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Since Dr Johnson would not return my phone calls or email I have been forced to seek another Doctor. His name is Dr. Ivan Filner DO. On my first visit I was a little unsure of him but toward the end of the visit I was starting to like him. My second visit was for a complete physical – and he was thorough. I have no apprehensions anymore.

Dr. Filner seems to be more focused on me and my health than Dr. Johnson ever was. He is very informative and forthcoming. In the long run this is going to be a much better situation. Dr. Filner has also changed some of my Diabetic medications from the high-priced cutting-edge ones to those with generic counterparts. He has saved me over $100 a month in prescription meds already. My blood work shows my diabetes is well under control and now I do not have to worry about liver damage from the high-end meds.

It seems like the high-cost newer medications have some really nasty side effects; Actos is one that can cause liver damage and should only be used as one of the last options – not the first! Dr. Johnson never told me of the possible side effects! Many doctors leave it up to the patient to do the research – YAK! Dr. Johnson seems to be a pawn of the drug companies too; he and his staff of Nurse Practitioners will write scripts for the high-priced drugs without considering the cost to the patient or the long-term risks associated with the newer drugs. Although I cannot speak for the other patients; this was my experience.

I have to say, when it comes to your primary care physician, do your research! It is fairly easy now with the Internet, you can get pretty reliable information on just about any professional. Check the Medical Board of Examiners for your state, look for reviews on doctors using Google and other search engines, if you find anything disturbing do more research! If you see a pattern of negative reviews or disciplinary letters from the Medical Board, you might want to steer clear.

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 ”Some professionals use their power to destroy lives!”

On the morning of 01-21-2009 I went to a doctor appointment at the Biltmore Family Physicians to see Dr. Kim David Johnson MD.  This appointment was for a diabetes checkup and blood-work.  I am also disabled and pursuing SS Disability. I arrived promptly at 9:00 am as scheduled. I parked on the east side of the building as all north-side parking was full. 
 
I entered the office and went directly to the front desk where I signed in. I was asked by the receptionist Jeanine what my name was, and I told her.  She pulled my chart and told me “I see you have an outstanding balance of $200.” I told her, yes, I was aware of that. In a normal tone of voice I proceeded to say that I thought the $50 fee for a no-call no-show was excessive, as the office does not make courtesy/reminder calls. She said in a short tone “we don’t do that here; Dr. Johnson feels that the notice in the office is sufficient.” I also said that the $100 for a document fee had to be sent through my disability attorney and it would be forwarded to Dr Johnson’s office.  She said, “You will have to discuss that with Dr. Johnson, he makes all of the rules here.” This entire time I was courteous and never raised my voice or in any way disrespected the receptionist or any staff. I was under full control of myself and my attitude. The receptionist seemed to be put-off though.
 
Jeanine the receptionist then said, “Let me get your co-pay and then you can discuss your bill with Dr. Johnson when you see him.”  I said that would be fine and I placed my debit card on the counter.  She took my card and had me sign a patient details update for 2009. While I was signing, she took my card and processed the co-pay.  She returned my card to me along with the receipt.  I had a seat in the waiting area facing the east wall.  There were two or three others in the waiting area at the time, I believe.
 
Two people were called back into the private area at different times and after about 10 minutes I heard the receptionist talking to me: “Mr. Penrod… Dr. Johnson said he will not see you until your bill is paid.  We are refunding your co-pay.” She said this to me in a normal volume, but across the room. She should have called me to the desk and told me this in a more subdued tone. This was a breach of privacy and was extremely embarrassing to me!
 
I restrained myself from saying anything as I was now feeling extreme stress and anxiety; disorders of which I have been diagnosed with. I walked to the desk and took the receipt from the receptionist.  I did not grab it or snatch it, I just took it from her hand.  I turned around and left the office.  I did shove the door kind of hard on my way out but did not use extreme force or cause any damage.
 
I went to my car and by this time I was shaking with anxiety and wondering if I should even try to drive. I knew my condition would only get worse if I did not get home. So I started the car and left the property. About 5 minutes later my cell phone rang but I did not answer, because I was completely stressed and in a full blown anxiety attack.  I felt it was unsafe to talk while driving, and if it was Dr. Johnson’s office I knew I could not retain my composure and would not be able to talk.
 
After arriving home safely I listened to the voice mail that was left by Dr. Johnson while I was driving. Here is the exact message (I have the recorded copy):
 
“Hey Brad, Dr. Johnson. I heard about your little scene at the front desk. You know, you do owe us that money, there’s no two-ways around that. Unfortunately you’re no longer going to be allowed back in this practice. Um and uh, you really acted pretty much in a juvenile fashion; so, you probably lost your best advocate for disability… that would’ve been me. So uh, good luck finding a new doctor and um, and uh we will be uh, um um, still pursuing that money of course. Thank you, bye-bye.”
 
My wife listened to the message as well and was dumbfounded. We never expected this from Dr. Johnson.  For over six years he has been an exemplary professional, until today.  I called his office back and got his voice mail.  I asked him to call me so I could understand what had happened and find out why he believed I had made a scene.  I was in tears by the end of the message I left him. I did not get a return call.
 
Later that afternoon, after my anxiety had waned, I sent Dr Johnson an email using nearly the same text as above. With the following added:
 
“I really do not know how you could say that I caused a scene. That is the most absurd thing you could say.  And on top of that you have to insult me by calling my actions juvenile, when there were no actions.
 
Once again – I do not, nor have I ever disputed that fact that I owe you money.  I will pay you when I have it, whether I am your patient or not.  I will not apologize for my actions where reported actions do not exist.  I really hope you can investigate this further and get the underlying truth.”
 
Well, needless to say, Dr. Kim David Johnson never returned my emails, nor any phone calls.  I have had to locate another primary care physician to handle my health and disability claim – which I may now lose and have to refile. If you are looking for a doctor in the Phoenix area I warn you now – steer clear of his practice; Biltmore Family Physicians. Do not trust Kim David Johnson M.D. Especially if you are disabled.
 
I am now wondering if I should pursue legal action of some sort.  At the very least, file a complaint to the Medical Board of Examiners.

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