How to make a family members follow up appointment I want to be told by the front desk today but once you're established with a provider, you are not allowed to switch to a different provider. Unfortunately, we did not feel click with the original person seeing and we're wanting follow up with the doctor that was seen in the hospital who took excellent care of us. Make sure you use this place that you know for sure you want that doctor because you will not be able to change to a different doctor as it is company policy. read more

The Austin Regional Clinic does not have any pulmonologists, but they referred me here. It was a six week wait, which was not ideal, since I was super sick and didn't know why, but they said the only exceptions to wait time were if you had cancer or were coughing blood so....I waited. When I made it there, they were prompt, professional, and knowledgeable. I have a followup appointment in six weeks. read more

I don't like being lied to, especially when it puts my health at risk. The scheduling department is not only unprofessional, but unethical as well. Blatantly lied to me about scheduling "rules." I won't trust this place with anything anymore. read more

I just moved from Florida to Texas in the fall of 2020. I had a very good pulmonologist in Florida. Originally from Minnesota. I was diagnosed with COPD about 15 years ago and already had moderately severe emphysema at that time 15 years ago. I had quit smoking about 25 years ago. It has now progressed over that time to stage 4, end stage. It is a struggle every day. I also have Alpha-1. When I arrived in Texas I began a search for a highly rated Lung Doctor and I selected Dr. Sean Gilbey based on his online reviews which were good and his proximetry to me. I made my first appointment. Then I got a call from their service I that I needed to reschedule the first appointment. So I called back left a message to call me back. No one ever did! I called them a second time left a message and no response again. Then 2-3 days before the appointment I got an email confirming my reservation. So I assumed maybe they was no longer a need to change the appointment. Well I went to the appointment and was informed the doctor was not in and they called  and told the appointment was cancelled. I let it slide but did point out the scheduling issues with Gilbey. Did they ever fix it? I was struggling so in April, 2021 I went in an saw Dr. Gilbey's PA. They got me set up with a portable Inogen Oxygen concentrator. Then I went to see Gilbey about 3 weeks later. During that appointment I explained that I saw very little benefit with the Inogen. I really didn't know how to use it. And still don't believe I got any insight or  understanding of how to use the Inogen and was not provided any guidance except set to 2 and use 24/7. It didn't all of a sudden make me feel good. It was in my opinion a little help but very little. Also Gilbey had me on Trelogy a three drug disk inhaler. During my visit I also questioned Dr Gilbey about Trelogy because with Alpha 1 which I have it attacks particulates that get in the lungs damaging the lungs. All these inhaled drugs are powders. His answer was "it knows it's medicine so it won't attack my lungs", seriously I'm not a six year old? So during this visit, Gilbey gave me two choices go to therapy or a hospice.  He also made a comment about my high blood pressure. They had gotten a reading of 162/92 at this visit. So he made some comment about my blood high pressure and I pointed out that was an abnormal reading for me. I am normally and consistently about 120/75. Like clock work. He checked previous reading and confirmed my BP. Why was this? I think they took my BP too  quickly after bringing me to the examination room and didn't give a me a chance to stabilize. I was out of breath and struggling when they did that. I don't think this is SOP. So for all the above reasons, I no longer see Dr. Gilbey and have no plans to return. BTW I have quit using Trelogy prescribed by Gilbey. I am only using Anoro-Ellipta which I was using before Trelogy. And I feel so much better. After all this I must say I was disappointed with and have decided not to return to Dr. Gilbey. read more

