Christina

Review of Minnesota Gastroenterology, P....

It is very disappointing and unfortunate that anyo...

It is very disappointing and unfortunate that anyone has to experience a lack of care and understanding when seeking health care.

First of all I can positively say that when I saw Dr. Van Handel in 2016 he was the first Physician to treat my colitis by educating me on a diet plan instead of pharmaceutical drugs. I really appreciated this and I've been pretty much symptom free for 3 years!

Today however I called the office to ask about a medication recommended to me by a local Physician and I got to experience a nurse named Bridget. I became concerned with some abdominal pain the last few days and consulted a local Physician who suggested that I may be having a flare up of my colitis. He made a recommendation but wanted me to check with my gastroenterologist first, and if symptoms didn't improve suggested I make an appointment with Gastroenterology. Today, I got Nurse Bridget when I called. I asked about the over the counter treatment recommended to me and she said "that is probably okay". Is "probably" your opinion or your expertise? I tell her my local Physician suggested I check with them before taking such medication and her response is "you haven't been seen since 2016". I'm sorry that I haven't a flare up that has warranted me a visit to you since 2016 but I am having problems now - that is why I am calling. Nurse Bridget doesn't bother to ask me what symptoms I am experiencing or anything else for that matter. She is eager to hang up the phone. This incident may sound benign but the tone of Nurse Bridget's voice in this whole conversation was a complete lack of care. Worst of all it left me feeling like how dare I call and waist her time!

This just should not have happened. When you employ these kind of people as the front line for your Physicians, you lose. I will not be coming back. I will seek new Gastroenterology care with a facility that cares about their patients from the first phone call.