I was referred to Dr. Brooks by my OBGYN for specialized care for a recurring issue.
In my initial, cash-only consultation (as Dr. Brooks does not accept insurance), he asked what felt like a thorough amount of questions about my symptoms and situation before conducting an exam. Based on this, he recommended what he called a "shotgun" treatment intended to address various possibilities and "get me feeling better". When this "shotgun" approach did not yield positive results, Dr. Brooks performed a biopsy (also cash-only, no insurance accepted) and sent the samples for analysis. Several weeks later, during a follow-up visit, Dr. Brooks informed me that I had an autoimmune disease requiring lifelong management.
Given the seriousness of this diagnosis, and on the advice of friends and family, I sought a second opinion at Mayo Clinic. In my first appointment, the Mayo Clinic physician who is a specialist in this specific autoimmune disease questioned the initial diagnosis, noting that my symptoms and presentation were inconsistent with it. Mayo Clinic requested the pathology report from Dr. Brooks' biopsy. Upon this request, I was informed by Dr. Brooks' office that the pathologist did not generate a written report; instead, the results were discussed verbally between Dr. Brooks and the pathologist. With no pathology report available, Mayo Clinic requested the actual biopsy slides. Their subsequent review determined unequivocally that there were no signs of the autoimmune disease. Instead, they identified a treatable acute condition. Under their care, I have since recovered and have confirmed I do not have an autoimmune disease.
Reflecting on this experience with the information I now possess, I have serious concerns regarding this practice's cash-only policy, the absence of documented pathology reports following an invasive procedure like a vaginal biopsy, and the consequential misdiagnosis of a serious autoimmune disease. This misdiagnosis could have led to months, if not longer, of continued suffering, compounded by the significant mental anguish of preparing to live with a life-altering condition I did not have. read more