Charles B. Smoot, M.D.

If I could give less than one star, I would.
I recently became eligible for Medi-​Cal, and I looked forward to addressing some issues I could not afford to without insurance. My first visit was with a nurse practitioner who did nothing more to address my issues than say «we ONLY ADDRESS ONE COMPLAINT PER VISIT». I chose my back, since Ive wanted to get a diagnosis and be sent to a specialist if necessary. She gave me a referral for 2 x-​rays, and I was shuffled out.
It was a two-​month wait to see a doctor at Logan Heights Family Health Center, but the day finally came.
After the nurse took my vitals, eventually in came Dr. Charles Smoot. He coldly introduced himself and sat down to look at the computer. He asked what I was here for today. He had the envelope with my x-​rays in it right there, so I said, well first of all, I would like to know what my x-​rays showed. He said «I have not looked at them». I said I also had a few other things I wanted to discuss. He said «WE WILL DISCUSS TWO THINGS THIS VISIT, SO CHOOSE YOUR PRIORITY». Since I was out of an antidepressant, I said, well, I need a new prescription, and I want to know about my back. I was upset that he refused to discuss more– I am not a Dr. and don’t know what is most urgent! My Dr. at Scripps was never this cold and hurried! He seemed to actually care. As if he enjoyed what he did because it made him feel good to be able to help people. He was good with people, and compassionate and empathetic. NOT Dr. Smoot. He got linked-​in to my pharmacy record online, and said «You are taking too many drugs. I am not going to prescribe more». I told him– «I have been prescribed drugs that I do not take. I do not take all this stuff every day, or even every month!» He said «I see that you got a Soma refill TWICE in April. You must have a nice little STASH going at home!».I did NOT get 2refills in April”. He gave me the dates (a few days apart@Costco Pharmacy). I remembered that I wasn’t able to pick it up at first & it went back into stock &they had to prepare it a 2^nd time. HE DID NOT BELIEVE THIS. «The computer says here you got two refills in April, and Im inclined to believe the computer» he says. He then says that he’ill prescribe 2 other medications «That you can not abuse» in place of the meds the other Dr. gave me for my back. I said «I don’t want meds– I want to know what is wrong with my back before I am given any more meds. He said «We need to clean up this drug mess mess. You are a mess. I am here to establish you as a client at this clinic, but in order to do this, you are going to have to submit to a drug test». Fine, I said, despite his rude, accusing tone.
The urine test was like one I have never encountered. It was monitored. I have been through drug tests for employment, for research studies, etc. –But I have always been trusted to give my own urine. Not here. This test came with specific instructions of what I could and could not touch in the bathroom; the nurse would be right outside the door, I was not allowed to wash my hands or flush the toilet afterward. The nurse would check to be sure that I urinated first.
I felt like a criminal, as if I were being checked into that state pen. I am almost surprised that I did not have to submit to a cavity search! It was humiliating and demeaning. After the urine test, I was told that the doctor was finished with my appointment and that I was to come back in 2 months for a follow-​up. I asked «What about my X-​Rays?». I was told «He did not get to them. Ask him next time».
I don’t think I need to say any more. I checked the guy’s stats after this all happened. He is in his early 50s and has only been practicing medicine for 5 years. This is the average type of care you will get when the government is paying for your medical care. If anyone else has another idea of where I can go, PLEASE tell me! I can’t afford to pay a doctor who does not accept Medi-​Cal, as I am now on disability, which does not cover my basic living expenses.