I recently moved and chose South Atlantic Medical Group for my new primary care since it was close by and I wanted to get the more holistic care associated with a DO vs. MD. I called three times and left a voicemail twice to try to speak to someone, but they never called back. I assumed it was appointment based. It wasn't until the 4th time calling in a week that the receptionist answered and said it's walk-ins only.
I went to get a physical done, plus get checked for my asthma and some GI issues. Since my asthma was acting up, I went the same day they answered. The lobby had no hand sanitizer in sight and I overheard a patient asking about the doctor who usually treats her and it turns out 3 of the doctors she used to see no longer work there. Later, I recognized these as red flags. It made sense once I got seen by Dr. Kahen.
The intake forms didn't have a section for family history or past medical history, so I assumed the doctor was going to ask when I saw him. Nope! He asked minimal questions about why I was there, in a way that made me feel like I was bothering him for showing up in the first place. I told him why and he checked my breathing. Since I wasn't wheezing, he assumed I didn't have asthma, although I've had it since I was a child and I don't wheeze all the time. I told him what medication I'm usually on, but he didn't even know about the basic asthma control medication, which is a VERY common medication for asthma. For context, East LA and Commerce have a disproportionate amount of people with asthma due to the air quality, so I was extremely disappointed that he was so uninformed about the condition. He didn't even suggest a referral to a specialist or anything. I didn't ask for one at that point because I knew I could do a better job of finding one than he could. As for the GI issues, he said unless I was bleeding or bloated, I shouldn't be worried. Ah yes, and when I mentioned the possibility of IBS because I was diagnosed with anxiety disorder, he said, "don't be anxious." How is that helpful!? Also, all he did for the so-called physical exam was take my height, weight and blood pressure. I haven't been this infuriated with a doctor's incompetence and lack of care in a very long time.
Oh and did I mention he had his masked pulled down the entire time and stood uncomfortably close within 6 feet the majority of the time? I will not be returning. read more