Patrick Martin, MD

"Well unfortunately never got farther than the front desk trying to make an appointment worse experience I ever had, I’m sure Dr. Martin is a great doctor but I must say he definitely needs to check his front desk person. I’m assuming that’s what she is although she acts like she thinks she’s a doctor, so unprofessional and rude, she didn’t hang the phone up before she started talking about me. Wouldn’t trust her to give correct information. So for that reason I’m out"

"I have been choosing Dr Martin for my orthopedic care for over 20 years. I have always received excellent care until this time and I was always happy with him and his office. He sent me to a specialist at UAB who determined I am not a candidate for neurosurgery for the herniated disc in my neck, recommended PT and follow up with Dr Martin for management of the PT, the continuing pain and to discuss further care or options for care. I called his office with this info and related the continuing pain I am having to the person who sends the referrals in his office who promptly stated Dr Martin would not put me back on his service and could likely only refer me to another doctor in Dothan or Montgomery. I asked her to relay my info anyway as I would like to discuss with him in person. The next day, his nurse called and when I spoke to her she informed me Dr Martin had reviewed my information and concluded I am not a surgical candidate, I would not get another appointment and he suggested I get a second opinion. I don’t know if there has been a breakdown in communication or if he actually received all the information I conveyed to his staff or if this is truly his position. Either way, I am very disappointed and upset with this outcome. How does a physician refuse at least an in person appointment to a long time patient to discuss the patient’s case and options? I’d like to add that I called the office a few times during this particular time period with questions and concerns before my referral to UAB and felt like I was imposing or causing a problem with everyone I spoke to except Miss Wanda who was always kind and polite."

"I waited until the day before to call about my ankle and they worked me in and let me tell you not only did I get an appointment THE NEXT DAY. I thought it would consist of my waiting hours to get seen I was in and out in 40 minutes. Phenomenal experience and very nice people. Can I give it 6 stars"

"* * ALERT * * My experience has been that this clinic does not have a referral process for those who cannot afford their services (family member).  They referred to an unnamed "indigent clinic in Birmingham," but this is the best they seem willing/ able to do.  Rather, they cited the ethical 'escape hatch' of having no obligation to an individual who is not a patient of record (i.e., paid the money upfront).  My translation: "no money, no referral."  If the offices have the contact information of an indigent clinic for a patient of record, why not simply provide it to a potential new patient in dire need of services?  Why withhold that valuable resource? We should be aware of the ethical obligations of our medical providers so that they (and their staff who should be trained on protocols) are held accountable. The following statements of fact should not be construed as legal advice:• Members of the public have the option to contact their state medical board if they suspect malpractice, incompetence, negligence, failure in a duty to care, violation of confidentiality (HIPAA), or any other (in)action that might have resulted in harm.• Members of the public have the option of contacting their insurance provider to see if a provider/ group has failed in any obligation they have to the insurance company in order to participate in their network.• Members of the public have the option to conduct their own independent research of civil injury law pertaining to ethical standards when providers fail or refuse to provide alternative resource for the medically indigent."