FORMAL COMPLAINT REGARDING INADEQUATE EVALUATION AND TREATMENT OF IRON DEFICIENCY…read moreSEPTEMBER 2025 I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding the medical care I received in early September 2025 at Dr. Jeffrey Bell's office, where my primary care is managed. Although I was seen by another provider during this visit, that provider was overseen by Dr. Luke A. Johnson. I presented with significant and concerning symptoms including extreme fatigue, exhaustion, brain fog, breathlessness, and marked worsening of symptoms following my menstrual cycle. I clearly communicated that iron deficiency has been a lifelong and recurrent medical issue for me, and that my symptoms were consistent with prior episodes of iron deficiency and anemia. Laboratory testing performed on September 4, 2025 demonstrated clear evidence of iron deficiency. These results were flagged as abnormal in my medical record and included the following: - Ferritin: 14 ng/mL (LOW) - Iron saturation: 8% (LOW) - Serum iron: 33 µg/dL (LOW) - MCHC: 31.4 g/dL (LOW) - Transferrin: 364 mg/dL (high-normal, consistent with iron deficiency physiology) Despite both my symptoms and these objective laboratory abnormalities, my concerns were dismissed and instead attributed to my weight. Dr. Johnson focused on my body size rather than appropriately addressing the documented iron deficiency. This was not an isolated incident. Approximately one year earlier, I sought care for a lower back injury and was told that I had "a very weak back," despite having a physically demanding occupation that routinely involves walking up to 16,000 steps per day, pushing, pulling, lifting, and sustained physical activity. While I am aware that I am overweight, this does not explain iron deficiency, low ferritin, low iron saturation, or hypochromia, nor should it preclude appropriate medical treatment. During the September 2025 visit, I specifically requested iron infusions based on my symptoms, laboratory findings, and prior history of slow response to oral iron. I also requested tranexamic acid to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding, which is the primary driver of my chronic iron depletion. Despite meeting clinical criteria for both interventions, I was denied iron infusions and prescribed oral iron alone. I was also told that tranexamic acid could only be prescribed through gynecology, despite having been seen by a gynecologist approximately three months prior and despite the fact that primary care providers are able to prescribe this medication when clinically indicated. As a direct result of delayed and inadequate treatment, I experienced prolonged anemia and iron deficiency, missed work, and significant difficulty functioning in daily life. My iron stores required months to rebuild through supplementation, and my iron deficiency negatively affected my blood pressure, thyroid function, nervous system, and overall physical well-being. Iron deficiency is not a benign condition. Early and appropriate treatment could have prevented months of unnecessary suffering and functional impairment. I believe the care I received in September 2025 fell below an acceptable standard due to failure to appropriately evaluate and treat a known and documented condition, dismissal of symptoms through weight bias, and denial of evidence-based treatment despite abnormal laboratory findings. I am requesting the following: 1. A formal review of my September 2025 visit and clinical decision-making. 2. Documentation of this complaint in my medical record. 3. Assurance that future care will be based on symptoms, medical history, and evidence-based standards rather than assumptions related to weight. No patient should have to fight to be taken seriously when objective laboratory abnormalities and clear symptoms are present. Sincerely, Victoria Duby

Great family doctor. Christian environment and wonderful staff. I am always treated with respect.read more