03/31/24
Dr Wilkins is a fantastic doctor. He's been my husband's podiatrist for years - starting with surgical treatment for bone spurs on both heels, and now for Diabetic foot issues - after He survived pancreatic cancer in 2021. I am deeply involved in my husband's care, as the health issues he has are severe. Most recently, my husband received shots in his feet in attempts to relieve his foot pain. The office staff are amazing as well, and we always leave smiling.
I visited Dr Wilkins as a patient earlier this year. A persistent rash on the bottom of my feet has become uncomfortable. On the second visit I had, one of his front staff members was having a rough day. We visited for a few minutes, and when I got home, I asked my husband to drop off flowers to her to brighten her day. He dropped some flowers and lunch to her - She was out but received them upon her return.
This past Thursday morning at 8:30 & 8:45 - we both had appointments. My rash biopsy returned with it being dermatitis, as the office called with the results and followed up with a prescription. His was much more important, as ongoing diabetic problems are plaguing him. As my husband was called back, I started to get up. The nurse told me she only wanted my husband. I was a little confused. She came to get me, and I asked her if I could be in with my husband so I could talk to the doctor about him. She told me that was against office policy, as my appointment (15 minutes after his) was in a different room. I tried to explain that I have a medical power of attorney and was involved in his care. She became very upset as we reached 'my room', and I sat down in confusion. I was in awe, as I've not been denied entrance to any of his appointments before. She was quite upset, told me to wait in THAT room, so I sat in the chair waiting for the doctor - in tears.
My husband came into my room and told me that I had really upset the nurse. "How? By asking to be there when you talk to the doctor? Why is that so bad - I don't understand? Why is that so bad? My appointment doesn't matter as much - your appointment is dealing with your feet and diabetes." I was wiping away tears. My husband was in the doorway, and we heard "How dare she!" from the lobby. The nurse was expressing her unhappiness quite loudly with reception.
How dare I what? Want to be involved in my husbands diabetic care? What is it that I did that was so terrible? This young lady was beside herself. I quietly walked to the front check out area, where the nurse was standing with her hands on her hips - visibly upset. I avoided making eye contact with her.
I asked the checkout receptionist - 'Will you please cancel my appointment, and charge any missed appointment fees to our card?" I then walked out to my truck in tears. I still wasn't quite sure what had just happened. Doctor Wilkins hadn't even arrived yet. I wasn't disrespectful, I didn't raise my voice, I wasn't mean, I simply asked to be in with my husband while he talked with the doctor.
Yesterday - Saturday March 30, 2024, I received a certified letter with return service provided from Dr Wilkins. I am being discharged as a patient - due to: Differences in our views of medical care, my dissatisfaction expressed, and my very unacceptable behavior towards his staff.
The strangest part? I can accompany him to his appointments. I'm allowed in his room if I don't have an appointment. I'm allowed to talk to Dr Wilkins about his care, be informed and be treated as part of my husband's care team.
While I would 100% recommend Dr Wilkins as a surgeon, as a fantastic doctor and a great guy over the years, the dramatic changes in office policies recently left me disappointed in the change. read more
