Called to inquire if Dr. Crystal is taking new patients. She is on several referring websites as accepting new patients and accepts medicare. Office was unable to tell me if they were taking patients unless I give them my info and then they would have to get back to me. After giving my information, I was told someone would get back to me after discussing with the doctor. After 3 business days and no return call, I phoned only to be told, without reason, that the doctor is not accepting new patients. Interestingly enough, I spoke with another potential new patient, who also called to inquire about becoming a patient, but had insurance other than medicare...that person was accepted! What criteria is used to decide who is accepted? Why is a medicare accepting doctor, discriminating against some new patients, while accepting others? Why must you give personal information about yourself BEFORE answering the question of accepting new patients. What decision process is taken to determine who gets care and who doesnt? No one in office was able or willing to answer any questions. Is this a form of discrimination or is there a special reason for refusing care for some, while accepting others? The doctor has put herself out there as a medicare accepting doctor, but what she doesnt do is advertise that it is only under certain circumstances (that are kept unknown to potential patients) that she accepts it. Since the office was not able to provide any answer to my questions, a reasonable person can only wonder why then are they in business and what do they really care about? One should question this and find a doctor that is PRIMARILY concerned about treating those in need...not sure this one does.

I have always found Dr Crystal very caring and very thourgh. She was my Dr. Before I moved to Fl. I came back to her when I moved back to Ft Payne.