Re: MN Gastroenterology-Horrible experience

[Guest guest]

BOY I wish I could have been there!!! I would have as Dr Phil

says “given my front seat in hell to have been there”!!!!! That is

so unfound for a doctor to be that erratic. That’s just plain NUTS!!!!!

C Warren

Co-Founder

www.achalasia.us

From:

achalasia [mailto:achalasia ] On Behalf Of steve

Sent: Sunday, May 06, 2007 6:22 PM

achalasia

Subject: MN Gastroenterology-Horrible experience

Today on 5/4/07, I had a scheduled appointment

with Dr. Arnold Kaplan

to discuss several complex GI conditions --including advanced

achalasia, colonoscopies and Hepatitis C. As soon as Dr Kaplan

entered the exam room he assumed an antagonistic, personally

insulting and disrespectful demeanor. When he asked me to described

my achalasia symptoms--and I described them in the most definitive

manner, he repeatedly interrupted saying things like, " What do you

mean by GERD??!! " I said, " Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder. "

" Well?? What does that mean??? "

" Acid reflex " (I've had advanced achalasia for more than 28 years,

seeing many specialists and having numerous, varied treatment

approaches. I am thoroughly experienced in its symptoms and could

spend hours discussing them in basic language. I'm sure that neither

he nor I would have time for that).

He then seemed very agitated in his mannerisms--twitching, raising

his voice, dropping the phone 3x, refusing to plan any course of

treatment, refusing to listen to my concerns, refusing any follow-ups

with him, and even sarcastically personally insulting me while doing

his dictation while I was seated next to him.

When I asked what the source of his antagonism, he said it had

nothing to do with me. Yet, while dictating, and making the

personally sarcastic remark, he did admit, " That was sarcastic " --

without apologizing or explaining himself.

I made clear to him the importance of the doctor-patient

relationship, and its relevance to the quality of care delivered. He

seemed to dismiss any of my concerns.

More shocking was his behavior---nervously raising his voice,

dropping the phone at least three times, having disjointed thoughts,

expressing an animosity towards me--which he claimed had nothing to

do with me. If that's the case, I'm assuming that it had something to

do with him, and his disrespect for a patient, refusal to suggest

referrals or follow-ups, denial of care for the symptoms of

achalasia, denial of continuity of care, refusal to allow me to be

any part of any decision-making process, etc.

He even asserted that a proposed esophagectomy and removal of the

l.e.s and reconstruction of the stomach into a pseudo-esophagus

(after removing all tissues, vascular and neurological systems from

all organs) was much less invasive than a colonoscopy. Ironically, he

didn't explain himself or HIS rationale in any detail whatsoever. I

had met with Dr. Sherman, who referred me to Dr Dunn, a surgeon who

discussed this within a span of 10 minutes. When I told Dr. Dunn I

had a funduplocation, Dr. Dunn said that the procedure probably would

be greatly complicated by that, making it impossible to do because

there wouldn't be enough stomach tissue to make a pseudo-esophagus.

Obviously that point was completely lost on Dr. Kaplan.

Yet, Dr. Kaplan insisted that this approach--which he had no records

or knowledge of--was the only approach to follow,and that my

assessment of the risks/benefits of any treatment was unimportant.

Worse, he emphatically denied any more appointments with me for

achalsia issues--unless, perhaps, if I was going to this radical

surgery.

At the appointment, I offered to let Dr. Kaplan have access to any

and all records. I brought two bulging folders containing medical

records. He complained to me several times that I allegedly didn't or

wasn't going to show him some operative-reports from the myotomy. I

explained I would certainly show them to him, once I found them in my

hundreds of pages of records. While dictating, I produced every

record he asked for.

I must say that this experience with Dr. Kaplan was one of the most

unpleasant doctor's appointments I have ever had. He was

disrespectful, psychologically disturbed---exhibiting nervous,

jittery behavior, and a complete lack of respect for my concerns.

While he left the room several times, and repeated that he would deny

any future appointments that dealt with my achalasia, I had to

quickly say that I had other GI--issues (colonoscopy with a strong

familial history and hepatitis C), Although he mentioned a

colonoscopy, nothing was ever set-up or arranged.

ly, if this is the level of care one receives from MN

Gastroenterology, I am filing a case with the Minnesota State Medical

Board.

