Completely misdiagnosed me for a skin rash that later turned out to be bacterial. Before even getting started he tried to pass me off to a dermatologist since it was skin related (first available wouldn't be for another two weeks). This guy completely jumped to the most common diagnosis without even looking at my rashes first. Just as poor was the fact I knew he was wrong (this spread was more aggressive) and after *I urged him to please look at it* it was clear that he was completely wrong. I then had to urge him to prescribe me medication to preventatively stop the spread which he was hesitant to do and told me to just buy an OTC cream. Two days later I went to Urgent Care because the rash had spread and gotten so much worse. The Nurse Practitioner said that everything this guy did was wrong, that it was clearly not common fungal and anybody that looked at it could see that, and that even the medication he recommended was far too weak to put a dent on the problem. After three days with new medication I was in recovery. I don't care if/how intelligent this guy might be. His apathy and malpractice that day to me while being (thankfully not fully) trusted as a doctor almost caused me severe health problems that needed fixing by someone more competent in Urgent Care -- the last thing I want is for more to experience the same, especially if they don't self-advocate as much as I had to just to recover. read more

THURSDAY Aug. 21, 2014, 2014 -- The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is going ahead with tough new controls on painkillers containing hydrocodone, which has been tied to a surge in dangerous addictions across the United States. IBut he is still the king of Doctors in Austin .he is kind ,understanding i really do not think he knows how his medical assistant speaks to his patients.. read more

Best, nicest doctor I've ever had. Actually spends time talking with me and getting to know me. I never feel like I am being rushed out the door. Really - can't say enough kind things. Note - even though he posted on here that one should never find a doctor via Yelp, that is totally how I found him. And I am deeply loyal to him and his entire office. read more

Ever been broken up with a "Dear John" letter? See Dr. Werntz and it might happen to you. I was a loyal patient of his for nearly 5 years. I was compliant. I referred at least 2 of his current patients. I spoke highly of him to my medical colleagues... THEN... I received a certified letter telling me I was fired as his patient. Why would he do this, you may be thinking...?! At first, I thought it was a result of a simple communication mishap. I work in a doctor's office and realize communication may not always be as smooth as perfection. I had an appointment set up for 11AM on a Friday. I received a voicemail from his nurse assistant during the week canceling my appointment. Fine. Things happen. No problem. I thought I would just call at my convenience to reschedule. So, imagine my surprise when I have a knock on my door on a Saturday. It was the mail man with a certified letter. I opened it and it stated, "You have missed ANOTHER appointment... we will no longer see you." Ok, "What is this about?" I am thinking... So, turns out that they rescheduled my appointment for an earlier time without confirming I could be there... I missed my 10 am appointment that I never made... Ok. (Head scratch). I am trying to remember when I have ever missed an appointment at all, minus this made up appointment. Sigh. Well, it is a Saturday. I cannot do anything about this now. I make a mental note that I will call during the week and this should be a quick fix. I call Tuesday and attempt to explain to a receptionist. I'm told I have to speak to a Francis who is the office manager. I am sent to her voicemail. Leave a message. Never got a return call... So, last Friday I make the trip to his office with the letter and the saved voicemail with the cancellation. Easy fix right? Apparently, not. I thought, "I am sure Dr. Werntz has no idea that this is even going on at all." During the course of the conversation with the receptionist, as I am explaining this mishap, Dr. Werntz comes to the front. I say to him, "Hello, did you realize I have been fired for not showing up for an appointment I never scheduled?" He looked at me befuddled and said, "No. I had no idea." Ok. So, of course now this would be resolved you would think... No. The receptionist and Dr. Werntz go towards the back and talk away from my earshot. The receptionist comes back and says I need to wait and speak with Francis. Francis has my number, my story and I have YET to hear from her. So, I am not in the practice of begging a primary care physician to see me. Of course, I am about to run out of refills for necessary medication that would give me serious withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped so I am a bit concerned... Too bad Dr. Werntz and Red River Family Practice find situations like this unconcerning. Honestly, if I were a different person I am sure there would be a lawsuit in here somewhere. I just want to put the word out to avoid this place. Loyalty. Patient care. Safety. These are not part of the ethics of this doctor or Red River Family Practice. I wish I could take back all the nice things I have said about him all these years. This is a terrible way to show appreciation. Please note: the one star rating should be a negative one star rating. read more

