James R. Carlson, M.D., M.B.A. in Oro Valley, Arizona

My experience with Dr. Carlson and his RN was terrible. I scheduled an appointment after a debilitating episode of vertigo. I hoped he was everything he claimed to be on his website and would help me find a solution for my symptoms. I successfully completed the hearing tests, the Dix-Hallpike, positional, gaze test and several others. It should be noted despite my low review of this business that the tech performing the tests was kind and patient with me as several of the tests induced dizziness. I was unable to complete the bithermal caloric testing that blows hot and cold air into the ears for a period of several minutes to intentionally induce dizziness and vertigo, which often leads to vomiting, diarrhea, etc. About 30-seconds into the test the room starting violently spinning and I sat up partially, choking back vomit. I was immediately told if I did not complete this final test, Dr. Carlson would refuse to see me. After regaining a bit of composure I asked the tech if there was anyone else who might see me if Dr. Carlson refused, regarding basic questions I had about what I was experiencing and the importance of the caloric test. His RN entered the room and without even shaking my hand commented "you don't look like someone with vertigo." I'm not sure if it was my age, or my ability to stand upright after the test that inspired her unnecessary comment, but I knew she would be of little help. She also just had to comment, “I’ve been in that chair, and I got through it.” Finally after much insistence by mother and me, Dr. Carlson finally agreed to see me. To be clear, he agreed to physically appear in a room with me, but chose to leave his bedside manner, decency, compassion, desire to help, and basic manners behind. He spoke smugly, refusing to answer even the most basic of questions and physically turned his back to me and mother every time we spoke in a display of power and indifference. When I mentioned I had previously seen Dr. Kang, ENT, years ago, and that he had offered a series of vestibular rehabilitation exercises, Dr. Carlson scoffed “I trained Dr. Kang.” His RN also commented, “If you like Dr. Kang so much why did you even schedule with Dr. Carlson?” Even mentioning their competition put everyone on the defensive; as though wanting a second opinion was totally unheard of. At one point, Dr. Carlson asked me “what is that you do for a living?” I replied, “I am a Real Estate Agent, Therapeutic Bodyworker and Mother, why?” He didn’t respond, just turned his back. It seems he was qualifying me in his mind, deciding if was worthy of his time and care, which apparently I was not. Because I was unable to complete a test, I was made to feel weak, ashamed and humiliated. I very well may be able to somehow, some way get through that test, but it certainly will not be at this business. If you are going to subject people who are already experiencing dizziness and vertigo to a test that will make it worse, it would be great if you could demonstrate a little compassion about the whole situation. When I called a few minutes ago after having calmed down in regards to the MRI Dr. Carlson agreed to order for me, his RN came back on the phone and accused me of walking out of my appointment. I explained that that did not happen and that the appointment came to a conclusion after I felt Dr. Carlson had been rude and unhelpful, but nevertheless agreed to this next important step… to which she responded, “if you felt he was rude than clearly this is not a good medical relationship and you need to go somewhere else.” So, I give up. Here is my first bad online review of a business. You earned it.