I visited Dr. Akopian for a minor case of bleeding. Without examining me, and based solely on my…read morereported symptoms, he claimed it was hemorrhoids. I had already planned to get a colonoscopy from a different doctor at a later date, but my GP recommended that I come to Dr. Akopian to get checked as soon as possible, because she thought it might be several weeks before I could get scheduled for a colonoscopy.
Dr. Akopian was arrogant, belittling, and rude, suggesting that I was silly for even making the appointment, since my bleeding was so minor. He even asked me, "Why are you here?," as if I was an idiot for being concerned about bleeding from an area where I'd never bled before.
Toward the end of the appointment, I told him I would get the colonoscopy from my other doctor. I planned to leave without an exam, because I was planning to be checked by my other doctor, and because Dr. Akopian did not seem worried.
He then said, "OK, let's do an examination." I told him, "You don't need to do an exam." He responded, "Yes, I do." I repeatedly asked him why, and his only answer was, "I need to." Again, he was treating me like an idiot by refusing to give me a valid answer to my question.
Assuming he had some legal reason for needing to do the exam, I succumbed to the pressure and let him do it. I didn't realize it would triple my medical bill.
It took him about 45 seconds (no exaggeration), and I ended up getting billed $642 for the procedure on top of the $271 for the office visit. Before he did the exam, he told me it would be similar to a gynecological exam with a speculum, but he used a lighted scope, and then I was billed for an anoscopy.
Do not go to this man, and never let any doctor force you into an exam, because they may just be trying to find a way to increase your bill.