I've been a patient at this walk-in clinic several times and, for the most part, have had positive experiences. I have used the clinic for annual checkups, routine procedures, STD testing, pregnancy testing, blood work, and ultrasounds, and I have always appreciated the convenience of being able to have blood work and imaging completed on the same day. The location is also extremely convenient for me, as I live within walking distance and the clinic accepts my insurance. Unfortunately, some of my more recent experiences have significantly changed my impression of the clinic, particularly regarding bedside manner and how sensitive reproductive health concerns were handled.
Several months ago, after discontinuing birth control following more than 15 years of use because I was actively trying to conceive, I temporarily stopped getting my period. I was evaluated by a PA who did not specialize in gynecology and who very quickly raised the possibility of PCOS. I explained that, aside from not having a period after stopping birth control, I did not have the other symptoms I associated with PCOS and that I was in the process of trying to become pregnant. She ordered blood work and an ultrasound. After the ultrasound, she returned to the room smiling (she was literally excited to give me bad news...so weird) and immediately told me that I had "polycystic ovaries" and that she believed I had PCOS, which she suggested could significantly affect my ability to become pregnant. She also began recommending metformin before my laboratory results were available. I explained that I did not have insulin resistance and was uncomfortable starting medication based solely on the ultrasound finding. I ultimately waited for the blood work, which did not show the abnormalities she was suggesting, and shortly afterward my menstrual cycle returned on its own.
The most upsetting part of that visit, however, was a comment regarding my weight. I was told, and I am quoting as closely as I can remember, "I need you to gain like 5-10 lbs if you ever want to get pregnant." The comment was delivered in a dismissive and somewhat sarcastic manner. I am petite by build, and I had recently had a physical with my primary care physician who confirmed that I was within a healthy BMI range and otherwise healthy. I found the comment inappropriate and unnecessary, particularly in the context of someone who was actively trying to conceive and was already experiencing anxiety about her menstrual cycle.
Unfortunately, my more recent experience while confirming my pregnancy was also disappointing. I had finally received a positive pregnancy test after actively trying to conceive, and I was understandably extremely excited. When the NP asked whether the pregnancy was planned, I explained that it was and briefly shared that the fertility journey had been emotionally significant for me and my partner. Rather than acknowledging the good news or offering even a simple congratulations, I felt that the interaction was very cold and condescending. She also began discussing ectopic pregnancy in a way that I found unnecessarily alarming and based heavily on her experience working in a walk-in setting. I understand the importance of appropriately discussing potential complications and ensuring patients know when follow up is needed, but there is a significant difference between providing appropriate medical counseling and presenting a complication in a way that unnecessarily frightens a newly pregnant patient. I returned for repeat hCG testing a few days later and saw a male physician who was kind, reassuring, and professional. He acknowledged my concerns about the previous interaction and agreed that I should not have been spoken to in that manner. That interaction reminded me how much bedside manner matters, particularly when patients are seeking care during emotionally significant moments. I have also consistently had the same ultrasound technician, and while I appreciate that the clinic is able to perform ultrasounds quickly and conveniently, I have unfortunately found my interactions with her to be consistently cold and unpleasant. She is very condescending.
I want to emphasize that I appreciate the clinic's accessibility, convenience, same day blood work and ultrasound capabilities, and the fact that I have had several good experiences with other members of the staff. My concerns are specifically regarding the communication and bedside manner I experienced with certain providers. Patients deserve to feel listened to, respected, and appropriately informed--especially when discussing fertility, pregnancy, and other sensitive reproductive health concerns. read more