Change Pediatrican?

Dr. Pappas at NKY pediatrics in Alexandria is wonderful!!! They have separate well and sick waiting rooms.

Cincinnati Pediatrics is wonderful, close, conveniant, and both my kids have been seeing them since birth.

Absolutely! If the nurse has been with this pediatrician for 15 years she is not going anywhere. Her behavior toward you was inappropriate.
I have been a nurse for 16 years, and worked in a pediatric office for 8 years. Not to mention, I'm the mother of 5 children, ages 9-21. I would have changed pediatricians immediately if treated with disrespect from any staff member, particularly the nurse. Working with children is a joy! It sounds as if she needs to find a different direction in life.
Blessings!
B. H.

Hi A.,
My children's pediatrician is Dr. Michael Adornetto. He is located on Detroit Rd in Westlake. He is part of the Westshore Primary group . They also have an office just off of Center Ridge Rd in North Ridgeville, behind CVS as well as one in Avon on Hale St, behind the Goddard School. We love their dr. He is also a General Practioner so my husband and I can see him as well. The only reason that we drive to Westlake to see him is because he moved his new office out there. He use to be in NR. His nurses are very nice and Megan, his Admin. Asst., is fantastic. As for the other locations I have heard excellent things about Dr. Mona Patel in NR as well as Dr. Matthew Kacir in Avon. I hope that this helps you.
L.

TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS!!! A MOM KNOWS! My sister had been going to her doctor for years, etc....long story, short, she was convinced something was wrong w/ her daughter and the doctor dismissed everything she told him. She went to another and then another to be sure, and they both found the same thing...her daughter DID have medical issues of concern. I won't go into it, but the lesson here was that MOM' knew something just wasn't right. I really think a bad nurse is significant enough...IF there are multiple issues and it seems you have given the office enough chances to prove themselves! Why should your child suffer two extra days b/c someone at their office 'forgot' or was to lazy to call in your prescription. There are many great doctors out there; I think I'd trust your friends multiple recommendations and choose a new one! If nothing else maybe this will send a message to your current doc that he needs to get more or more reliable office help...and thus you'll be helping future patients!!

Being a mom who is very happy with her pediatrician and pediatrician's nurse and having grown up in a medical family, I'd recommend first bringing it up to the doctor at your next appointment.

Unfortunately, doctor's don't always see the same side of their nurses that patients see. Making the doctor aware of your feelings can only benefit the pediatrician's practice. The doctor might be loosing patients because of his nurse and not know that is the reason why. If the doctor doesn't really hear you then you know there will be no change in the 'service' the nurse gives you and you would be better served looking elsewhere. But if you bring this to the doctor's attention, then perhaps something would change.

I go to Pediatric Physicians in Hilliard. I love them! They will see your child anytime. Everyday before actual appts. they have sick appts that are first come, first serve incase they cant get your child in that day. I have never had to take my child to a sick appt because they always seem to get us in the same day. Also, if your child is really sick on Christmas Eve etc. If you call the Doctor on call they will set up a time to see you on Christmas day if you feel the child needs seen. I have had no complaints, and I have been with them for 3yrs now. B.

I'm sure you'll get swamped with advice, but I'd definitely change pediatricians immediately. If the people at the office give you any reason to hesitate to call them or leave you with any bad feelings, your children's health could be compromised. Go with your gut on this one--change docs. Have your records transferred over and plan to start with the new practice with your summer baby.

I can't recommend Olentangy Pediatrics highly enough. Dr. Randy Brown is amazing--and everyone I've met through sick visits and weekend trips has been fantastic.

Time to find a new doctor. I am a nurse and people like her give us a bad name. You could try complaining to the doctor as he is her employer. I would say she is burned out and needs to find other employment. Find out if other parents are having the same difficulty with her and band together. It is a shame if you like the doctor,but he can't be all that if he lets her run his business that way.
C.

I think I would give the other Dr's office a visit and see how you like them. Most offices will let you visit and do an "interview" with the Dr for no charge. I think it's so importa nt to be somewhere you are comfortable. I switched OBs when I was 6 months pregnant and it was a very tough choice for me to make but after I made it I was soooo glad that I did. Not calling in a prescription for 2 DAYS for a sick CHILD is inexcusable in my book. Do you really want someone with such an attitude dealing with 2 of your children?

I would say yes, it's definitely a reason to switch doctors. Before you do though, if you feel comfortable enough with the doctor I would suggest bringing the problems to his attention. You are probably not the only person experiencing these kinds of issues with the nurse. If not, then switching is probably the best idea. The nurse is your direct route to the doctor and if she isn't conveying the correct information to the doctor or doing her job it could put your children's health in jeopardy. I've worked for physicians for over 17 years and the doctor is only as good as the people that are working for him because that is who he relies on for his information. Good Luck!

