Angie's List members share the good, the bad and the ugly experiences they've had with health care providers. Here's a sample of our favorite reviews on
angieslist.com:
A high estimate prompted Nancy Pines to look for a new dentist in New York City. "I started seeing Dr. [Lillian] Mittl about five years ago when my dentist of 10 years quoted me a price of nearly $9,000 for three root canals and crowns. As much as I liked him, I simply couldn't afford it," Pines says. "Dr. Mittl quoted half the price, without knowing my original estimate. She's very down-to-earth and provides excellent service. She's a persistent perfectionist. She sent my last crown back to the lab until she was satisfied and spent an hour adjusting the bite until it was perfect."
Terry Moore dropped Dr. Rhonda Goul with the Southside Family Medical Group in Indianapolis after a bungled appointment. "My appointment was at 2 p.m.," Moore says. "I arrived at 1:45 p.m. The woman at the desk said my appointment was at 1:30 p.m., and they would see if they could 'fit me in.' I waited 45 minutes and was told, 'You'll need to reschedule.' I refused and wrote a letter to Dr. Goul. I never heard back. They have no respect for patients' time." Office manager Chris Goul couldn't verify the details of Moore's complaint, but says the office now has an automated calling system that reminds patients about appointments.
Galveston, Texas, endocrinologist Dr. Owen Bryan Holland fosters good relationships with patients, according to Anne Coppenhaver. "He's caring, listens to his patients and is down-to-earth in his approach," Coppenhaver says. "When you've strayed from the regimen you're to follow, his focus is to get you back on track, not fussing about what you've done. You can be open and honest with him, as he is with you."
Theresa Pote speaks from experience about Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C. She's had three surgeries at the hospital and was once admitted to the emergency room. "Overall, my experiences were very good," Pote says. "The admissions process went quickly and smoothly. The nursing staff is excellent — very helpful, caring and empathetic."
Hip replacement surgery went smoothly for Harry Harmer, thanks to La Mesa, Calif., surgeon Dr. Peter Hanson and his staff. "It was excellent," Harmer says. "Everything was thoroughly explained to me before and after my surgery. If there was anything additional that I had questions about, they were very quick to address them."
Kathy Torbert expects Dr. Leah Heinlen with Hilliard Family Medicine in Hilliard, Ohio, to provide thorough care, but says she's been disappointed. "Dr. Heinlen has been my family doctor for 10 years," Torbert says. "I see her about once a year for my annual physical. I have the regular tests performed, but I don't feel like my questions or concerns are addressed. I was very sick this summer and saw a different doctor who probed until we found the answers to my illness. I plan to change doctors within the practice." Hilliard Family Medicine didn't respond to our requests for comment.
Renate Greenfield calls Tampa, Fla., surgeon Dr. Juan S. Uribe a miracle worker. "I was using a walker and looking to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair. I'm 63 years old, and they were looking to put a pain pump in my back. After surgery, I'm drug free, walking on my own and looking forward to dancing at my daughter's wedding."
Kelly Kalk found relief from migraines after seeing Johnny McDonald, a hypnotherapist in Gresham, Ore. "He helped me by using hypnosis and teaching me how to do self-hypnosis and another technique called EFT [Emotional Freedom Technique, a type of needleless acupuncture, done by tapping on certain points of the body]," Kalk says. "I previously required strong
medication and was often disabled by the pain. Now, I rarely get a migraine, and they're not as severe."