I wanted to leave an updated review because this practice is now under Dr. Maria Salinas, and my…read moreexperience with her was completely different from what I experienced before.
I had been a patient under Dr. Alissa for about six years, and I was very disappointed with the care I received during that time. I rarely, if ever, actually saw the doctor. Almost every appointment was handled by a different PA, which meant I constantly had to re-explain my full medical history, diagnosis history, symptoms, and concerns. As someone diagnosed with lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Raynaud's syndrome, and other related issues, that was extremely frustrating and exhausting. Many of my lupus-related concerns were also often referred out to other doctors instead of being fully addressed.
When Dr. Maria Salinas took over the practice, I came in for an appointment because I was dealing with inflammation, pain, and lupus-related symptoms. I honestly planned on finding another rheumatologist, but after this visit, I completely changed my mind.
I was actually seen by Dr. Salinas herself, and I was so grateful. She already had my history, took the time to discuss my conditions with me, listened to my concerns, and made me feel heard. One of the biggest things that stood out was that she took my past experience with methotrexate seriously. I had bad side effects from that medication when I was younger, and instead of dismissing that, she discussed another option with me, Leflunomide.
Today is day five on the new medication, and this morning I noticed a real difference. Before starting it, it would usually take me at least two hours every morning just to get moving because of the stiffness and pain. Some mornings I could barely stand up straight, and the swelling, pain, and weakness in my hands made it hard to even hold my coffee cup. This morning, I woke up without that same stiffness and was able to hold my cup with no problem.
Dr. Salinas was kind, patient, knowledgeable, and understanding. She also allowed me to openly discuss my concerns about how the practice was run before. She explained that she has plans to improve the practice, including hiring another rheumatologist and one PA to help with patients. Most importantly, she said patients will consistently see the same provider, whether that is Dr. Salinas, the new rheumatologist, or the PA. That alone means so much because one of the hardest parts of the previous practice was seeing a different PA almost every time.
I believe many of the older negative reviews reflect how the practice was managed under Dr. Alissa, but now that Dr. Salinas has taken over, I truly feel hopeful about my care here. She made me feel seen, heard, and taken seriously, and I am absolutely staying with this rheumatologist.
I am very thankful for Dr. Salinas and look forward to continuing my care with her.