I wanted to share my experience with this practice because I think it could help others know what…read moreto expect. This whole practice is bizarre.
I was searching for a primary care physician near our new home and saw some good reviews on Google, so I decided to give it a shot. The initial call went smoothly, but I was a bit confused when I was told there was no way to send my previous medical records before my visit. It made me wonder how the doctor would know anything about my medical history prior to meeting. When I asked if I could email my records directly, I was told they didn't have an email system for that.
I tried to fill out the basic intake questionnaires through the link they sent me, but the site crashed a few times, so I barely got any information submitted. I showed up before my 10 AM appointment, but even though I had already uploaded my insurance card, they asked me for it again. The front office staff was nice, but they looked super busy, and the lobby was packed. Seating was limited, and people were often trying to create space between themselves and others by "saving" the chair next to them, which made the VERY small lobby back up quickly.
I ended up waiting for over an hour and noticed that people who arrived after me were being seen first. Eventually, a rather unusual person took my vitals, put me in a room, and said the nurse would be right with me. Then, he came back and told me to face the iPad for a "virtual" visit with the nurse. A friendly woman popped up on the screen and started asking me questions. Although I didn't like the iPad intake, the person who took my intake was very kind.
After another wait, the physician came in and mentioned that she typically treats older patients but can work with younger people, too. Thanks, I guess? Even though the whole situation felt a bit off, I could tell she was doing her best given how busy things were. I didn't mind waiting because I know healthcare can be unpredictable and everyone has questions. However, I could tell I wasn't important, and my "annual exam" felt like a waste of time for both me and the staff.
The doctor asked me the EXACT SAME questions the iPad nurse had already covered, and I was a bit disappointed that no one asked about my medical condition that requires blood work until I brought it up at the end. She said they might not be able to do the additional blood work during this visit but could fit it into my "follow-up" when I came back for my results next week. I found that a bit frustrating but didn't want to hold her up, as she seemed rushed and a bit scattered. Typically, a doctor or nurse will call with results, but this place tried to force me into a recheck to receive my results, which seemed scammy.
Since I was there for an annual exam, I really hoped to discuss some specific tests based on her recommendations, but that didn't happen. Instead, she asked if I ride a bicycle, and when I said I didn't, she felt the need to tell me that if I ever do, I should wear a helmet. Thanks again, I guess...?The doctor left the exam room in a hurry, and I was still standing there, feeling confused by the oddest medical experience I've ever had. The whole place was just strange, informal, and cold. Clearly, this wasn't the right place for me to establish routine care.