I would not advice anyone with achalasia to NOT have " the premier

specialists in Gastroenterology " -- MN Gastroenterology- have anything

to do with their achalasia treatment.

Steve Schumacher

[Guest guest]

Wow - that warning needs a permanent post somewhere where all newbies can see

it, that is just awful!!! Again I sing the highest praises of Dr.

Ravich, GI and Dr. Marohn, Surgeon at s Hopkins, promise you won't

be disappointed!

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

MN Gastroenterology-Horrible experience

Today on 5/4/07, I had a scheduled appointment with Dr. Arnold Kaplan

to discuss several complex GI conditions --including advanced

achalasia, colonoscopies and Hepatitis C. As soon as Dr Kaplan

entered the exam room he assumed an antagonistic, personally

insulting and disrespectful demeanor. When he asked me to described

my achalasia symptoms--and I described them in the most definitive

manner, he repeatedly interrupted saying things like, " What do you

mean by GERD??!! " I said, " Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder. "

" Well?? What does that mean??? "

" Acid reflex " (I've had advanced achalasia for more than 28 years,

seeing many specialists and having numerous, varied treatment

approaches. I am thoroughly experienced in its symptoms and could

spend hours discussing them in basic language. I'm sure that neither

he nor I would have time for that).

He then seemed very agitated in his mannerisms--twitching, raising

his voice, dropping the phone 3x, refusing to plan any course of

treatment, refusing to listen to my concerns, refusing any follow-ups

with him, and even sarcastically personally insulting me while doing

his dictation while I was seated next to him.

When I asked what the source of his antagonism, he said it had

nothing to do with me. Yet, while dictating, and making the

personally sarcastic remark, he did admit, " That was sarcastic " --

without apologizing or explaining himself.

I made clear to him the importance of the doctor-patient

relationship, and its relevance to the quality of care delivered. He

seemed to dismiss any of my concerns.

More shocking was his behavior---nervously raising his voice,

dropping the phone at least three times, having disjointed thoughts,

expressing an animosity towards me--which he claimed had nothing to

do with me. If that's the case, I'm assuming that it had something to

do with him, and his disrespect for a patient, refusal to suggest

referrals or follow-ups, denial of care for the symptoms of

achalasia, denial of continuity of care, refusal to allow me to be

any part of any decision-making process, etc.

He even asserted that a proposed esophagectomy and removal of the

l.e.s and reconstruction of the stomach into a pseudo-esophagus

(after removing all tissues, vascular and neurological systems from

all organs) was much less invasive than a colonoscopy. Ironically, he

didn't explain himself or HIS rationale in any detail whatsoever. I

had met with Dr. Sherman, who referred me to Dr Dunn, a surgeon who

discussed this within a span of 10 minutes. When I told Dr. Dunn I

had a funduplocation, Dr. Dunn said that the procedure probably would

be greatly complicated by that, making it impossible to do because

there wouldn't be enough stomach tissue to make a pseudo-esophagus.

Obviously that point was completely lost on Dr. Kaplan.

Yet, Dr. Kaplan insisted that this approach--which he had no records

or knowledge of--was the only approach to follow,and that my

assessment of the risks/benefits of any treatment was unimportant.

Worse, he emphatically denied any more appointments with me for

achalsia issues--unless, perhaps, if I was going to this radical

surgery.

At the appointment, I offered to let Dr. Kaplan have access to any

and all records. I brought two bulging folders containing medical

records. He complained to me several times that I allegedly didn't or

wasn't going to show him some operative-reports from the myotomy. I

explained I would certainly show them to him, once I found them in my

hundreds of pages of records. While dictating, I produced every

record he asked for.

I must say that this experience with Dr. Kaplan was one of the most

unpleasant doctor's appointments I have ever had. He was

disrespectful, psychologically disturbed---exhibiting nervous,

jittery behavior, and a complete lack of respect for my concerns.

