Chua Thomas O, MD

I had been experiencing this mysterious hive-​like rash but the hives were turning into scars rather than going away. I usually have hives when I’m suffering an allergic reaction, but these were different and my primary physician wasn’t certain what they were and referred me to a dermatologist. Being the end of the year with everyone trying to use their benefits up, I was wait listed until mid-​January (and in some cases February) at the 13 other offices I called that were in my insurance network. Dr. Chua’s office happened to have an appointment available the very next day however, so I jumped at it, assuming his office had a last minute cancellation.
The building isn’t fancy and the waiting room/​exam room areas are perpetually caught in the year 1968. This in and of itself wasn’t a cause for alarm as I’d seen older doctors in the past and recieved a high quality of care. This office had stained carpet, stained seating in the waiting room and just did not feel clean.
I overheard the receptionist talking to another patient and that’s when I learned that this doctor doesn’t really have cancellations, but rather a problem filling up his calendar to begin with. I was subsequently warned by the receptionist that Dr. Chua was «a bear,» «not well recieved,» that «his bedside manner isn’t the best» and that he is «difficult.» If I hadn’t already surrendered my $ 35 co-​pay, I would have left then and there.
Several things about my meeting with Dr. Chua rubbed me the wrong way. He wasn’t wearing gloves, which wasn’t necessarily an issue, but I didn’t see him wash his hands either. Now, I’m not saying for certain that he did not, just that I did not witness him do so and I have documented OCD so this really stands out in my memory. When he asked what the issue was, I showed him the hive like marks and he immediately accused me of scratching (I hadn’t been) and began scolding me, saying I may wind up with scars. He refused to allow me to explain that the marks went from brand new to scarlike in a matter of days without me touching them. He then prescribed me a medication that I’m told by multiple pharmacies is no longer available. I called, inquiring about a replacement medication and was informed that the office was just randomly closed for the next week.
This morning (a Saturday on Thanksgiving weekend) a different receptionist from his office called me at 6:58 AM and then seemed to think nothing of doing so when I asked why she chose to call and wake up my entire household before 7 AM on a weekend. That was probably the last straw for me. Another doctor in Naperville is able to get me in, at 5:45 AM on a weekday morning. Seeing as its been nearly 2 weeks since my appointment and I still don’t have a prescription, I will take my chances at the crack of dawn with the other doctor.