I am writing this review to express my deep disappointment with the administrative and ultrasound…read moreservices at CarolinaEast OBGYN. While I have no complaints regarding Dr. Patterson, who was professional and compassionate, the conduct of the supporting staff and management has been consistently poor and ultimately led me to consider transferring care at 25 weeks pregnant.
From the start, the check-in staff has demonstrated poor communication and an unwelcoming attitude at nearly every visit. A significant issue arose during my anatomy scan appointment, scheduled during Christmas break. My 6-year-old son accompanied me due to lack of childcare. At no point--verbally, in paperwork, or via signage--was I informed that children were not allowed at ultrasound appointments. Staff observed us enter and did not say anything prior to our appointment time.
The building itself had a strong, unpleasant odor that smelled like burning fumes from the heater. Due to the smell, my family and I chose to wait outside in December for over an hour. When we were finally called back, the ultrasound staff abruptly and rudely stated that children were not allowed "because of chemicals." When I asked for clarification--specifically why those chemicals would be acceptable for a pregnant patient and unborn baby but not a child--no answer was provided. I politely asked to see written policy or signage explaining this rule; none existed. I then requested to speak with a manager. After another 15-minute wait, no manager came, but the ultrasound tech kindly allowed us to proceed. Unfortunately, the appointment was interrupted by fire alarms related to the odor issue, and the scan had to be rescheduled.
At the rescheduled appointment, we experienced additional delays because staff were unaware that my initial anatomy scan had not been completed, further highlighting poor internal communication. We again waited over an hour before being taken back. During this visit, the ultrasound technician (different from the first visit) was openly hostile about my child's presence. Despite my calm explanation and repeated requests to see written policy or speak to a manager, neither was provided. After another extended wait, no manager came, yet we were again permitted to proceed.
The anatomy scan itself was extremely disappointing. The technician was cold, largely silent, and provided no explanation unless prompted. Her demeanor made what should have been a meaningful and exciting experience uncomfortable and distressing. She stated she could not visualize the baby, briefly and roughly manipulated my abdomen, and ended the scan. Based on my professional background as an ER nurse and feedback from colleagues in ultrasound, the effort appeared minimal. When I asked her to confirm the baby's sex, she was able to do so quickly and without issue. Additional actions--such as requiring removal of my belly ring despite it not interfering--felt punitive rather than clinically necessary.
After the appointment, I noticed handwritten notes newly taped to the checkout computers stating that children are not allowed at ultrasound appointments and that childcare is the patient's responsibility. While this information would have been helpful beforehand, it was posted only after repeated conflicts and never once reviewed with me by management, despite my asking three separate times to speak with someone in charge.
Most concerning was my recent attempt to cancel a repeat anatomy scan, which my insurance will not cover. Over the course of the day, I made three phone calls, spent over 20 minutes on hold, and received conflicting information from multiple staff members. I was told alternately that I needed to speak to a doctor, a nurse, or that messages would be relayed--yet no one called me back. Eventually, I spoke with the assistant manager, Karen, who was dismissive, spoke over me, and issued an ultimatum: either attend the ultrasound appointment or be marked as a no-call/no-show and have my care transferred. This was stated despite my multiple attempts to cancel the appointment in advance.
Patients should be allowed to refuse non-emergent testing without being threatened with dismissal--especially without ever speaking directly to a nurse or physician. The lack of clear communication, professionalism, respect for patient autonomy, and accountability from management is alarming.
I am educated, medically experienced, and respectful--and yet I was treated as none of those. I am deeply disappointed that such disorganization and hostility overshadowed what should have been an important time in my pregnancy. CarolinaEast OBGYN has serious opportunities for improvement in staff training, communication, and patient advocacy.