While he left the room several times, and repeated that he would deny

any future appointments that dealt with my achalasia, I had to

quickly say that I had other GI--issues (colonoscopy with a strong

familial history and hepatitis C), Although he mentioned a

colonoscopy, nothing was ever set-up or arranged.

ly, if this is the level of care one receives from MN

Gastroenterology, I am filing a case with the Minnesota State Medical

Board.

I would not advice anyone with achalasia to NOT have " the premier

specialists in Gastroenterology " -- MN Gastroenterology- have anything

to do with their achalasia treatment.

Steve Schumacher

[Guest guest]

Steve,

Truly sorry to hear about your horrible experience. I am sending this 'for what it's worth":

http://www.physicianreports.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=patientsurvey & modtype=PRC & modact=patientsurvey_results & tv_physsearch=name & modpath=patientsurvey

http://www.ratemds.com/filecache/doctor-ratings.jsp?did=90314 & country=0

Comforting Zen,

PegSee what's free at AOL.com.

[Guest guest]

Hey Steve - first of all, you should write all of this down - for

yourself - to keep your thoughts straight but also so that you can

paste it into a letter that I would immediately send to the local

board of medicine and I would also find some contact info for the

governing members of the MN Gastro practice and send it along to them

as well. For all that this was a completely awful experience for you,

you have been around and know your dx's enough to now know you need

to go to someone (perhaps a whole different practice) for yourself -

but these other doctors need to know what's going on with this

schmuck because he sounds like he could be truly dangerous!!

I've been to some quacks - I think we've all had our share in the

strange and twisty road that leads to the A dx - but this guy scares

me.

What if you didn't know about A, had not had tests and copies of

records? - I am literally shuddering just thinking about what this

guy is doing to his patients!!

My heart goes out to you. I'm sure someone here can recommend a new

practice for you. I would never give that man the light of day again.

Take care!

Happy Swallowing!

- in NC

>

> Today on 5/4/07, I had a scheduled appointment with Dr. Arnold

Kaplan

> to discuss several complex GI conditions --including advanced

> achalasia, colonoscopies and Hepatitis C. As soon as Dr Kaplan

> entered the exam room he assumed an antagonistic, personally

> insulting and disrespectful demeanor. When he asked me to described

> my achalasia symptoms--and I described them in the most definitive

> manner, he repeatedly interrupted saying things like, " What do you

> mean by GERD??!! " I said, " Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder. "

> " Well?? What does that mean??? "

>

> " Acid reflex " (I've had advanced achalasia for more than 28 years,

> seeing many specialists and having numerous, varied treatment

> approaches. I am thoroughly experienced in its symptoms and could

> spend hours discussing them in basic language. I'm sure that

neither

> he nor I would have time for that).

>

> He then seemed very agitated in his mannerisms--twitching, raising

> his voice, dropping the phone 3x, refusing to plan any course of

> treatment, refusing to listen to my concerns, refusing any follow-

ups

> with him, and even sarcastically personally insulting me while

doing

> his dictation while I was seated next to him.

>

> When I asked what the source of his antagonism, he said it had

> nothing to do with me. Yet, while dictating, and making the

> personally sarcastic remark, he did admit, " That was sarcastic " --

> without apologizing or explaining himself.

>

> I made clear to him the importance of the doctor-patient

> relationship, and its relevance to the quality of care delivered.

He

> seemed to dismiss any of my concerns.

>

> More shocking was his behavior---nervously raising his voice,

> dropping the phone at least three times, having disjointed

thoughts,

> expressing an animosity towards me--which he claimed had nothing to

> do with me. If that's the case, I'm assuming that it had something

to

> do with him, and his disrespect for a patient, refusal to suggest

> referrals or follow-ups, denial of care for the symptoms of

> achalasia, denial of continuity of care, refusal to allow me to be

> any part of any decision-making process, etc.

