I am going to use the writing I submitted to my PCP. It's going to be long but it might be relevant, especially if you have a gastric condition that concerns you. Stay away and do not believe any of the reviews.
20260508 Message to Dr. Gourab Das.
Dear Gourab, good morning.
On Wed May 6th I went to the gastroenterologist. Dr. Robert Goldklang (Unio Specialty Care). I waited 2 days to write this to make sure that frustration was not clouding my thoughts.
The doctor was half an hour late. Mine was his first appointment of the afternoon. So he likely went long with lunch or nap.
He barged without knocking into my "cell" where I had been patiently waiting for him. Did not say a word about his lateness.
Asked me what took me there. Weird question as:
Before showing at the facility I had filled 6 "paper" electronic documents on the web, each one of which asked me repeatedly the same information (name, address, DOB etc...). Each one requiring a hand signature.
Upon checking in the facility the assistant had already asked all the same questions in the forms.
I had brought a page and a half of typewritten notes to promote quicker and clearer understanding of my issues and context (being this the first visit with him). He read maybe the first 10 lines. 20 seconds total? He then proceeded to ask me two questions that would not have had to ask, had he read the notes.
To retrieve the result of my 2023 gastroscopy he then fussed on his computer for a while without saying a word. I asked him if I could help. He said he had no access to any of my records. He told methat Unio S.C. has an outdated and isolated information infrastructure. He made sure that at least 2 minutes of the 6 he dedicated to the visit were spent to explain his frustration at it and that hopefully a migration to a better system was in the works. Very relevant to me and my condition.
I had already told him that I had with me the paper records of my colonoscopy and gastroscopy done with Dr. Madani. So I gave them to him. He quickly browsed a couple of the several pages of detailed analysis and recommendations in the report and issued the following "judgement" in contrast with what established by Dr. Madani.
1- No additional colonoscopy required, I am fine (it does not feel that way)
2- Execute a home breath analysis to evaluate digestion (requires permission from insurance and medicine, not covered...)
3- Gastroscopy if and when (required permission from insurance).
He then proceeded to a quick auscultation of my guts noise. 30 seconds? He determined that everything was fine. Why would I go to him if everything was fine...
Six minutes had come and gone. I had waited for him about 5 times that. Upon him gesturing for dismissal without asking me if I was OK with everything, I asked him if he had recommendations for improving my state of affairs while waiting for the insurance permissions. He said to try probiotics (I already take them); to remove any milk and wheat from my diet for 2 weeks. Had he read my notes he would have known that I don't eat either; but at that point I did not even respond as it would be like continuing to fight an obviously lost battle.
My time was up and he made sure I would understand that: not so politely he gestured to direct me to the front desk for all the follow ups. The desk did not know who I was and what needed to be done... I explained it to them.
Please know that on my side there was not even a speck of resistance or complaint. I was the good patient that you have come to know.
I have looked up the reviews on Dr. Goldklang. 147 reviews all five stars. Unio SC in Encinitas has 515 reviews all five stars. What a bunch of BS...
Was I unlucky?
It could be but at 74 I need to trust my gut feelings. And my guts, even if in poor condition, tell me without a doubt that I do not want to have this doctor in my life or to have him put his hands on or in me. Period. Beside the obvious carelessness and negligence, he has the bedside manners of a nasty walrus.
So here is my question to you: can I have another gastroenterologist visit me? If so, what do I need to do?
End of letter to my PCP
Few additional comments:
About 3 days after the visit I was called by the Dr. assistant who told me that my insurance was no longer accepted by UnioSC.
So follow ups and presciptions for the test had been rendered void.
For obvious reasons I accepted the news without much concern. But a little bug in my mind remained... would they have the guts to bill me for the failed visit, failed therapy, failed insurance coverage?
I have got my answer today in the shape of a UnioSC bill for $355.
I will do my darn best to not pay the bill. These people are NUTS. read more