Letter to Park Ave. Doctor

Letter to Park Avenue Doctor
by Ladybug140 aka Fantasy Tales. Copyright 2008 All Rights Reserved.
New York City 3/6/2008.

Ghost writing a note to an unprofessional doctor (I think it's called poor bedside manner):

March 6, 2008
Dr. T
Park Avenue
New York, NY

Dear Dr. T:

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

Firstly, my internist, Dr. H, 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 ****** 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. 25, 2008.

On Feb. 25, 2008, 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 their staff. I continued on with enthusiasm stating that it is my belief that Dr. H and Dr. K “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 unless you consulted with Dr. K. And your demeanor changed as well. You began accusing me stating that I did not disclose 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. H” but suddenly you now wanted to check with Dr. K 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 doctors 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 wanted to finish the work you began. It had not occurred to me at that time that you would later refuse further treatment by my having made an innocent statement regarding doctor care.

I received a call from you the following day. At that time you stated you had spoken with Dr. K and informed me that Dr. K did not want me to have Botax injections thereby you would not continue nor complete the Botax injections to the area you had begun. At that time again, much to my disbelief and displeasure, you stated that I must disclose my medical history and said that Dr. K 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 difficult.

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. K “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. K had spoken about me as you state simply because he has never stated as such to me. Here’s a point you might consider, if I had been known to be a difficult patient, it then 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.

If in fact you want to be placed into high regard like Dr. H whom I respect you are not going about it the right way. First of all, Dr. H would have asked me to explain if my answers on a medical form were not clear. Furthermore, had Dr. K shared his opinion of me with you as you stated he did so in confidence. The difference here is such confidence is a matter of discretion you should be cautioned in using and in no case feel free to repeat. One act such as you have demonstrated alone is highly unprofessional perhaps even negligent should something bad have happen to me while in your care. So far I seem to be alright with the Botax treatments. However given 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, SY