Ascension Sacred Heart Rheumatology The Market Shops - Miramar Beach, Florida

Susan F.

After being prescribed a medication for spondylitis called methotrexate, I had concerns about some pretty severe side effects. I am on several support groups with fellow patients who also have spondylitis, and after several days of weighing my options, doing my research and getting personal experiences with this drug, I decided it was not for me, and I did not want to put it in my body. Getting through to Dr. Martens office was the first obstacle. It’s not easy to get a hold of anyone in that office and calls are dropped often. When I finally did make contact with his nurse, Abigail, from the very beginning of our conversation, she was rude, condescending, & without compassion. She let me know that she was going to be the middleman between myself and Dr Martens and relay messages back-and-forth regarding my care. However, anytime I would try to explain to her my concerns, she would cut me off, talk over me, and talk down to me. I’m fully aware that Dr has a degree and specializes in rheumatology. However this does not mean I’m not allowed to advocate for myself or speak up when I am not comfortable with something. I was extremely respectful. I was not rude. I was simply trying to explain my concerns. She kept asking me if there was a different medication I would like him to put me on & my response was the same each time, that I was not sure yet and that I had a follow up appointment with my primary care doctor this afternoon. I realize my primary care doctor is not a rheumatologist and does not specialize in spondylitis, but she is also a specialist in geriatrics and deals with inflammatory issues quite often. I’m only 42 years old. I realize I’m not a geriatric patient but I do feel that my primary care Doctor Who has been my doctor for 14 years does have knowledge that could benefit my decision. Dr. Martens himself even mentioned to me in my first patient appointment that I would be working more with my primary care doctor than I would be working with him. His nurse seemed offended that I would dare to mention that I’m going to speak with my primary care doctor regarding this drug. After cutting me off several times, and basically making me feel like an idiot for questioning Dr. Martens, I finally confronted Abigail with my concern that she was being extremely hostile and trying to rush me off the phone instead of listening to me. Keep in mind that we had only been on the phone for a couple of minutes at this point. It’s not like I was trying to talk to her for a long period of time. If she would’ve just listened to me, let me speak and refrain from talking over me, taking my concerns into account, we could’ve been off the phone within those few minutes. While I wasn’t comfortable with the prescription Dr. Martens gave me, he himself was very pleasant, polite, and took time with me at my new patient appointment. This review is not in any way shape or form casting a negative light on Dr. Martens himself. Doctors prescribe medication’s all the time to patients and patients decide not to take it and find a medication that they’re more comfortable with. This was my only objective. Had his nurse had better bedside manner, this negative review would not be happening right now. Abigail seemed to take everything I said extremely personally instead of professionally and that’s a problem. My daughter is a registered nurse and I know she would never treat a patient the way that Abigail treated me. Abigail might want to try to find a different profession because clearly her compassion, her patience & her overall humanity is severely lacking. For this reason, I would never recommend Dr. Martens office to anyone.

For reference methotrexate is a chemotherapy drug that is also used at low doses to treat spondylitis. Even at these lower doses several fellow patients shared with me, pictures of clumps of hair falling out, mouth & throat ulcers, as well as hospitalizations due to liver damage. My concerns were valid:

Joy B. S.

My appointment was over a month ago, and there was no request for blood work sent to Quest diagnostics. No prescription sent to Walgreens my RA is at 175 when it should be 14. I have called several times, can't get anyone on the phone, no one has called me back, I have missed work as I am a hairdresser and can't go to work when I can't lift my arms, I am in excruciating pain and I can't get any help from these people. I'm sooooo angry and frustrated and in excruciating pain. I don't even have anything for the pain so I just keep eating ibuprofen like they're candy further damaging my kidneys and liver. My insurance covers 100 percent so I don't owe any money, what's the use of having insurance when you can't even get anyone on the phone? Shame on you Ascension. Don't bother with this place. I'm looking so if anyone has any recommendations cause this place is useless😭😭😭😭

Rachel K. M.

I called let them know that I couldn’t make the appointment that was originally in place. Now, the doctor is refusing to see me. Saying that I didn’t call when I really did. Now, I’m stuck trying to find another doctor.

Traci B.

Horrible place! Waited 6 months to get an appointment. They changed it from original date and then when I was 10 minutes late they refused to see me . Usually have a 15 minute window but no he decided to change it to 10 or can’t be seen. I guess he has more than enough patients to pick and chose ! I came along way and it was pouring and had issues getting there. The receptionist knew I was on the way! Thank you so much!

Crystal M.

Dr. Martens and staff was wonderful! From check in, time with nurse and time with doc we’re all great! They really did take the time to explain things and get me the proper medications to help! Thanks to them all!!

Jean B.