On time, courteous, caring & professional. I hate changing doctors. My old pal Dr. McIntyre retired, claiming he was actually 80 or something lame like that. His associate, Dr. McMullen was OK for a couple of years, but closed his practice due to unforeseen catastrophic illness. Not a good thing for me, or him. Thanks to friends on Yelp, I have a new doctor. On my first visit today, I was greeted promptly, faced with a surprisingly small amount of new patient paperwork, and in the examining room within 1 minute of my scheduled appointment time. After vital signs were taken, the doc appeared in less than 3 minutes, and spent a relaxed, conversational hour with me going through a comprehensive physical and medical history. He entertained my questions, chatted amiably and gently pointed out that if I lost some weight and exercised a bit I'd really be in pretty good health. He didn't ask if I was married--he asked if I had a partner. Bonus. I felt like I was his only patient. He dispatched a prescription directly to my pharmacy electronically (from a whiz-bang e-notebook with which he took case notes and entered my history) while we were talking, and set up lab work at a conveniently located lab just down the street from where I live (and with another location just around the corner from his office). The office is right off I-35 on 30th Street in the Park St Davids professional building. There is an attached inexpensive parking garage too, a real bonus. I parked for about 80 minutes for $2.00. The visit was thorough, punctual and inspired confidence. [Update: Big bonus--my lab results arrived in an email from Dr. Werntz, showing all my blood work numbers, what the good levels should be, and where mine are (all good, yay!) and an invitation to email back if I had any questions. How very 21st century!] I like and trust this guy. I have a new doctor. read more

I've been seeing Dr. Werntz for about 2 months now, a friend of mine suggested to check him out so I did. I went in for a routine check up, but had some other medical concerns and I talked it over with him and we've been working on that ever since. Not only is he extremely comfortable to talk to, he does a very good job of explaining things to you, in essence, dumbing things down so a patient can understand what's going on. He read over some findings in a report and I had no idea what he was talking about as I don't understand most medical talk, he explained it to me so I could understand what was going on. He's been very helpful, great with recommendations and helping me decide where to go for this and that and who to talk to and what not and being relatively new to Austin, that's a great help. Easily the best Dr. I've had the privilege of having and look forward to dealing with him in the future. I will mention one thing, getting in with him for the first time may take awhile, I had to wait 3 weeks, but once after that, I've managed to schedule an appointment with him as early as 2 days after I called and generally the wait is no longer than a few days at -most-. I'm glad I sucked it up and waited those 3 weeks for my first visit, totally worth it. read more

i just recently moved to Austin and needed to find a primary care physician. Using my insurance company's website tool to find a physician, I found Dr. Werntz at Red River. When talking to the receptionist, once she found out I was a "new" patient, she very quickly said she needed to transfer me to the person's voice mail who handles new patents...and off I went. Someone actually answered the phone but wouldn't say anything. After a couple of "hellos" on my part there was some fumbling and I was dropped into the voice mail. I left a fairly detailed message about what I was looking for and the current condition I was hoping to see the doctor about. I did not receive a call back. Today I tried again and let the receptionist what had happened. She was very curt and wanted to know which Doctor I wanted to see. She asked me if I was wanted to see him because of his specialty. I let her know I wanted to see him for HBP as well as another condition. She bluntly advised he wouldn't be able to see me till Nov. 19th and wanted to know if I wanted to schedule for then. I was blown away!!! She literally couldn't have cared any less about me or my situation. I read the reviews on here and wanted to believe it was people just having a bad day. But what I have discovered is that these reviews seem to be spot on in reference to the office staff. First off, if this is the type of treatment any patient can expect to receive from the office staff at this clinic, why would anyone want to go back. We all want a doctor who we feel has our best interest at heart. BUT, if his/her office staff makes life difficult for you (and 95% of the time you are there because you do not feel well anyway) why would you want to come back? I haven't event had a chance to meet Dr. Werntz. He might be the best doctor in Austin. But his office staff has made it quite clear I'm not wanted at their office. Or at the very least a pain in their side if I do make an appointment. Secondly, I can't believe the doctors know this is how people are being treated. I would like to believe that if they did, they would certainly be replacing their office staff. THAT BEING SAID, there are quite a few reviews on here for an extended period of time all saying the same thing about the office staff...so I have to assume the doctors must know what's happening. And if they do...I'm pretty sure this would be the last doctors office I would want to trust me health to. "Welcome to Austin!" read more

