieve the letter; however, I am grateful that I have found a provider that does not throw drugs at their patients or speaks to them like they are idiots or slow. My prescriptions are no longer a rotation of try this or try that. Watching what I eat has cut back migraines to maybe 1 every couple months- before I was at 5 a week...I really hope Dr.Stark finds a better NP to work with his patients....As I cannot imagine that I am the only one that left...There are many talented and empathetic physicians here that dont make you feel like cattle being moved in and out of the exam rooms just to get a pay check. That was how I felt...and although time has passed..it still bothers me and I feel others should be aware. In this case, skip the NP and see the Doctor... read more