You are not blowing it out of proportion!! Before switching I would talk to the doctor first. Give her one more chance, if nothing changes then I would change. If you do change, I would make sure that the doctor knows why. You are probably not the only mother that is going through this and nothing will change if the doctor knows nothing about it.

That is very rude and unprofessional of this nurse! You shouldn't put up with that. If I were you, I would let the Dr. know, go find another Dr. and don't let people treat you disrespectfully! Your children will benefit in the long run by example.
Two days to call in a prescription? Complaining about caring for your sick baby when that is her job? Come on! If I were you, I wouldn't let that "witch" put her hands on my child EVER again.
Congratulations on your baby on the way! I am sure you will find a new PED, ask your OB/GYN for a recommendation. That is how I found ours, he is wonderful!

To be honest I fell into that same place with my 1st pediatricians office, I really like the Dr but the so called nurses he had were just rude and unbecoming of what I call a nurse. I actually talked to the Dr behind closed doors and explained my delima with coming into the office. At that point the Dr. stated that his "charge nurse" was on a contract and couldn't just let her go. Then he gave me a few other names that he felt were as compentent as himeself, then said most Drs will help out in finding an office where the patient is comfortable.If you haven't spoken with the Dr himeself try next time, see if you explain how you feel if the Dr doesn't give you a little help. If not and he's happy with his nurse, it might be time to try and find a new Dr. Hope this helps you out,

B.

Could you speak with the doctor privately? Maybe he should be aware. You may not be the only one.
Otherwise by all means switch.
I had a problem with one of my doctor's nurses. Everytime she drew blood she broke the seal and air would cause it to dry. Well they were charging my insurance for all these exrta tests and when they refused to pay, I was sent a bill. I told them I was not paying for her mistakes and low and behold she was asked to leave. They were not aware and I wasn't the only one having trouble with it.

I think it is definitely a reason. Does not sound like she is going anywhere soon. You need to be comfortable calling and going in to your child's Dr. anytime. I had the same issue with my 1st and changed and have never looked back. Was the best decision for my family. I think my son was having ear issues, but I never called, because I hated the nurse and front office staff. New Dr. got him diagnosed and taken care of in the first month, so we all slept better. Do it now, before you have more kids.

About me. SAHM to a 6 yr boy, 4 year girl, and almost 3 yr boy.

A.,
I would talk to the dr and express your concerns. They are there for you and your needs, especially since you made the appointment 3 wks ago and it was to include shots. As far as the Rx called in 2 days late, that is unacceptable, whatever the reason you needed to get him in on a sick call warrents imediant attention, not 2 days later. I would talk to the dr and if you have any future issues i would look at switching....

That's insane! The dr probably doesn't even know how his patients feel about his nurse's care. If you really like him, I'd discuss it with him. I'm sure he'd find it completely unacceptable. If we perform poorly at our jobs, there are complaints/feedback to our superiors...that's how problems are addressed & corrected. If she's doing this to you, chances are the same is happening to other patients which could cause him to lose a LOT of patients. If I were him, I'd want to know.
BUT, I'm completely non-confrontational (big whimp). I'd just change practices...one with several dr's, evening hrs, weekend hrs...just in case. Nothing is worse than a dr taking 2 weeks of for vacation when he/she is the only one in a practice.
Good luck!

I think that it would be a good idea to change doctors. I had to change my sons doctor when he was little. I did not like the care that he was providing for my son. He did not seem like he was sure of what do to for him. I would change to another doctor. I would call and find out about the doctors history before you go with that certain doctor. I think the doctor he has now is a great doctor he knows what he is doing. I would not stay at that doctors office but I would call the doctor and tell them how you feel and why you are switching doctors offices.

I would make an appointment with the doctor and tell him about your recent issues. If you feel like he blows you off or makes excuses for her, get out quick!!! But, if he apologizes and says he will speak with her about it, give her one more chance to see if there really is a change or not. I hope you said something to her at the time, it certainly wasn't your fault the appointment was made on that day, as if you are supposed to know when she's busy?! But maybe she was just having a bad day.

Yes I think you should change pediatrician's. I have worked in a medical office (my degree is in Medical Assisting) and in my experience the nurse (and secretary) does most of the work. Yes the doctor sees the patient, but the nurse does the scheduling, handles the phone calls and does the vitals on the patients. If she has worked for this doctor for 15 years, she's probably not going to leave. I know if it was me, I wouldn't want to have to deal with her.
A little about me:
I am a SAHM of 3 kids-6 yr old girl, 4 yr old boy, and 16 month boy.
Good luck!

