Follow up:
Their lack of follow-up reflects a troubling indifference toward the grave mistakes made in diagnosing a patient. Such negligence raises serious concerns about the clinic's competency, warranting its closure due to inadequate healthcare providers.
Original 4-22-25
Beware and stay away from this immediate care (Physicians Immediate Care/ WellNow Urgent Care) . The care received was inadequate, with a lack of knowledge to diagnose correctly, resulting in me ending up in the Emergency Room.
I visited the clinic on April 11 due to a week-long dry cough, difficulty taking deep breaths, back pain, and unrelieved symptoms despite taking over-the-counter medication. I had severe crackling in my throat that was quite bothersome.
I consulted Annemarie Lodewyck, NP, who diagnosed me with a high fever, upper respiratory infection, and severe cough. She ordered x-rays, which were read by Michael Leviton, MD, and concluded no infiltrate, effusion or acute findings, indicating normal x-rays. Consequently, NP prescribed Benzonatate 10 mg capsules (three times a day) and advised continuing with over-the-counter medicine for fever and staying hydrated.
My condition did not improve, and upon calling, I received no useful assistance. My symptoms, including fever, lack of energy, and vomiting due to intense coughing, continued. On 4-14-25, I informed the clinic that the prescribed cough medicine was ineffective. Over the phone, they prescribed Promethazine DM 6.25-15mg/5ml every 6 hours, which again provided no relief.
On 4-17-25, I reported that my symptoms persisted, and my cough was still severe, causing vomiting. I was instructed to return for another consultation. I saw Kimberly Kusch, NP, who expressed surprise that antibiotics were not initially prescribed. We requested further x-rays to rule out serious conditions. NP prescribed Azithromycin 250 mg antibiotics, and chest x-rays revealed a left perihilar possible spiculated lesion measuring 2.4 cm, potentially indicating something more serious, such as cancer. The conclusion, read by Carlos J. Ledezma, MD, indicated no pneumonia or bronchitis but pointed out the spiculated lesion.
As someone in my early 50s, married with three children, this news was deeply concerning. Despite starting antibiotics right before Easter weekend, my condition did not improve.
I contacted Immediate Care again, expressing that the prescribed cough medication was ineffective, only to be informed they are contracted to prescribe only those two medications.
On Monday, 4-21-25, feeling extremely unwell and unable to manage the coughing, I went to the emergency room. Fortunately, Physicians Immediate Care had misread my x-rays and misdiagnosed me, potentially endangering my life. Within four hours at the ER, I underwent x-rays, blood work, and a CT scan, leading to a diagnosis of double pneumonia. I was then given appropriate antibiotics, confirming that the medication previously prescribed would not have been effective.
In conclusion, Physicians Immediate Care in Algonquin, IL needs to employ experienced doctors instead of nurse practitioners who are evidently unqualified. It is alarming that these practitioners are tasked with patient care but lack the necessary expertise to interpret vital signs correctly. Furthermore, the restriction to only prescribe "contracted medication" is highly concerning and inadequate. This approach does not constitute proper medical care. read more
