I wish I could give 0 stars, but the Yelp system won't allow it…read more
I have to say, Dr. Banga is one of the worst doctors I have seen in my lifetime. I had an appointment on June 7, 2021 with Dr. Banga and was prescribed medication. Long story short, my insurance denied Dr. Banga's prescription, after nearly a week and a half later, Dr. Banga changed the prescription to a medication with a long list of severe side effects, without any discussion prior sending the prescription to my pharmacy. Had Dr. Banga chosen to discuss this medication and its side effects, I would would have refused to take this dangerous medication and still be seeing Dr. Banga. After some searching, Dr. Banga took the advice from the insurance company as to my health care and medical needs. I asked Dr. Banga's staff the name and credentials of the doctor from the insurance company that provides advice as to medications, and as of yet, I have received no answer.
Another point of contention I have with Dr. Banga and her staff. The lack of professionalism is appalling. I made multiple calls on June 11, 2021 between 4:15pm(normal posted business hours and the same stated by the Endocrinology manager Beatrice) and 5pm. I was hung up on by the office staff repeatedly. I finally reached the after hours call center after 5pm that same day.
The same thing happened today, June 17, 2021. I made multiple calls during regular business hours and again, was repeatedly hung up on, until I reached the after hours call center. Thinking it was the staff recognizing my number on the Caller ID, I had a friend call from another phone and she received the same response, being hung up upon and finally reaching the after hours call center, after 5pm.
Side effects requiring immediate medical attention. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
More common:
anxiety
blurred vision
chills
cold sweats
coma
confusion
cool, pale skin
depression
dizziness
fast heartbeat
headache
increased hunger
nausea
nightmares
Less common:
chest pain
decreased urine output
dilated neck veins
extreme fatigue
irregular breathing
irregular heartbeat
swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
tightness in chest
troubled breathing
weight gain
Rare:
blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
bloating
constipation
cough
dark-colored urine
diarrhea
difficulty with swallowing
feeling of discomfort
fever
general feeling of tiredness or weakness
headache
hives, itching, or rash
indigestion
inflammation of the joints
joint or muscle pain
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
light-colored stools
loss of appetite
muscle aches
pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
red skin lesions, often with a purple center
red, irritated eyes
sore throat
sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
stomach pain, continuing
swollen lymph glands
tightness in the chest
vomiting
yellow eyes or skin
Quite the list of side effects, 54 in total, to consider before taking any medication. I would truly believe a patient/doctor conversation would be necessary prior to prescribing something so dangerous, from someone as educated as an endocrinologist. According to Jerry, medical assistant and the office manager, Beatrice. a patient/doctor consultation is standard policy within all of Divinity Health. But I have to say, the patient/doctor conversation never happened and I will never take anything prescribed by Dr. Banga. Dr. Banga went forward and sent this prescription to my pharmacy, after telling Dr. Banga's staff I would never take this medication. I have had to go so far, as notify my pharmacy to reject all prescriptions from Dr. Banga or the Divinity Health Endocrinology staff.
If you value your health and well being, I would avoid Dr. Banga at all costs.
At this point, with Santa Cruz having a minimum number of endocrinologists in the area, I am willing to drive to Monterey for my next appointment with a reputable endocrinologist.