I have been a patient at Pacifica Care for approximately 2.5 years and gave considerable thought before deciding to submit this review. Over the past several months, I read a significant number of negative reviews from other patients describing experiences similar to my own, which ultimately reinforced my decision to document my experience publicly.
During the period in which Dr. Shah served as my treating physician, the care I received was consistently professional, attentive, and patient-centered. Dr. Shah demonstrated genuine concern for his patients and worked diligently to ensure appropriate and effective treatment. Unfortunately, following his retirement, the quality and continuity of care declined significantly.
My initial appointment after Dr. Shah's departure was with the practice owner, a psychiatrist. While the appointment itself was professional and informative and helped clarify several aspects of my mental health treatment, subsequent care became increasingly problematic.
Prescription refills were not submitted as required, which led to repeated attempts on my part--approximately 10 to 15 phone calls--to obtain assistance. When a response was finally provided, I was informed via the receptionist that I was taking "too many controlled medications," despite having been on the same treatment regimen for several years under the practice's direct supervision. She told me she was running the office with Dr's Shah's license which was suspicious.
I was also informed that there was a concern involving my pain management physician related to my prescribed pain medication. This issue was explicitly discussed during my most recent appointment with the psychiatrist, at which time she stated that it was not a concern and that there were no issues regarding my pain management care. She even provided guidance suggesting I discuss possible medication adjustments with my pain management physician to improve pain control. She gave me a "homework" with the medication I was taking and suggestions to discuss with the pain management physician to increase some medication to help with the pain.
Subsequently, however, I was told that this same matter constituted a problem, directly contradicting what had been communicated during that appointment.
No effort was made to discuss alternative treatment options, coordinate care with my other medical providers, or clarify these inconsistencies. Instead, I was informed--indirectly through office staff--that I would be discharged from Pacifica Care and advised to seek care with another mental health provider. The psychiatrist did not communicate this decision to me directly, choosing instead to relay messages through the receptionist.
At the time these events occurred, I was undergoing a cancer diagnosis and had a surgical procedure scheduled. This critical medical information was communicated to the practice; however, it appeared to have no impact on the urgency, coordination, or compassion of the care provided. The lack of acknowledgment or accommodation during such a vulnerable period was deeply concerning.
Overall, my experience reflected a lack of emphasis on patient care continuity.
The practice also appears to experience a high rate of provider turnover, which limits the ability of clinicians to develop a comprehensive understanding of a patient's medical and mental health history.
At this time, I am actively seeking alternative care and evaluating appropriate channels through which to formally report what I believe to be serious deficiencies in professional conduct, patient safety, and ethical standards. Mental health care requires consistency, accountability, and clinical responsibility. Based on my experience, Pacifica Care failed to meet these fundamental obligations and advised that my care would not be continued.
She didn't even follow the "Proper Termination": The doctor is typically required to provide written notice (often via certified mail) and continue to provide emergency care for a transition period, usually 30 days. This allows you time to find a new provider. read more
