This rating is for Dr. Becker.
As a person who has spent a lot of time in various doctor's offices, I can honestly say that I've never had a worse experience with a medical professional. So bad that I broke down in tears during my visit.
First, there is no question that the electronic medical records system is ruining healthcare in America in general. (It's one among many things doing so, but still.) Dr. Becker takes electronic medical records to a whole new level. He was so obsessed with writing down what I was saying that he didn't appear to actually hear anything at all. He made minimal eye contact and he obsessed over what billing code I might fall into.
Second, on the theme of listening, his interaction with me was so bizarre and robotic that I wondered for a while afterward if he actually might have some sort of disorder himself. Here's how this played out. I went in thinking that I might have some sort of thyroid disorder. Horrible fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, stomach issues, skipping periods, etc. etc. The following conversation ensued:
Dr. B: Your test results are negative for a thyroid disorder.
M: Ok, but I'm still suffering from these symptoms. What are some other options?
Dr. B: It could be anything, really. [full stop]
M: .... Well I've been reading about PCOS and I've had these various symptoms. Could it be PCOS?
Dr. B: Oh, well you definitely have PCOS.
M: Ok, well, isn't there treatment for PCOS?
Dr. B: There are several, but you haven't been tested for PCOS.
M: Ok.... so I'll take the test.
Dr. B: Well, there's not really a test.
M: Ok, so how do you know anyone has PCOS.
Dr. B: Well, from these various symptoms, I can say you have PCOS.
M: Ok.... so why can't you prescribe treatment for PCOS?
Dr. B: Because you didn't come to see me for PCOS. You came to see me about a thyroid disorder and you don't have a thyroid disorder.
And so on, such that I was trapped in an unwinnable logic game with my doctor who was somehow unable to treat me because I didn't check the appropriate boxes on the intake form. (Shame on me for confusing a thyroid problem with any other endocrine issue.)
Third, his condescension regarding my health issues is what ultimately brought me to tears. I said I had fatigue so bad that I couldn't even make it to work some days, when I had a history of working 8 hour days and then spending 2 hours in the gym regularly. His responses included, "sometimes we don't have as much energy as we would like to think that we do" and "sometimes our age catches up with us." (I'm 33, by the way.) When I complained about weight loss despite my very tightly controlled macro counting diet for my 5'9 cross-fit frame (see, e.g., two hours at the gym, etc.), he told me that couldn't possibly need to eat more than 1200 calories a day. I found it callous and, dare I say, sexist, that he did not recognize my symptoms as legitimate. Thus, the tears.
Go to Dr. Becker if you have a clearly defined measurable issue. He is probably a great doctor for reading labs and administering medicine accordingly. But if you have anything less than an easy answer and are looking for someone to really think through your healthcare with you, spare yourself the time, frustration, and tears. Skip this doctor. read more