2 /5 Geoffrey Halperin: Before I begin in detail, I would like to highlight the following points:
1. I attempted to handle this privately and was treated poorly
2. I am not after compensation of any sort
3. I do not want to take legal action of any sory
4. I only wanted to provide constructive feedback to improve other patients
5. My issue is with the managing doctor and his administrative staff, not the PAs who treated me.
I went to Dr. Jimenezs clinics (San Marcos then Austin due to scheduling issues) due to a worsening knee condition. To be specific I was unable to stand for more than 10 minutes at a time without extreme pain. I had an initial exam with the first PA in which an Xray was reviewed. I was told this was a "normal xray" and was sent for an MRI. I had to be moved to the Manchaca clinic for MRI review. The second PA I saw stated it was a "normal MRI". I recieved a total of five minutes attention from this PA (after waiting past my appointment).I was then given a general referral to PT and diagnosed with "Right Knee Pain".
I scheduled a second opinion visit with Dr. Gerald Greenfield with South Texas Spinal (would highly recommend him and his office). In two hours I received a diagnosis of "Patteloformal Pain Syndrome". This essentially means the knee cap is misaligned and worsens over time. This what my "normal" xray revealed. This diagnosis gives a clear corrective plan and is specfic.
I want to state that I do not blame the PAs who saw me. As PAs they dont recieve training as extensive as an MD. I was however informed that the managing doctor is required to perform a review of a perctanges of cases ( I was told 10%, but Im not entirely sure). I would like to think a "normal knee" could be used for more than 10 minutes at a time and would warrant a review.
I reached out to the office in San Marcos yesterday, asking to speak with Dr. Jimenez. I will state that I was cordial and polite. I simply wanted to provide consructive feedback. I would understand the responses I would receive if I was hostile and litigous.
The receptionist was at first evasive. When I insisted I wanted to provide feedback he stated I could schedule an appointment to speak with Dr. Jimenez ( and likely pay for it). I calmly stated I wished to handle this privately before posting a review. He paused and I was transfered to someone else I assume she was an office manager of some degree. Right of the bat she stated I was threatning "disparagment" or something of the sort (I dont remember exact wording). I remained civil in my response, which I stated points 1-4 above. I explained the second diagnosis I received and requested a five to ten minute call to discuss feedback with Dr. Jimenez. I provided the relevant i formation and it was implied that I likely wouldnt recieve a call. I the later cancelled my folow up there amd placed one at South Texas Spinal. As of time of writing that assumption is fact. I will edit this review, not delete, if I recieve any reponse or additional context.
Moral of the story:
1. Dont accept a vague and unhelpful diagnosis
2. Pain isnt "normal" so seek a 2nd opinion
3. Vote with your wallet
EDIT: On further thought a similar, but shorter review, was placed on Healthgrade. Attempted to do so on WebMD, but wasnt permitted to even post basic information there.
