(I have filed formal complaints with multiple state oversight agencies, including the New Jersey…read moreDepartment of Consumer Affairs, the Board of Medical Examiners, and the Office of the Attorney General.)
This was one of the most distraught and unacceptable medical office experiences I have ever had--driven largely by what I can only describe as unethical, abusive, and negligent conduct by the administrative staff and office manager.
At check-in, the front desk staff was disorganized and hardly spoke or understood basic English, making communication difficult from the start. I had already spelled out my full name clearly when I made the appointment over the phone, and the intake forms were prefilled--yet my name was still completely misspelled on every page. When I pointed this out, the staff member took all the forms back and never returned them. As a result, my intake information--including my personal and family medical history--was never properly completed or recorded. This is a serious failure in a medical setting and raises concerns about accuracy and patient safety.
After my appointment, I was not provided my mammogram and breast ultrasound orders. Instead, I was pressured to name a radiology facility on the spot and told they would contact me the same day. No one ever did. A full week passed with no follow-up, delaying necessary preventive care.
When I called to request my prescription, I encountered unnecessary barriers. I was told it could not be emailed, and despite requesting access to the patient portal, I still do not have access. I was then told I had to return in person to pick up a simple prescription that should have been provided at my visit. This is inefficient, unreasonable, and shows a lack of respect for patients' time.
The most concerning interaction was with the office manager. Her tone was hostile, dismissive, and unprofessional. She refused to assist, threatened to hang up when I said I would record the call due to her behavior, and then did so. When I asked for her name and for someone above her to file a complaint with, she refused and stated she was "it." On a follow-up call, she again refused to properly identify herself, placed me on hold unnecessarily, and ultimately ended the call in a sarcastic and spiteful manner.
This reflects a clear pattern of unethical, abusive, and negligent behavior, along with poor communication, lack of accountability, refusal of transparency, and disregard for patient rights. Patients should never have to fight to obtain their own medical orders or be treated with hostility when advocating for their care.
Overall, this office demonstrates serious administrative dysfunction and a deeply unprofessional culture. I will never return--not even if they were the last cherry on top.