>

> He even asserted that a proposed esophagectomy and removal of the

> l.e.s and reconstruction of the stomach into a pseudo-esophagus

> (after removing all tissues, vascular and neurological systems from

> all organs) was much less invasive than a colonoscopy. Ironically,

he

> didn't explain himself or HIS rationale in any detail whatsoever. I

> had met with Dr. Sherman, who referred me to Dr Dunn, a surgeon who

> discussed this within a span of 10 minutes. When I told Dr. Dunn I

> had a funduplocation, Dr. Dunn said that the procedure probably

would

> be greatly complicated by that, making it impossible to do because

> there wouldn't be enough stomach tissue to make a pseudo-

esophagus.

> Obviously that point was completely lost on Dr. Kaplan.

>

> Yet, Dr. Kaplan insisted that this approach--which he had no

records

> or knowledge of--was the only approach to follow,and that my

> assessment of the risks/benefits of any treatment was unimportant.

> Worse, he emphatically denied any more appointments with me for

> achalsia issues--unless, perhaps, if I was going to this radical

> surgery.

>

> At the appointment, I offered to let Dr. Kaplan have access to any

> and all records. I brought two bulging folders containing medical

> records. He complained to me several times that I allegedly didn't

or

> wasn't going to show him some operative-reports from the myotomy. I

> explained I would certainly show them to him, once I found them in

my

> hundreds of pages of records. While dictating, I produced every

> record he asked for.

>

> I must say that this experience with Dr. Kaplan was one of the most

> unpleasant doctor's appointments I have ever had. He was

> disrespectful, psychologically disturbed---exhibiting nervous,

> jittery behavior, and a complete lack of respect for my concerns.

> While he left the room several times, and repeated that he would

deny

> any future appointments that dealt with my achalasia, I had to

> quickly say that I had other GI--issues (colonoscopy with a strong

> familial history and hepatitis C), Although he mentioned a

> colonoscopy, nothing was ever set-up or arranged.

>

> ly, if this is the level of care one receives from MN

> Gastroenterology, I am filing a case with the Minnesota State

Medical

> Board.

>

> I would not advice anyone with achalasia to NOT have " the premier

> specialists in Gastroenterology " -- MN Gastroenterology- have

anything

> to do with their achalasia treatment.

>

> Steve Schumacher

>

[Guest guest]

For a Dr. to say that having a colonoscopy is less invasive that an esphogectomy is just plain stupid, having had both I can attest to that. I would back away from this guy post haste. Sorry that you had such a bad experience. The Dr. who performed my esophogectomy could be curt and even rude at times but nothing like what you described.

