My daughter is a 28 year old young mother with two children who has a breast tumor that needs biopsied. While having her preadmission testing she complained of chest pain and the nursing staff immediately took her to the emergency room. Her EKG came back normal but as a precaution her surgeon wanted a medical evaluation and clearance, thus the reason for her call to make an appointment.\r
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She was first denied an appointment by Jodi who I imagine is the receptionist as she answered the phone when I called there. She was then denied an appointment by the nurse, Heather, based on the information my daughter was supplying. My daughter is not a clinical person and may not have been explaining correctly what was needed but I don’t think that warrented the office staff deciding whether or not she should have an appointment there. Dr. Palma is the one with M.D. after her name and she should be the person to decide if my daughter needed to be referred to another physician, not an office staff member who does not even have all the information needed to make that decision. \r
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Dr. Palma is listed on your website as a family practitioner and that is usually where patients turn to for direction in their medical care. Your website also says:\r
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“Westshore Primary Care is an outstanding physician group dedicated to caring for your family through every stage of life. We know you want the best care and to be treated with respect by someone who truly cares. Our care delivery team does just that. Our team will get to know you personally, listen to your every concern and get you the help you need when you need it most.”\r
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My daughter did not get listened to and was not give help when she needed it most. I absolutely do not approve of the language my daughter used with the staff in the office, and I told her as much, but I also ask myself what kind of treatment she receive that she got to that point.\r
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I have worked in the medical profession for 40 years, in a hospital setting and a surgeon’s office, and have never heard of the office staff being able to allow or deny a patient access to a physician. \r
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One of the caveats of patient’s bill of rights under the affordable care act is the expectation of considerate and respectful care from health care providers. She also has the right to a fast, fair and objective review of a complaint she has against any health care personnel. She was dismissed without any of that. On her behalf I am asking that right be afforded to her and you contact her with an answer. \r
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