A Practice Where I Felt Like a Source of Revenue Rather Than a Patient…read more
Both my internist and my gynecologist recommended this physician, so I went to her with high expectations. Unfortunately, I was extremely disappointed, not only with the physician herself but with the overall attitude and operation of her practice.
From my first visits, I found the physician's manner cold, detached, and impersonal. The office atmosphere was no better. There was a noticeable lack of warmth, compassion, and genuine interest in the patient experience. Rather than feeling welcomed, respected, and cared for, I felt as though I was simply another appointment to process and another bill to collect.
I also questioned a bladder catheterization procedure that was performed despite my not experiencing urinary retention. I would have appreciated a clear explanation of its medical necessity.
My subsequent billing experience reinforced everything I disliked about this practice. Approximately three years after my visit, I received a bill containing codes I believed might be incorrect. I repeatedly contacted the office by telephone and email seeking clarification. My calls were not returned, and my emails received the same generic, unhelpful responses. It was only after I explicitly pointed out that this was my third or fourth attempt to get an answer that someone finally addressed the issue. Even then, I was simply told the coding was correct, without a meaningful explanation.
I ultimately paid the bill. My objection was never to paying for legitimate medical services. It was to the lack of transparency, accountability, and basic courtesy when I questioned the charges.
What bothers me most is that the billing experience was entirely consistent with the impression I had formed during my visits. Both the physician and her staff left me feeling that the financial side of the practice was more important than the people seeking medical care.
I recognize that a physician can be clinically competent without being particularly warm or personable. However, professionalism, communication, respect, and a willingness to address legitimate patient concerns should not be optional.
I cannot judge this physician's overall medical competence, but I can certainly judge how I was treated. My experience was impersonal, frustrating, and thoroughly disappointing.
A medical practice should make patients feel like people, not revenue streams. This one failed miserably in that regard.
I would not return, and I would not recommend this practice based on my experience.