MN Gastroenterology-Horrible experience

Today on 5/4/07, I had a scheduled appointment with Dr. Arnold Kaplan to discuss several complex GI conditions --including advanced achalasia, colonoscopies and Hepatitis C. As soon as Dr Kaplan entered the exam room he assumed an antagonistic, personally insulting and disrespectful demeanor. When he asked me to described my achalasia symptoms--and I described them in the most definitive manner, he repeatedly interrupted saying things like, "What do you mean by GERD??!!" I said, "Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder." "Well?? What does that mean???""Acid reflex" (I've had advanced achalasia for more than 28 years, seeing many specialists and having numerous, varied treatment approaches. I am thoroughly experienced in its symptoms and could spend hours discussing them in basic language. I'm sure that neither he nor I would have time for that).He then seemed very agitated in his mannerisms--twitching, raising his voice, dropping the phone 3x, refusing to plan any course of treatment, refusing to listen to my concerns, refusing any follow-ups with him, and even sarcastically personally insulting me while doing his dictation while I was seated next to him. When I asked what the source of his antagonism, he said it had nothing to do with me. Yet, while dictating, and making the personally sarcastic remark, he did admit, "That was sarcastic"--without apologizing or explaining himself.I made clear to him the importance of the doctor-patient relationship, and its relevance to the quality of care delivered. He seemed to dismiss any of my concerns.More shocking was his behavior---nervously raising his voice, dropping the phone at least three times, having disjointed thoughts, expressing an animosity towards me--which he claimed had nothing to do with me. If that's the case, I'm assuming that it had something to do with him, and his disrespect for a patient, refusal to suggest referrals or follow-ups, denial of care for the symptoms of achalasia, denial of continuity of care, refusal to allow me to be any part of any decision-making process, etc.He even asserted that a proposed esophagectomy and removal of the l.e.s and reconstruction of the stomach into a pseudo-esophagus (after removing all tissues, vascular and neurological systems from all organs) was much less invasive than a colonoscopy. Ironically, he didn't explain himself or HIS rationale in any detail whatsoever. I had met with Dr. Sherman, who referred me to Dr Dunn, a surgeon who discussed this within a span of 10 minutes. When I told Dr. Dunn I had a funduplocation, Dr. Dunn said that the procedure probably would be greatly complicated by that, making it impossible to do because there wouldn't be enough stomach tissue to make a pseudo-esophagus. Obviously that point was completely lost on Dr. Kaplan.Yet, Dr. Kaplan insisted that this approach--which he had no records or knowledge of--was the only approach to follow,and that my assessment of the risks/benefits of any treatment was unimportant. Worse, he emphatically denied any more appointments with me for achalsia issues--unless, perhaps, if I was going to this radical surgery. At the appointment, I offered to let Dr. Kaplan have access to any and all records. I brought two bulging folders containing medical records. He complained to me several times that I allegedly didn't or wasn't going to show him some operative-reports from the myotomy. I explained I would certainly show them to him, once I found them in my hundreds of pages of records. While dictating, I produced every record he asked for.I must say that this experience with Dr. Kaplan was one of the most unpleasant doctor's appointments I have ever had. He was disrespectful, psychologically disturbed---exhibiting nervous, jittery behavior, and a complete lack of respect for my concerns. While he left the room several times, and repeated that he would deny any future appointments that dealt with my achalasia, I had to quickly say that I had other GI--issues (colonoscopy with a strong familial history and hepatitis C), Although he mentioned a colonoscopy, nothing was ever set-up or arranged. ly, if this is the level of care one receives from MN Gastroenterology, I am filing a case with the Minnesota State Medical Board.I would not advice anyone with achalasia to NOT have "the premier specialists in Gastroenterology"-- MN Gastroenterology- have anything to do with their achalasia treatment.Steve Schumacher

[Guest guest]

peg -

Guess I missed the email that stated what you were doing - but from other notes, guess you are documenting commonalities?

Anyway, if you are, you might want to add locations where this occurs or does it occur everywhere or is there more of a concentration somewhere. Let me know if I can help.

Tammy

Re: MN Gastroenterology-Horrible experience

Steve,

Truly sorry to hear about your horrible experience. I am sending this 'for what it's worth":

http://www.physicia nreports. com/index. cfm?fuseaction= patientsurvey & modtype=PRC & modact=patientsurve y_results & tv_physsearch= name & modpath=patientsurv ey

http://www.ratemds. com/filecache/ doctor-ratings. jsp?did=90314 & country=0

Comforting Zen,

Peg

See what's free at AOL.com.

Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? Check out

new cars at Autos.

[Guest guest]

What a hideous experience! Now I'm angry at this schmuck, too! He's A SCHMUCK. And you do need to report him. It also sounds as if he's had a bad decade, not a bad day. He should no longer be allowed to be with patients. Perhaps weeding lawns, but not weed-whacking patients. Unbelieveable. I'm so sorry you had to sit there, continuing to respond to his requests, when, actually a good, swift kick in his teeth might have accomplished more. Yes, I know, that's not nice. But sometimes (what? only SOMEtimes?!) venting is good. Hope you can get out there and see someone else asap. Brother! Deborah

[Guest guest]

RUN RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN!

I would do exactly as you said and report him!

Sorry your experience was that bad to say the least.geez

Go to Cleveland CLinic Ohio-DR Rice hes one of the best

around for A.

Tonia

>

> For a Dr. to say that having a colonoscopy is less invasive that

an esphogectomy is just plain stupid, having had both I can attest

to that. I would back away from this guy post haste. Sorry that you

had such a bad experience. The Dr. who performed my esophogectomy

could be curt and even rude at times but nothing like what you

described.

