Some member reports on Angie's List leave us wondering if there's more to the story. Others, like this one, include lots of details. When you submit a review, be sure to include the particulars so other members know why you think they should hire or steer clear of a health provider.

Member Kerri Mallams
Provider Western Washington Medical Group
Physician Dr. Thomas F. Stark
Location Everett, Wash.
Category Orthopedics

Description of experience:  "Dr. Thomas Stark saw my husband for Charcot Foot. Dr. Stark was very direct — which in itself isn't a bad thing — but he had never met us before.

"He told us how rare the condition was and gave us three options. He said we should consider amputation to get it over with. He didn't offer a referral, which he should have done since he practically has no experience with the condition.

"Five days later, we saw another doctor who's seen many cases of Charcot Foot. He immediately put my husband's foot in a cast for four weeks and said at that time amputation was absolutely not an option."

Member comments: "Dr. Stark gave us the most grim diagnosis with no room for hope. My husband thought Dr. Stark just wanted to cut off his foot. We felt such grief and depression when it wasn't necessary."

Editor's note: Dr. Stark didn't respond to multiple requests for comment on Kerri Mallams' report.