I moved to Naples 2 years ago with my 3 children: an infant, a toddler, and a preschooler. Finding a pediatrician was quite a challenge. We tried a few places, and left due to various issues: their schedule was too booked, the distance was too far, and one Dr. we loved switched to concierge service right after we decided we loved her (Dr. Kelly Fontana, I'm talking about you! You were our fave!). A few women in the Naples mom's facebook group recommended Dr. Badra. At this point it was just like pick a number and if they were in our insurance plan, we'd give them a try. I had heard a few negative stories about Dr. Badra, but I made the appointment and I am pretty happy with that decision.
First off, the office is bare bones. Sick and well waiting rooms are separated (thank you!), but there are no toys. But don't we all agree that doctor office toys are covered in ebola and for some reason toddlers can't help but lick them? Suggestion: byo toys and Lysol them afterwards. There is a tv, but it's not usually on. The rooms are also tiny, long and narrow. Not the most comfortable, but not the worst thing either. There are signs advising you to not do things. No touching the blinds, no cell phones, no changing dirty diapers in exam rooms, etc. It made me nervous in the beginning, but really now, would you let a hundred little people get handsy with the blinds in your office? Nope. You shouldn't be on a cell phone during your kids doctor visit, and poopy diapers stink, so yeah...use the loo.
The non medical office staff have been hit or miss. I've insisted that I don't have a copay, to be told that I DO have a copay, which I pay cause can't we all just get along? Only to have it put back on my account for a future visit. I've had problems with insurance and vaccine visits, just like another reviewer stated. I delay vaccines (no issues from the Dr., thanks again), but I was charged an extra $30 for each "makeup shot" visit. I'm not sure of the legality of it, but once you find an actually good pediatrician in Naples, you might want to just relax your standards on insurance fraud. If you need paperwork done, bring it in person, sit in the long and narrow waiting room, and don't leave till it's complete and in your hands. #beentheredonethat
The nurses always seem nice. They are mostly young women, efficient, and friendly to the kids.
Now as for the Dr. herself. I was told by 2 people who previously took their kids to her that the Dr. could possibly be a little bit of a know-it-all and condescending to new(ish) parents. I have not had that experience at all. I quite like the Dr's personality with me and with my children. She's not a pushover with the kids, however; you can absolutely tell she cares about them. I feel like she'd be the mom that you'd resent as a teen but thank in your mid 20s for keeping you from sleeping with the whole football team and consequently being called a slut for the next 4 years of your life. So, yes, I like Dr. Badra. She moves fast enough at well visits to keep things moving, but slow enough that you get to discuss what you need to.
To sum it up: the office isn't the Ritz, but I've realized that is not the most important thing. The office staff has gotten better in the 18 or so months I've been taking my kids there. There are some rules, but it's her house, not yours...so deal with it or don't go there. My parenting is more on the natural side of things. As I said above, I space my kids shots, I breastfeed, my sons are not circ'ed, and we co-sleep. It's not easy to find a dr with room for 3 kids who is okay with all of my so called alternative beliefs. I don't have to be afraid of her touching my son's because she's unaware of how to handle an intact penis. She has no problem with my extended breastfeeding, our cosleeping reminds her of how she grew up. I honestly find her to be a very nice person and a good pediatrician. I have recommended her to my personal friends, and will continue to do so. read more