A year ago when I came to this clinic for the first time I thought my doctor, Dr. Patel, was alright. The nurse checking me in though wasn't rude, but something felt really off about how she talked to me, like I was inconveniencing her. The staff in general seemed exhausted and tense, which was a red flag. During my visit I had recalled some incorrect details about my patient history as a child, which for some reason weren't on my forms that I sent over before my visit. I had a CT scan scheduled after my first visit, and I was told that the results were normal. I was diagnosed with exercise induced asthma, and paid way too much for my inhaler that were prescribed to me afterward ($300 for 1 inhaler). But I don't blame the pulmonologist for this since this is falls on my insurance. I had visited this practice again months later for a follow up, and by that point I had clarification about my patient history, but Dr. Patel still insisted I had exercise induced asthma. He prescribed me a different inhaler and showed me which ones were covered by my insurance, but of course, the prices weren't listed because that depends on the insurer. He also gave me a list of inhalers we could try for my diagnosis. So once he prescribed me a new inhaler and I went to pick it up from my pharmacy, it was once again too expensive, so I called back to see if he could prescribe me another one, and this is where my main complaints start. The receptionist I talked to said that I had to be the one to pick an inhaler from the list of inhalers I was given, call my insurance to check if it was covered, then call the clinic back to send in a prescription for the inhaler I chose. This receptionist sounded unnaturally upbeat while the entire time I was explaining to them how upset I was about this, and not once did they offer anything to help me. I'm not the doctor, so how am I supposed to know which inhaler to pick of the list they gave me? The doctor literally showed me he had a list of which ones were already covered with my insurance on his laptop so this was also unnecessary work for me. He could have easily picked another inhaler to send to my pharmacy to pick up. I've talked to other people who have gone to other pulmonologists and they said their doctors would pick a different inhaler for their patients and send the prescription to their pharmacy if one was too expensive, so to me, this signals that the practice does not care to do the work for their patients. I found a much better practice and doctor shortly afterwards where they not only told me that I was misdiagnosed with exercise induced asthma and had a different disease altogether, but Dr. Patel and anyone else who looked at my CT scan completely missed that there was a hole in my cartilage from my CT scan. I'm never coming back, and my recommendation is to stay away from this clinic and pick another one altogether. read more

Does anybody actually work here? It's 2022 and it still amazes me that supposedly established businesses with multiple employees can't manage to pick up the phone for a simple appointment. Based on other reviews it seems like this is a persistent problem. Get it together. read more

I have been struggling for almost 3 years with shortness of breath and chronic cough, as well as lungs always be so wheezy that I myself could hear every time I took a breath. I saw Dr. Sahan Patel. He has always showed concern and if he can't figure something out he just doesn't drop the ball. He won't quit till he does. I have had many Dr's that have said, 'I just don't know', and they send you walking. He is also available if you need him. His office staff is very attentive to the patient portal or if you call with concerns.They get back yo you right away. I give them kudos also. Especially Cristina.She is excellent about returning calls and relaying your concerns to Dr. Patel. read more

May you never need a pulmonologist, but if one day you need one or someone you love does, then I firmly believe that there isn't one better than Dr. Sean Gilbey at Austin Pulmonary Consultants. I have been sick on and off with various lung infections since 1998. I saw a pulmonologist at the Beth Israel Medical center in Boston for a year before I moved here after I coughed up blood. They diagnosed me with bronchiectasis, but never looked for an underlying cause. I was stuck in a never-ending cycle of getting really sick, getting put on antibiotics, feeling better for a short time and then getting sick all over again. And to make a ridiculously long, painful and frustrating medical story short, it wasn't until I came to Austin and got very sick that I saw Dr. Gilbey and they found the root cause of my medical problems. I was diagnosed with an atypical Cystic Fibrosis, something that is pretty rare. If he had not so tirelessly looked for answers, then we never would've figured it out. When I saw him, I was down to 88lbs and getting seriously ill every 3-4 months. I was losing weight, missing work, exhausted, out of breath and in general frustrated. He did every test he could and didn't stop until he had the answer. And now that he has it, his treatment has been proactive and consistent. He is excellent about explaining things to me like I am a human being and for the first time in ten years, I am finally feeling much better. In addition, in at least one instance for me in dealing with insurance and hospital policy hell, he went above and beyond what is expected of a doctor. I have seen a lot of doctors over the years and there isn't one I've trusted as much as doctor Gilbey. read more

I have been on a hard journey with copd. I finally wound up in the hands of Austin Pulminary, and I am forever greatful. The entire staff seems to wish nothing but the best for me, they go out of their way to assist me in my needs. Dr Wm. Bartek has given me such gentle and thorough care. His nurse practicioneer, Melani Dayal is beyond competent, she's a jewel. When I am getting sick, they quickly treat me, so no hospitalizations so far from exerbation, and that is wonderful. You could not be in better hands. read more

