I recently needed to find a new primary care office after my PCP of 30 years passed away. I really…read moretook time and research to find an practice in my area that was patient centered, focused on relationship building, and was accessible when needed. I felt I had found it. I have been here three times, the Doctor I used was decent, and had trust in him. However, a ridiculous policy they have ruined my faith in this practice, and will NOT be back.
I woke up sick a few days ago, and felt lousy. I went online the night before, made an appointment, all was well. I called when I woke up to see if anything was available earlier possibly, and the person on the phone asked me my symptoms for coming in. I told her, and she said "we cannot see you unless you go to a pharmacy and take a COVID test". She said if I was to be positive, they would not see me, except on telehealth. Prior to confirming my appointment, she stated this was a necessary step. I am sick, I am not running around to diagnose myself (they stated they don't to covid tests there). I was vaccinated three times. She said there was no way to see me without doing so. I immediately let them know I would not be visiting and would just go to urgent care.
After hanging up, within 15 minutes, the office called me 4-5 times offering to get me in with one of their Physician Assistant, with the requirement of wearing a mask (which, when sick, Id do anyway). I just went to urgent care, where I was diagnosed with Bronchitis/Sinusitis, received medication and went on my way. How would a telehealth appointment have listened to my chest? Seen inside my nose? Ridiculous.. Do the just not want sick people to be seen here?!
The idea of telling a patient to go take their own covid test, refusing treatment otherwise, and still charging my insurance.. I go to work everyday with kids, ride busses full of adults, go grocery shopping, and I am sure people around me have COVID, Flu, Colds, etc.. I want a practice which will SEE their patients when they are sick. Unacceptable.