I recently had a full body skin cancer exam at your clinic. The PA was Ms. Myers. The examination was wrapping up without Ms. Myers having found any concerns on my skin needing immediate attention. As I was about to get dressed, in walked an older woman, a physician if I remember correctly, who glanced down at my arm and said, "Let's take a picture of that and check in again at the next appointment (in one year)". A photo was taken, and I dressed and left. No one asked me to schedule another follow-up appointment and I did not. I will explain.
As I told Ms. Myers, my mother, father and brother all have melanoma. I've had basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. Even so, I would guess that Ms. Myers did not spend more than 1-3 minutes on my exam. There was no exam of my scalp, in-between my toes, buttocks, genitals, mouth, and what she did examine was looked at with such speed that I knew I was going to have to go to another dermatologist for a thorough check up.
I immediately made an appointment with Dyson Dermatology (2/10/22). The PA in charge found 3 precancerous sites on my face and treated them with nitrous oxide. She also found a suspicious 'freckle' (the same one your PA took a photo of) and said, "Oh, we need a biopsy of that." Sure enough, the biopsy came back as a malignant melanoma.
I am seeking treatment at the Mayo Clinic. Mayo doctors have requested the names of all the providers that examined my skin in the last months. I gave them your name and number. If for some reason you are contacted by the Mayo Clinic this would likely be the reason.
I was terribly disappointed by cursory examination I received by your PA. Even the physician who suspected a potential problem did not request a biopsy or even indicate that I needed a follow up appointment.
Sadly, it is only because I'm a highly educated professional that I understand that the medical system fails far too many patients far too often; that only those who are capable and willing to advocate on their own behalf, to make calls and follow up, get the medical care (if they are lucky) they need and deserve. I would imagine that a little more care and attention to your patients, with less attention to your bottom line, would make your clients (and even you, I suspect) much happier and healthier. read more