I've been to Dr Mandal twice before this experience and both times were positive. However, my most recent experience with her will certainly be my last.
Since I was going on a cruise in a few weeks, I did some research and read that I might need a vaccine or anti-malaria drug. I talked to the receptionist who was very nice and she said she'd call me back telling me if I did indeed need an appt at all for a vaccine or anti-malaria drug. I called back the next day (since she didn't return my call yet) and I gave her all the information again and she said she will find out and let me know. She did call me back at the end of the day and said I needed to come in for an anti-malaria prescription. Since I was traveling with my boyfriend, I recommended Dr Mandal to him. He called to make an appt and mentioned that he was my boyfriend and that he would also need an Rx for the anti-malaria drug. He was told that he would be charged $150 for a "travel consultation fee" and he declined because of the cost. I then called and spoke with the receptionist myself to clarify. I was told that he could come in but even though he had an insurance that they accepted, he would be charged $150.00 for a "travel consultation" since he was not already an existing patient. I told her he wanted to become a patient and that he also needs to have a physical exam done. She said he could do that, but it would have to be first and that he would need to make a second appointment to come in for the Rx for "billing". The receptionist also explained that because I was an existing patient, the doctor would "waive" the "travel consultation fee" for me. She also told me that it was up to Dr. Mandal if she would also waive the fee for my boyfriend even if he made an appt and then a second specifically for the Rx since "insurance doesn't cover travel medicine, she really does this as a favor to her existing patients". I thought was insane and told her "it seemed like a money making scheme to me". My boyfriend found another doc the same day that saw him and gave him the Rx all for an office copay of $20.
Later that night I received an email from Dr Soma Mandal and she wrote the following: (which I am quoting; copying and pasting her exact words)
Hi Gina,
It was after I left a voice mail for you that my assistant let me know a discussion between you and her. She informed me that you perceived charging your boyfriend for a travel visit as a "money making scheme". In fact, I opt not to charge my existing patients and really should be charging for this type of visit since insurance doesn't cover this.
I didn't appreciate the comment since I don't run my practice that way. I also feel uncomfortable continuing our doctor-patient relationship. I think it is best if you find your healthcare needs elsewhere and I am going to go ahead and cancel your appointment. You can get emergency coverage for up to a month, if it is necessary.
Best wishes,
Soma Mandal
Dr. Soma Mandal
Positive Health Primary Care
928 Broadway, Ste 1205
New York, NY 10010
Office: (646) 509-0943
Fax: (866) 811-3339
http://www.positivehealthpc.com
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I was astonished when I read this! Obviously one can run their own practice however they choose, but in my opinion her policy is unethical and her ways, unprofessional. read more
