I had a very unpleasant experience at Southwest Diagnostic Imaging this morning, and unfortunately,…read moreI will not be returning.
Earlier this morning, I had an appointment with my rheumatologist, who ordered several X-rays of specific areas, including my neck, back, and hips. After my appointment, I went directly to Southwest Diagnostic Imaging. The woman at the front desk was very kind and helpful. She made copies of my paperwork and helped me complete the necessary forms since it was my first time there. Unfortunately, the experience went downhill from there.
While sitting in the waiting room, a woman opened the door and called out a name that sounded nothing remotely like mine. Naturally, I assumed she was calling for another patient, as I was not the only person waiting. This happened twice before she finally got my attention and asked for my name. Once I confirmed it, I stood up and followed her back. As I walked in, she made the comment, "You're too busy on your phone or just half asleep in there." I found this comment completely unnecessary and unprofessional.
Once we got into the imaging room, she asked if I was experiencing joint pain. When I said yes, she responded, "Well, you know you're too young to even have arthritis." I found this comment extremely inappropriate. I was referred there by a rheumatologist, a specialist who specifically evaluates and treats joint and autoimmune conditions. My age does not invalidate the pain I am experiencing, nor is it appropriate for someone performing my imaging to make assumptions about my medical condition.
At this point, I was already uncomfortable and just wanted to get through the appointment. However, the biggest issue came after I got home. When I reviewed my paperwork, I realized that the X-rays had not been performed according to my doctor's orders. Not only was imaging taken of my RIGHT hip when the order specified my LEFT hip, but the ordered imaging of my neck and back was not performed at all.
I am not a doctor, nurse, or medical professional. I should not have to inspect my paperwork after an appointment to discover that the imaging I was referred for was not completed correctly. I trusted this facility to follow the written orders provided by my physician.
I called the office to explain what had happened and was told I could either drive all the way back or go to another imaging facility closer to my home. I chose to go someone closer only to arrive there and discover that Southwest Diagnostic Imaging had failed to return my original doctor's orders with the physician's signature. As a result, the second facility
could not perform the imaging either.
What should have been a simple imaging appointment turned into an incredibly frustrating experience involving unnecessary comments, incorrect imaging, wasted time, and an additional trip that could have been avoided entirely.
I understand that mistakes can happen, but the lack of professionalism, failure to follow the physician's orders, and overall inconvenience are unacceptable. I hope management takes this feedback seriously because patients deserve to feel respected, listened to, and confident that their medical orders are being followed correctly.