I switched from Reiter Hill to a midwifery practice at about 14 weeks. I realized that given the number if visits I'd be making I wasn't comfortable with the waiting room delays I'd be putting up with, wasn't impressed that my questions were skirted, thought that the ultrasound equipment was dated, and, frankly, it felt like a bit of a baby mill where I was one of hundreds due that month and the doctors/nurses were a little too blasé about the whole thing. Also, asking me at about 14 weeks when I'd like to be induced gave me a really negative impression.

I much prefer the new practice. It's not perfect, but my questions get answered, tests don't get pushed on me without a reason and midwives/nurses don't get huffy when I "push back" or ask for more outcome-based information. The equipment is more up to date as well and my waits are rarely more than 10 minutes (my husband has even missed appointments because they call me in early). No regrets on the switch. As an aside, getting them to transfer my paperwork took 8 calls, 3 letters and 2 in-person visits. Apparently they were switching to a digital system... In 2013.

I'm at GW and they always know why I'm there.
GW is just a few blocks away - go there. There are so many drs to choose from.
Every OB's office has a wait - take the first appointment of the day each time to avoid the wait (you wouldn't want to be the patient who they said "ok, time's up!" so they can keep everyone on schedule all day, it compounds through the day and they run late).

If you aren't happy where you are, be proactive and change. Otherwise, in my opinion, you can only blame yourself.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Actually, I'm a really low-needs patient. I had an epidural for my first and don't particularly care about the whole "birth experience" (fine for those who do), don't have a million question, don't need my hand held, etc. I just want to be called when I'm waiting for test results!!! And not have a rude sonographer.

I"m sorry, but I still think you are being overly sensitive.

So you had to call back a few times for test results. Big deal. They are not sitting around all day, waiting to reach you, their one patient of the hour. And I question whether this sonographer was really "rude" or just brusque, factual, and trying to stay on schedule for a very busy day. They don't have time for chit chat and it is not their job to make you feel happy.

Uh ok. She was the one who breezed in saying, "so why are you here today?" DH and I looked at each other like, huh? Aren't you supposed to know that? I'm not looking for chit chat either, just competence. And if they can't get the NT results in the time frame that their own employees tell patients (she told me twice that I would have results by the end of the day).... then don't tell me that!

This is exactly what I mean, OP! You ARE a PITA if you expect every person that you encounter at a health care practice to be up on your issues, 100%. No, s/he most likely did NOT know exactly why you needed a sonogram, all the details. I bet the sonographer actually looked at your chart and quickly figured it out, though, before proceeding. "Hi, good morning, what brings you here today" is a very standard line by many doctors/ health care providers. Do you think they actually sit around and study up on your case, before you show up? And by the way, if this is what you're expecting from doctors, you have a big shock ahead in dealing with pediatricians.

Maybe this is reasonable at a big practice, that you can't expect them to be 100% up to speed on your issues. But my experience with a solo practitioner is quite the opposite. Every time my OB or a nurse comes in, they know who I am, what my issues are (if any), long wait times are VERY rare, and I get prompt, personal phone calls with test results or in response to a question that I may have called in.

That being said, my OB does not take my insurance. Which really sucks. I am paying a premium for excellent care, and I don't think people should have to do that. But when I read about people's frustrations with large practices...I feel good about my choice.

I think the bottom line, as many others have already noted, is that you DO have choices, and if a practice isn't up to your standard -- keep looking.

Anonymous wrote:At the end of the day I don't care about front desk staff, what do you really expect from people who are overworked and making minimum wage? What really matters is the OB, and I think Dr.Johnson is one of the best in the area. She handled my HG with compassion and did everything in her power to ensure I had a healthy baby.

Dr. Johnson rocks! The house pediatrician rocked my world moments after I delivered my son, but Dr. Johnson saved my sanity by giving me a whole different outlook - my baby was healthy, but very thin due to placental failure, and is now a thriving 6 yr. old. She was awesome, and so was Reiter. I never saw him at the practice, nor did he deliver my baby (Johnson), but I thought he was a great guy, sort of funny, as he made the rounds.

Dr. Johnson was my rock after I delivered. Everyone else is just a Dr.