09/14/09

Looking for an impatient, brush-you-off kind of doctor?

by GCHutch

When I was pregnant (a little over a year ago) I had my thyroid levels come back slightly "off" during a routine screening at my OB. My OB sent me to Dr. Scumpia for further testing. The woman at the lobby desk was not very friendly- so I was not impressed from the beginning. Then the nurse took me back to a room- and did the preliminary questions and all, and she was friendly enough. I then waited for about 25 minutes in the room, I told myself it was worth it, because I was seeing a thyroid SPECIALIST, who would hopefully give me some answers. Wrong. Dr. Scumpia finally comes in- is NOT friendly at all, and already seems like she wants me out of her hair. She asks me a couple questions that the nurse had already asked- and then completely dismissed EVERY concern I had! She told me that thyroid levels often change slightly, due to the hormones produced during pregnancy- and that it was nothing to worry about. She wasn't even going to do lab work...until I told her I really would like to get another lab done, because I have a family history of thyroid issues- and have had problems with suspected hypoglycemia all my life. Then she hesitantly agreed to run a test, but made sure to tell me again that she "wasn't worried at all about the results." So, that was it- and she sent me to the lab. The woman in the lab was equally cold and after making no conversation with me, I checked out and left.

The other thing that was really unprofessional, was that I never even received my lab RESULTS! I had totally forgotten about it, but I don't think it should be my job to call them and ask for my results.

After my child was born, I was never able to breastfeed adequately, and after doing extensive research on my own- I have found that thyroid problems can cause inadequate milk supply....ugh. Yeah, "nothing to be concerned about"....needless to say, I am now in the process of finding a GOOD endocrinologist.

• Pros: The nurse was friendly enough
• Cons: Dr. Scumpia

07/22/09

Finally had enough

by labrat

Family has beeen going to office for three years. Our primary care doctor warned us against this office but we did not listen. Have only seen the doctor twice, but we were fine with this because the PAs were thorough. However, in the last year several things have caused us to change doctors: (1) charges for emergency medical exam (this was for a reg office visit and only saw the PA - however ins was charged $415 for emerg visit??) (2) pressure by staff for scheduling an ultracound that primary care physician and ourselves felt was unnecessary - felt it was just another method to bill ins co; (3) they will not give you normal lab results that have been paid for by co-pay and ins company. Wanted info for my primary care doctor appt and for my records; however, could only get results if I made another appt. ($$) Supposedly, if you do not hear from them, we're suppose to assume that everything is OK. The last time I followed this premise in a different office, I found out 6 months later at my followup that I had cancer. We finally decided that we had enough....

• Pros: Initially doctor was very knowledgeable
• Cons: rude office staff; rarely see doctor

07/17/09

Wish I Would've Seen This 4 Years Ago!

by lewissh3

If I could give this place negative stars I would, I have been coming here for about 4 yrs now and I've probably seen Dr. Scumpia for about 5 min at the most! During the most recent 60 sec encounter I had just had my baby and was supposed to meet with a nutritionist during the visit. Instead in rushes Scumpia who babbled on about no longer having a nutritionist, that I should go on the South Beach Diet and the -poof- she was gone again before I could even say a word! Now I'm out of Synthroid and they denied my prescription refill request. No doubt because they haven't gotten any $$$ from me in the past 6 mons. The drive is too long and the service is poor so I won't be going back....ever. My advice to those needing an Endocrinologist is to keep looking!

• Pros: nothing comes to mind
• Cons: lack of physician oversight, customer service