I went to the Roby Institute for a food allergy test and experienced the worst treatment by a doctor and medical staff I could have possibly imagined. To begin with, when I called to set the appointment, I had to explain to a saleswoman/scheduler that I needed documentation of food allergies and that I was not interested in the $2000 serum she was telling me about. When I arrived for my examination, I was not asked about why I was there until I again heard their sales pitch for a treatment plan. Once I told my PA that I needed a simple food allergy/sensitivity test and documentation of the results, she said that she would have to check with Dr. Roby to see if they could help me. Dr. Roby apparently told her that they would not be able to test me, so she came back and informed me that I would have to go elsewhere to have the test done. Since I had just filled out a medical history form asking about food allergies, I asked whether they typically test for sensitivity to foods when they do their normal testing procedures. She and a nurse who was then helping her said that they did indeed perform a food sensitivity test on a regular basis. So I asked why they could not perform the test on me and then document the results. They went to check with Dr. Roby again, this time returning with him in tow. ""We can't help you today,"" was barked at me as the door opened and Dr. Roby came into the room. I then introduced myself to the good doctor and once again explained why I was there and that what I needed appeared to be (a) within reason and (b) part of an everyday procedure at their office. He finally relented without saying another word to me, and yelled at his staff to perform the test. The test took 5 minutes to perform. Afterwards, they informed me that they could not use my insurance for such a ""minimal"" procedure and that I would have to pay 5 times the amount of my co-pay for my visit. They seemed uninterested in helping once they decided that I was a low-value patient.
Pros: Well-appointed office space, pleasant front desk staff
Cons: Quality of care, disrespectful doctor, apparent desire to give everyone the same expensive treatment
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