Dr. David Richard Austin

Has a very disrespectful attitude. Very very selfish doctor.

What a waste of my insurance dollars. Prudish.

Does anyone remember those doctors you went to as a child, that were pleasant and gentle? This man is like that. On the surface. However, once I had gotten much older, and was working a physical job, I was injured and had to go to the doctor at the direction of my employer to have it checked out. So I did. And the experience was pleasant. I had a discussion with Dr. Austin about the dynamics of my injury, how it happened, and how it was affecting my ability to perform my job with enough attention and accuracy, without having to stop and refocus. He told me he needed to do some research, and I saw him a week later, where he delivered his findings. He was compassionate and understanding, as I was fearful I was injured for life...and I was. After about a month and a half of very compassionate care from him, he called me into the office impromptu, almost as if I had done something wrong. I was always honest and forthcoming with my responses, the things I did in my personal… life, etc. I also reported how the medications made me feel, both physically and emotionally. (I didn't like it, and it made me feel suicidal.) His response was to laugh, smirk, and he then increased the medication. The same medication that made me feel like ripping off my skin, and made me feel awkward in social situations, even though I am extremely outgoing and extroverted normally, when I don't take the meds. As I said before, he ignored this response, and made a smirk like my health was a joke. I was not amused and found it disrespectful, as I was truthfully, very scared that my occupation was threatened....and it was. As a result of this injury, I lost my job that very summer, after being with the company for over a decade. However, I agree with their decision. I could not physically perform at the level I was before. Some time later, I was yet again called into the office, to discuss my future care, and when the Dr. came in the exam room to see me, he picked up the clipboard, tore the sheet off, and said, "I am referring you to a specialist." Keep in mind I drove 25 mins to come to the office, when he could have just told me by phone. I was also told to seek a D.O. to receive manipulation of the spine. My insurance would not pay for the specialist, nor the D.O. specialist visit. I went to the see the specialist, but not the D.O.. I reported back to the Dr. with the results, and he had the documentation from the visit. He asked if I had gone to get the manipulation, and I told him I could not afford it, I no longer had a job because of the injury. He seemed really angry I didn't get a manipulation. He then said, "Have a good day" tritely, and exited the room. I then waited in the room for 45 mins, not understanding what to do next. I then exited, as the nurse led the next patient into the exam room I was in, not realizing I was still in the room. She told me to go to the nurses station. I asked what was going on? I was told to wait. I waited at the window, standing, for 30 mins. I was then told I was being discharged from the office. So I left. I then made an appointment with the Dr. again, to see him in a month. When I came in for the appointment, I was ushered into an exam room, the Dr. came in, told me I was being permanently referred to the specialist, and "that was all he was going to say on the matter." I thought this man was my PCP. and had been for many years. I went to the specialist, by appointment, and was told that he was retiring from practice, the next day. This included a physical examination, him looking at my file, and then wishing me well. What a waste of $240, paid up front before the appointment. So my final conclusion is this: This man is pleasant, thorough, and accurate. But he has a personal problem that does not relate to the patient, but instead stems from a bad memory or something, which then poisons his future practices. I thought he was my friend, only to find out that he never cared about me at all. He cast me aside as if I was a bad person. It made me feel empty inside, and moreso , made me afraid to go to a doctor. I needed counseling to get over this fear of physicians. Beware of this man, and only go to see him if you have the flu, need a booster shot, or need a stitch. otherwise, steer clear and seek a specialist yourself.