Dr. F. Lee Hartsell

Uncaring & no beside manner. Keep me waiting for 2 hours. Flippant attitude.

Horrible 1st Visit - Went to Duke Neurology to see Dr. Hartsell as he specializes in MS, Tranverse Myelitis and other Immunology conditions. He had not looked up my concerns and issues prior to my visit (even though all the notes and CD MRI was uploaded into his system so he had no clue as he was not 100% sure what disease I had. Once I went through the symptoms I was having then he leaned one way which is weird to me as if he looked in the notes it was all there and we would not have wasted precious appointment time. I was referred from another Duke Neurology doctor that was excellent, but Dr. Hartsell is the most uncaring provider I have come across. His lack of concern and attitude that there is nothing he can do for me except see you in 6 months. Trust me please do not waste your time going to see him. My husband was with me and he was displeased as we drove 3 hours and waited over a month to see him. Save yourself time and money and see someone else in the practice. Thank… you!

He does not respond to emails or inquiries, we requested DMT treatment on multiple occasions and he did not follow up nor could even provide a recommendation as to the best course of action regarding DMT, we tried reaching out in the middle of a flare and he was unavailable. MS is a chronic and complex condition that requires caring, responsive, and competent doctors. This is the worst service we have ever received during a time where the highest level of care was needed. It is shocking Duke allows this to happen.

Dr Hartsell is an expert in his field. Great listener and explain MS so you can understand it. Pleasant and personable.

My son has SPMS. Appt. made by Veteran's Admin. in Durham. He accused us of making the appt. because of a hidden agenda to get money out of the Vet. Admin. We did not make the appt. but one of our requests was an opinion requested by a NC Vet. Service Tech as to whether his illness might have begun either during service or the subsequent 7 years. He rolled his eyes when my son tried to describe back problems, would not help us with incontinence issues, his swollen feet and legs he said he was an electrician not a plumber. When we asked if there might be research at Duke regarding his diagnosis, and our disappointment it is taking so long for anything for SPMS, he said, "Why don't YOU do some research". When we asked about his feeling cold at 80 degrees, no response. He approved Ocrevus without discussion and then said he had given us way too much time that other patients needed and left. My son has cognitive issues from his disease and the Dr's eye rolling and impatient body… language suggested he thought my son was stupid. We will never return.

Overall the office and the staff seem always rushed, from the beginning to the end of the appointment, to great you nicely and courteously. To get you roomed vitals done and checked in quickly and roomed. And the doctor to see you as soon as possible and out and on your way as soon as possible. And next patient please, always like a assembly line at Duke and every medical facility you go to now. No one has time for patient's now and to really see how they are REALLY doing. What's the purpose of even going can we just text them and say hey I'm still alive and say " hey I will text you in 4 months if I am still alive" Thanks deuces and sign your name. Oh then they can't collect their copayment and bill the insurance company for the visit, but then they can for the time spent for reading the message and responding. 15 minute visit.