When it comes to our health we all want the best. I must say that I am very pleased with Red River Family Practice, and specifically Dr. Gary L. Werntz. He is very personable and spent a great deal of time with me during my appointment. The check in process was simple though finding the actual office may be a bit of a challenge for first timers and you have to pay a dollar to park at the facility. That being said the rest of the experience was efficient and top notch. Dr. Werntz spent a great deal of attention on my family history and listening to my concerns. He was friendly, professional, and caring. His notes are even computerized and instantaneous. Meaning as he was asking me questions he was already communicating with the nurse via the electronic touch pad chart. No bic required in this office. I found this physician to be top notch, respectable, and caring. He even made me laugh in the appointment. That alone was healing. I can't remember the last time I laughed at a doctor visit prior to seeing Dr. Werntz. read more

I was Dr Werntz's patient for several years and quit seeing him because he never knew what my medical history was and made errors when discussing my condition. There were times when he did not know the published info on a minor condition, and when I had specialist tests, he did not know what tests I had nor the report sent to him, while claiming he did know. When pressed to discuss what he knew, he stumbled and did not know then hurriedly tried to look it up. I felt he was not interested in me as a patient albeit as a person to chat with. He loves visiting with his patients. That was not enough for me. My current doctor knows my history, appears to have read my record before I arrive so that I can easily discuss issues with her. Our conversation is usually limited to medical topics, we don't shoot the breeze; I view her as educated, up to date on medical research, and professional. I have enough friends, I need a doctor who is paying attention. read more

There aren't enough stars to rate Dr. Werntz correctly. I've been seeing Dr. Werntz since moving to Austin about 5 years ago - and have nothing but the best to say! I've referred a number of friends who tell me they've had the same great experience. The office staff is friendly and responsive, and meeting with Dr. Werntz is relaxed and laid back - he takes time to get to know his patients, their medical history, and specific needs/goals. Overall - if you're looking for the very best Austin has to offer, you can't go wrong with Dr. Werntz. (If you do visit or call the office, Shirley in the front office is also great!) read more

I have been going to see Dr Werntz since the mid-1900's and he is the best primary card physician I have ever had. I'm a doctor's daughter, so I am picky about my care. One of the things I appreciate about Dr. Werntz is that he gives me the pros and cons of my options for care, and let's me choose what I think will work best for me. He doesn't talk down to me, and he is a deeply compassionate man. He left work for several years to volunteer for Aids hospice work. He is also informed and open to alternative practice for some healing issues. It's great that they are also open a half day on Saturdays, twice that has saved me from ER fees. And when I've dropped in on a Saturday and seen another doctor, they have all been really great. If you aren't going to Red River Family Practice, you are missing the best that medicine has to offer. read more

My wife and I have with Dr. Werntz since 1990, off and on. I say off and on because for a time he ran a research project and did not see patients unless they were part of the project. We tried other doctors but no one had the bedside manner of Dr. Werntz. It is as if his patients are more like friends. At the time of my wifes passing in Sept. she was seeing 9 specialist and she still cherished her relationship with Dr, Werntz the most. Although when she was first diagnosed with Sclerodera he didn't kow much about it, he did his research on it and helped her through some rough times. He even came to celebration of life and helped comfort me and her parents. I don't know many doctors that would do that. God bless him and I hope all of you can see he is one in a million. read more

