In December, 2020 I saw Dr Steven Dorf (MD) for ear pain, tinnitus and hearing loss. He examined and placed me on antibiotics and steroids for an ear infection. Infection cleared up but pain and tinnitus persisted. In April, 2021 I returned and was 'given' Jennifer Dankel (PA) for care. She removed some ear wax and ordered an MRI stating she wanted to rule out an Acoustic Neuroma (tumor in the inner ear canal). Took some time to get it scheduled. It was done on Monday evening.
Had a followup with PA Dankel on Thursday. She came in the room and said 'I have some bad news'. She proceeded to get situated for another couple minutes leaving me to wonder the bad news. She then told me 'I don't have the results yet but will call you when they are done, thanks for coming in'.
I finally called the Wellspan Imaging department on Friday to find out if anyone had ever read the results. No - PA Dankel had not specified it be read inhouse (takes 2-3 days) so it was sent out (week plus). The technician told me it should have been read inhouse for something this serious (potential brain tumor). The technician also told me she would place a rush on it so it would be read by Sunday (this was Friday).
By Monday it was still not read. I was completely stressed out about the possibility of a tumor in my head. Monday evening the results showed up in my Wellspan patient portal - I read them before PA Dankel notified me. No tumor but it indicated I should see a neurologist.
Took 2 more days for PA Dankel to call with results I already had. She told me I should begin wearing a mouthguard at night to alleviate tinnitus and ear pain that continues to this day. I asked for a referral to a specific neurologist. It has yet to be given - that was 2 weeks ago. I'll figure it out on my own - I am better off without her 'assistance'.
I still have tinnitus and ear pain and hearing loss. PA Dankel did remove some ear wax from the affected ear and the ear infection appears to be resolved. But other than that in 6 months time I am no better than when I started with the only recommendation of wearing a mouthguard.
I do NOT recommend seeing PA Jennifer Dankel for any condition.
I have wasted time and money with minimal benefit.
I will not return to this practice for any reason. read more