Any Patients of Pediatric Associates of Alexandria Out There?

[Anonymous]

I cross-posted this on the general board, but figured I would try here too.

We are interviewing pediatricians in the Alexandria area and have met with three: Pediatric Associates of Alexandria (in the Inova complex/Franconia Springfield), Children Medical Associates of Alexandria, and The Kidz Docs.

Have seen dcurbanmom reviews of CMA and Kidz Docs, but nothing on PAA. PAA has been around for a while, and features some Top Docs in Washingtonian, but I cannot seem to get the off-the-record scoop on the practice.

Each practice had pros and cons in our opinion:

PAA -- great facility, heavily staffed, walk-in hours, and really flexible hours from 6am-8pm. But, docs seemed very rigid on the CDC/AMA vaccine schedule, whereas we are more inclined to follow a Sears-type schedule. Any advice about this? Did also not seem to be as supportive of breast feeding.

CMA -- OK facility (no separate waiting rooms for sick/healthy kids), did not meet with a doctor only a NP. Seems more flexible on the vaccination issue. Did not seem as heavily staffed, e.g., long waiting times.

Kidz Docs -- very busy practice, facility not so hot (very crowded, older and a bit unclean), liked the doctor, but very rigid on vaccines...child must have ALL vaccines by age 2, no exceptions or you leave the practice.

Please let me know if anyone has any input/feedback on Pediatric Associates of Alexandria... are other doctors there more flexible on vaccines. The doctor we met with seemed pretty rigid, but he was older and treats more teenagers.

THANKS SO MUCH in advance!

[Anonymous]

We go to PPA - we did not do the adjusted vaccine schedule but i know when we go in that they will not draw up vaccines until they talk to parents as they don't want to 'waste' vaccines if they are not going to be given. We have twins so after a lengthy wait the last time we asked if they would start the mixing as soon as we got there the last time. They said they don't typically do this as they are not certain what the parent is going to want / not want...so I assume they are open if not supportive of the idea.

I was BF and was having some difficulties with the twins and they had two staff members who work in this area to give some extra assistance though neither are 'certified' specifically in this area.

In all we are happy with the service and have an older child in addition to the twins so have beem with them for a few years.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for your response! Which doctors there have you been happy with re: infant care and vaccines? We saw Dr. Nadjeski (sp?) and he was definitely pushing the CDC schedule. But he also admitted to having more older/teenage patients rather than infants.

[Anonymous]

This is a very well established and well liked practice in the Northern Virginia area. The physicians are very responsive and thorough. I have been taking my kids to the practice for 12 years and have been very happy with both the MD's and PNP's. They are very aware of keeping up with the changing times such as providing a well and sick area, separate flu clinic, private nurse triage area versus nurses trying to utilize the front desk area with all of it's chaos (no matter what practice you go too), and they have compartmentalized over the years to help decrease the wait time for various needs, ie med rec'd, forms, copies of immunizations. Each of these elements is handled by someone who deals specifically with each issue versus having one person try to do every task simultaneously. We have been very happy and obviously there are a lot of others who feel the same as we've witness the practice increase tremendously over the years.

Greatful Alexandria Mom