I have never experienced or heard of a PSYCHIATRIST (or any doctor for that matter) whose soul career is to help people and alleviate their mental and emotional uneasiness do the EXACT OPPOSITE! Her profession is literally support people's mental wellbeing and help them face difficult periods. She couldn't have done any worse of a job. I felt like all she cared about was my $100. Nothing more. What if I was chronic? Suicidal? Truly sick? And she left me, mocked me, and took my $100. Eventually, after a week of fighting her, the bank and even filing a complaining with the Maryland Board of Physicians, she reimbursed the money. I couldn't be any more upset, disturbed or disappointed with this doctor and experience. I hope this is the first, only and last time she has ever treated a mentally unstable patient in such a way.
I encourage you to read the story below...
I had an absolutely DISGUSTING and HORRIBLE experience with Dr. Lisa Swords, which was so disappointing because I had worked with her for years in the past and highly recommended her to several of my friends and colleagues. I hadn't seen her for a little over a year since I truly thought I was doing better, so the office made me restart as a new patient. This means I had to pay $100 as a new patient to hold my appointment that would be refunded if I showed up.
I was just told that I have some serious medical conditions that has resulted in elevated anxiety and lack of sleep. I quickly recognized that I needed her services again. The day of the appointment, I had several other medical appointments that resulted in X-Rays, blood work etc. regarding an autoimmune disease I now have. Mind you, I am 25 years old so totally panicking about these new health issues. I called the office because I knew I was going to be about 5 minutes late. They told me if I am 5 minutes late for my 45 min appointment, Lisa will not see me and she will STILL charge me the $100. In a panic, I speed to make my appointment because I recognize how badly I need to see her. Thinking... the IRONY that a psychiatrist is making my anxiety and emotions so extreme at this time!
I arrive at the office at 2:28. Unfortunately, the office changed locations. Sure, perhaps the new patient coordinator may have told me the address but I just assumed it was the old location since he never said we changed from last office and truthfully, I don't even recall hearing the address. But I will give them the benefit of the doubt. Now I am speeding AGAIN to my appointment. At 3:34 as I am in the office's parking lot, I receive a phone call saying don't bother coming because Lisa is in an emergency where they must call the police. The patient from the prior appointment is still in her room (into my scheduled time). I said I'd wait because I need to see her. They tell me not to wait because there is no way she can see me since they are in such an intense emergency.
A few minutes later I get a call saying that she didn't see me because it was my fault for being late (by 4 minutes). They then said they were charging me the $100. This is where it gets good... I begged Lisa to reconsider this based on my recent medical conditions I truly needed her, couldn't be out $100 for all my new co-pays, I explained to her why I was late (being at doctors and getting X-rays). I also explained the phone-call I received saying don't come as I was already there. She literally told me too bad. She chuckled on the phone and said several disturbing and cruel phrases such as, "I don't understand what you're not understanding." "It seems you have a big problem here." "We aren't getting off on the right foot." "Perhaps you should see someone else." And more. She didn't even care that I am a young girl, dealing with a whole lot, can't afford the $100, and truly need her services for my mental well-being. read more