A dynamic, innovative surgeon. She gave me an option that was new and untested but one she had faith in because of her work on kids. Her idea saved my leg which had been badly damaged in combat. It's been over 30 years and it's still working. Thanks Dr McHale! read more

The Annandale office of Commonwealth Orthopaedics is the practice of Dr. Kathleen McHale. Our appointment was scheduled for 10:20am and we were not seen until 11:50am. Apparently, according to this doctor's RateMDs.com reviews, and other Commonwealth Orthopaedics reviews on Yelp.com, waiting for long periods of time is a standard more than a deviation. These aren't walk-in clinics. You set up an appointment with a specific time and date and still have to wait an average of one hour, in our case, 1.5 hours for our first visit. I would wait, without complaint, for excellent bedside manner and respectful attention -- no problem. We selected Dr. Kathleen McHale because she is one of only a handful of doctors in the DC area whose primary emphasis is on pediatric orthopedics. She walked in with an unidentified man, there were no introductions and no questions were asked of the child who came in with chronic pain. The diagnosis was rendered in short order and we were sent on our way in no less than five minutes. read more

Been sitting here over an hour waiting for my eight year old to be seen. Nobody has taken it upon themselves to let us know when or if we will be seen. Tons of people have came and gone. When I asked, they said they didn't know how long it will be but it looks like I'm next. Patient care? Customer service? You won't find that from the lousy staff here. read more

I had an appointment for 1:50pm for my 3 year old and I was on time. I was made to wait in their waiting room for over an hour before we were called in. They first took everyone who came in before me, and then took 3 people who came in AFTER me. They seemed to have no system of taking people in order of appointment and did it randomly. I thought they were calling us in to see the doctor, but no, they were just placing us in some kind of group treatment room where there were several other patients. After waiting another half hour, the doctor came by and said something like "when did he break his arm?" I'm not sure why she needed to ask that since it was on all the paperwork that we were made to fill out. Did she read the paperwork? When we answered, she said he needed to wear a cast for 2 weeks and then ran away. That was our total interaction with the doctor. 30 seconds at most in a public area. After waiting another 20 minutes, someone came by to put his cast on. Total time we were there was at least 2 hours. I don't understand what the hell is wrong with this doctor that she thinks it's ok to run a practice like this. 2 hours sitting there and for what? Very disrespectful and unprofessional. I hope never to have to return here. read more

Dr McHale is no longer at this location on Arlington Blvd. was given a referral to see her but unable to find her.

Made my 16 month old wait in lobby for an hour past her 9:30 appt time while seeing patients with later arrival times before her. Office staff is rude. Horrible. Then when they finally called us back, they examined her in a big open communal examination room with other patients present. No privacy. Go elsewhere. read more

We've been waiting for at least hour and a half!!! This is ridiculous! I know the doctor is good but her staff has to have a courtesy to let us know how much longer we have to wait. I literally became one of those skeletons that say "If you have been waiting that long, let the staff know"! This is not acceptable, especially in the practice where you deal with children! read more

This is our third visit to Dr McHale's office, and the third time that we've had to wait for over an hour and a half with no end in sight. Last time it was a two hour delay. I think they are just incredibly disorganized. It's not helped by the fact that the front desk staff is rude and generally ignores people. As for Dr. McHale's skills as a clinician--I'm sure she's fine, but at this point I'm starting to doubt that anyone is so good that it's worth the aggravation. It's also very hard to get information from anyone here. Surgery was recommended, and I couldn't seem to get any detailed information for over a week. Decided it might be better to get a second opinion elsewhere, preferably somewhere with better organizational and communications skills. read more

We were given Dr. McHale's name by one of the best Ortho's in the area because their office doesn't see anyone under 18. I read these reviews, but took the recommendation to heart because of the other Doctor's reputation. I called for an appointment and was able to get in within just a few days. When making the appointment, I was advised that she is VERY thorough with her patients, so an early appointment is better because she can get behind. We had an 8:15 appointment and the office already had several people waiting. The office staff was kind, and efficient. We waited about 45 minutes before being taken into an appointment room. Then another 5-10 minutes for the doctor. The door was left open while we waited, and we could see her and her staff quickly walking between rooms in the hallway. I overheard her speaking to young patients in a calm, concerned, kind voice. After speaking with parents and answering their questions, she would immediately speak into a hand carried voice recorder and get her notes in. Then, move on to the next patient. Dr. McHale was was able to diagnose my sons issue by manipulating his leg in a few positions and looking at an x-ray we brought with us. She was kind, direct, and personable and related to my 13 year old. He liked her. She answered questions, explained how the injury happened, how long it should take to heal, and wrote a prescription for optional P.T. if we chose to go that route. I give 5 stars even though we did wait for an hour before seeing her, we had been warned. I don't think they are disorganized, what I saw is a VERY busy practice. In my opinion, it takes a special sort of person to work with children and at times they need a little more reassurance than an adult. If a doctor needs to take a little extra time with a child and get's behind, so be it. If it were your child, wouldn't you be grateful? read more

