Dr. Armstrong in Mclean

[Anonymous]

I had my first appointment at about 5 weeks last week. I liked Dr. Armstrong a lot, but I was thinking about a few things after I left. They did not get my height and weight, did not give me any recommendations on what to eat/not eat, weight gain, etc. It was a fairly casual visit. I was just curious if anyone else had this experience and maybe the next appointment I will get more information or if that is just his style. I go back on 5/17 for another ultrasound.

[Anonymous]

That is weird they didnt get your weight (they never check height). Did they even have you pee in a cup or check blood pressure? I delivered with that practice and they always did both at every apt. I can only imagine it was an oversight? I'm sure you'll have it done at your 5/17 apt.

Regarding the other recommendations, I'd just ask at your apt if you have specific questions. I never got any unsolicited recommendations/advice. I mainly just used the internet to figure it out things I was wondering and asked follow up questions at my apt if something wasnt clear.

All the doctors at that practice are really great. And Dr. Armstrong delivered me and was just fabulous (though he wasnt my main doctor).

[Anonymous]

They took my blood and blood pressure, but they didn't take my urine either. I asked if it was ok to use the restroom or if they needed me to give a sample and they said they didn't need one. That plus the lady that took my blood seemed kind of nervous and it wasn't the smoothest draw- there was blood everywhere. I was on fertility treatments before and am used to getting my blood taken and that was a first. Maybe it's just that that person is new. Do they usually call you with your blood work results? No one called me, so I called to get my results after a few days. The girl that answered was laughing as she answered the phone. Still, I like Dr. Armstrong and will probably stick with him. I'm more intent on finding a good Dr. than a good office staff. I'm kind of glad he doesn't give unsolicited advice.

[Anonymous]

I'm with this practice and, yes, the staff is horrible! The ones who answer the phonse are bitchy, rude, and condescending. However, the woman who draws blood is very nice and very capable. Agree with PP about going there for the Dr. and not the staff. From what I remember, they take a urine sample and check weight and blood pressure each visit. The Dr. definitely should have gone over good pregnancy practices with you. Speak up next time, ask your questions. They are such a busy practice that you will get lost in the shuffle if you don't.

[Anonymous]

I love love love that practice.

[Anonymous]

I switched to this practice mid-pregnancy (24 weeks was my first appointment there) and have met with Drs. Lawson and Solomon, so far (now I'm at 32 weeks). I seem to get weighed every time, have had to give urine 2 out of 3 times, and had blood drawn for a specific concern about my thyroid levels. I liked both the docs I've met so far, although I was annoyed that one of my appointments got shifted from Bannon to Lawson - I went there mostly because of good things I heard about Bannon. I didn't have any problems when they drew my blood - maybe she had an off day. The staff can be nice to withdrawn - it doesn't hurt to be super nice to them for starters - and they warm up to you. I tend to make lots of jokes and small talk and they've been pretty nice to me.

[Anonymous]

Thanks all!! I'm going to assume it was a fluke and stick with them.

[Anonymous]

I am 32 weeks and delivering with Dr. Lawson. I have heard nothing but wonderful things about the practice, which is why I switched to them for my second pregnancy. My next door neighbor delivered with Armstrong and she absolutely loves him.

They don't generally take urine the very first visit I think. My first visit they confirmed the pregnancy with the ultrasound, but the baby's heartbeat was a bit slow. So I came in the next week and everything was fine. This was about how far along you are now. After about 10 weeks, they take a urine sample every visit, also BP and weight. Never height.

Personally, the woman who takes the blood has been fantastic. I wonder if she was out and you had a replacement who was nervous? The two nurses are just okay, but they are very fast and efficient. The front desk staff is okay, too, but the doctors really make the practice (like most places).

