I called Murfreesboro Dermatology Clinic in November and specifically requested to see a dermatologist to deal with a possible cyst which was quite painful. I was told that I could have an appointment and was scheduled.
The practitioner cut out part of a cyst and sent the tissue to be biopsied.
The condition worsened, and I requested for a follow up appointment. At the second appointment, the practitioner did not even examine me, but suggested that I see an ENT specialist. She did give me an antibiotic.
Later in the day, I went to see my primary care physician. It was at my primary doctor's office that I learned that I had not even seen a dermatologist at all, but either a nurse practitioner or a physician's assistant.
I am well aware that NPs and PAs are allowed by the state to perform certain procedures under the supervision of a medical doctor. This complaint is not about whether or not the practitioner did a procedure she was not allowed to do.
This complaint is about the fact that I specifically requested an appointment to see a doctor, and I was told that I had an appointment. At no time, on either visit, did the NP/PA disclose that she in fact was not a doctor. This, in my opinion, is highly unethical and possibly illegal. As a realtor, state law requires that I disclose my status as a realtor immediately upon entering any business conversation with a prospective client. I would expect that state law also require that practitioners disclose what their status is. At a minimum, Murfreesboro Dermatology Clinic and Dr. Bell's staff acted, in my opinion, in a highly unprofessional and unethical manner by giving me the impression that I was seeing a doctor, when in fact I was not.
When I had this conversation with my primary care physician...one who is well known and has practiced in Murfreesboro for many years...he informed me that he does not refer patients to Murfreesboro Dermatology Clinic.
I have filed a complaint with the State Office of Investigations.
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