First of all... Do not listen to anyone writing a review on here. I will go into my detailed accounts with Dr. Werntz. While he is a very nice person. I do not find him to be a good doctor and I do not find his staff to have any customer service skills what so ever. I physically saw Dr. Werntz twice after first moving to Austin Texas just a few months ago. There is a wait to see him, usually about a month for a first time visit. A really good way to make you think that he is in high demand. When in the office I was the only person in the waiting room each time. After waiting a month I could then get visits very easily as he had plenty of open appointment space. I went in the first time for a routine check up and physical. Dr. Werntz had me go to Quest Blood to draw blood as part of the physical. They do not send your blood from their office (kind of a hassle). I was also given Ambien for my Insomnia. Appoint number 2 - I missed this due to scheduling with my new job. Appointment number 3 - I came in for a refill of Ambien and had my records transferred from Virginia to get my script for Adderall refilled so that I could finally start concentrating at my new job. Dr. Werntz sent me to a neurologist to redo my ADHD testing, he also did not know if that medication would interact with Flecanide a drug that was given to me by my heart doctor. Dr. Werntz did not seem very knowledgable with medication as he looked everything up and still had me check with my cardiologist to see if I could take Adderall (Mind you I have been on the drug for years). The neurologist he sent me too did not do adhd testing nor can prescribe Adderall and said that I had to go to a psychiatrist in the state of Texas. Another mistake of Dr. Werntz. Appointment 4 - I called in to cancel the appointment because I did not have my blood work finished yet and because I did not see the psychiatrist yet. Appointment 5 - this was made this week. Due to my ongoing insomnia, I woke up 45 min late and missed my appointment which I do feel very bad for. I called in to reschedule. His rude staff called me back and left me a message on my voice mail saying that I missed three appointments and he will no longer see me!!! I then called them to explain why I canceled my third appointment and they did not answer my call three times in a row (I am sure they saw my number and wanted to avoid any confrontation) I finally got through and talked to Shirley who told me to hold on. After waiting for what seemed like 5 minutes another woman claiming to be the office manager came on. I proceeded to explain everything to her and she told me how close to the appointment 4 did I call in to cancel. She then told me that he himself did not want to see me anymore. I then told her that I need to come in to get my labs and would be writing about my experiences on Yelp (hey, I was upset and rightly so). She told me that I def am not the candidate that he likes to keep. To conclude, I find this practice to be overly snobby!! Who wants a doctor that makes you feel like you need to work to earn his services!!! His staff is extremely rude! Dr. Werntz did not seem to be knowledgable on lots of things and he himself told me in his office that he did not know what I was talking about with certain DNA tests and that he had not "caught up" to medical technology. Bottom line, if your looking for an over confident doctor with a lack of practical medical knowledge, then choose Doctor Gary Werntz and wait your turn. read more

Called to get some prices on being a new patient without insurance. The new patient coordinator Jennifer was very short with me and could not give me a price on new patients, when pressed she said anywhere from $100 to $300 and is there anything else I can help you with. Nope! I'll be taking my business elsewhere. read more

Dr Werntz is a good Dr if you can stomach his staff which some of the most unprofessional I have ever experienced. There are to many good Dr's in Austin to subject yourself to this treatment. My advice would be to seek another office and Dr. Try Red River at your own risk you have been warned. read more

I was so extremely blessed to have found Gary. When I left the state of Iowa to move to Austin I didn't know anyone and didn't know who was a good doctor and who wasn't. Gary was my specialty & primary care doctor from the beginning. I have been seeing him now for over 24 years & in that time I've followed him to every practice he was a part of & I'm so glad I did. Many other doctors have seemed to prefect the quick in and out, honestly leaving me wondering if they could possibly know what I even look like, not to mention wondering if they even listened to the problem in the first place. Gary doesn't make you feel that he's rushed or that he has something better to do. He takes his time to talk & listen to you, he seems to really appreciate that there isn't one answer for everyone so he takes his time to get to know you. There really are no words to express my gratitude to Gary for all the years I've been his patient. Gary truly is the best doctor I've ever encountered. If you need a doctor Gary is the best. read more

Dr. Werntz is a great doctor well worth the time to see, I've been loyally goimg to him for over 15 years.

I have been seeing Gary for years. He is Marcus Welby, M.D. -- only German. : ) Warm, brilliant, present. My highest recommendation.