Dr. McHale is top notch. She's been my family's ortho for 11 years--and with a kid whose had 4 broken bones and several near misses, we've been there a lot. ALL ortho's have trouble keeping appts on time. I've used 2 others before McHale ( my kid was 18 months), and had the same 1-2 hour wait complained of by Rachel H. It's because they get emergencies (yes, even in the office). On non-emergency days, McHale's staff gets you in on time or near it. But McHale's office has videos and toys for kids that others don't have. And the biggest difference is that she still does her own X-rays. At another ortho's office, we'd have to go to Fairfax Radiology, take the X-rays, wait for them to be read, THEN go to the ortho's office only to wait yet again. It was torture, especially with a young child. McHale's office is SO much better. Pluse she's just an excellent doctor. That's worth the wait. read more

While I give 1 stars to Ms. McHale for the office, and our experience with her as a physician, I give 5 stars to the folks, particularly upper management at Commonwealth Orthopedics. This group genuinely CARES about their patients. Response and genuine concern were proactive, immediate, and extremely positive. This is a group whose goal and mission definately seems to be excellent patient care. Within the week, we had a very positive response, and it we ever needed orthodic care, we would most definately use another physician within the practice overall. THANK YOU to Commonwealth Orthopedics putting patient first. We did have a much better experience with our other orthopedic physician, and left with a plan for our daughter and per his request, a follow up appointment. In a perfect world, we would wish this pediatric orthopedic physician could be partnered with Commonwealth Orthopedics. read more

I called 30 minutes before my appt to see if the doctor was running on time. I was told not to be late because the doctor had surgery later on today. I assured them that I did not want to be late but I wanted to know if the doctor was running behind schedule. I was assured twice that she was on schedule and told not to be late multiple times. So we arrive promptly on time and wait 1 hour. So, the front office either lied or they were very optimistic that the doctor could make up the hour's worth of work in 30 minutes. I am one of those people that thinks my time is as valuable as the doctor's and I can be flexible in arriving later if she is running late but don't flat out lie to me about her schedule if she is running an hour behind. We will not go back. read more

My son is a competitive athlete that has been treated two times by Dr. McHale for separate injuries, a severe sprain and a complicated fracture. Her treatment in both instances was consistent. Dr.Mchale was thorough with her patient evaluation and diagnosis. She took the time to tailor a plan of treatment specifically for my son, and showed a true interest in his healing and well being. As for the office...Yes wait times vary, but there is a reason for that. Dr. Mchale has many patients and takes sufficient time with each one. That's why her office is so busy, and why I came back. The good ones are worth waiting for...... read more

We had an excellent experience with Dr McHale when our 6 year old broke and dislocated her elbow and required surgery and pins/casts. We never waited more than 5 minutes for an appointment and Dr McHale was professional, not condescending like many doctors, and answered all of our questions. She did an amazing job on the surgery and our daughter is back to gymnastics. Now she wants to be a surgeon just like Dr McHale. Everyone in the ortho office was helpful and considerate and professional. Dr McHale and her office made what could have been a very unpleasant experience something manageable. And I am not someone who usually likes doctors. I highly recommend Dr McHale and the entire office. And I just learned that she is a retired Army Colonel, thank you for your service in the military and for our daughter! read more

Prepare to wait. And wait. And wait. And then see the docs for maybe 60 seconds. The practice is waaaaayyyyyy overscheduled. Very frustrating. Seems like they required a bunch of unnecessary procedures (like multiple X-rays week after week for only a small fracture). The doc seems a bit wacky too. I would not recommend Dr. Mchale. read more

Omg. Have been here for 1.5 hours and still waiting. No word on how long as the staff seems not to care. This doctor had better be worth it. I'm about to walk out but feel that I've waited this long what's another hour. Would give even less stars if that was an option. Update: we ended up waiting over 4 hours to see the doctor. Who then in turn spent 3 minutes with us before being pulled out of the room to tend to another patient. So we waited some more, another 20 minutes before a nurse told us to go down to the reception desk. I said that we weren't done with our appointment and I still had questions. Dr. McHale came down the hall and looked at me like I was crazy. She then told me that she would have her office fax to some other guy a request to make a device for my son. That way was in May. After a dozen calls to the office, it's now the end of August and I have still yet to speak directly to anyone in the office regarding the device. A whole summer is lost waiting on this incompetent Doctor. Worst experience ever and unfortunately it's my son who suffers most. read more

Very poor experience with Dr Kathleen McHale. She spent less than 1 minute with us and walked out when we asked questions. Avoid this Doctor. Ironically her technician was great. read more

I read reviews on several sites and was a little scared about our appointment. Once I got there I felt a little better. We waited maybe 20 minutes, which was great. once we got in the back everyone was so friendly and caring. The big open communal room is for casting, they do have drapes for separation, but we did not use it. I would recommend everyone I know to Dr. McHale and her staff. I have been 3 times and every time I have been happy. read more

