Dr. Christopher Phillip Chao, MD

Dr. Chao briefly examined my abscess. no more than 30 seconds, and stated it was “too deep” and that I needed an ultrasound. He repeated this without further assessment. I requested another provider, and Dr. Sponseller came in and echoed the same conclusion without conducting a meaningful evaluation. Both physicians documented that the abscess was “too deep, firm, and flat,” claiming this justified the need for an ultrasound and surgical intervention. This documentation is inaccurate. I took a photo that clearly shows the abscess was **not flat** and contained a **quarter-sized area that was soft, fluctuant, and visibly filled with fluid**. The head of the abscess was clearly visible. The condition was appropriate for a standard incision and drainage (I&D). No ultrasound was clinically necessary. What was required was basic care and proper drainage—care that was withheld. I later went to the associated emergency room, where the treating physician stated that an I&D **should have… been performed initially** and that **no ultrasound was needed**. He confirmed the presence of fluctuance and successfully performed the I&D. The initial providers misrepresented my condition in both conversation and chart documentation to justify denying care. This was not a matter of clinical uncertainty—it was a refusal to treat. It is deeply concerning to experience providers prioritizing avoidance over patient care. Why work in healthcare if you are unwilling to provide care?

He went above and beyond and is very reasonable and cost conscious. He is very caring and never makes us feel hurried. He looks at my family members and I each as a whole person not just at the chief complaint.