David T. Barrall

In July 2015 my two year old son fell and had a significant injury to his lip and face. The injury fell along the vermilion border and oral commissure--we thought for sure he would have significant, lifelong scarring to his face. We went to the ED and were advised by the doctors there that the best option for repair would be to consult a plastic surgeon. They suggested Dr. Barrall, and after quickly scanning his reviews online my husband and I agreed. He arrived quickly and assessed my son's face, and assured us that it could be resolved. The repair was done within the following hour and we were on our way not long after that. The injury healed quickly and cleanly, with no infection. After the repair, we had an in office follow-up, and even a phone call from Dr. Barrall himself a week or so after the office visit. He advised us that he might develop a small lump in the corner of his lip, and to massage this gently. The recovery process was exactly as he indicated. Now, about four months later, you would never know my son's face was injured. Over time it has continued to heal and return to normal, and now his dimple is back and the lump is almost gone. We are very, very happy with the outcome! As a side note, we had some very significant co-pays for our ED visit and the procedure. (Not just for Dr. Barrall, but the hospital visit and doctors there as well.) I called Dr. Barrall's office after receiving the bill to inquire about payment options. The billing staff were very friendly and very helpful, and quickly assured me that it would be fine just to send what I could monthly. I am very pleased with the outcome and would highly recommend Dr. Barrall!

On June 10, 2016, I was notified by Workmen’s Compensation/Bookkeeper that Dr. Barrall’s secretary Valerie had contacted the office regarding my upcoming appointment scheduled for Monday, June 13th. The secretary stated that in order for me to be seen by Dr. Barrall, his office required my previous records faxed over. Otherwise, Dr. Barrall would not be able to see me until he returned from his hiatus from Germany which was approximately three weeks. In addition, Valerie proceeded to state that she did not want to contact me, because based on my last name, I may or may not speak English. It is evident that Dr. Barrall’s office is in the practice of patient profiling. I immediately called Dr. Barrall’s office and Valerie answered the phone. In my efforts to express to her how profiling disproportionately impacts patients, she immediately back peddled and became combative. While my last name is of Portuguese descent [Domingues], I am also of Hispanic origin. Discrimination and racism continue to be a part of the fabric and tradition of American society and have adversely affected minority populations, the health care system in general. Discrimination may be based on differences due to age, ability, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic by which people differ. Efforts to address racial and ethnic disparities in health will require physicians such as Dr. Barrall and his staff to develop new approaches, in consultation with experts in minority communities, to ensure that research, treatment, and education programs affect ALL individuals regardless of race disproportionately, are available in local communities and nationwide. Human beings deserve respect as ends in themselves, and therefore, deserve health care services that are equitable in terms of accessibility, availability, affordability and quality. Justice requires that the differences among persons and groups are to be valued. When those differences contribute to the unequal distribution of the quality how can a patient like myself trust, that doctor’s as Dr. Barrall and their staff will safeguard our health and give proper medical care. Due to the lack of sensitivity and disconnect as well as discontent that Dr. Barrall’s staff has for minorities, I cancelled my appointment.

The staff is so nice and understanding.