Wisconsin Sleep

My Experience with UW Health’s Wisconsin Sleep Clinic — A Warning About Medical Neglect, Discrimination, and Retaliation As a woman of color and a disabled patient, I have long experienced the sting of being sidelined in medical settings. But my treatment at UW Health’s Wisconsin Sleep Clinic, under Dr. Plante, crossed the line from neglect into genuine danger. This was not merely disappointing care—it was reckless and punitive. I arrived at the clinic with clear, persistent symptoms that eventually warranted a diagnosis of sleep apnea. Yet I was repeatedly denied proper testing and any meaningful investigation into the root of my condition. Instead, I was offered a sedative—a prescription that could have worsened my health by suppressing my respiratory function while my sleep apnea went undiagnosed. Throughout this ordeal, I faced repeated dismissals and disrespectful treatment. On multiple occasions, clinic staff hung up on me when I called seeking guidance or clarification about my care. Rather than being supported, I was punished for advocating for myself. Dr. Plante went so far as to send a letter to my primary care provider recommending that I not return to the Sleep Clinic. The supposed “offense”? Calling repeatedly for help and asking questions—simply advocating for the care I needed. This experience is not an isolated incident—it reflects a broader, systemic failure within UW Health. My rights as a disabled patient, a woman, and a minority were consistently violated. I was effectively criminalized for seeking care, despite later evidence confirming the validity of my conditions. The patient relations and complaint systems that were supposed to protect me were hollow, serving to shield the institution rather than hold it accountable. I endured years of relentless fatigue, sleepless nights, and daily suffering just to receive a basic diagnosis. This was not merely poor care—it was systemic neglect, reinforced by racial and gender bias, and enforced by a culture of defensiveness rather than accountability. Every day I was ignored, my health was at risk, and my life could have been endangered. I refuse to carry this shame in silence. My story is a warning: for every patient dismissed, gaslit, or labeled “difficult”; for every woman of color made to feel invisible in spaces where her health and dignity should be protected; and for every person forced to fight alone for a diagnosis that should have been provided years ago. This is not just my experience—it is a call to action to demand accountability, equity, and respect in healthcare.

Dr Bazalakova is knowledgeable and stays current in her field. Before my appointment begins, she brings together and analyzes information from my medical chart and the surveys, including the ones I submitted only minutes before. She listens to me, solicits additional information, answers my questions, corrects my errors in thinking, and then analyses all, and she does it in real time. She is an extraordinary conversationalist and consummate professional, and she cares about me.

I arrived almost an hour early and expected to be told to wait, but instead she welcomed me and prepared the device, gave me basics and sent me on my way! Nice to have flexibility and consideration. Thanks

I went here this morning (7/21/25) for an MRI for two scans, which I knew ahead of time would take nearly two hours in total. Prior to my appointment on my reminder call, I mentioned that I would like to take a break between scans. I also relayed this wish to the technician/assistant going through the questionnaire (i.e., not the person performing the scan). Unfortunately, I guess my request was forgotten by the assistant, and the MRI technician also did not ask me when we met prior to the scan. I could not hear what the MRI technician performing the scan was saying to understand where we were in the process of the scans. Both scans occurred consecutively. I began to have lower back pain during the scan from the padding of voids beneath my legs. When I couldn't tolerate the back pain or wait to use the restroom, I squeezed the emergency alert button. At that time, I could finally hear what the MRI tech was saying, but they asked me to wait another 10 minutes for both scans to complete because I was "all lined up." I really hate to complain about this, but my back hurts and, in my opinion, communication and bedside manner could use some work. Facilities seem nice otherwise.

Everyone was knowledgeable and helpful, from the front desk to the care provider. I felt very comfortable and respected. My appointment was with Becky Oren, PA. She was easy to talk to and very willing to answer my questions and address my concerns. I highly recommend Wis Sleep Clinic!