I scheduled an appointment online for 10:45 with a check in time at 10:30. I came at my time with all my paperwork pre-filled out. Multiple people came in after us and were escorted in before we were. (People who were walk in's with no appointment) The reason for this poor treatment was because the staff got upset with me when I told them I did not want my daughter to have a COVID test. My whole family just recovered from COVID less than three weeks ago. Additionally, I even considered COVID and tested her for it this morning, prior to scheduling an appointment, and it was negative. I explained that she had a fever, a stomach ache without nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. I explained that there were two confirmed cases of Hand Foot Mouth disease at her preschool and my suspicions were HFMD. The staff were snickering and literally laughing at me and treated me incredibly rudely. The Dr. (Alan Gottlieb) came out to the waiting room and yelled at me, he told me "it is my policy that everyone gets COVID tested, if you don't like it, go find her some place else to be looked at" I replied back "why? Do you also make every potential patient strep test? Flu test?" And he yelled "because I don't want to get sick" My child's patient care should not have been politicized, as the mother I should have been heard and respected. FORCING a COVID test is illegal and unethical. I even explained that every COVID test that's being run is being paid by insurance. If everyone is being forced to test, this hurts all people because our insurance premiums will go up to cover these costs. I felt helpless and as a mother, it is my job to stand up for my kids, it is my job to be in control of their medical treatment and their medical decisions. This treatment was atrocious. I should not be unheard, I should not be forced to do a COVID test on my daughter in order to be seen by a physician. This is not in compliance with the medical oath "First do no harm"
In addition to the poor treatment, and the two hours it took for us to get out. They never confirmed HFMD or anything for that matter. The only confirmation I did get was that my daughter was in fact negative for COVID.
*As a side note, for those who are political, I would like to give you a piece of perspective. If you are aghast by the number of red states who have allowed the government to make medical decisions for pregnant women (even in the event of medical necessity) I would like you to draw a comparison here. My daughter would have been DENIED access to medical care unless she had a covid test done. Just let that sink in for awhile. I can't even believe I live in such a hypocritical area. I'm truly disgusted, and in tears by this situation. read more