Disappointed

I am extremely disappointed and frustrated by the treatment I received from this neurologist and his practice. I was referred by my GP due to a severe migraine that had already lasted 3 weeks and was no longer responding to the medication previously prescribed. This is also not the first time I have dealt with this condition, and the neurologist already had my medical history on file, yet my concerns were still completely dismissed. Instead of showing urgency, empathy, or professionalism, I was refused admission because I could not immediately pay the R2000 consultation fee. To make matters worse, the neurologist then told another doctor that I “didn’t want to pay the R2000” and was therefore “going the medical aid route,” which is completely inaccurate and unprofessional. At no point was I refusing to pay — I was trying to access necessary medical care through the appropriate medical aid process while suffering with ongoing pain and worsening symptoms. What is most upsetting is the complete lack of compassion and manner shown throughout this experience. I was treated as though my condition and pain were not serious, despite dealing with a prolonged migraine that had persisted for weeks and medication that was no longer effective. For a specialist, the dismissive attitude, poor communication, and lack of basic professionalism are unacceptable. The practice itself is equally frustrating to deal with. The neurologist is almost never available when calling, and the receptionist is consistently rude, dismissive, and unhelpful. Patients already dealing with stressful medical situations should not have to fight just to communicate with a doctor’s office. The hospital should also seriously reconsider relying on only one neurologist who is only available in the evenings. Patients needing urgent neurological care during the day are left with very limited options, unnecessary delays, and added stress. Access to proper healthcare should not feel this difficult. Overall, this experience left me feeling ignored, judged, unsupported, and deeply disappointed in both the neurologist and the level of care provided. I would not recommend this practice to anyone expecting professionalism, compassion, or patient-centered care.