One of the best physician's in the area. Both of my children have been patients of Dr McHale for congenital disorders. While appointments do run late, she does spend a good amount of time, when needed, with her patients. I personally don't mind waiting when I know that my child will get the thought and attention needed. I was a physician assistant for years and have worked with many doctors. Dr McHale is outstanding. She is direct, to the point, and from our experience, great in both the office and OR. We have been seeing her since both of my children were only days old and I wouldn't trust their ortho care to anyone else. read more

Based on my experience I think 4 stars is perfect. I was SO grateful that the Dr opened up a spot for my baby. I expected to wait (as I'd read the reviews and the office mentioned there might be a wait) but I got in and only waited 15 minutes. Oh- and lame-o me was late too, so I was actually worried I might not get in, but thankfully they were so understanding and I got in still. The staff working at reception was kind and nice. There was a tv and kids movie available which was GREAT for my 5 yr old with us. Free wifi available as well so that was nice if you have to wait. The xray tech was great. worked well with my kids and was really friendly. She was able to get the xrays and made my 3 year old feel safe and comfortable. I was fine with the open room as other reviews mention- I don't think issues of broken bones and arms and legs are something to be sensitive about and worry about other people hearing conversations over. Get over it already! The guy (I'm sorry I don't remember his name) taking the casts off and putting them on for all of the patients was really great. He seemed to be the Dr's right hand, and was managing all of the patients there and handling all of the brace/cast fitting stuff. He updated us on the timing of everything and told us what to expect next, which I appreciated. There was cute and fun kids music playing overhead, and it was a generally well lit, clean, positive atmosphere. Dr. McHale came in and was positive and upbeat, smiley and introduced herself. She was quick and efficient. She showed me the xrays and the tiny fracture on my daughter's foot (calling it a "blip".. lol.) Then we went back to the open waiting area to get a boot fitted. The time spent with us was super short, and although I thought she was nice and you could tell she knew her stuff, I do wish she would've gone over a few more details of what a "blip" was before leaving... When the (nurse??) guy came back in to help with the boot brace I asked him the question I should've asked the Dr., "So is my daughter's foot broken? Or just bruised? Or what?" I had a few more questions like, "How long should she wear this brace? What kind of activity can she do? How long until this might be healed? How much should I push her to wear it... like does she wear it at night too?" All of these questions he deferred to the Dr., so I had to wait till she was done with another patient to talk to her again and ask her all of my questions. I'm just glad I thought of asking them whilst in the office because otherwise there was no handout/ general information/ or teaching pamphlet about anything. I also left there not knowing if I was supposed to schedule a follow up appt or anything. I thought maybe that info would come in the follow up email I would be sent through their patient "portal" (online emailing system of your visit summary) but I just got the email and there was nothing like that in there. Other than those issues, I feel like the job was done and it was done well. My daughters both had "fun" and we left with them smiling. I gave 4 stars because as a Pediatric RN I think that THE MOST IMPORTANT care you receive should be given in a loving and caring way, and that was absolutely done well. The communication could improve, and luckily I knew what to ask so I didn't go home without a clue... I think that the Dr. sees so many patients a day that I'm sure all of these questions are tedious and redundant and she probably figures everyone knows that stuff already.. so a simple teaching handout of "what to expect after your bone has been broken, or after your injury occurs" would suffice. Most every Dr I've ever been to gives a teaching handout to take home as parents are often overwhelmed with the job of comforting their kids and they can't focus as well as they should during the appointment. So that would be really helpful for them to put together for their patients. I appreciated how many patients she had in her waiting room, as each of them makes her a better Dr. for taking them on. If you go to a Dr. office and you're the only patient there, you might be excited about not waiting, but you are certainly not getting a Dr. that has a lot of experience... which, in the end, is THE best quality a Dr. can gain. I would def go again, and am glad I went! read more

Yes, the other review about wait times is true. Make an early appointment if possible otherwise be prepared to possibly wait. I can only base this on one experience but we waited over an hour past our appt time to get in and then another 30 min in a room. And yes, there is also an open examination room area much like a hospital with curtains. That said, it was worth the wait. Our 9 year old son was seen there after already going to the Reston Commonwealth Orthopedics office where they admitted that for his knee condition, she is the cream of the crop, best of the best, and the Reston dr (a seasoned dr himself who saw my other child 10 years ago) did not want to make a recommendation without her consultation. That is how much she is respected by her peers. And read her bio. She is top notch. So to me it was worth the wait to see her. Thankfully my son kept occupied with his kindle. Would've been a different story if I had younger children in tow, so I would recommend against that, but otherwise, don't let a wait deter you. One of the reasons I think she gets so behind is she is extremely thorough and explains everything in such detail. She pulled up my son's MRI and went through each picture with us and explained things in layman's terms. If you want a dr who rushes you through to get to the next patient, then yes you should go elsewhere. If you want the best doctor there is and want her to spend time with you, then go to see her. We will definitely go back!!!!! read more