I had a basal cell carcinoma on my left temple removed by Dr. Mark Chastain via Mohs surgery on 3/23. After a discussion with the nurse assigned to assist with the procedure, I had concerns about the potential of scarring beyond what I was initially prepared for. I spoke at length with Dr. Chastain about whether I should have the reconstruction done by a plastic surgeon to be on the safe side. He assured me that he had done thousands of the same type of procedure and he stated that he felt he was better equipped than a plastic surgeon to do the repair since plastic surgeons make more money on boob jobs and face lifts so they don't have the same experience with this procedure that he does.
I should have noted the lack of bedside manner after the discussion, but I decided to proceed with Dr. Chastain. The nurse then started to clean the area and I heard her cutting my hair. I was shocked that she would cut my hair without at least letting me know beforehand what she needed to do.in retrospect, sign number two that I should have left this office.
After the procedure was completed, Dr. Chastain began suturing. Apparently the protocol in this office is for him to do the buried sutures and NOT the final sutures to close the wound. So, he completed his portion and then announced that the Physicians Assistant is the master seamstress and would be finishing the job. He then left the room and the PA sutured the area. I was duped by this doctor and left in the hands of the "master seamstress".
So, I voiced a concern about scarring, Dr. Chastain assured me he had the experience necessary to provide the best possible outcome, and then he had his PA suture.
I was completely misled and lied to by Dr. Chastain. Why is he delegating a task as important as facial reconstruction to a mid level provider? He is obviously doing it for the financial compensation and not for the good of patient care. And even when asked specifically about HIS experience, he still delegated this knowing full well how concerned I was about the result.
It seems simple to me that facial repairs need to be left to Md's. And, that is NOT the protocol at Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C.in Newnan, GA and they will not inform you of this very important point.
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