Alexander Fernandez's Online Review Report Card

I went to Lakewood Ranch Hospital ER. My symptoms were numb left arm, facial droop on left side and slurred speech. Dr Fernandez examined me and had tests performed including two CT scans. When the test results came back he gave me the diagnosis of Bells Palsy. I was discharged with two medications. Two days later my wife who was very concerned about my condition, read through the CT scans. Both of them said an MRI was recommended as a stroke was suspected! Dr Fernandez had obviously not read the scans and had discharged me with the wrong diagnosis. I reported this to my Primary care doctor who arranged an MRI which confirmed I’d had a stroke. My primary care doctor, cardiologist and later my neurologist were all astounded that Dr Fernandez had not followed through with the recommendations foran MRI and consequently misdiagnosed my condition. On arrival in the ER my wife told the staff and Dr F that she thought I’d had a stroke. The ER was very quiet that day too.

Dr. Fernandez is an amazing physician who really cares about his patients’ well being. He’s knowledgeable, thorough, professional, and has excellent bedside manner. You don’t feel like a number when he is taking care of you, and he goes the extra mile to make sure you feel valued. He stayed 2 hours past his scheduled shift to help me in the ER, and make sure that I understood everything that was happening. Also, I hate NG tubes, but Dr. Fernandez has a 3 step method that makes it tolerable. If you’ve ever experienced an NG tube, for someone to describe it as tolerable is incredible, so hats off to him! Bottom line, if you ever go to Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, consider yourself blessed to have such a caring and dedicated doctor!