He Never Treated Her—But the Review Cost Him Patients

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

Patient posted across multiple formats and forums that Dr. [redacted] was terrible surgeon, ruined her life, that she was no longer able to walk because of his care.

What actually happened

Patient had a bimalleolar ORIF with another provider/group and apparently was unhappy with their service. This patient was not a patient of our practice or provider, however we could not respond. Patient posted across multiple platforms, community groups, etc stating he was a terrible surgeon not to go to him. He never treated this patient or performed a procedure. It was performed by another group in town.

Impact

This is a smaller town. We had multiple patients cancel appointments with our provider citing that post.

Steps taken

We reported the post, but had no details to reach out otherwise as this was not our patient.

Reported impact on this provider

Anxiety StressDeclined New PatientsEmotional DistressLost ReferralsLost RevenueReputation DamageStaff Impact

Three others reported Reputation Damage

See all 176 →

He Refused the ER—and His Family Believed We Sent Him Home

Pt with chief concern of urinary retention. He had obvious evidence of head trauma on exam (abrasions and a black eye if I recall…

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She Requested an Unnecessary Exam. I Couldn’t Explain Why I Refused.

The patient requested an exam that was not appropriate for her age. I declined to perform the exam she requested.

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False Reviews, Legal Threats, and Thoughts of Early Retirement

The post was not accurate. The patient presented with severe, rapidly progressing dental disease and repeatedly delayed or declined…

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