I'm quite sure the docs at this practice are good, but I am surprised that they ever have any new patients. For two weeks in a row I have tried to schedule an appointment. The first time I called I was trying to speak when the scheduler screamed "referral or records?". I was quite appalled and didn't know why she was screaming this at me. They won't book an appointment without a referral or records. I don't need a referral as a have a PPO. I had my records sent over last Thursday. Today I called a again and was yelled at again by another scheduler. I explained that my records were sent over last Thursday (a week ago). She told me they never received them within about 2 seconds. She said she checked all the faxes. There is no way she could have done that in 2 seconds. She said to have them sent again. I said that I wondered how they could match them up when I don't even have an appt. yet nor am I a patient yet. She basically admitted that faxes get lost and their machines malfunction (who still uses a fax anyway?) I got off the phone and cried. They are horrible. I'm not even seriously ill like some who have reviewed. I just have some minor issues I need to see a pulmo for. Again, I'm sure the docs are great and would be APALLED at the way their front office staff is literally abusing people that are trying to make appointments. read more

I personally had a good appointment once with Dr. Sean Gilbey although I had to wait quite awhile for it. Tried to get my husband in & after appointment was scheduled Dr. Gilbey had a family emergency and was going to be gone about 6 weeks & I literally could not make an appointment with anyone else (this was a few months ago) because they were all booked up & will not do a waiting list (suggested I call every day!). Then, a week ago, my husband landed in St. David's South with pneumonia. His discharge papers said he should make a followup appointment with Dr. Sapan Patel at this office. Dr. Patel was listed as his consulting physician at St. David's (tho I don't believe my husband saw him in person but he was pretty sick & may not have realized but my understanding was that Dr. Patel would have his records). I have called 3 times. Twice I left messages with lots of details & my phone number. The other time I called at 4:33 & got the answering service (they don't close until 5:00???) I understand they may be overbooked & busy but this is very poor customer service and I have no idea how to get through to them & get a call back. I have read a number of reviews that mention how difficult it is to get call backs. Pretty discouraged. read more

I saw Dr. Laura Gilbey in 2016 for evaluation after having some chest xrays that caused some concern for my primary care doctor. No problem getting an appointment and Dr. Gilbey was very nice and reviewed the xrays and assured me all was good. 2017 I contracted Bronchitis and was having some difficulty getting over it, so I called for an appointment and was able to see Allison Chapman, Nurse Practioner. Ms. Chapman took a very detailed history of what had occured in the previous 2 weeks, examined me and provided an additional inhaler and instructions on using the medicines I had received from my primary care doctor. I was very relieved and grateful to have her help with a situation that was becoming frightening. I was seen at the West Parmer location and everyone there from the receptionist to the medical assistants and Nurse Chapman were all very helpful and friendly, I would highly recommend Dr. Gilbey and all her staff at Austin Pulmonary. read more

I had my first visit here this week and I am so glad to finally have a pulmonary doctor in South Austin. I saw Dr. Sean Gilby and he seemed very efficient as was the office staff. read more

Was in the hospital twice over the past weekend and was told I need to see a pulmonary specialist within the next 2 weeks. I called this office and was told I wouldn't be seen until September, it didn't matter that I was in the hospital to the receptionist who otherwise didn't seem to care at all. I was then told I could get the hospital to fax over my paperwork and the doctor MIGHT look at it and MIGHT determine if I was "important enough" to be seen before September. After calling up the hospital to fax over the paperwork we were told that the office needed to request it first. Called up the office again, was put on hold for 5 minutes, transferred between two different people, and then was finally told I needed to come in and sign some forms before they could do that. So they expect me to drive all around town to get paperwork sent over, that they MIGHT look at and MIGHT decide if I'm important enough for? I called up another pulmonary specialist and after explaining that I was in the hospital, got me an appointment for next week. I will never recommend to anyone to try and get an appointment with Austin Pulmonary Consultants after the way I was treated this morning. read more

