Dr. Norman Mattock Callahan III, DO

My experience with Dr. Norman Callahan was extremely concerning, particularly because of the information he entered into my medical record. During a hospitalization for severe pancreatitis, Dr. Callahan documented “Opioid dependence” and characterized my prescribed opioid treatment in a way that I believe was inaccurate and unsupported by my actual treatment history. I take a low-dose opioid medication therapeutically for chronic pain. When I experience severe pancreatitis, I may receive a three-day supply of a different prescribed opioid medication for that acute episode. During those episodes, my regular medication is discontinued. I do not take the medications together. I had also been hospitalized more than 20 times and had an established history of treatment for severe pancreatitis. Knowing that a particular medication had previously been effective for my pancreatitis pain should not have been interpreted as drug-seeking behavior. The record also contained a urine drug screen… showing no opioids, despite the fact that I had actually received opioid pain medication during that hospitalization. My prescription-monitoring information was documented as showing “no deviations.” I am not an addict or a drug seeker. I am a patient with legitimate chronic pain and recurrent pancreatitis who deserves to have my medical history documented accurately and without stigmatizing assumptions. What concerns me most is that this documentation did not remain an isolated entry. It became part of my medical record and contributed to how I was subsequently perceived and treated by other healthcare providers. Patients should be able to trust that diagnoses and characterizations placed in their medical records are supported by the complete clinical circumstances—not assumptions based on prescribed pain medication or an isolated test result.

Excellent physician specialist. Goes above and beyond to review my issues and treatment options. Highly recommended!!

He really cares! He spent extra time with me, reviewed my CT scan himself, and explained things so I understood.

I have found Dr. Callahan to be most compassionate and an excellent listener. He has a way of putting the patient as ease. He works with the patient in a kindly manner and follows up on treatments. I would highly recommend him.

One of the worst bedside manner I have experienced. My dog gets better treatment from the vet!!!

Dr was cold and not a bit helpful

Dr. Callahan sorted walked us through the options for testing and treatment, explained the rationales behind each strategy, thoroughly answered our questions and in so doing enabled us to make difficult decisions with calm confidence. His contribution to my father's care distinguishes him as one of the most caring physicians I've met during my thirty year career as an RN. Thank you Dr. Callahan.