Questcare Medical Clinic at Coppell

Reviews 3

VI

Vinita C

As a healthcare professional myself, I typically avoid speaking ill of others in healthcare. However, the problems I encountered here are too egregious to ignore. For those who don’t wish to read the details, in a nutshell: Dr. Nilda Lopez does not question or examine thoroughly enough to properly diagnose and treat conditions, is unaware of very common and potentially dangerous side effects of the medications she prescribes, and does not know how to appropriately prescribe meds. In addition, she orders unnecessary tests that are not standard of care and upcodes office visits in order to collect an undeserved higher payment. When I met Dr. Lopez, I found her to be pleasant with good bedside manner. Unfortunately, I found her abilities as a doctor to fall short in all other areas. I saw her for my annual physical, combined with an office visit for a new rash of unknown etiology covering nearly half my body. Her exam of my rash was nearly nonexistent. Rashes can be difficult to diagnose, as there are numerous causes that can be difficult to distinguish. As such, through questioning of the patient’s history is of great importance, and further testing may be indicated. I am not faulting her for her incorrect diagnosis. However, after I finished telling her the details, she failed to ask any questions and looked at the rash itself for only a few moments. She merely agreed without further evaluation that it may be an allergic reaction and gave me prescriptions for a topical steroid, an oral antihistamine, and prednisone, an oral corticosteroid. Dr. Lopez claimed the antihistamine was stronger than meds such as Claritin but would not give the strong sedative effect of Bendaryl. Antihistamines have two basic classes: stronger first generations with a strong sedative effect (e.g. Benadryl), and weaker second generations with a relatively minimal sedative effect (e.g. Claritin). A brief reference check confirmed that she had given me a first generation. The pharmacist cautioned that if I had never taken it before, it was likely to cause significant drowsiness, and that I should not drive within five hours after each dose. Dr. Lopez was unaware of or ignored a major side effect of what she had prescribed. Without a medical background, I may have taken the antihistamine and driven shortly after, putting myself and others at risk. When I asked Dr. Lopez whether she felt the oral steroid was necessary, she advised me to take it if the rash didn’t improve with the other meds. This was not appropriate, as steroids can exacerbate some infectious conditions, which she did not make any attempt to rule out, and she did not taper the steroid dosage. Steroids often have a rebound effect if the dosage is not tapered before discontinuation: symptoms can flare back up, sometimes worse than before. When I saw a dermatologist a few days later, he diagnosed an autoimmune disease and prescribed prednisone correctly, with a gradual taper. Dr. Lopez coded her wholly inadequate exam as a level 5 office visit. This is the highest code, reserved for either multiple complex problems, a new, usually life-threatening serious illness, or an existing condition that has greatly increased in severity. Thus, a level 5 requires a far more through exam with further discussion, testing, analysis, and complex decision-making. As such, doctors receive significantly higher reimbursement for these visits. Neither the complexity of my non-life threatening rash nor the brief exam Dr. Lopez gave met the requirements for a level 5. Dr. Lopez also ordered unnecessary tests for my routine annual blood work, including tests to check for hepatitis A/B/C (not covered by insurance). I was not informed that these tests would be run, and when I asked why she had ordered them, the staff responded that it was routine and what she always does for annual blood work. Conversely, when I spoke to the lab, the rep was surprised that the tests were done as part of my annual physical, as she knew as well as myself that they were not routine.

JO

Joslynn Mayo

I will say its sad because the Dr. Seemed to be really nice. I was looking for a new primary physician in hopes this would be it, with it being so close to my work. I scheduled a New Patient appointment and stated I wanted to talk about weight loss as well as looking for a new Dr. Little did I know they would code out for obesity based off of my BMI. After Receiving a bill for $250 for this visit I called to ask my insurance what the problem was seeing how they were in network with my insurance. Which I have seen a couple other doctors trying to find one I like and have never been billed other then my copay. They said this office billed out for a code (obesity because we talked about weight loss) that majority of Doctors know in the state of texas is not covered code on 90% of insurance plans. I kindly called the first time asking them to recode the visit because If I would have known I couldnt talk to my Doctor about weight loss I would have never came there. I would have went to a weight specialist. They refused to change the code and sent my bill to collections. When I called after they sent it to collections I have to say I was not as nice. ( still no change) I work for a medical office and know how bad reviews can effect your office which is why I have never written one before. Nor have I ever had to. But this time I had to because it is very upsetting that I am out of pocket this money because they do not want to recode the visit. I do understand that things are not always covered by insurance because I handle all the insurance at my office but I also know when you are going in for a visit that has always been covered by your insurance and now its not..with and innetwork office, that is an office problem not and insurance problem. When going to this office I would be sure to get things in writing and ask more then enough questions.

SH

Sherri Allen

I went in for my womens annual visit on a Monday, was initially told my lab results would only take until the end of the week. I called the office once on Wednesday, again on Friday, they said they still hadnt received my results (slight promblem #1). A few days into the following week, i called them again, mt test results were in but nobody called to let me know (slight problem #2). The MA explained hurridly that a few of my levels were higher than normal. I called back later that day with questions, spoke to the receptionist, sweet lady but she had a totally different explanation of my results.....confusing only because her explanation was different than what the MA explained (huge problem #3). THEN, a few hours later, the receptionist called me back AFTER conversing with the doctor only to give me different information AGAIN, regarding my lab results and ALSO to apologize for noone calling me when they first came in (problem #4). My point is this: patients depend on the doctor and medical staff to make sure the patient gets the RIGHT diagnosis and followup information, not be slothful with informing the patient and make sure whoever relays this to the patient, fully understand the doctors notes/write up in the file. It is SO vital this is done right the 1st time, EVEN if it means the doctor doing it herself so there wont be any misunderstanding!! Wouldve been nice if the she wouldve taken the initiative herself to clear the air, knowing what happened....instead, i had to schedule a face-to-face consultation, which will definitely be my last visit to this place.