James Rider, DO

I guess I jumped the gun when I gave the DO a 5 star rating two years ago and I believe it was because he was friendly. I've had ample time to be at the mercy of his -do no harm oath. I would like to let you know though, he remains a socially "nice" person. Two years later- being a regular visiting patient- I finally received a pap smear and also requested meds for a thyroid problem diagnosed in 2009. The attending nurse announced another doctor from his practice already did a pap smear and all was negative. I insisted she did not. I did remember seeing her for one appointment however she only joked about my tilted uterus "I've heard about em but never actually seen one...," she said-- then allowed a nurse to take a look (revealed to another without my permission) and no culture was taken. Of course I was called a liar by the nurse as in her head I had stomach problems...she asked if I still had stomach problems. This confused me as I've never had stomach problems, however she stated… there was a prescription available in my chart. ?? Well. Dr. Rider came in and attempted humor as he intimidated me with verbal remarks about my naked body making me feel self conscious and ill at ease. (Jokingly, I think I felt some stomach problems coming on) I've had a difficult time encouraging the DO to focus on reasons for my visits. I do have concerns regarding an ongoing thyroid problem where he has prescribed a medication that seemed to cause a rash. (seems the only one available is a synthetic form) I requested a change of medicine which went somewhere to the back of his mind. At the last minute of my appointment, I again requested a retry at the thyroid medication. Instead of giving a script, he ordered a blood test. I patiently received my --somewhere around 20th blood draw. (He pushes medical wellness so often and my response to him is always, no thank you. I have no concerns at this time about breast cancer, bone density, or a procedure for my colon.) I truly require treatment for an ongoing diagnosis thyroid disease I am experiencing at this moment in my life. I do live quite a distance from Valley Falls and I've requested an appointment of the many locations online pages have given as his practice addresses--just to pick up written scripts. I'm told he only has one base address and that is in Valley Falls. I must travel 40 miles each way once a month just to refill my current medications. Yesterday I called and asked scripts be written and forwarded to Valley Falls Pharmacy to save time. I arrived at the pharmacy only to ...again revisit Dr. Rider's office to discover he was not there and the scripts were not ready...) I intentionally ordered over the phone-a 5th retry for my thyroid med due to physical signs that interfere with my job and my overall health. His nurse insisted the doctor discontinued the medication and I was not allowed a prescription. Hmm I'm not a physician but I do know once diagnosed with a thyroid disorder it doesn't just disappear; it is an ongoing problem for the rest of one's lifetime. I mentioned my last appointment was specifically for -yet another- blood test just for the thyroid but I never heard back from Dr. Rider. She became more determined and insisted -NO!--I needed a current blood test. I really hesitate discussing staff of a doctor's office however the head nurse seems a bit unhealthy in the appropriateness of etiquette when speaking to a patient. I really hope taking the time to read this will help people in making a well informed choice of how to handle Dr. Rider and his staff. I'm not writing to negate Dr. Rider's professional experience and knowledge but to inform clients that "we" are in charge of "our" own health and should remain diligent in repetitive demands to the doctor that concern "us". I will kindly continue to insist on thyroid treatment however I'm afraid there's not much I can do to make the office nurse a nicer person. Regarding a parent's care...write a letter and make sure it is put in the loved one's chart at their care facility...that the patient is "NOT TO BE SEEN BY THE DOCTOR" unless the family member is present and informed before writing new scripts.

absolutely the worst Dr ever!!!! Doesn't remember treating you. changes meds with no explanation, does not answer questions, refuses to fill out any paperwork. this Dr needs to have his medical license pulled and his practice needs to be shut down before he makes a serious mistake!!

After searching for two years without a provider assigned by Humana, a connection was made that would prove a good fit between doctor and patient. Dr. Rider is a true professional and exceeds in patient care and concern. Thank you Dr. Rider!

My father was a patient at Plaza West under his care for rehabilitation after a fall. When he left the hospital he was able to walk with a walker and get around his home after being at Plaza West under his care he went back into the hospital so weak he was pretty much bedridden. In his neglect he took my father off one of his medication that he needs for a disease he has, with out this medicine it will cause death. He was also over medicated on pain medicine. My father also has dementia so his care or lack of care should have been talked over with his family which was never done. The night he was taken back to the hospital was not because of Doctor it was because my mother decided he needed to be taken there after the doctor had decided he did not. It has been over a month now and he has yet to fully recover from the lack of care he received. We are still praying that he will be able to return home. I would never recommend this doctor to any person . We have also been in contact… with other former patient that feels the same!

My mom has been a resident at Plaza West for 9 months; I have yet to meet Dr. Ryder. The staff at Plaza West told me that Dr. Ryder makes his rounds there about 5:00 AM; a little early in my opinion. So far, I don't have any major complaints with Dr. Ryder's care for my mom except for the fact, as one of her daughters, I would like to meet the doctor that is responsible for my mom's medical care.