I did not end up delivering with this office because my baby came too quickly, so I can only speak…read moreto the care I received during pregnancy.
My biggest issue was the front desk. Every single time I went in, the staff was rude, dismissive, and unhelpful. Appointments they claimed were scheduled were not actually booked, which created unnecessary stress and confusion. I constantly had to advocate for myself because no one clearly explained what appointments I was there for or what was supposed to happen next.
The insurance issues were also a nightmare. I am a veteran and receive maternity care through the VA. Their office spoke directly with my VA maternity care coordinator, yet I still had problems with my insurance at almost every visit. Instead of trying to help or find a solution, the attitude I got was basically, "Sorry, nothing we can do." That is unacceptable, especially when dealing with a pregnant patient in a vulnerable position.
Toward the end of my pregnancy, I actually started canceling appointments because going into that office caused me more stress than reassurance. There were days I left in tears. The front desk staff showed no empathy, no professionalism, and no willingness to do anything beyond the bare minimum.
As for Dr. Bruce, I did not have major issues with him personally, but I did feel dismissed at times. I understand insurance and front desk problems are not directly his job, but they are happening in his office, under his name. When I brought up issues, I did not feel like anyone cared enough to address them.
I also had extremely severe varicose veins during pregnancy. Dr. Bruce did not seem very concerned, and I had to push to get a referral. When I finally saw the vein specialist, she was very concerned and told me they were the worst veins she had seen in about 20 years.
Overall, I left this office feeling unsupported, dismissed, and stressed during one of the most vulnerable times of my life. I wish the people working there cared more about the type of care they are supposed to be providing. Pregnancy is already overwhelming. Patients should not have to fight the front desk, fight insurance confusion, and fight to be taken seriously at every visit.