Persistent cough for months, shortness of breath. Dr. Laura Gilbey went above and beyond to find the diagnosis. I would recommend Dr. Gilbey....excellent bedside manner, very professional. Love the friendly office staff, prompt attention and ease of scheduling appointments. Would recommend all of the pulmonologists...as I have also seen Dr. Matt Anderson and Dr. Thaw Sint. read more

I've been seeing Dr. Gilbey and his nurse practitioner for 7 years. They've always been kind and helpful. I have extremely bad allergies which effect my asthma and they both do everything they can to make sure I'm taken care of. Even when I have a minor flare they do what needs to be done to make sure it doesn't get worse. And if It does I can get an appointment with either one of them quickly just in case. The staff has always been so kind and very helpful. I drive all the way from Manor to make sure I can see the best staff. I'm going to miss this office when I move. read more

I was referred by my Primary Care Physician, Dr. Nandini Kohli (who always is awesome). I was able to get an appointment with Dr. William Bartek the next week. I have always been treated with the utmost care and courtesy by his entire staff. If Dr. Bartek is ever unavailable to see me because he is at the hospital or out of town, his APN Melani Dayal will see me or return my calls if I only need a qyestion answered or a prescription filled. I am sorry to hear about others who have had bad experiences. I can only guess that perhaps there were miscommucations somewhere along the line. I wonder if their experiences were at the north Austin location. I go to the south Austin location because the first time I called for an appointment at the north office, I would not be able to be seen for 2 weeks since two of their doctors were out of town. It doesn't matter south or north because I take the bus. Perhaps others might want to try Dr Bartek at the Wm. Cannon location. He is wonderful and I trust him with my life. Literally. read more

Poor bedside manner. Was forced to use them after I ended up in the er for pneumonia. Then got really sick coughing up blood two months later to be told that they couldn't see me until January! I ended up back in the er and was admitted to the hospital. My doctor was in the hospital the whole time and never once came to my room to check up on me or be involved with my care. The attending doctor, while I was admitted the 2nd time, dr. Michael Warner was awesome. He went above and beyond to make me feel like a person. I cannot say that for anyone else here. After I was discharged, I called an asked to switch physicians because a) she didn't have time to see me and b) I was very disappointed in the lack of attention I received and the fact she was in the hospital THE WHOLE TIME scooping up new patients than taking care of her existing ones. All of a sudden when I asked to change doctors, she had availability to see me. Despite this, they claim it's office policy to be stuck with a doctor you do not feel takes care of your needs. I believe this is illegal as well. Either way, no one returns calls nor is there a way to contact someone who knows what they are talking about. It's a shame that there are not more pulmonologists in Austin. If you have a choice, choose somewhere else. read more

My husband loved Dr Bartek and this office but when he needed them most, they were not there for him. I called the office to let them know that my husband was in ICU with pneumonia but no one ever called me back or came by the hospital to check on him. He subsequently passed away. Then I receive a letter from this office for a missed appointment and how important his health was to their office. Needless to say, this was a knife in my heart. When I called to let them know why he missed the appointment, I spoke to a very unempathetic person. Poor and uncaring office staff for my husband who was a great and generous patient for this office. read more

Have been seeing Dr. Laura Gilbey for maintenance care of COPD for last 3 years, but it wasn't until a few weeks ago that I had need of acute care, and that was a joke at Austin Pulmonary. Over the course of this COPD flare-up, when I was having trouble breathing, couldn't lay down to sleep, constant coughing, etc., I never once was able to see Dr. Gilbey. Instead the "care" I received was from a nurse practitioner, who under-medicated me and consequently the whole episode got way worse. This office doesn't even have the capability of giving steroid shots. The office staff was rude and unhelpful. I had to beg for another appointment with the nurse. Her prescription for a nebulizer which I needed immediately was sent to a medical supply company (why?) who didn't deliver it until late that evening, and would not deliver the medication until the next Monday. Attempts to enlist the help of the doctor on call were fruitless (3 calls). Eventually, I did get better, but will never put myself in this vulnerable position again. If you ever need care for a COPD flare-up, or anything else that makes you sick and vulnerable, stay away from this place. read more