>

>

>

> MN Gastroenterology-Horrible experience

>

>

> Today on 5/4/07, I had a scheduled appointment with Dr. Arnold

Kaplan

> to discuss several complex GI conditions --including advanced

> achalasia, colonoscopies and Hepatitis C. As soon as Dr Kaplan

> entered the exam room he assumed an antagonistic, personally

> insulting and disrespectful demeanor. When he asked me to

described

> my achalasia symptoms--and I described them in the most

definitive

> manner, he repeatedly interrupted saying things like, " What do

you

> mean by GERD??!! " I said, " Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder. "

> " Well?? What does that mean??? "

>

> " Acid reflex " (I've had advanced achalasia for more than 28

years,

> seeing many specialists and having numerous, varied treatment

> approaches. I am thoroughly experienced in its symptoms and

could

> spend hours discussing them in basic language. I'm sure that

neither

> he nor I would have time for that).

>

> He then seemed very agitated in his mannerisms--twitching,

raising

> his voice, dropping the phone 3x, refusing to plan any course of

> treatment, refusing to listen to my concerns, refusing any

follow-ups

> with him, and even sarcastically personally insulting me while

doing

> his dictation while I was seated next to him.

>

> When I asked what the source of his antagonism, he said it had

> nothing to do with me. Yet, while dictating, and making the

> personally sarcastic remark, he did admit, " That was sarcastic " --

> without apologizing or explaining himself.

>

> I made clear to him the importance of the doctor-patient

> relationship, and its relevance to the quality of care

delivered. He

> seemed to dismiss any of my concerns.

>

> More shocking was his behavior---nervously raising his voice,

> dropping the phone at least three times, having disjointed

thoughts,

> expressing an animosity towards me--which he claimed had nothing

to

> do with me. If that's the case, I'm assuming that it had

something to

> do with him, and his disrespect for a patient, refusal to

suggest

> referrals or follow-ups, denial of care for the symptoms of

> achalasia, denial of continuity of care, refusal to allow me to

be

> any part of any decision-making process, etc.

>

> He even asserted that a proposed esophagectomy and removal of

the

> l.e.s and reconstruction of the stomach into a pseudo-esophagus

> (after removing all tissues, vascular and neurological systems

from

> all organs) was much less invasive than a colonoscopy.

Ironically, he

> didn't explain himself or HIS rationale in any detail

whatsoever. I

> had met with Dr. Sherman, who referred me to Dr Dunn, a surgeon

who

> discussed this within a span of 10 minutes. When I told Dr. Dunn

I

> had a funduplocation, Dr. Dunn said that the procedure probably

would

> be greatly complicated by that, making it impossible to do

because

> there wouldn't be enough stomach tissue to make a pseudo-

esophagus.

> Obviously that point was completely lost on Dr. Kaplan.

>

> Yet, Dr. Kaplan insisted that this approach--which he had no

records

> or knowledge of--was the only approach to follow,and that my

> assessment of the risks/benefits of any treatment was

unimportant.

> Worse, he emphatically denied any more appointments with me for

> achalsia issues--unless, perhaps, if I was going to this radical

> surgery.

>

> At the appointment, I offered to let Dr. Kaplan have access to

any

> and all records. I brought two bulging folders containing

medical

> records. He complained to me several times that I allegedly

didn't or

> wasn't going to show him some operative-reports from the

myotomy. I

> explained I would certainly show them to him, once I found them

in my

> hundreds of pages of records. While dictating, I produced every

> record he asked for.

>

> I must say that this experience with Dr. Kaplan was one of the

most

> unpleasant doctor's appointments I have ever had. He was

> disrespectful, psychologically disturbed---exhibiting nervous,

> jittery behavior, and a complete lack of respect for my

concerns.

> While he left the room several times, and repeated that he would

deny

> any future appointments that dealt with my achalasia, I had to

> quickly say that I had other GI--issues (colonoscopy with a

strong

> familial history and hepatitis C), Although he mentioned a

> colonoscopy, nothing was ever set-up or arranged.

>

> ly, if this is the level of care one receives from MN

> Gastroenterology, I am filing a case with the Minnesota State

Medical

> Board.

>

> I would not advice anyone with achalasia to NOT have " the

premier

> specialists in Gastroenterology " -- MN Gastroenterology- have

anything

> to do with their achalasia treatment.

>

> Steve Schumacher

>