We decided NOT to sign up with Dr. Daneshrad…read more
We wanted to cry when we were told our regular cardiologist is retiring. After a lot of research, I had made a short list of possible replacement cardiologists.
Based on my short list, I stopped by Dr. Daneshrad's office today. I asked the woman at the desk (I was the only other person in the room), that I needed a copy of their new patient documents so I can review and fill them out at home.
Because of my complicated medical history, I'm always careful about making sure new doctors know as much as possible about my medical history. I've found out the hard way that a medical patient's experience is often dependent on how proactive the patient is in terms of providing a thorough medical history. For example, even though most MDs say they're able to access your test results, no matter where the tests were taken; I found that this was not always true. So I bring a copy of all my latest tests; and depending on the medical specialist, this may also include actual CD copies of the tests / scans, to the new doctor.
So as to any new patient documents, for me, this includes quite a bit of history, so is impractical for me to try to fill out such information in their waiting room, on a form that gives very little space for answers. Also, notably, this was not just for me, but I would be filling out the forms for two other family members, who also would be considered new patients.
Instead of answering me, the woman at the desk said she had to make a phone call, and told for me to wait.
While sitting in the waiting room, it became obvious to me that the woman was on a personal phone call, speaking in her native language (farsi - ?). And it became obvious that the primary subject was about ME. She would glance at me now and again, and would walk into the back room to continue the conversation, laughing now and again.
Just as she finally hung up, she spoke to a medical practitioner that just came in, and she spoke with him (delaying interaction with me), seeing if she can help him with anything.
Finally, after about 15 -20 minutes, the woman finally walks to where I'm sitting. She asks if I'm going to be a new patient. I said it's possible, but I'm still deciding, and that I just came in to get a copy of their new patient forms. She said she can't give them to me, as that's their policy?! So basically, new patients are forced to fill out the forms only after you've arrived for your initial appointment?
It was only after i left, I realized who the woman must have called. Days before going to the office location, I called their office number and spoke with Fay. Fay is a family member of Dr. Daneshrad (as stated by another prior patient), and works from home. Actually, it seemed inefficient that their office number is always answered by someone not at the office; like an answering service. Fay also turned me down when I asked her to provide me with their new patient forms. I even asked her to please forward my request to their actual front office. Again I was turned down.
It makes sense that the woman at the office immediately called Fay, to tell her I had the audacity to actually show up in person, asking for the documents.
What in the world are they afraid of ?? New patient documents are pretty standard (e.g., fill in your name, address, list of any surgeries, list of current medications, copy of HIPAA rights, etc.). Did they include some really egregious terms / conditions that they pressure you to sign, or they'll turn you away after you showed up for your initial appointment? I don't think so, but you never know.
When I vet a new medical practitioner, I review the MD's schooling / certifications / awards, client reviews, my initial personal interaction with MD, and efficiency and general friendliness of their staff. All of these variables are included in my assessment. Obviously, Dr Daneshrad's office failed miserably regarding the final variable.
Honestly, I just think the support staff just didn't want to do it. No matter, that it meant possibly turning away new patients. Most liKely, I am an anomaly, and there aren't many who would request such forms before making the initial appointment. I find it amazing that so many are making important life decisions based on whatever is convenient and easy (e.g., buying a car off the lot with no prior research).
Notably, after this unfortunate experience, I had absolutely no issues being handed the new patient forms, about 30 minutes later, at another cardiologist's office, who was also on my short list.