I understand that you like your pediatrician, however, there are way too many good doctors out there to have to put up with this nurse. I've not heard of too many offices that are so small! Doesn't sound like you have many choices when you go there. If you are in the Columbus area try Ohio Center for Pediatrics - Dr. Mary Beth Cass. There are actually 4 or 5 docs in this practice who are all very good although Dr. Cass is our fav! And whether you are a SAHM or working mother... all of our time is valuable!! A 2 day late prescription is unacceptable! Good luck!!

I would definitely switch doctors. THe nurse is also taking care of your child. Our older son was in the hospital when he was 20 months old and the nurser we not very nice. We had to do a lot of the care for my son. It was draining on me and my other family members. The nurse's attitude was not helpful to my son either. When taking our son's vitals they were irritated and flustered,because they were so busy. This caused my son to be agitated and then they would get annoyed with him. I was glad I could request a different nurse. You are your child's advocate and need to take him away from that negative presence. If she is so overwhelmed then maybe she should be willing to hire another nurse. The other option is to complain to the doctor about his nurse. I don't know if that helps you or not. I hope it does.

I would switch. Going to the Dr. is hard enough for kids and then if they have to have shots it's even worse. If the nurse is only going to complain and not treat your child good then i would change. We love our Dr's office and all the nurses. Good Luck.

A., Unfortunately after being in the medical field for over 15 years, a doctors staff can really dominate what happens in the office and often times without the doctor knowing because he is so busy. I would switch, but you caould also try sending him a letter "certified" and tell him about your experience and see if that helps. I would suggest comprehensive pediatrics in westlake, they have evening hours and appointment slots just for sick days for everyday and they are wonderful. About 6 or 7 doctors in the practice, women, men and a fantastic nurse practioner. ###-###-####.
Good Luck
T.

At the end of the day you are the consumer and seeing that you are paying his salary you should be completely satisfied. I take my daughter to Pediatrics of Akron near childrens on Locust street it is a big office with loads of Dr.s which is so nice because I can get an appt the same day if my daughter is unwell and they have sick appts on Sats check them out. Sounds like you could use more choices with your child's care. Good thing you are SAM i work and they pulled stuff like that on me I would be absolutely ticked off ! I need flexibility with Dr availablility

I am not sure where you live but here is my opinion. I take my daughter to Children's Hospital Physicians Associates in Green. I absolutely love the place. They have many different doctors and nurses and have no problem assigning a new nurse if you have a problem with one. I know it is hard to switch doctors you've become attached to but it may be the best choice in the long run. If you continue to feel uncomfortable with this nurse eventually your children may pick up on it. Taking your children to get shots is hard enough on you as it is and with the added stress from the nurse... who needs it? Good luck in whatever you choose. If you decide to stay with this doctor maybe sit down and discuss with him how uncomfortable his nurse is making you feel and maybe he'll talk to the nurse.

I am not sure where you are located but Suburban pediatrics in Mason, Ohio is awesome! Thier phone number is ###-###-####. I love all but one doctor there and we just make sure that we don't see him. All of the nurses have been great as well. I have two children that have been going there since birth.

Good Luck!

I think it is worth switching. Patients deal with the nurses more than the doctors. It's not your problem she's busy. In fact, it' s scary to think what kind of mistakes might be made because she is busy and by herself.

hi A.,

first of all this nurse sounds like a real winner and she should never have treated you like this in anyway what so ever. i would talk to the doctor and explain all your thoughts and treatment you have gotten from her and come right out and say you really like him as your child's doctor ,but if he does not talk to her about her actions you can no longer bring your child to see him or your new born because your children are your up most important part of your life and nothing else can stand in the way of how they are treated and your self when you have to see him for any reason. you deserve better treatment and i know it is really hard to find a doctor that you really like and trust or the children are comfortable going to. really maybe it is time for a change for the better. i have a great peds doctor his name is donald mcintire and i happen to get him through my obgyn when i was pregnant with my first son and i have three and i have had him and his nurse for almost 13 years and he has his practice with another doctor now but i happen to like them both and they work well with each other. if you happen to need a referral and his number and location i'd be glad to give it too you. well i hope you find peace in getting some answers you really need and put your kids first when finding out where you need to to be with your peds doctor. good luck, have a great day. C. from brownsburg,in

You may consider changing pediatricians. I really like my son's pediatrician group, it's close to St. Ann's. There are 7-9 doctors in the practice and they are all teaching doctors at Children's Hospital. We did a prenatal interview to find out if this is a good fit for us. They have nurses in triage that you can call on any issue about kids health. Of course, you will not be denied a visit to the doctor. The wait time is pretty low.

