Our experience with Dr. Rodriguez and the staff at Internal Medicine Partners has been deeply upsetting. As senior citizens in our 80s, my husband and I expected attentive and compassionate care. Unfortunately, Dr. Rodriguez appeared more focused on moving patients along rather than engaging in meaningful discussions about health concerns. It felt like we were just numbers to him, not people needing care.
Recently, I encountered a lab billing issue due to an incorrect test code provided by the office. When I sought assistance, the office manager treated me with unbelievable rudeness and impatience. Instead of helping, she made it clear that my presence was an inconvenience. Her behavior was shocking and deeply hurtful. As a result, instead of offering help, the office abruptly discharged me from their practice without warning leaving me without any medical support.
What happened next is beyond disturbing. My husband, who is nearing his 85th birthday, received his own dismissal letter from the practice—cut off without warning or explanation. He was not even present during my conversation with the office manager and had absolutely nothing to do with the billing issue. Even if they didn’t like that I stood up for myself and asked them to fix their mistake, why punish my husband? We ought to be treated as individual patients, not as a “family account,” and our care should have remained separate. To retaliate against an elderly patient for something he had no part in is not just unprofessional—it’s outrageous and cruel.
As I stated above, Dr. Rodriguez’s office terminated our patient-provider relationship immediately and without recourse. Abruptly cutting off patients with ongoing medical conditions is medically and ethically indefensible.
Florida law and medical ethics demand that physicians refrain from patient abandonment. The American Medical Association Code of Ethics (Opinion 1.1.5) states: "Physicians must notify the patient in advance and provide sufficient time for the patient to find another provider." Immediate termination without cause or alternative arrangements constitute patient neglect, especially when ongoing medical care is required.
Standard ethical guidelines mandate at least 30 days’ notice to ensure continuity of care, yet this basic duty was completely ignored. Dr. Rodriguez’s actions display a blatant disregard for patient dignity and well-being, particularly for senior patients who rely on long-term care.
We are now left without primary medical care at a time in our lives when we need it most. This office has shown a complete lack of professionalism, kindness, and accountability. We are devastated and appalled by how we were treated.
I would strongly caution others to think twice before entrusting their care to this practice.
Irina F. | Jun 23, 2025
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