Is this the new normal?

[Redetotry]

Wow, I just got home from an appointment with a Neurologist for help with trigiminal neuralgia and feel really baffled. I feel as though I totally ruined her day. She asked rapid fire questions with very little eye contact. She was cold and totally disassociated.I had the feeling she just wanted to be finished with me and on the the next $$$. The staff, except for one I interacted with, was also distant and cold. I’m not used to being around such bad energy and I just don't understand. I didn't expect chit chat but I did expect common courtesy. Is this just the way it is now?

[Liz]

Not the norm, I don't think. Find a different neurologist. The staff are likely distant and cold because it's no fun working for her.

[avalen]

I had a bad neurologist back when I had bells palsy.
Got into an argument with her about my eyesight.
She said it had nothing to do with my eyesight, I
disagreed with her as my eye was hanging down
on my cheek and of course I close it. She was very
rude. Walked out and went to my gp.

[gingerK]

Not normal. Find a different Dr. When I was searching for a gastroenterologist, I had picked out one Dr. because she was a woman and as a whole, I'm more comfortable with women Drs. My cousin heard of my choice and warned me off, as she'd seen her and had an experience very similar to what you described.

[Retiredcajunlady]

No, what you experienced isn't normal at all. Whatever the reason...and no reason is good enough...you didn't get the medical care you were seeking. I would definitely see a new doctor as soon as you are able for a correct medical visit. I am so sorry for you as going to a doctor can be stressful enough without the added stress of feeling you are not getting good care.

[IrishIroamed]

I agree BJ - find a new Dr. I've learned at some doctors, if you tell the person when you make reservations that you have questions and want time to talk, they will schedule extra time.

But that Dr and staff seem flat our rude. Shame on them.

[Redetotry]

I should have read her reviews, she has a 2.3 and all but one mentioned how rude she was and they were going to find another doctor. So guess it wasn't just me she was mean to. There are very few neurologists in practice here and I felt lucky to get an appointment. I think I should go to St Louis. I wish I could have spoke up like you did Ava and had told her how I felt and walked out!

[dpf]

Years ago I had to take my mom to a doctor who was extremely rude and told my mom who was in extreme pain that there was nothing wrong with her and basically it was all in her head. After the appointment I drove my mother straight to the hospital emergency room and she was admitted to the hospital and was there for over a week. I told them that under no circumstances was he supposed to see her. Mom was 87 at the time and had a colostomy and her intestinal lining was infected. I know the lady who is the director of nurses for the clinic and told her about it. She told me that there had been many complaints about that doctor and I should write a letter to the clinic administrator. I did and told them that he was rude to my mom and and to me when we asked questions and acted like we were in imposition to his precious time. Also that she had been admitted to the hospital within an hour after the appointment. I received a call from the administrator and we spoke at length about the appointment and the diagnosis at the hospital. Later I found out that he had been asked to leave the clinic. My mom would have never complained about him because she was of the old school attitude that all doctors are some sort of god.

[BarbaraRose]

Like all things, there are good and bad. I have had bad experiences and moved on, and now have a wonderful doctor that I have been seeing for many years. Hopefully you can find another one. Life is too short to deal with nasty people. There are a lot of nicer doctors out there.
And I agree with Liz, the staff probably is crabby too because they have to work for her.

[Bethers]

Grrrr, makes me mad. But I'd find another doctor, also.

[Redetotry]

This woman is in private practice, maybe she knows she wouldn't last anywhere else. Could be she finished med school and realized that she really wanted to be a veterinary. The person who recommended her was my dentist, she is a patient of his and he and his staff all said how nice she was Pat that must have been a terrible experience for your Mom and you. Ava I think your doctor was an imposter! Thankfully, most of my issues have been things the wonderfully kind acupuncture doctor I see has been able to take care of. I did however go to a clinic for an annual check up this year and had a similar experience. The doctor wasn't rude but only repeated the same questions the nurse had just asked, didn't do any type of an exam to see how my reflexes etc were and never made eye contact, just focused on her computer. I think she was really on Facebook! The younger generation will probably only text each other.

[IrishIroamed]

T...he doctor wasn't rude but only repeated the same questions the nurse had just asked, didn't do any type of an exam to see how my reflexes etc were and never made eye contact, just focused on her computer...

That exact same thing happened to me too BJ when I was looking for a new doctor. When I was leaving, they asked to make another appointment 6 months out. I told then no and why I would not be back to see him. I'm sure it didn't' make any difference to them, but sure felt better having my say about the visit.

The doctor's office I go to now always sends questionnaires afterwards. The lab also sends the same questionnaires. I think it's a policy of the hospital they are affiliated with.

[BirdbyBird]

I have been going to a Nurse Practitioner for maybe 8 years now. I am very pleased. She also doesn't hesitate to refer me to specialist if she sees anything. With her visits you know that she knows who you are and what is important. She really listens and goes through some of those routine neurological screening evaluations even if I have only come in for blood work and prescription renewals. The other advantage is that I can generally call and get an appointment without waiting ages to get in.....