When good doctors go bad

One of the side effects of pregnancy is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.  Susan got it.. and bad. So bad in fact that she needed to see a hand specialist to get it treated.   She was referred to a hand surgeon at the hospital for special surgery here in NY.

Susan was prescribed cortisone shots which she took in both wrists to reduce the inflamation and save the use of her hands.  One of the side effects of this treatment are painful cysts which may develop.  They look like the wrist bone is growing out from the arm.  Needless to say, besides being pretty ugly, Susan is in a lot of pain and with having to care for three infants the strain on her hands and wrists are pretty intense - the cysts needed to be looked at.

She had an appointment the other day - of course on the East Side - and along with the hundred or so world leaders travelling on the East Side of Manhattan that day trying to get to the UN, Susan was also in a cab trying to get to the doctor's office.  She called as any polite New Yorker would, from the cab, saying she was stuck in traffic and running late. She got there 10 or so minutes late.  But on her last call to the doctor's office, she was told that the doctor already left and could not see her until next week. So what's wrong with this?

1. Susan updated the office on her arrival time consistently, why didnt the office tell her that the doctor had a hard stop though?
2. The office knew this was an important visit and this needed to be tended to immediately
3. In my personal opinion, the doctor saw fit to put her own obligations and career ahead of the health and welfare of her patient
4. When I called the office on Susan's behalf (irate as I was since she was in pain and needed help) I had to beg and even threaten to get the doctor on the phone. Which she eventually called. I should never have had to go  thru the gyrations to get this done.
5. Magically, the doctor could see her the next day, although they had told Susan that they couldnt see her until the folliwing week!!!
6. When Susan met with the doctor, the doctor told her that because of the ill will, she would not treat her!

So the doctor couldn't tell her this over the phone?  She not only had the gall to not be there when Susan showed up for her first appointment but also made her travel to the second appoint just to tell her that she wouldn't treat her... wasting her time yet again????? 

What type of person does this? What type of doctor does this?  I am not disparaging her skills or capabilities but the way she treated my wife leads me to question what type of individual this is!  She didn't even recommend another doctor for her to see.  So if you are considering seeing this individual, Dr. Michelle Gerwin-Carlson, I would recommend factoring our experience into your decision.

Comments

[Larry Eiss]

I can't believe that! --- Wait. Unfortunately, I can. Healthcare is pretty well out of control. Thanks for posting this. Maybe such press will lead to change one day.

All the best to Susan and the kids. Shalom my friend.

[Steve Mann]

Yeah... pretty amazing... i had to say something... its preposterous.

[Frank Koehntopp]

Whoa, that's tough... If you ever feel like moving to a country with good healthcare, I'm sure we can find an office in Walldorf for you.. ;)
Seriously - all the best, hope Susan gets better soon.

[Steve Mann]

yeah Frank.. its a mess here.. and healthcare costs are spiraling. Our pediatrician doesn't accept insurance - we have to submit after the fact, so when we take the three girls (every month) it can cost us upwards of $1000.00 for the entire visit!

Thanx for your well wishes, I will pass them along.

[Michael Krigsman]

I would call the president of Hospital for Special Surgery and complain.

[healing jack]

hey this is a very interessed article.