Rockland Urgent Care — Local services in Town of Haverstraw

I called first and went in on Sunday 1/24/21 for treatment of flu-like symptoms. I was told the wait could be about 15 mins and I could wait in my car. Instead they had me waiting outside in the cold even though I had a fever. I finally complained and they let me in to fill out paperwork, only to have me sit in an overcrowded waiting room with little social distancing. I grew more and more anxious and got permission to wait in my car after complaining yet again.

Three hours later I saw Physician Assistant John J Demarchi. The tech staff were very nice but I don't think there were any doctors present, and this PA who treated me was highly inappropriate. I told him about my symptoms and the testing I needed as recommended by my doctor - he shrugged and questioned "all that testing"... when he looked at my throat all he said was that it looked "horrible." Not a very respectable medical opinion. I was swabbed for Covid (rapid - they didn't want to give me the pcr test), flu, and strep (2 cultures). All but the second strep came back negative, and that test would take several days to go to the lab. I asked if he was confident it was likely bacterial vs a virus, and he said it could be either so I need to take antibiotics. Hmm.

We then got into a discussion about my 18 mo son, because I wanted to make sure we wouldn't keep getting each other sick -- and I said I'd do another telemed visit with his pediatrician. But this NON-doctor felt the need to launch into an odd, misplaced anti-breastfeeding campaign.

-"How old is your son - oh, 18 months? Could he be teething?" I said no, he has already cut all of his teeth except his 2nd molars.

-"18 months with all those teeth, and he's still breastfeeding??? Why??? Doesn't that hurt???" I didn't dignify his meddling and disrespect with a response.

-"You should get that kid a hamburger!"

Why does he think it is his business whether or not I nurse my son or how it feels on my breast when I am not asking him?

-He then launched into giving completely inaccurate advice that I need to stop nursing when I take the antibiotic. Not true, and I later quickly debunked this with my pediatrician for peace of mind. DeMarchi went on an on, and I was forced to listen because I had more questions about my own condition. Finally I reminded him that the WHO recommends nursing up to age 2, to which he replied, that advice is for "other" countries where breastmilk is considered better nutrition than what they have. (Unlike US hamburgers?!) I finally said, breastmilk is pretty darn nutritious even here in the US.

My pediatrician questioned why he'd order me to take antibiotics without a positive strep culture. So I didn't take them, and thank goodness, because I improved with rest and a couple days, and the strep labwork all came back negative. I went and safely got myself a PCR covid test at the Walgreens Nyack drive through which was a much more sane, safe experience.

Save yourself time and skip this facility and PA John DeMarchi with his misguided, unscientific, cocky, and inappropriate advice. I will never go...

Overall not empathetic and kind of crappy bedside manner. Patients are people. Treat me as if you like me. I understand you are busy, but I am a human being with pain and discomfort and it sucks for me to feel sick. Give me a moment to get my thoughts together when I’m describing what I’m feeling when I’m not feeling well and not 100%

If I’ve ever felt like medicine was just for the money, and health care is a business first… this is the place to feel that way.

I’d been feeling sick for about 72 ish hours, sore throat, ear pain, exhaustion, cloudy mind.

I got in fast. The online form app to pre-register is not great. They take $75 as a copay, and then refund what was not used which is really weird.

Now the care: The intake nurse was either having a very bad day, or something about me irked her. I was telling her my symptoms and the days they started and I was having trouble thinking of the days… also because I’m sick and my brain isn’t quite as sharp as normal. She had ZERO PATIENCE, for me as a sick person. I told her that I had taken an at home Covid flu test and that it was negative and she said “oh you can get those now… Covid and flu tests” I’m thinking , you’re a nurse. Surprised she didn’t know what OTC testing was available…so that sort of made me feel a little less confident that a healthcare professional doesn’t know what tests are available OTC…

A few minutes later, the doctor walks in I didn’t have to wait long at all, which was great.

He was nice, and also hallmark movie handsome, but also seemed a little bit like OK OK OK I’ve seen it all… like just not very warm or empathetic, really I felt like sort of talked down to… just another faceless meat sack with an insurance card.

I was describing my symptoms headache, exhausted, throat pain, ear pain, And told him that it felt like my lymph nodes were the size of grapes. I got the vibe from him that how I’m feeling (like crap basically) is not a big deal at all… , I got a feeling like I was wasting his time… it felt like he wasn’t really listening. He checked ears, throat, neck lungs.. He didn’t test me for Covid or flu. I got a throat culture.

I’m still feeling sick. I don’t know if it’s just a cold.

I think they are not very thorough and I also think that they are not very empathetic so if you’re looking for an urgent care with any kind of bedside manner, kindness or empathy, providers who will listen to you, maybe this isn’t the right urgent care for you. If you just need someone that’s close, you can get in and out. Be on top of your game tho… because they want you in and out as fast as possible.

Place is clean. Other staff are...

I came to this urgent care today after burning my legs with boiling water. Was hoping to bypass a long day at the hospital and get a prescription to help with healing. My husband checked me in and paid the copay up front. We waited approximately 30 minutes in an empty waiting room to be taken to a room. When the nurse/ medical assistant came to call me back she immediately started "eyeing me up" and had me walk through the door first and lead the way to an exam room to which I didn't know the route. I stepped aside and she said room 4 (which was the farthest room away). I was not offered any assistance to get to the exam room, no supporting my arm, no wheel chair, nothing.... when this woman could clearly see I was in excruciating pain with every step I took. So we get in the room and she continues to stare at me. This made me feel extremely uncomfortable and insecure over the injury I was there to be seen for because my legs were bright red and it was embarrassing. After I had to explain what happened several times she said ok and walked out. 10 minutes go by, 20 minutes. I said to my husband, I don't need to be here, I can sit at home with the fan on my legs just as im doing here. Anyway, we waited 10 more minutes and I got up and said I can't take it anymore and walked out. We walk out of the exam room to find all of the employees chatting at the desk. Well don't let me and my burned legs interrupt you. As we were walking out the dr. Said oh I can see you now. NO! I DON'T WANT TO BE SEEN.

It was such a great disappointment to not be treated as a priority today at this not so urgent care. I felt uncomfortable and neglected by the service I received. I would rate 0 stars if it was an option. However, I will say they did refund the copay without a problem since I didn't receive any care!

UPDATEThis facility is very fortunate to have Nancy as their office manager. She reached out to me exactly when she said she would and assured me my situation was a great disappointment for the company and they had a meeting to review my situation and review protocol to make sure something like my unfortunate case doesn't...