ONE OF THE WORST MEDICAL EXPERIENCES I'VE HAD…read more
When you're dealing with someone's brain, mental health, and recovery, LISTENING should be the bare minimum. Unfortunately, that was not my experience here.
After a serious car accident left me with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-concussion syndrome, I've spent years fighting to regain my health. I came to this practice for another round of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), having previously completed seven weeks of treatment in Florida without complications.
Timing mattered. TMS requires appointments five days a week for approximately five to seven weeks, and I needed to complete treatment before my insurance deductible reset.
I want to recognize Denise, who was compassionate, helpful, and went out of her way to accommodate my situation. Based on our conversations, I genuinely thought I'd found the right practice. The nurse who took my vitals was also very kind.
Unfortunately, everything changed when I arrived.
The front desk initially couldn't find my appointment. Multiple sound machines made the office uncomfortable for someone with severe noise sensitivity. I also found the gloomy artwork in the physician's office unsettling for a psychiatric setting, although I recognize that artwork is subjective.
My biggest concern, however, was the physician's apparent inability to LISTEN.
My original TMS evaluation in Florida lasted approximately 15-20 minutes. This appointment lasted roughly 60-90 minutes. I understand that TMS requires careful screening and that a prior successful treatment does not eliminate potential risks. My objection was not to medical caution. It was to feeling that my answers and treatment history were repeatedly overlooked.
I explained several times that I had completed seven weeks of TMS without adverse reactions, even when I was closer to my accident and my symptoms were more severe. Rather than first obtaining those records, he repeatedly raised concerns about my brain injury and suggested additional neurological and psychiatric evaluations.
He also asked about psychiatric symptoms, including mania. I understand why those questions may be medically necessary. What frustrated me was having to repeat answers without feeling heard.
I explained that I had not yet established care with a neurologist in New Jersey and that my Florida TMS provider could send complete records. I asked him to contact that office before requiring more appointments that might push treatment past my insurance deadline. He agreed.
He also requested bloodwork and told me to get his email address from the front desk. When I asked, I was told the practice doesn't communicate by email. That contradiction only added to my concerns.
What bothers me most is that I chose to be completely transparent about my medical history. I could have simply said I was seeking TMS for depression. Instead, I disclosed my accident and brain injury because physicians need the full picture to make informed decisions. I expected an honest, collaborative conversation--not to feel as though my history was an obstacle rather than valuable information.
I've endured years of treatments, countless appointments, and tremendous out-of-pocket expenses. I know the difference between thorough medical care and an experience that leaves a patient feeling dismissed. I left feeling unheard, uncomfortable, and without confidence in this physician.
TMS stimulates the brain. Choosing a knowledgeable, compassionate provider who communicates clearly is essential. I cannot speak to this physician's qualifications or anyone else's outcome, but based on my experience, I would not trust him with my TMS treatment.
To anyone seeking care for depression, concussions, or TBI: do your research. Find someone who LISTENS, reviews your records, and treats you with respect.
I've met extraordinary medical professionals throughout my recovery. Unfortunately, this experience ranks among my worst.
A medical degree does not automatically earn a patient's trust. Trust is built through listening, knowledge, compassion, communication, and respect.
This physician did not earn mine.
I would not return or recommend him based on my experience. Denise and the nurse deserve recognition for their kindness, but that does not outweigh my experience with the physician responsible for my care.