Primary Care - Dignity Health Woodland Clinic - East Woodland - Woodland, California

Anne L.

Initially had a telehealth appointment with Dr. Brar, as my previous doctor stalled on any pain medication for months. I had scheduled another in-person appointment a month later. She was supposed to have requested physical therapy. I had to ask about it again at the appointment. They hadn't even addressed it. She only put in the referral for my back. She never mentioned my knee. I can't walk without assistance (cane or walker).

She doesn't respond to portal notes. I messaged the generic exercises she had someone send me can't be done with my conditions (degenerative joint disease of the spine and a thinning bone where my kneecap could move).

Twice she noted my failure to make eye contact. I have severe medical anxiety. Not making eye contact is the least of my problems. If you ask why things aren't being done, she notes you have an aggressive tone. Never noted the clinic's failure to do their job or follow up.

The clinic noted in the portal it was "ok to deny" my PT request as I needed something closer to my job, not 40 minutes away in Woodland. I would lose my job if I had to keep taking off vs doing PT on my lunch hour. They declined it because their in-network providers were available (but not accessible to me).
The clinicians will also note not to reply to each other in the portal if they know you read and follow-up on comments left about you; esp. the inaccurate ones.

Overall, find another doctor/clinic. Helping patients isn't on the agenda with Dignity. PT was denied because I can't travel 40 minutes one way and they won't approve a closer PT office because it's not an emergency. I guess diminished quality of life, and independence aren't taken into consideration. Who knew walking wasn't important?

Sarah M.

Richard J.