Extremely Disappointed and Concerned…read more
I am deeply disappointed with the experience my family had at today's annual wellness visit for my three teenagers. As a family that values faith and integrity, what was meant to be a routine checkup became a deeply upsetting and intrusive encounter for all of us.
First, we were surprised to find that the mandatory questionnaire asks our children very personal questions about depression, drug use, alcohol, and anxiety--without prior discussion or consent from me as their parent. And our insurance is charged for this as well. As a Christian family, we guide our children in these matters with care and discernment, and we felt that this was an overstep into our family's values and approach to raising our children.
Second, the physician--whom we had never met before--began lecturing my teens about safe sex, machismo in this region, and "knowing their rights," without context or sensitivity to our family's beliefs. This lecture felt inappropriate and unnecessary, especially during a wellness visit.
What followed was even more concerning. Without any warning, and with my two daughters still in the room, the doctor began checking my son's testicles. My son is a kind and respectful young man; he did not object, but afterward he told me he felt violated and embarrassed. There was no explanation, no privacy, and no sensitivity shown in that moment. As a parent, I was shocked and heartbroken to see my child put in such an uncomfortable position without consent or preparation.
In addition, when we mentioned that my daughter was experiencing pain from shin splints, the doctor stated that "if she doesn't rest, she won't be able to walk in the future without experiencing pain," which caused her to burst into tears. Instead of offering support or encouragement, his delivery instilled fear and shame.
To top it all off, the front desk attempted to charge me a copay for the mention of the shin splints--during what was clearly a wellness visit that we attend annually and have never had billing issues with before. I declined and left feeling completely stunned by the entire experience.
We have never missed a wellness check, but after this visit, we will never return to this practice. I now have the painful task of helping restore my children's trust after this negative and emotionally harmful experience.
This visit lacked compassion, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity. I hope this review encourages this office to reflect on how they treat families and patients--especially teens--during their most formative years.
