Dr. James Michael Koban, MD

I made an appointment with Dr. Koban several months in advance because he only sees new patients once a week at windber DBHS. I never spoke with him directly, only to other therapists working in his office during scheduled sessions. With my appointment over one month away, I called the office to change my appointment to Telehealth as I no longer have access to transportation. When I called the office, an automated message told me to press zero to discuss my options for a Telehealth appointment, so I didn’t think it would be an issue. It took me days of calling and leaving messages to finally speak with someone about this issue. Dr. Koban called me back today and said that he requires appointments to be in person. I asked why, he said that is just what he requires. I said okay, as I recently got on Medicaid and plan to just find someone else who is more flexible. This was not an issue for me. However, without prompting, Dr. Koban said he has the right to discuss my medical care with my… parents, who are not my legal guardians nor do they have any legal right to access to my personal medical information. I signed papers before my first appointment that state I give no one else access to discuss my care even over the phone. I am a 28 year old woman. At no point in my adult life has anyone ever suggested that I do not have the capacity to make decisions about my care by myself. There was nothing said during our short conversation that would indicate the need for him to breech confidentiality in order to keep me safe. Suddenly this man who never met me before thinks he can raise his voice at me and call me “honey” on the phone when I tell him he may not speak to my parents or anyone else about my care, which would be a HIPAA violation. He insisted that I was wrong and just “don’t want help”. My parents are part of the reason I need therapy in the first place. I plan on reporting Dr. Koban to the state department and the OCR for his immoral and unethical practices and for attempting to violate my right to privacy. I fear he may put other patients at risk if he does not get re-educated in HIPAA law and patient safety.

at times very rude and condescending. He acts like you don't matter and they you can fix everything yourself. It doesn't work that way. It got to the point had to take my husband with me when I went to see him so he wasn't so rude then. Kept me waiting a couple of times for over 2 hours past my appointment time just to see him for 5 minutes.

I have a complicated diagnosis and have gone to him for around 12 years. He is easy to talk to and accepts my input on treatment. i would not go to anyone else.

Very argumentative, condescending, tries to invalidate anything you have to say unless you're saying, "You're absolutely right, Dr. Koban". Has no business being in a field where often vulnerable, fragile people go to seek help. So stressed from the visit I had a panic attack that night that landed me in the hospital and I _still_ can't work up the nerve to leave the house.