I was a patient of this practice for almost 4 years. For about 3 years, I tried to be seen directly by Dr. Mario Martinez at his Portland location, but I was never personally examined by him. I was always seen by a nurse named Jennifer Contreras, who is an APRN and legally works under a physician's license and supervision. She stated that the doctor reviewed my case and made decisions about my medications and lab work, even though he was never present.
About 5 months ago, I located Dr. Mario Martinez at his new clinic in Corpus Christi, where he was finally seeing patients in person. Despite having many previous tests, he ordered many more studies.
At my follow-up appointment, he told me I had cancer. I broke down in tears and asked him twice if there could be any mistake. He said with absolute certainty that I had cancer. He also told me that I would not be treated in the United States and that I should go to Mexico for treatment because doctors here would not accept me. My daughter asked if that would still be the case even if I paid, and he said yes.
He gave me lab results written in medical terms that I did not understand. I sent them to two of my nieces who are physicians in Mexico, and they both said the results did NOT state that I had cancer. They consulted with a colleague in Canada who also confirmed that there was no cancer diagnosis in those reports. The reports only indicated that further examination of a thymoma biopsy was needed. My hyperthyroidism can explain the thymoma enlargement.
I cannot understand how a doctor can state something so serious with such certainty without confirmed evidence. This caused me severe emotional distress, fear, and psychological harm.
Today, I went for a follow-up appointment for my hyperthyroidism. I was told I had to pay extra for using a credit card due to a new percentage fee. I was never informed of this change. Legally, credit card processing fees are a business expense and should not be transferred to the patient without proper disclosure. When I questioned this, Dr. Martinez came to the front desk visibly angry and stated that he was charging me the fee because the bank charges him 5%. When I explained that I previously owned a business and that this fee should be covered by the merchant, he raised his hand in a silencing gesture, turned around, and walked away.
After almost 4 years and thousands of dollars spent, I feel deceived and disrespected. I do NOT recommend any clinic, office, or medical provider associated directly or indirectly with Dr. Mario Martinez, including staff working under his medical license.
Although he is Hispanic, I felt discriminated against as a Hispanic patient. In my 35 years living in the United States, this is the first time I have ever felt treated this way. Giving a false and alarming diagnosis and suggesting that I seek care outside the U.S. caused fear, anxiety, and emotional damage.
This doctor lacks professionalism, ethics, empathy, and proper patient care. Patients should not be humiliated, dismissed, or frightened with unconfirmed diagnoses. I strongly recommend seeking care elsewhere. read more