In my previous review, I mentioned Dr. Felstead being a wonderful doctor. While that probably remains true today, I am less than pleased with the office staff.
After remaining on hold for nearly 15 minutes, I was greeted before asking to schedule an appointment with Dr. Felstead. I explained to the girl (I think her name was Michelle) that I needed to make an appointment but I would probably be considered a new patient. I have been out of state for the past few years trying to help a sick relative. She advised me that my account was inactive and placed me on hold.
When she came back to the line, she tells me that in 2007 I told the staff I was going to be seeing a new doctor and they can no longer see me. I told her that was not the case. I explained that I moved to Texas to help family out and that I never transferred care or told their staff that I was doing so. I pleaded with her to try to schedule an appointment. After several minutes of pleading and arguing, she placed me on hold again to speak with the office manager.
When she came back on the line she told me that I had 3 cancellations and per their policy, Dr. Felstead cannot see me. I explained that the "cancellations/reschedules" happened more than 5 years ago. She just kept repeating "that's our policy." I asked to speak with the office manager but was not allowed to speak to her.
I asked if there was any way for them to ask Dr. Felstead if he would see me. She just kept telling me I broke their policy and would not be seen. When asked if Dr. Felstead could give me a referral to another PCP, she told me they won't refer to other PCP's. I ended the phone calls in tears-this was truly surprising and upsetting. And if I had been able to see the doctor, he would have told me my blood pressure is through the roof.
I trust Dr. Felstead and value his medical opinion. It's so difficult to find a great doctor which is why I wanted a referral if I could not see him. My updated review only contains 2 stars because having a good doctor is not worth having to deal with a staff who's falling apart, arguing with patients and who lacks sympathy or compassion. read more