Before I dive into this review, I want to emphasize that the staff at this facility, especially Ani at the front desk, are exceptional and truly went above and beyond. My experience and opinion are specific to my visit and should not reflect on the doctor's skills.
This year I was finally on good health insurance which gave me the opportunity to consult specialists I'd been putting off. While I've been fortunate to find excellent doctors, there's always the possibility of encountering one who doesn't quite meet expectations. I can only comment on my interaction with Dr. Pan during this visit, as it was a brief consultation to explore my options. However, I do feel bedside manner is a crucial aspect of being a good doctor.
Upon entering the room, Dr. Pan didn't convey a welcoming attitude. I attempted to introduce myself, but it felt like he just wanted to rush through the appointment. I understand that doctors are busy, but my appointment time is valuable and something I've paid for,… so I do expect their full attention.
When I explained why I was there, I mentioned two areas of concern. Describing the type of pain and discomfort I experienced was challenging because it involved different sensations. When I repeated one area using different terms to clarify, Dr. Pan curtly told me that he could hear me and that there was no need to repeat it multiple times, his tone condescendingly reminiscent of scolding a child.. I was taken aback by his response and quickly apologized, trying to explain that I was searching for the right words. He seemed annoyed and replied with a dismissive "uh huh."
I assumed that perhaps time constraints were causing his impatience, even though there were no other patients in the waiting room. Throughout the visit, he conducted various tests to assess my pain, but after each test, he would simply raise his eyebrows without offering any explanation. When I asked if everything was alright, he barely gave a response.
He then inquired about my prior encounters with physical therapy and pain management. I explained that due to insurance constraints and more urgent health issues, I hadn't been able to pursue them. I mentioned that my condition had deteriorated to the point where I was inadvertently causing harm to myself. His response was simply, "That's pretty bad," without any further explanation or follow-up. I seriously question whether the doctor fully comprehended the extent of my condition. While he did refer me to a physical therapist, he failed to address my concern: the ongoing numbness affecting a quarter of my body and the recurring injuries, occurring as frequently as once or twice a week, without my awareness. For example, I shared an incident where I accidentally clipped a piece of skin off my toe, only realizing it when I discovered a trail of blood in my house. Given these circumstances, I maintain my skepticism that physical therapy alone can effectively address these issues.
Typically, at the end of a medical appointment, doctors inquire if there are any additional concerns or issues. However, the moment he posed this question, he abruptly left the room. I was left in disbelief about the abruptness of his departure. When I was paying for the visit, I suddenly recalled an important question. Unfortunately, by that time, the doctor had closed himself in his office. I had to turn to another staff member for assistance, and the manner in which my question was addressed left me feeling disheartened.
In summary, while the front desk staff, especially Ani, were outstanding, my experience with Dr. Pan was marked by a lack of patience, dismissiveness, and an overall disinterest in understanding my medical history and concerns.
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