Patient
My mother was a patient of Dr. Kashyap Patel (Tiku Patel) for over 3 years before she was finally rushed to the ER, where we learned she needed a triple bypass surgery. During that entire time, she was misdiagnosed and her symptoms were not properly addressed. Today was her first follow-up appointment after her surgery. My mother does not speak English, so I arrived (on time for her 11:15 appointment) to make sure I could speak with the doctor and get clarification on her condition and previous care. My sister-in-law had brought my mother 15 minutes early and they were already waiting to see Dr. Patel in the waiting room When I arrived, I explained to the front staff that I needed to be in the room to help with translation and to ask important questions about her treatment and recovery. Instead of being allowed in, I was told the doctor said, "We're almost done." That completely missed the point -- I wasn't there to interrupt, I was there because my mother cannot communicate for herself and deserves to fully understand her own medical care. I am extremely disappointed by the lack of compassion and communication. After such a serious oversight that nearly cost my mother her life, the very least I expected was better coordination and respect for the patient's needs. No family should have to go through this.