Dr. R Dennis Winkel, MD

When I was 13-15 years old I was subjected to outdated care and in my personal opinion medical malpractice at the hands of Dr. Winkel and other staff at the Northwest Family Medicine clinic. My mother took me in for irregular and painful periods at 13 and they suggested birth control and required a pelvic exam and pap smear yearly for this. The first time I was given a Pap smear I was asked if I was s*xually active, which I responded truthfully with no. He then did a BREAST exam on me without warning or telling me he was going to do it, just lifted my shirt and felt my breasts. At 13, why do you need a breast exam unless they ask for it or complain about an issue with their breasts? Because I’ve talked to plenty of other young women and they told me they were never required to do a pap, and never had a breast exam done in their teens for a birth control prescription underage or not. Then I got my first Pap smear and I swear they used the biggest size metal speculum, it was massive. I… complained about the pain immediately which ended up tearing me quite a bit so bad I bled; not “spotting” like they said to expect. There were two nurses in the room while he performed my Pap smear and they tried to calm me down, making conversation with me while I was pretty much trying not to scream in pain. None of them asked if I was comfortable, doing okay, etc. A year later, after receiving my second pap smear Dr. Winkel asked if I was s*xually active and I still responded no, and he basically said that I was either lying and that he could tell and that I could tell him the truth, and he also asked if I had been abused to which I said no. THEN HE LITERALLY INSINUATED THAT MY OWN FATHER WAS HARMING ME, after brutalizing me with a medical device (which I know for a fact because they offer different sizes and have for many years now!!!) This was extremely traumatic for me and caused me to not seek medical or health care for almost 10 years of my life. I thought for the longest time this was all routine and had been medically necessary only to dishearteningly learn that it had not been. I just wanted to share and put this out there for anyone else who may have experienced something similar to this, and that it is important to always ask questions if something doesn’t seem right, and for parents to ask questions and be informed.

I have been seeing Dr Dennis Winkel since 1981 He delivered all three of my children and I absolutely LOVE HIM

Dr. Winkel has been in practice in Kalispell for many, many years. He delivered my older sister when she was born (35 years ago) and he is still doing amazing things. He is to the point and very thorough with his diagnoses. His nurse also has a great sense of humor! Knowing your symptoms and being able to clearly articulate them goes a long way in being able to get the right treatment; an appreciation for some humor to lighten the situation helps too. Dr. Winkel and his staff really do care about the wellness of their patients and I am very pleased to have him as my primary care provider.

Winkel's nurse was uncooperative lied constantly.

Dr. Winkle is a dr. who listens to his patients and their concerns and takes into consideration what options will provide the best outcome.

I will never recommend this place to anyone. The staff is terrible. One of the nurses grabbed my child and pushed out of her way and he started screaming . They are very rude and treat you as though you are dogs. They Should not be under pediatric, they are not kid friendly nor people friendly. If you enjoy this place you either a friend of someone there or older.

1. Went to Dr for symptoms of pneumonia. Informed "I don't know if I can crude your cough." After 3 chest x rays, several appts he finally ordered a sputum spec. Guess what? It was pneumonia. 2. Called the office as I had symptoms of C. Diff. Requested to be tested. Was positive and treated. 3. Had symptoms of C. Diff again. Requested testing. Was positive. However MD initially unwilling to treat as I had missed a prior GI appt due to work constraints. When I questioned the Dr liability of diagnosing the problem and not treating I was quickly routed to Specialists while Dr treated. 4. I simply got tired of playing that game when I was very I'll. 5. A few of the office staff are very good. There is a primary assistant who can be flippant in her responses.

Top notch family medical care practice. I have been with them for years and would not dream of going anywhere else.

Ive seen dr. winkle 1 time (my last time ever), his nursing staff is the ruddest people i have ever met, not helpful in anyway. ive called up there several times and when i ask for help with medications or have questions regarding medications they are rude about it. they always say they will call me back and they never do, then when i call back they act as if i am inconvinencing them by calling. I went there off of a recomendation and will never go back, nor would never recommend this doctor to anyone, unless you fell like being treated like a retard.

Dr. Winkle has been my personnal physician and cared for our kids since the early 1980's. Care at his office has always been efficient, and most important, professional and accurate. His office is not an auto repair shop...a missed estimate when it comes to medical tests, etc. is not a reason to give a negative warning. I highly recommend his practice to anyone.