Hi
I'm new here and I don't know where else to look or to get help, so any advice that you have would be great!
My son is 18 months old and has been seen by Partners in Pediatrics since birth. I am a first time mom, so I am overly nervous about doctors, etc and did a ton of research before I chose PIP as my physicians. I was very happy with our choice until our PA went on maternity leave and we had to see someone else. The someone else that we saw was a horrible, horrible doctor who made us feel really, really bad about our choice to not give our son the MMR shot or the Flu shot. Basically told us that we are horrible parents and that if something happens to our son then that is on our hands. Didn't leave us with a good feeling to say the least. She also misread some blood work and it wound up costing me a bunch of money because our insurance company wouldn't cover it. It was her mistake because she didn't know how to read the labs she ordered and when she ordered higher labs she said they weren't right. Really?!? Isn't that what a higher level of labs are for - to double check the first results and to provide you with more detailed results?
So now I am left with a dilema - do I switch clinics because the management is standing behind their doctor and not the patient? The PA we see is back now, but we will always run the risk of running into this other doctor again in the future. I know it sounds extreme, but what if it was something big is all I can keep thinking. Has anyone else run into this or a similar situation?
What do you do? Also, if you have a great doctor referral that is understanding and will talk us through our choices and take the time to listen to our fears that would also be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance!
I wouldn't write off an entire practice because of one doctor. I also go to PIP and there is one Nurse Practitioner that REALLY rubbed me the wrong way. I avoid her now and haven't had any other problems. All the other nurses and doctors have been fantastic.
I had a similar situation at PIP years ago when my first son was just a couple weeks old. I made a same-day appt. and couldn't get in to see our regular doc. The one we say instead was rude, and shamed me for not diagnosing reflux in my newborn. Since then, I just do everything to avoid him. Ironically, I've learned that he has a reputation among other parents for being a jerk. It does bother my that he's there (as if it's some reflection on the clinic), however it comes down to the fact that I think both my son have received excellent care from the 2-3 docs we really like. So for me, it just seemed like a good idea to stay there. I'd say follow your guy--don't write off the clinic if there's a doc you really love. And if the scheduler tries to make you an appointment with the "bad" doc, simply say, "I'd really rather not see her; is someone else available?" If enough people do that, the clinic will start to realize they have someone with whom patients can't connect. (That's what happened in our clinic, and now he has more administrative duties.) Good luck!
You should definately find another health care facility!!! I would be outraged if I were you....you can't be too careful when it comes to your or your family's health. No Dr should make you feel horrible for your choice in vaccinations for your child. I'm a first time mother and couldn't imagine going through that!!! We have a great pediatrician for our son, I wouldn't see anyone else. He is fun, out-going, patient, will listen to your concerns, will give you options, and he takes his job seriously and is great with children!!! His assistants are also very attentive, friendly and know what they are doing!! . He has been a pediatrician for about 30 yrs. I'm not sure what city you live in or how far you are willing to go, but we go to fairview clinic in Andover on Hansen Blvd. (it used to be called columbia park medical). We see Dr David Bachman. He is the absolute best. The clinic takes just about all insurance types. I'm pretty sure you can make an appointment to "meet" with him to see if you like how he practices. Good Luck with whatever you chose! I wish your family the best
K.
It would be a bit of a drive for you but I strongly suggest Dr. Sarah Feurstenberg at Fairview Pediatric in Wyoming MN. She is good and we have seen all of the doctors in that clinic and they are all amazing. The number there is ###-###-####. Good luck!
I think if you are unhappy with the clinic then switch. There are a lot of good pediatricians out there. If you know you can get in to your origional dr. and can deal with the clinic then stay. I dont know where you live but we go to either Blaine medical center or fridley medical center (they are associated with eachother) right by unity hospital and the staff there is wonderful. I have never had any problems with them. I love the dr.'s and they are good about listening and telling you the pros and cons of things for you to make your own decision. If you choose to switch and want to try it out let me know and i can give you the names of the dr.s. Good luck!
