Dr. Erica Hailey Parrotta

When I went to Dr. Parrotta, I had hoped for a smooth transition in my MS care but experienced a very demoralizing and disappointing year. Beyond basic tests like squeezing her fingers, she showed little interest in my fears of MS leaving me incapacitated, instead fixating on my employment. Though I explained I already work online, she persistently pushed a vocational rehab program each visit. Eventually, she dismissed me, saying it was for “younger more ambitious people”—a remark that was not only insensitive but cruel. That wasn't medical care; it was fearmongering and moral superiority. Her bitterness persisted when a prior MRI disk failed to work in her computer due to her limited familiarity with technology and online platforms. She insisted I use a cane, even when unsafe, leading to numerous falls until another provider got me the walker I needed. Avoid this. This lack of proper support and understanding set the stage for a challenging period, especially after my diagnosis of… multiple sclerosis (MS) many years before meeting her, when I was unfortunately sent to her care in Albany, NY after moving. I’m going to explain how I experienced both physical (lack of proper MS care) and psychological abuse while alone in her presence. First of all, the only thing she knows how to do is the neurological examination. That is, squeezing her fingers, following her finger with my eyes, and pushing and pulling her hand to show my strength. She didn’t handle my panic attacks well when I first started seeing her. I was really scared that my MS would leave me completely incapacitated. Instead of being supportive, she seemed annoyed and agitated by my worries. When I tried to show her my MRI image from 2014, she couldn’t get the disk to work in her computer. She raised her voice and complained that she would give it one more try, and if it did not work she was done trying. She never got it to work, and I had to calm her down by saying “it’s alright, it’s alright - I apologize. The disk is many years old at this point” (even though MRI image discs from 2014 work fine, I tested it once I got home). She wasn’t interested in my medical history or my progress. She doesn’t know how to do much, so she started a constant push for me to join this employment program she knew about. Every visit, she’d ask if I signed up yet, and I’d keep telling her I already work online. She also kept questioning what I’d do if something happened to my family members I live with. I explained that I worked online. At first, she seemed impressed by my online qualifications, but then she said her program was for younger, more ambitious people. I couldn’t believe my neurologist would disrespect me like that. She mocked me and was cruel. My neurologist should be helping me cope with my disease, not making me feel worse. Luckily, I have a private physical therapist who got me a script for a rollator walker, which has been a literal life-saver for me ever since. Dr. Parrotta insisted that I only use a cane, which caused me to fall on numerous occasions. The psychological abuse that I experienced from Dr. Parrotta is unacceptable. Whereas she may treat headaches, this is regarding Multiple Sclerosis patients. My time with her, for over a year, was extremely stressful and I'm glad it's over.