This was the worst urgent care experience I have ever had. To preface, I am currently in nursing…read moreschool and have prior, extensive, experience performing physical exams as an Advanced EMT. Based on that background, I am deeply concerned by the lack of clinical knowledge, thoroughness, and professionalism demonstrated by the treating provider, Conway Charles, FNP, during this visit...
I had been sick for over 10 days, and by the time of my visit my throat was so swollen I was struggling to swallow and breathe, frequently drooling, and in severe pain. I rarely take medications unless necessary, but nothin (OTC or prescribed) was helping.
After I mentioned taking an old oxycodone from a semi recent dental procedure (which to me, alarmingly, did not even help), Provider Conway Charles, FNP's demeanor immediately changed. He asked to "check my pulse," a second time, even though it was normal the first time, and did not palpate appropriately and instead appeared to scan my arm for track marks. This felt accusatory and unethical.
I requested basic bloodwork due to feeling genuinely frightened for my health. His physical exam was rushed and incomplete. I had been experiencing intermittent stabbing abdominal/ body pain throughout the week, which I had mentioned earlier. During the middle of my visit, the pain suddenly worsened. When I tried to explain this, Conway Charles, FNP became irritated and questioned why I "didn't say it hurt" during palpation, despite the pain being intermittent and intensifying after the exam began.
I explained my history of kidney circulation issues diagnosed in the ER and venous insufficiency that worsen during prolonged illness. Rather than listening, he repeatedly interrupted me, questioned the legitimacy of my diagnosis, and told me to "just go to the ER." When I calmly asked again for bloodwork, he raised his voice, removed his mask, and stated he "didn't want to," claiming they "don't do that," which is untrue and appeared motivated by the clinic closing soon.
He also lectured me in a judgmental manner about using my inhaler, despite my explaining that my asthma is exercise-induced only and that my symptoms were related to throat inflammation, not my lungs. He then contradicted himself by stating my throat "wasn't swollen, just inflamed," reflecting concerning gaps in basic medical knowledge. He also questioned me about my antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications without explaining why, further contributing to the feeling of being judged rather than treated. I was hysterically crying and begging for basic evaluation, and his only response was that he "didn't want to" and that I could go elsewhere.
I left feeling judged, unheard, and dehumanized, strongly believing I was being treated as dramatic or drug-seeking despite the fact that I never even asked for pain medication.
My condition worsened after this visit. When I went to the ER, the physician stopped all medications prescribed by this urgent care and started appropriate treatment that helped. I am now improving. Alarmingly, I had been prescribed high-dose antibiotics that are renally cleared, which caused severe pain and vomiting given my kidney history. He was concerned about that lack of meds I was given for how swollen, irritated and inflamed my throat sinus and mucosal membranes were.
This visit was a waste of time, money, and dignity. Even if a patient were seeking pain relief, they still deserve humane and ethical care. I cannot recommend this facility to anyone. Also, despite having insurance, the cost was unusually high compared to other urgent care visits, especially given the lack of appropriate evaluation or treatment. I felt extremely uncomfortable in this NP's presence :(
Positive note:
The front desk staff member working that evening was kind, patient, and empathetic, and genuinely seemed sorry about the situation. She was the only positive part of this visit.