A False Criminal Accusation That Nearly Destroyed the Practice

This account was submitted by a healthcare provider and de-identified before publication. Details that could identify a patient or practice have been removed, and it is shared with the provider’s consent.

What was posted

A Medicaid patient that we receive almost no compensation to treat was frustrated that we would not provide her with narcotics for a simple procedure. So her and her family posted google reviews stating that I molested her during her procedure. Not only do we have cameras but also multiple assistants present at all times. After months of fighting with google to have the fake reviews down, they only responded after we threatened to sue to patient and google for libel. Sadly you can only imagine the damage done to our practice while the fake reviews were posted.

What actually happened

The patient, an unhealthy, obese, entitled female was treated for a simple tooth extraction. She was prescribed a standard regimen of NSAIDS post-op. Later she demanded narcotics for pain, after checking the PDMP it was clear she frequently abused providers to feed a narcotics addiction.

Impact

We noticed a 20-30% reduction in new patients. My staff no longer wanted to treat adult patients on Medicaid. We debated shutting the practice down, now we pre-screen patients that fit certain demographic categories that are more likely to leave bad reviews.

Steps taken

We contacted google multiple times but there is no person present to address the manner. So, you have choice but to use their automated system. Eventually I threatened to sue the patient and google for libel. Not sure if google or the patient removed the review.

Reported impact on this provider

Anxiety StressDeclined New PatientsEmotional DistressLost ReferralsLost SleepReputation Damage

Three others reported Reputation Damage

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