If you like the doctor, I would discuss with the doctor the issue with the nurse. Early on, I had questioned the mannerism of the one the medical assistants and issues with scheduling. So, I wrote a letter in detail and the pediatrician called me to discuss. We talked about it and it seemed to resolve okay. I am glad I wrote the letter...

Good Luck!

Talk to your doc about the nurse first. He probably has no idea.

You betcha she is worth changing pediatricians over. Your children nor you deserve that. All of us have bad days and all of us need to be professional and nurturing in public situations.
Go with you gut on this one. Having another child means you would be in that ofice twice as much. With the new baby is the perfect time to switch. Do the leg work now and schedule meet and greets with several reccomended pediatricians in your area.
Good luck!

Why don't you talk to the doctor about it, see what he has to say.

Hi A.. I have had nurse "issues" as well and I am thinking about doing the same thing. I guess it all boils down to if you think the doc is worth the hassle. I will be switching soon! Good Luck!
C. R.

The nurse was completely unprofessional. She is welcome to take issue with the receptionist (or whomever scheduled the appt), but she shouldn't express her frustration to you. How were you supposed to know she doesn't like doing shots on Wednesdays?

If you really like the doctor, you may want to discuss your concerns with him. If I was him, I would want to know that my nurse if causing me to lose a patient.

If you're not overly tied to the doctor, now would be a good time to switch to a new practice.

I work in healthcare so I can kind of see where the nurse is coming from. Prescriptions get called in late because just like with your job (SAHM) you get busy. she shouldn't have told you about you being a hassle because it obviously wasn't your fault but the person that scheduled you.
If you really like the doctor and feel he is a good doctor you may want to reconsider switching, if it bothers you enough, it's your choice.

Dear A.,
I do not think you are blowing it out of proportion.
You should switch before your new baby comes.
If it were me, I would write your present doctor a letter stating why you are switching, because anyone who provides a service needs to know when their staff causes such concerns as you have described.
When I was pregnant with my 5th child, I was going to a new doctor (OB) because my previous doctor had retired, and the nurse who weighed me intimated that I might consider having an abortion!
I really liked this doctor, but I was appalled and I cried for 3 days before I called him and explained what had happened and told him that I could not continue in his care if that was the atmosphere in his practice.
I found another doctor whom I liked and she cared for me then and in my 6th pregnancy.
Believe me, you do not need to have to deal with the nurse's attitude, in other words, you do not need to add that stress to your life!
Best wishes!

If you really like the doctor, I would let him know about your issues and let him know that you're thinking of leaving his practice because of it. His response will let you know what your next step should be...

It could be that he's gotten several complaints and needs to fire her. It could be that he needs to hire a second nurse. Or it could simply be that the nurse had a couple of bad days (which we all have) and you unfortunately caught her on those days. However, if he gets defensive and is not receptive to your complaints, definitely leave.

As a side note, my dad fired his nurse of 20 years when he found out other nurses in the practice were leaving because of her...

I had a simular problem and as a nurse for 14 yrs. I cannot believe what the office staff can get away with. My suggestion is-- Does you Dr. own his practice or is it owned by a corp.? When you pay you co pay or recieve info is it his name? I would write a VERY SPECIFIC letter to whom ever signs this nurses check and be sure to include dated and times. They are not doing you a favor, you pay and pay very well I might add for their services and she is no professional. Every place I have ever worked we would have been fired for unprofessionalism, OBTW I left that dr.... :)

I think if you feel even a little uncomfortable or put out you should switch doctors.

Have you discussed this issue with the Dr.? This is horrendous treatment and as patients we are basically advocates for our own healthcare. We see a wonderful Dr. in Greenwood, if you are not too far let me know I'll be happy to give you her info! To answer your question point blank, you are NOT blowing this out of proportion I would say Buh-Bye to Nurse Ratchet!!!

Not sure where you live, but we have been with Northpoint Pediatrics (NE Side w/offices in Castleton and Fishers) for over 14 years.

First off if you really don't want to switch doctors, try in tell the doctor about the problem that you are having with his nursing staff. And explain to the doctor that you really don't want to have to leave his practics but you will not tolarate there ignorance. hope this will work

That is horrible!!!!

I have to say it seems some nurses are just in it for the money which is very sad.

I love the practice that we go to. My son is 10 and has Celiac disease and I have a 1 year old daughter. They also have a wonderful lactation consultant on staff and on call if you plan to breast feed.

It is Anderson Hills pediatric and they have 2 locations.

The only problem is I don't think they are taking new patients right now but I would request to be put on a waiting list for when they open it up again.

Good Luck!