I really love that you can do your glucose test in the office, get your blood drawn there, and get ultrasounds every visit. Much more convenient than my other practice that farmed out some of those things.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had my first appointment at about 5 weeks last week. I liked Dr. Armstrong a lot, but I was thinking about a few things after I left. They did not get my height and weight, did not give me any recommendations on what to eat/not eat, weight gain, etc. It was a fairly casual visit. I was just curious if anyone else had this experience and maybe the next appointment I will get more information or if that is just his style. I go back on 5/17 for another ultrasound.

They probably didn't do it because you're only 5 weeks. Many practices won't see you until 7 or 8 weeks because of the likelihood that you'll miscarry.

The PP who said the staff sucked -- are you insane?!?!

The practice is awesome! All the staff has been nothing but courteous and friendly with me. The front room staff are especially nice. Maybe they just liked me, I dunno. But I NEVER had a problem with the practice. I had an awesome delivery.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I had my first appointment at about 5 weeks last week. I liked Dr. Armstrong a lot, but I was thinking about a few things after I left. They did not get my height and weight, did not give me any recommendations on what to eat/not eat, weight gain, etc. It was a fairly casual visit. I was just curious if anyone else had this experience and maybe the next appointment I will get more information or if that is just his style. I go back on 5/17 for another ultrasound.

They probably didn't do it because you're only 5 weeks. Many practices won't see you until 7 or 8 weeks because of the likelihood that you'll miscarry.

The PP who said the staff sucked -- are you insane?!?!

The practice is awesome! All the staff has been nothing but courteous and friendly with me. The front room staff are especially nice. Maybe they just liked me, I dunno. But I NEVER had a problem with the practice. I had an awesome delivery.

I never said I had a "problem" with them... I try my best to chat them up and smile and be friendly but honestly I'm sick of trying. What I'm saying, in *MY* experience, is that most of them seem like miserable people who hate their jobs and in general are rude and bitchy to patients. They act like you are bothering them both on the phone and in person. Again, MY experience - but I always observe how they treat other patients while in the waiting room and I always see the same bahavior. Good for you if you're on their good side...although not sure how.

[Anonymous]

I have to agree. The front desk staff is somewhat rude. I always feel like I am inconveniencing them by calling/checking in/making a future appointment! But that has been the case at several doctors offices I have been to. it isn't unique to this place. Just try to ignore it if you can.

They didn't take my urine at the first appointment, but they did it at the 12 week first OB appt. I haven't had a problem getting my blood drawn--maybe it was a sub?

[Anonymous]

The front staff was always nice to me. One time, when I hadn't felt my baby move for a while, I called the office. As soon as they answered, I could barely talk because I was about to cry, and the person who answered immediately sensed that something was wrong and assured me she could get me an appointment right away. She used a very gentle voice and conveyed a caring attitude, and I appreciated that so much! They got me in immediately and took me back for an ultrasound. Everything was fine (thank goodness!0, but overall the staff and OBs were awesome!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The front staff was always nice to me. One time, when I hadn't felt my baby move for a while, I called the office. As soon as they answered, I could barely talk because I was about to cry, and the person who answered immediately sensed that something was wrong and assured me she could get me an appointment right away. She used a very gentle voice and conveyed a caring attitude, and I appreciated that so much! They got me in immediately and took me back for an ultrasound. Everything was fine (thank goodness!0, but overall the staff and OBs were awesome!

I actually had a very similar experience to this before I even became their patient. She was so calm and soothing, I knew it was the right practice for me. And it was---I love every doctor there.

[Anonymous]

I delivered 2 babies with Dr. Armstrong and I think he is just fabulous. He doesn't give a lot of unsolicited advice but just ask questions and he will spend as much time as you need answering your questions. They just don't make doctors like him any more. Smart, personable, extremely knowledgable, and really cares about his patients. The office staff is so-so but I was willing to deal with it in order to see him. He helped me get through two very difficult pregnancies. I have a special place in my heart for Dr. Armstrong! I have seen Dr. Bannon on a couple of occasions and well and thought she was excellent.