After trying a highly recommended pediatrician for my infant son, we were less than pleased with the level of care, so I decided to switch to Dr. Martin, or well...TRY to. He came highly recommended by several friends/neighbors and so I inquired about becoming a patient. We were told, sorry he's not taking new patients UNLESS your child has siblings that are patients OR he took care of your son as a newborn. My stepchildren are patients and I let them know this. The office manager Misty, proceeded to discourage me, telling me that 1. wait times would be awful, he's so booked and busy and 2. informed me that "well, your stepchildren have only been here once, and they aren't even brought in for annual exams"...so they don't get sick much, how is that relevant here? Nor is that under my control! So she said she'd check with Dr. Martin and see if we could be brought in as a patient.
I received this email from her this morning.
From: info@alliance-peds.com [mailto:info@alliance-peds.com]
Sent: Monday, March 04, 2013 6:16 AM
To: *******************
Subject: RE: New Patient
Erin,
I spoke with Dr. Martin and he is not accepting new patients right now. Your reasons to get in with him should have been the same prior to your child being born less than 6 months ago. We hope you can find a office to meet yours and your child's' needs.
Thank you,
Misty
SERIOUSLY? My reasoning? Clearly this Dr is an ego-maniac and can't stand that we went elsewhere first. I have always tried to do what's best for my son, and it's simply ridiculous that we were denied as a patient because our reasoning now is because we werent happy with our first pediatrician. Had we received recommendations of Dr. Martin at the time of selecting a Ped, we'd have gone there, but our current Dr was recommended time and time again, so in an effort to do what was best for my son, who was a high risk pregnancy and after having multiple losses myself, AND being new to Keller...I just went with that person. NOW, after being in Keller longer, meeting new people, Dr. Martin was recommended and I really wanted to be a patient of his, and it made sense logistically too since our other children are patients. (we share custody).
Really unfortunate as I had thought over the weekend I might try out another Dr in his practice but now, I will take my business elsewhere. Must be nice to be so "full" that you can take this attitude and approach with prospective clients/patients. read more