I went to the walk-in hours because I was having extreme pain from sciatica and my primary doctor was unavailable. A friend suggested I try this clinic, and I ended up with Dr. Maier. Before I even saw him, the receptionist immediately treated me as if I were "drug-seeking." For context, I have never taken pain medication in my life and had no intention of asking for any. I simply needed urgent help for severe pain.
The receptionist repeatedly tried to talk me out of staying for the appointment. She said things like, "Once the doctor walks in, you will be charged, and he is NOT going to give you pain meds." At the time, I did not fully understand what she was trying to suggest. I just told her that I did want to see the doctor because I needed medical support.
When Dr. Maier came in, the tone was the same. He had no bedside manner at all, even though I was clearly in distress. He repeated almost word for word what the receptionist had said about pain medication, even though I had never asked for any. I was there for evaluation and help, not prescriptions.
I want to be very clear. I am a responsible, upstanding person who was looking for emergency support for severe pain. I was treated like a stereotype instead of a patient. The assumptions and judgment I experienced were shocking and very upsetting.
I will never return to this clinic.
And Dr. Maier, if you ever read this, I truly hope you have a conversation with your staff about how they treat people in pain. I also hope you take a moment to reflect on why you are so quick to label someone as a "drug seeker" when they are simply asking for help. No patient should be spoken to or dismissed the way I was. read more
