I waited over a week since my appointment, to write this review. I was so angered and upset after my office visit, I wanted to collect my thoughts and not over-exaggerate my experience, as I realize sometimes reviews are written out of anger. It was an annual checkup, my first being last year, which was definitely a more thorough and complete exam. Last year, the only 'red flag' was the unprofessional bashing she unleashed regarding the doctor I had an upcoming appointment with. It seemed highly unprofessional, and yet, 'that doctor' turned out to be one of the best I've ever had for a serious health issue I live with daily. It almost seemed as though she had a hidden agenda of some sort.
But I did return again this year for my annual exam (everyone deserves another chance). Her first question to me, was asking why someone "my age" (I'm 58) with "relatively young-looking skin, wouldn't color their hair? BTW, my hair has a lot of silver/gray. I explained that I haven't colored my hair in many years, because of all the damage I had in the past. I also told her that I LOVE my silver hair and get more compliments than ever before (when I colored it). Dead silence. By the way, I'm proud of my age, and I take pride in my overall appearance. I heard on the news just this week, that dying your hair increases breast cancer risk. So I'm not thinking that a doctor should be admonishing her patients because they don't color their hair, and insinuating that women need to put chemicals on their bodies to look younger. Had I not been afraid she'd unleash the 'flying monkeys' on me, I'd have mentioned to her, that I believe women who dye their hair very dark colors, after a certain age, can look harsh. But I took the 'higher road', as she is a 60 year old woman that dyes her hair black, and certainly didn't want to insult her the way she did me.
She then proceeded to my exam, which honestly seemed to last less than one minute. She didn't even check my scalp or upper forehead, where I have a common skin problem she diagnosed last year. She immediately informed me that should I need a refill on the lotions I use on my scalp, I would have to get it from her now, as she would not accept phone calls for refills before my next appointment next year. I did need one prescription for a pharmacy in another town, and asked if she could send/call it in - she said I'd have to fax or mail it in myself. She was adamant that she will do nothing but hand you a prescription, and ONLY during your appointment. And repeated this several times.
After dressing, and leaving to checkout, I remembered that I didn't even get to ask about an area of concern on my scalp, since she didn't even look at my scalp. I was hesitant, but felt cheated on my exam, so I asked her (politely) in the hallway, if she could please give a quick look, even though she glared at me while asking. She said, absolutely not, that I'd have to be back in the exam room to ask her a question. In other words....book another appointment, or wait until next year!
I left there feeling like a child that had been scolded. It was humiliating. The feeling stayed with me for quite some time. I have no issue with doctors that have a poor 'bedside manner'.....I watched "House" on TV ~ If a doctor's good, I don't care about warm & fuzzy - but please, don't be rude, arrogant, and insulting.....not okay! Bottom line, after all of that, she didn't even give me a decent exam. I wish I could ask for my co-pay back.... I also wish that I had let her know 'face to face' that she was rude and insulting, but I think I was in shock at the time, since no one has ever said anything like that to me. And I promise you, Dr. Hillman won't get the opportunity again.