Sandra Shaeffer

Review of Arizona Community Physicians

I found a new doctor in the ACP network about seve...

I found a new doctor in the ACP network about seven weeks ago that found things wrong with me that my previous doctor didn't. He referred me to three specialist (a cardiologist, an endocrinologist, and a lipidologist) and sent me for lab work and scans. All in the ACP network. I thought he was being thorough. However....I found the office staff at the cardiologist and endocrinologist offices were condescending, rude, unorganized and disinterested in patient care. At the Cardiologist Office: The staff members continued their personal conversation for 5 minutes while I was waiting at the window. I now know way too much about their personal life. They cancelled my appointment without any notice. When I complained, the office person told me "I don't see why your getting so upset." I complained that the new Rx he gave was interfering with my sleep and was dismissed and given a new Rx for double the dose of the same medication. The Pharmacist told me a lot of people had complained about the same problem with this medication. When I called and requested the cardiologist call me back, I was told he doesn't talk to patients. Really! At the Endocrinologist Office: After waiting five weeks to see the endocrinologist, I arrived for my appointment on time and was told they didn't take my insurance (I already verified that they were contracted with my insurance company before I made the appointment). I asked the staff member to check with someone else and she came back and said they did take my insurance. Then I waited in the lobby 98 minutes past my appointment (without talking to anyone) before I was taken back to see the nurse who took my vitals. The doctor was very nice, but rushed as it was now after 6:00 and the office was closed. I cancelled my appointment with the lipidologist. After the cardiologist told me he gets a lot of referrals from my doctor, I came to the conclusion that some of the doctors in the Arizona Community Physicians network send you to specialists and order tests you don't really need. I realize everyone needs to make money, but what happens to caring about patients? I am going through all of my bills and Explanation of Benefits at the moment to make sure my insurance company and I are not being billed for services not rendered. I have no trust left in ACP.