James J. Hershon's Online Review Report Card

Im not sure what the experience was of the other commenter on Dr. Hershon. I saw him after having consulted another pulmonologist who was unable to help me and found him smart and concerned and good at followup.

I saw Dr. Hershon for my second appointment a few days ago. Id had an initial visit when I chose him as my pulmonologist several months back. At the time my reaction was Meh but he really didnt do anything except take a history.This time I went in with some specificand seriousissues. My asthma medication is suddenly not as effective as it should be and Im getting out of breath upon very little exertion. ScaryAlso Ive gained some weight since being issued a CPAP machine for sleep apnea so I strongly suspect the machine needs a setting adjustment. When I called to make this appointment I was told that Dr. Hershon could determine my new CPAP setting at the visit and write a prescription for the equipment provider to make the adjustment.Background Im about 80 lbs. overweight. Ive been trying to lose the weight for quite a while with little success.So I urgently needed help in breathing better ASAP a scrip for a CPAP adjustment.What did I get? A condescending lecture about how I need to lose weight.The only help I received was the name and number of a colleague who conducts medically supervised weightloss plans. I couldnt help but wonder if kickbacks are involved for any patient referrals.At one point when I informed Dr. Hershon that I was quite aware that I needed to lose weight thankyouverymuch and had been trying without much luck he looked at me and asked with all seriousnessHave you tried diets?Puhleaze.Oh and the CPAP adjustment. He was unable to test me for the new setting then and there and when I told him his office staff had informed me otherwise there was no apology whatsoever for the misinformation. All he did was hand me a slip authorizing yet another appointment at the sleep lab next door for which Id have to take yet more time off work and shell out the expensive copayment.Near the end of the appointmentMe So Im here with acute breathing problems and youre telling me that I need to lose weight.Dr. Hershon Thats right.Me Ive already told you that Im fully aware of that and Im trying. So with that and the asthma medications Im on from my allergist and the CPAP which probably needs this adjustment is there ANYTHING else that you a lung doctor can suggest to help me breathe better until I manage to lose this weight?Dr. Hershon No.So . . . rating for chairside manner? A big fat no pun intended ZERO.Rating for medical expertise? I wouldnt know. He did absolutely nothing to address the problems I came in for.Goodbye Dr. Hershon. Ill take myself and my lungs to a doctor who can actually HELP me.