I recently had an appointment with Dr. Anita Licata at Four Seasons Dermatology. The receptionists and nurses were kind, and the waiting area was comfortable. My appointment with Dr. Licata was neither kind nor comfortable.
Dr. Licata was brusque and dismissive of my health concerns. She wouldn’t let me explain the issue, which I have been dealing with for months and have considerable expertise, before insisting she look at the area. She suggested a biopsy, an unnecessary and potentially risky procedure, before allowing me to explain what she was looking at. I haven’t been to medical school, but I am smart and know my own body: I do not need a biopsy.
Dr. Licata spent less then 7 minutes in the room before leaving to see other patients. She left me half naked for at least 15 minutes. When she came back, she answered a question and said, “I’m going to answer your questions, then take a look, and then we’ll be done.” I asked why she was saying it like that (exasperated and uncaring), to which she replied she felt we were talking in circles. How could we be talking in circles if she’d only been in the room with me for less then ten minutes?
I understand that perhaps Dr. Licata knew she wasn’t able to treat my condition, but she had no right to treat me in that manner. Furthermore, if she did that to me, she’ll likely do it to YOU. Be your own health-care advocate: go in with a list of questions and demand answers. Educate yourself to know what procedures are unnecessary. Get a second opinion.
The wait to see Dr. Licata at Four Seasons was almost three months when I made my appointment. This quality of care I received was absolutely not worth the wait.