Made an appointment for last Thursday, and Irina, the friendly receptionist called me back twice to…read moreconfirm that my circumstances have not changed, and that I'm feeling well to come in. I was told that the office is not taking patients, but they can see me, since I have not been for a check-up in over two years.
When I got there at 9:55am, I was greeted by Marina, a billing staffer, who was helping out on front desk in Irina's absence. Marina kept running to Dr. Vernikova after every patient call, and the questions that she was asking,--even I knew the answer to. Such constant running back and forth to ask Dr. V. questions that any receptionist should know was annoying, since my time with Dr. V. kept being interrupted.
When my check-up concluded at 10:15am, four more patients were waiting at the reception area. I guess this office is seeing patients, and the business must go on. So if you need a check-up with PHP, this is your office. Just check what insurance they accept. They accept Medicaid, but stopped accepted United Healthcare.
I got the results of my bloodwork on a Tuesday, so just a few days after my appointment, which is pretty swift.
Zoya Vernikova has been my, my mother's, my best friend's, and my best friend's mother's doctor for quite a long time. She genuinely cares about her patients and always shows deep interest in their well-being. I dread any kinds of doctors and medical procedures, but Dr. Vernikova is the only doctor who puts me at ease. I feel safe to open up with her and express everything that is on my mind. Her bedside manner is very gentle and attentive. She noticed the enlarged veins on my legs during one visit and ordered a test, which another doctor performed that same day in the office. The results confirmed varicose veins [which runs in the family] and Dr. Vernikova went over a series of preventative measures to help avoid future complications with that condition.
Just a word of caution. Dr. Verknikova is very caring, yet her manner is very straightforward, so that can rub many patients the wrong way. For example, when my mother, who has two incompatible types of cancers, which baffle all doctors who learn of such impossibility, came for a check-up, Dr. V. said, "my deepest sympathies, now we have to pray." That clearly is not very encouraging to a sick patient who has heard the worst already and is expecting some support and hope to keep fighting.
Also, when I was in for my appointment, Dr. V. was talking on a phone with a family member of an old, sick patient who was battling coronavirus and was denied being admitted to a hospital due to his age and pre-existing medical conditions. Dr. V. was very straightforward, saying there's a 50/50 chance and there's nothing else that can be done. The person on the phone kept asking for some sort of reassurance, but Dr. V.'s manner was brisk and impersonal, as if she just told someone that tomatoes are healthier than cucumbers, not that someone's loved one has 50/50 chance of surviving.
The office uses Patient Fusion, an easy online platform where you can schedule appointments, check results of your medical tests & procedures, and talk with your doctor about any concerns you might suddenly have, from the comfort of your couch.
The reason why I'm taking off a star is for the above mentioned stories and for the wait time before an appointment. If you come after 4pm--brace yourself--you'll be in for a looooooong wait. Bring a book. I once waited for almost two hours on a Monday evening after work. Make early morning appointments if you'd like to get out of here without aging in the waiting room.
