Please see previous review below for further info...Recently, I made the mistake of giving this practice one last opportunity. I had hoped that with the practice changing locations, maybe there would be a change in staff or at least Dr. Natividad would maybe have more control over how her staff represents her practice. I should have stuck with my own advice.
Not only has it been a huge challenge to ever get in touch with a doctor or a nurse, the office staff actually attempts to provide medical advice in lieu of following through with ensuring the doctor (or nurse) contacts the patient. Don't even get me started on being able to see anyone in the practice if I'm sick--I had given up on seeing Dr. Natividad due to her never being available, but I haven't even been able to see a nurse/one of her peers when sick. Furthermore, echoing my original review--the staff lacks any level of professionalism, kindness, or understanding--and expanding on that: YOU WORK WITH PEOPLE. PEOPLE--MOSTLY SICK PEOPLE--ARE YOUR CUSTOMER BASE. If you hate working with the patients--THE CUSTOMERS of the practice--then GET OUT OF THE CUSTOMER SERVICE BUSINESS. You have to answer the phone. You have to relay and address patient requests.
You have to see patients on a daily basis. You have to have manners. You can't talk about the patient's medical issues to your co-worker (hello, HIPAA laws), and especially should have the better sense to do so while the patient is still in earshot. You can't fax the patient someone else's paperwork and then laugh about it when I call to let you know I received someone else's file including her social security number and lab results. It's not funny, and it's illegal, whether or not intentional. Please take more pride in your work. I have rarely encountered such poor customer service, manners, and tact in a business. I would think that with Dr. Natividad being so caring and kind that it would either rub off on her staff, or that she would at least have the forethought to hire people who effectively represent her. I'm not sure if the staff is under-trained, poorly educated on customer service, or just miserable in general, but regardless of the reason there is no excuse for one human to speak rudely to another human. At least do the bare minimum to be polite, even if it is fake.
Dr. Natividad, I have tried on numerous occasions to speak with you directly regarding my patient chart as well as your staff. I'm not sure if you have not received the messages, or maybe are too busy to follow-up, but please be aware of the many reviews here and understand what your staff is doing to your business and professional image. I'm sorry, but I can no longer recommend your services to anyone, even with the disclaimer regarding your staff. The interactions have just gotten too unprofessional, beyond rude/brash/short (I can think of many other words), and frankly nearly ridiculous for an organization that works with people and should be focused on providing a positive patient experience.
Previous review
The good--Dr Natividad herself is kind, caring, and attentive.
Although the doctor should be all that matters in a medical practice, unfortunately the other reviewers are absolutely correct and her staff ruins the experience.
First, even though Dr. Natividad has been my "GP" for three years, I have never been able to see her for a sick visit. What is the point of having a doctor if her staff won't allow you to see her when you are sick?! The three times I have called with something serious, the front desk staff members have said "just go to urgent care." If I wanted to go to urgent care, I would go to urgent care and wouldn't bother seeing a doctor who knows my medical history on a regular basis. I find this exceptionally frustrating and it is my main reason for finally leaving Dr. Natividad. I need a doctor that I can count on in the event of a non-ER medical ailment. Not to mention, insurance covers sick visits but does not cover urgent care visits.
Secondly, other reviewers are accurate when describing the rudeness and unhelpfulness of the front desk staff. At no time should medical office staff make a patient feel uncomfortable and unwelcome. They talk about patients clearly enough for individuals in the waiting room to hear very personal information. They are there for social hour and that seems to be it. Once, they faxed me someone else's medical history and personal lab results. When I called to let them know, they said "sorry, that happens sometimes." It took 8 weeks for me to get a call back about my results that I had been waiting on at that time. Each time I would call, the staff would say "we haven't had time to have her call you." If you have received someone's bloodwork back, and have had it for a month, you could have asked the doctor to call her patient back.
Other things add to the negative experience, but not worth mentioni read more