She Requested an Unnecessary Exam. I Couldn’t Explain Why I Refused.
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.
A patient gave a one star review and asserted that I failed to examine her. She requested a pelvic exam and Pap smear, but was well-below the age-related national guidelines to have this invasive exam. I explained why it was not appropriate for her age, asked additional questions to ensure an exam was not warranted, and then she demanded I examine her. I declined, with a chaperone present, and she later left a terrible review.
The patient requested an exam that was not appropriate for her age. I declined to perform the exam she requested.
My sister went online and read my reviews and called me very upset. The negative comments were so inflammatory that my sister actually cried in disbelief that someone would say what the patient said about me. Of course, I could not give her any details, but only assure her that the allegations were completely salacious and false.
There really was nothing I could do regarding the complaint. I did not want our office to contact her or agitate her worse. Of course, Google will not take down a review. Essentially, I have told my family and friends to never read any online reviews about me. I don’t read them myself.