We just moved to the area from out of state and needed to find a new pediatrician for my 2 year old. I found Dr. Katz based on other reviews and I'm glad I did! He is very personable and answered all of my questions. After he learned we were new to the area, he even took the time to name some local attractions and places that we might enjoy with our daughter. 5 stars for Dr. Katz!
However, I have to deduct a star for some of the office and other associated staff. I know Mercy/Dignity is a large group and in our short time here we've experienced several instances of poor communication. Specifically Mercy's left hand doesn't know what it's right hand is doing.
1. When I first made the appointment over the phone, I asked how I would go about getting my daughters records transferred to them. She told me I would have to wait until our first appointment and fill out a form there. When I got to the office I asked about this, and the front office staff gave me the form but implied this should have been completed ahead of time and when I mentioned I only had the phone number for her old office, I was told they would "try" to get the info they needed...well, ok then. This was a couple of weeks ago and I haven't heard if their effort to "try" has succeeded or not.
2. During her appointment I asked about flu shots. Dr. Katz said they didn't have them in quite yet, but I could check with the front office staff to schedule an appointment for an upcoming flu shot clinic. I asked about this when I checked out, and the response I received was a very flippant, "THEY told you to ask ME about that?" Um, yes. He did. The girl briefly asked another girl up front about it. She said there was "an email somewhere about that." So, I obviously never got that scheduled.
3. Last but not least, I tried to sign my daughter up for their online heath records account. I was told in the office that I needed to sign up as well since she is a minor. I am not a patient of Mercy, but I was told they could sign me up under Dr. Katz, and then I could add my daughter. So, I filled out two forms - one for me and one for her. I received a voicemail yesterday from someone saying they never received my form so they could not sign my daughter up. They left no phone number to call back. I called the main number, and talked to someone who gave me a different phone number. He told me I would be able to sign her up over the phone. I call that number today, and was told I need to fill out the paperwork in person. Like I already did. But apparently no one has that form and frankly, it's not worth another trip to the office to start this merry-go-round over again. We'll try again next year, or at the flu shot clinic. Oh wait, no one apparently knows anything about that either.
Long story short, Dr. Katz is worth these minor frustrations. As long as he's there, I imagine we will keep him as our pediatrician for years to come. read more