I was referred to Dr. Colato at Central Texas Heart by my PCP, but unfortunately, my experience with the office was incredibly disorganized and disappointing.
Before my scheduled appointment, I had to visit the ER. While hospitalized, I was seen by Dr. Gutierrez, who was the cardiologist on call. After discharge, I was contacted to schedule a follow-up and was told I would be seeing Dr. Colato's PA. However, I was instead scheduled with Dr. Gutierrez's PA.
I waited in the office for over an hour, only to be told that I would need to be rescheduled for later that same day. When I asked why I was being seen by the wrong provider, the nurse stepped out to ask, came back, and told me I couldn't be seen by Dr. Colato's team after all because I was seen by Gutierrez in the hospital. I was finally scheduled with Dr. Colato.... or so I thought.
The day before that appointment, I received a call that it was being canceled because "Dr. Colato was not accepting new patients." This directly contradicted what my PCP's office had in their records. When I called to speak to a manager, they confirmed that Dr. Colato was accepting new patients, but it would be up to him to approve a transfer from Dr. Gutierrez's care. No apologies or resolutions given.
While dealing with ongoing cardiac symptoms and feeling very anxious, I was passed around like a game of hot potato. It was incredibly frustrating to feel like no one in the office had clear communication or genuine concern for my care.
The doctors themselves may be excellent.... I can't say, because I never got far enough to find out. But based on my experience with the front office, scheduling, and communication, I can't trust that this clinic would provide the care I blieve I need.
This was my experience, and I give this office a failing grade due to poor communication, lack of empathy, and confusing internal policies. I hope others have better luck, but I won't be going back. read more