I have been a patient of Dr. Werntz at Red River Family Practice for 13 years and I have found him to be an exceptional doctor - encouraging me to talk about my medical issues and truly caring about my well being. The office staff have always been considerate and a pleasure to deal with. read more

Dr. Werntz is without a doubt the best doctor I have ever had. He is very well informed, extremely patient, helpful, and very understanding. I have never felt rushed... he takes as much time as is needed to answer my concerns or questions. read more

I've been to a few different family doctors in my years. I've never even heard of one like Dr. Werntz. My story is I needed a new doctor due to new insurance. I got to looking on Yelp as well as www.Healthgrades.com. Dr. Werntz had exceptional reviews, but waiting for a month and a half seemed like a ridiculous amount of time for a new patient appointment! I have to say it was so worth it. During my appointment he came into the room, got comfortable, and talked with me for 40 MINS!!! My wife is a nurse and she almost fell out of her chair when I told her he spent 40 mins with me. And she's right with most doctors, you wouldn't want to talk with them for more than 10 mins because they cannot relate to you. Dr. Werntz is the exception. I hate to make him more busy by giving him another positive review, but damn he deserves it! FYI, you wait a long time for a new patient appointment. After that they will see you same day if you are sick. read more

Red River Family Practice I moved back to Austin a year ago before I moved away I was reciving excellent care from Dr Gary Werntz and his MA Roquell so when I moved back to Austin I sent back to redriver family practice because of past experience. I schedual an appointment weeks ago but missed that appointment I currently work nights 12 hour shifts went home and accidentally over slept. I'm currently in the process of moving to chicago illnoise for a new job opportunity and wanted to have labs done which I did and get a few refill of my my medication because once I move away my insurance through my job will only provide coverage for 30 days after my official end date im under care with Dr Werntz for my HIV he recently changed my medication to a new medication Genvoya that medication without insurance is 3800 for a 30 day supply my last day at my job is Oct 1 today I called to reschedule my appointment so I could have several refills before my insurance lapse 30 days from now upon trying to reschedule that appointment I was told that because I had missed my last appointment they will no longer be seeing me there and Dr Werntz will no longer be my primary care physicians and if I needed any medical treatment the recommend I go to a Emergency room I I don't start my new job until Oct 4 and insurance doesn't roll over until after 90 days. First off using the emergency room as a means to have care until my new insurance kicks in is very expensive and not what an emergency room should be utilized before. I am completely appalled at the office manager lack of compassion so basically good luck no one should ever be treated that way and without active insurnace there's no way ill be able to afford the medication after the 30 days of coverage elapse its ashamed thst this is how inwas treated at the Red River. Family care practice read more

Dr. Werntz is the best doctor I've ever had. Spends time with you and explains things thoroughly. Very personable and caring. Recommend him highly. read more

He is the best doctor I've ever had in my 47 years. He takes and makes time for you. He's kind. He listens. The office is incredibly efficient. I love Dr. W. read more

The office staff is not honest. They told me every time i made an appointment they were a preferred provider for my insurance, I checked the Doctor's name on my insurance Company's web site and all seemed fine. Then the claims were rejected, The Doctor under this practice was not covered. The Office would not admit it until my 6th visit, when they actually checked for the first time. The Doctor would not talk to me about the problem, and they would not release my medical records to me. They are Frauds, and the Doctor would not even face his patient to discuss the problem. I told him talk to me or I will have to go public...so here is my first stop. read more

I signed up as a Yelper just to post this review. Probably never will post again. But...RE Ken C's review, I find the details very hard to believe. I have been a patient of Dr Werntz for a very long time through various staff changes, interrupted by a period where he was involved in a project where he did not practice with the general public. Was distressed when that happened and as SOON as I saw he was back in general practice he was again my Dr. He is very thorough, he LISTENS to you as a patient. He takes however much time YOU feel is necessary to describe/discuss your problems. I have never felt rushed in his presence and I cannot say that about any other medical professional I have ever visited. Without going into detail he diagnosed me with a somewhat new disease when other doctors could not. Probably because they were in such a hurry to get to their next patient. More importantly he is good at what he does.I don't think it is an exaggeration to say he saved my life with his expertise and caring nature. He is the epitome of what a Dr is supposed to be. More interested in his patients needs than running you through and seeing the maximum number of patients per day. I have zero complaints about him or his assistants. I think all 5 star reviews and one 1 star review is more likely to be a reflection of the reviewer than the reviewed...He is a wonderful Dr and a better person. read more