By Sheryl Rosen

Episode 15 - It's not just me.

A number of months ago, my neighbor asked me to write a letter for her.  Mind you, she's a lawyer who had to have proficient writing skills not only to get through the courses but strong enough to also pass the bar; thus she was competent enough to overcome her handicap. She's Korean.

Here's the letter:

Ms. Understood
200 East Main Street
NY, NY 10128

Doctor Marve Less
On Park Avenue
New York, NY 10128

Dear Dr. Less:

I am writing this letter to retrieve my medical records as well as to express my dissatisfaction regarding your statements made on Feb. 25th and Feb. 26th during my office visits for Botax injections.    

Firstly, my internist, Dr. Great, referred me to you when I was in need of a dermatologist to remove some growths from my neck. When I arrived at your office I filled out a health history form that was handed to me.  I provided all the answers as best I could and noted my use of azathioprine per my ocular condition. On the form I believe I misspelled the medicine’s name. I wrote down something like, ‘mazathiprine.’

During the procedure to remove the bumps on my neck you suggested that I consider Botax injections on various facial areas which I later agreed to.  To date, I have been to your office three or four times for the Botax injections. At no time during any of my visits have you asked me about my ocular medical condition until my last visit on Feb.26th.    

On Feb.26th moments before you started the Botax injections, I made an innocent comment in praise of my doctors’ high quality of care also mentioning my satisfaction with his staff. I continued on with enthusiasm stating that it is my belief that Dr. Great saved my life.   

I am left to imagine that my use of the phrase “saved my life” must have changed a dynamic in terms of receiving the Botax treatment since suddenly (for reasons unknown to me) you put the Botax needle down and checked my medical record.  Then you stated that you were unable to continue with the Botax injections until you consulted with Dr. Great.   

And your demeanor changed as well. You began accusing me stating that I had not disclosed my medical history.  I pointed out to you that I had in fact disclosed my current condition on your medical forms.   

What you said next is even more troublesome.  You stated I was known to be a difficult person and you claimed to be a thorough doctor “like Dr. Great” but suddenly you now wanted to check with Dr. Great before going ahead with further Botax treatment.

Despite being somewhat troubled by your comments and chiding, never the less I asked you to talk to the doctor as soon as possible since I was scheduled to leave for a trip to Paris on Wednesday of the same week this incident occurred and had wanted to finish the work you began.  

It had not occurred to me, at that time, that you would later refuse further treatment due to my having made an innocent statement regarding doctor care.  Not to mention the fact that while my eyebrows were somewhat elongated before treatment, I am now left with one about 2 inches higher than the other leaving me with an unrelenting quizzical look. 

I received a call from you the following day.  You stated you had spoken with Dr. Great and informed me that he did not want me to have Botax injections thereby you would not continue nor complete the Botax injections to the area you had begun.   

To add insult to injury once again (much to my disbelief and displeasure) you stated that I must disclose my medical history and said that Dr. Great told you that I am a difficult patient.   

While I am sure my being Korean without perfect command of the English language can at times be an impediment, I don’t think it's something you can state I hide.  As such I firmly object to your characterization that I am a difficult person.    

What bothers me most is your twice verbalized statements accusing me of not having disclosed my medical history.  Additionally, to further support your case, you attempted to shore up your accusation stating, as if it was fact, that Dr. Great “told you about me” again calling me “a difficult patient”.   

Your attempt to portray me in such a light is untrue and uncalled for nor for one minute do I believe your statement that Dr. Great had spoken about me as you stated simply because he has never stated as such to me; only you have.

Here’s a point you might consider; if I had been known to be a difficult patient, it makes one wonder why then did you solicit me for treatment other than what I had come to you for originally?  Certainly if I had been "a difficult person" you would not have be all to willing and encouraging to treat me on a continuing basis.    

When you made the comment that you are a highly acclaimed doctor, like Dr. Great, you should perhaps pick your audience more careful since that is not my finding. If in fact you want to be placed into high regard like Dr. Great you are not going about it the right way.  First of all, Dr. Great would have asked me to explain if my answers on a medical form were not clear.  Furthermore, had Dr. Great shared his opinion of me with you that I am actually
"a difficult person" as you stated, he did so in confidence.  The difference here is such confidence is a matter of discretion you should have the good sense to use and in no case you should feel free to repeat. One act only, such as you have demonstrated, is highly unprofessional, perhaps even negligent or reckless should something bad have happen to me while in your care. As it is I am walking around looking somewhat more odd than before. I can't say I am improved in coming to you for quality care.

So far I seem to be alright with the Botax treatments though waiting it out for the Botax to wear off so that my eyebrow can even up with the other is a small but rather annoying impairment I am forced to endure.  

Given what has transprired along with your statements, I would like a copy of the medical form I filled out in your office. I caution you against thinking not to comply.    

Sincerely,
Ms. Understood


cc. Dr. Really Great