I really like this doctor! He 's a terrific diagnostician. Now he's no Marcus Welby (for those of you old enough to remember that) meaning he's all business. He doesn't rush through the appointment but he's not interested in becoming your best friend, either. Though he will answer all of your questions until you understand everything that's going on, he's not going to spend any EXTRA time with you just chit-chating. He WILL spend every minute you need.
When you arrive at this office, which is located in the north end of a large mini-mall, you'll check-in at the registration desk with your ID and insurance info, then sit in the waiting room. I've very seldom had to wait more than a few minutes after checking in to be called, maybe 5-10. The front desk people are both nice and knowledgeable, plus, they know when to ask for help.
When you're called from the waiting room, his nurse, Griselda?, will take your vitals, i.e., BP , weight, etc., then put your medical history, current medications (I take a printed list wherever I go), and current symptoms into the computer. All the records in this office are computerized. (So I don't forget, his nurse is really good at drawing blood and giving shots, as painless as possible.)
Then she'll send the doctor in. He's quite valued as a teacher/mentor so he often has medical students with him. (You can refuse that, though I never do, how are they going to learn?)
Be forwarded that you'll seldom, if ever, see him when you're in the hospital at Lutheran General. He uses a small team of hospitalists (AMG Group) who stay in very close touch with him during your stay. They're VERY good and very nice. If you're having problems with ANYTHING, from an arrogant resident to medications, they'll take care of it (but even THEY can't fix the food, stick to things that are fresh or pre-packaged like fruit, vegetables, ice cream and sorbet, or things that can't be screwed up, like tuna salad or jello; I'll admit they do a damned fine grilled cheese on 14 grain bread, it's become my go-to for both lunch and dinner if I'm only going to be in for a couple of days.)
Bottom line: I would gladly recommend anyone to Dr Michael Melnick and his office at Advocate Medical Group Buffalo Grove.
Shout outs to Teri who handles referrals, Joyce in finance, the Nurse Practitioner who manages the office and its operations so efficiently, and especially Lara at the front desk who saved my life by arranging for me to see Dr Melnick on short notice (very long story, suffice it to say, I was MUCH sicker than I knew, he put me in the hospital the very next day, where I stayed for three weeks!) read more
