Dr. Jyotika Kanwar Fernandes, MD

I would not recommend this Dr if my life depended on it...why? Among other things she changed my thyroid medication - not just the dosage, but she literally completely changed the type to put me on one that was filled with allergens that was noted in my medical record that I was allergic to. When I got the new medication, I asked why I was receiving Synthroid and that it was filled with allergens in my medical record. Her response was that there was "so little that I shouldn't have an issue and that this medication was less expensive" Being a Veteran, I was on the Synthroid initiallyand for 18 months, the Veterans Administration in Charleston put it off as me not adjusting to not having a thyroid after cancer. WRONG - it was because the medication that she/they ordered was filled with allergens. Once I was removed and put on armor, those symptoms and issues disappeared for the most part. THEN we have the fact that the Endocrinology Department overlooked something other than… just my thyroid cancer....they overlooked a PITURITARY TUMOR - her specialty, right? Well, after she ordered the WRONG medication and after they were incorrectly running testing to see if I had CUSHING's (which it was later determined that I had it confirmed) MUSC Charleston incorrectly processed and handled the hormone testing, including but not limited to, not drawling blood at the correct time, then used it. When testing for Cushing's, this is a major thing because it can give a false reading as to the results. Then MUSC wanted me to take a 24 hour urine, 5 days after taking a dexamethasone test...anyone that is going through this testing process knows that you can't immediately take any cortisol testing immediately following the Dexamethasone test...because it will give a false lowering of the test results. Among other things this dr told me I needed to be "nicer" to her dr's and that I must be "dr shopping"...I was just shocked...as I was following the endocrinologist from Mayo to do more testing locally because they suspected I had a form of Cushing's, but they needed a specific pattern of results. This Dr...when and threw my endocrinologist from Mayo Clinic's name in my face, made claims that she personally knew her....I immediately filed a complaint against this Dr and I was told to find endocrine elsewhere even after my tumor grew. What's even sadder is that she had be blacklisted from Mayo Clinic Endocrine team where I was an established patient. To have a dr's reach out to her collogues and have you blocked from getting the care and diagnose you need and preventing Veterans from appropriate treatment its a sad day in this county. Yes, I was a patient at VAMC Charleston AND MUSC. Remember folks, run from any dr that is affiliated with VAMC's....those are the same ones that give YOU crappy care. I have since filled a complaint with the Medical Board of SC regarding the incident where she prescribed to me medication that was specifically listed on my list of allergies...and her response. One things about being outside the VAMC system and seeing her at MUSC, she can't hide under the federal government protection when the patient is seen at MUSC.

Professional services and have never experienced any problems

bad bedside manner and not very smart

Dr. Fernandes made a drastic change in my medicine dose. I reacted badly and could not get in touch with her. Nurses and other doctors were embarrassed by her unresponsiveness. I had to go out-of-state to another hospital system that was baffled by her dosage & unprofessional behavior. Horrible experience.

The doctor's notes were not accurate in what was done at the appointment. Some notes actually contradicted other parts of the notes. I was not examined, not asked to rate my pain but had a full listing of examination notes and had that I denied any pain. It also said I received information on my diagnosis but did not. Not pleased at all with the Doctor's care. The staff however, was friendly and got me into a room very quickly. Would not go back to this doctor.

I am a thyroid cancer patient. Dr. Fernandes is extremely knowledgeable and has a good bedside manner. She doesn't rush during office visits and has been great about returning my occasional calls when I have questions between appointments.