My Experience with Payson Dermatology…read more
When I first started seeing Payson Dermatology in February, everything went well. I had my initial appointment, received the medication I needed, and had a follow-up appointment without any issues. Unfortunately, my experience changed completely when I had a severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) flare-up.
On Monday, I contacted the office because of my flare-up, and the doctor prescribed antibiotics. After taking them for approximately 48 hours, I developed a fever. I called and left a message on the nurse line but received no response. A couple of hours later, I called again and requested a callback. When someone finally returned my call, I was told they were waiting to hear back from the doctor.
On Wednesday, I called again, left another message, and pleaded for help. Still, nothing. Thursday came and went, and my condition continued to worsen.
By Friday morning, I was desperate. I tried the nurse line again and got voicemail. After 8 a.m., I called the appointment line, but nobody answered. I left a message with my name and was so upset that I broke down, explaining that I didn't know what to do anymore.
At approximately 9:15 a.m., I decided I could no longer wait and went to the emergency room. Only then did I finally receive a callback. I was told the doctor wanted to give the antibiotics more time to work. I explained that I was going to the ER regardless because my condition was getting worse and I could no longer manage the pain.
Several hours after I was already at the ER, I received another call telling me that the doctor agreed going to the ER was a good idea.
My biggest disappointment is not that the initial treatment didn't work. It's that I couldn't get timely medical guidance when I developed a fever and my condition continued to deteriorate. I understand that medications can take time to work, but patients should not have to spend days repeatedly calling, leaving desperate messages, and wondering what to do when they're getting worse.
I initially had a positive experience with this office and trusted them with my care. Unfortunately, this experience completely changed that. I ultimately asked them to cancel my remaining appointments because I no longer felt comfortable continuing care there.
Patients deserve to feel heard, supported, and able to reach their medical team when a potentially serious problem develops. Sadly, that was not my experience with Payson Dermatology.
