FAIL:
Simply put, this man is beyond unprofessional. He'll start the relationship with a bitter taste- and it will linger... I couldn't stand him or his so-called practice more than 5 wks. Have you ever interacted with someone who seemed ice-cold no matter how much charisma you're blessed with? This is that interaction. I am able to honestly say more than anything else, I left wondering how he's made it this far in life, without destroying his career and reputation. (Then I discovered he sits on a few well-chosen boards).
PUSHY PUSHY:
From the start, Dr. Wacks is off limits unless you see one of his therapists so that he is purely managing your medication. Although this is pretty much standard practice with med+therapy programs, you will need to agree to this arrangement before you even attend your first session (whether or not you will need medication). He's a big-brand pusher, so if you need med MGMT (and even if you don't), despite what medication you are on, expect him to push the commercial labels to the fullest, to replace your current regimen.
THE RULE OF THUMB:
As for his trademark contract: Dr. Wacks has his patients agree to - what most would assume - a standard set of ""rules/guidelines."" Even though I have signed financial obligation agreements at MD offices, the additions to his rules set gives it a unique ""patient etiquette- OR ELSE"" feel. The therapist I saw for a short period of time seemed extremely disconnected from the sessions and nearly every session contained 10minutes of discussion on billing and payment, as well as ""remembering the agreement you signed."" Try to bring up that you would feel more comfortable using session time for a session rather than reviewing their co-pay policies, and you may expect a tongue lashing. Just all-around awkward.
THE DIRTY-HARRY DEFENSE:
Good luck if you need an appointment convenient with your schedule. Dr. Wacks is seemingly always on vacation and for a doctor, one could comfortably label him as having his priorities @$$-backwards. Should you decide to go toe-to-toe and stand up for your rights as a patient and ask what the meaning of all the hostility is, prepare to have your doctor-patient relationship with Jerry Wacks & Assoc. severed without a second thought (or at the very least, verbally insulted and threatened to be dropped as a patient by both Dr. Wacks and/or therapist - even the secretary will take a few verbal shots at you). I'd hate to see how they react with someone hostile, impolite and confrontational because I experienced all this when I requested an appointment for Dr. Wacks be changed to earlier in the week, due to work schedule. They seem to be ready to go for the throat, whether it's an appointment re-scheduling or missing one of your co-pays. Prepare to walk on eggshells.
If you're a fan of a 3rd Reich style practice, Jerry Wacks is your man. But, I wouldn't wish his office on my worst enemy. Bottom line is, this guy doesn't deserve a license and he should probably seek therapy, himself.
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