Dr. David Duytai Tran, MD

Arrived at ER and told doctor I had been exposed to ticks and that I had removed three off me 11 days prior. Showed him a picture of the tick on my belly and he dismissed the picture. He did not listen to me at all. I presented with a typical Petechial rash consistent of later signs of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. I went to the emergency room knowing what I had and he refused to listen. I was subjected to five needle sticks and they still didn't get all the blood necessary for testing. The doctor did an extremely painful blood draw after the nurse tried numerous times. Rocky Mountain spotted fever can be a severe or even fatal illness if not treated in the first few days of symptoms. Doxycycline is the first line treatment for adults and children of all ages, and is most effective if started before the fifth day of symptoms. The initial diagnosis is made based on clinical signs and symptoms, and medical history, and can later be confirmed by using specialized… laboratory tests. He sent me on my way without any doxycycline adding 36 hours to my getting treatment. I went to the hospital for help and to prevent a delay in treatment. I knew I was sick and went to an infectious disease doctor the next day who concurred with me. This doctor made two mistakes......not listening to the patient, and not starting treatment immediately. Totally inadequate.