I have never seen Dr. Schening except when she helped to diagnose a skin issue on my toddler. I do like Melissa. However, other practitioners at this office have caused me to look elsewhere for my children's care. I actually should have transfer care a long time ago. In short, they often take a "wait and see" approach instead of investigating what issues are presented. This has caused a lot of stress and has caused me to often look elsewhere to get the care my son needed. The first red flag should have been when my now 2 year old was about 6 weeks old. He had a lot of issues (later diagnosed as GERD, which I learned is extremely common in preemies) and exhibited horrible screaming, crying, vomiting, etc. I talked with one of the nurse practitioners about how little sleep I was getting and what a struggle it was. She told me to let him cry and close the door on him so I could get some sleep. !!!! I am definitely not a proponent of cry-it-out, and the whole suggestion seemed so wrong to me. I could not (and would not) entertain that suggestion - leaving my preemie infant to cry alone. And that didn't address the issues. The office often suggests holistic remedies first, which I do think is great. However, that wasn't working for him, and I ended up having to find other providers to help us. We ended up with a slew of tests and studies. He ended up having laryngomalacia, a lip tie, a posterior tongue tie (which the NP advised me NOT to have revised... I went against the advice at the recommendation of two IBCLCs, and only in doing so was he able to finally breast feed!), and the aforementioned severe GERD. He has continued to have issues, most notably related to sleep. In his entire life, he had never slept through the night once. He would hit, kick, thrash, and scream through the night. The practitioner basically told me that the sleep issues were normal and that I should cut out daytime naps because it's taking so long (1+ hours) for him to fall asleep. He only sleeps 8 or so broken hours at night and has dark circles under his eyes!!! I am floored that advice would be offered, as kids his age need 12-14 hours of sleep. The NP also mentioned that a sleep study could be done. I left feeling defeated and (again!) as if no one was listening to me or willing to help me with my concerns. That night ended up being exceptionally horrible in terms of sleep: I believe my son had a sleepwalking episode. That morning, I called the office to see who they could refer me to for a sleep study. When they returned my call, I was told that no one would do a sleep study on a child under the age of 4. First of all, that contradicts what I was told the previous day at our appointment. Second of all, I called a sleep center myself, and they told me that they absolutely do sleep studies on children under 4. Those experiences, compounded with one of my final experiences, caused me to leave the practice for good. I brought my newest baby in for a well visit, and I explained to the practitioner that meal times and bedtime are both extremely stressful. I started crying, because I was so overwhelmed with both things. Instead of offering help or asking me to explain, the practitioner told me I needed to reach out to my midwife. The NP suggested that I had PPD, which was absolutely not the case at all. I was asking a medical provider for help, and (once again) I was being pushed aside. I like the IDEA of Next Gen Pediatrics: parent choice, a mix of holistic and western medicine. In practice, though, there was very little help and support for both my children and myself, and I went elsewhere for better care. read more

Next Generation Pediatrics - signage. Take the door on the RIGHT side! - Pediatricians Near Me - South Elgin, Illinois

Love the balance with homeopathic medicine and traditional medicine. Thank you for being so knowledgeable, respecting the parents right to choose, and most importantly being a doctor I can trust with care for my babies read more

Wrote a review a couple years ago and nothing has changed. My son has to push on them over and over to do their job getting a controlled substance prescription refilled everytime for ADHD medicine. read more

We love taking our kids here. They provide such personalized, genuine care. Highly recommend!

This facility was great when my kids were infants, but fast forward to needing any care for being sick and they are extremely difficult and unprofessional. Once when I called first thing at 8 am for an appointment I was told they had no openings. How do you deny seeing sick children? I complained and was told fine I'm not supposed to do this, you better live super close be here at 8:30. Mind you it was now close to 8:15 after being on hold twice. I did mention this experience to the practitioner we saw that day. The next time my kids were sick we were already scheduled for a yearly appointment. I called to give them a courtesy heads up because they usually have sick patients enter through the back door. (I don't understand this and it's walking through their supplies and laundry space.) I was told we have to reschedule. I was also told, how would I feel if my practitioner saw sick people before me? The doctor we are seeing today is only seeing well patients. I replied isn't that the point of seeing a doctor?? They see sick patients and healthy? I told them I am not rescheduling an appointment I have had for months and I need my children seen, they are sick. After being out on hold we were told fine, but get here 30 minutes before your appointment. We were seen but we're extremely rushed, I didn't even feel like the assessed my children appropriately. Vitals were not taken, but were updated in their charts like they took them. I recently found a new pediatrician and they discovered that my kids were missing a vaccine they should have received over a year ago. If you are reading this and go here make sure you check your children's records and make sure they are up to date, accurate and not missing anything. When your children are sick you shouldn't be told sorry you can call back tomorrow at 8 to see if you can get an appointment before we fill up. Every time I have been there the place is NOT crowded at all and we were the only ones in there. So don't tell me it's busy. Also, the rooms are decorated to be kid friendly, but it's extremely dirty. There is dust and cobwebs covering the decor that isn't a medical necessity. read more

I'm surprised by many of the bad reviews on here. My daughter has had great care from this office since birth. We had a difficult situation we had to deal with when our daughter was first born after finding out she had a serious congenital condition at 5 days old, the office handled it very well and told us what we had to do to make sure she was getting the best care. All the doctors and nurses are great and they always listen to my concerns. They could definitely use more help on the phones but that's never been a big issue for me during the many times I've had to call the office and I'm grateful for the excellent care my daughter has received. read more

The office is small and doesn't have good coverage to handle your issues and is very congested and hard to get in when need. My daughter had an elbow joint pop out that it is common as they are growing and in the past our pediatrician has been the most skilled person to correct this when we were in NY as they are familiar with the issue and specialize in children. We got turned away because the doctor was away and no one on staff could understand the urgency or actually perform the popping of the elbow back in as it is hard to get in the longer you wait. We had to go to an urgent care and will also be billed more for having done so. So if you like to head to the urgent care instead of your pediatrician when something more pressing arises then feel free to go to Next Gen Pediatrics. read more

I know they're such a busy practice, and it's for good reason. My son has been a patient for a couple years, and we are so grateful for Dr. Schening and her help, advice, care, and advocacy. She helped me recognize that my son may be on the spectrum, and I am so grateful for her professional advice because now my son can receive better services and I can become better educated to assist him with his needs. Everyone there is wonderful! The nurses are fabulous. My son loves their different themed rooms, and I love they they accept our insurance! read more

We recently moved to the area and I was concerned because we loved the pediatrician we had. I asked around and 3-4 people recommend Dr Schening and her office. I am so glad they did. Dr Schening is wonderful as are all of her associates and employees. They take their time with you, explain everything and we have never felt rushed. With three little ones things always come up and we've never had a problem getting in ASAP when needed. I highly recommend next generation pediatrics. read more

I knew I would use Dr Schening from the referral of a trusted friend. I however did not let her know I'd be using her until I gave birth. She happily came and saw my daughter the day after she was born and has since been my children's pediatrician. Like every business there are pros and cons. But overall I love them! Dr Schening is knowledgeable, patient and understanding. I've never felt looked down on with her (and I had a bad experience with a pedatric dentist to compare) She never makes me feel like I'm doing a bad job and always has great suggestions for natural medicine. Her nurses and assistants are always great. Very cheerful and good to my kids. I highly reccomend her, especially if you don't want to be threatened into treatment that you don't feel comfortable with. Dr. Schening's office understands they they are your children and it's your choice! read more

I can not say enough good things about Next Generation. I have waited many many months for them to accept new patients, and I am so glad I waited.They were everything and more I could want or expect from a Pediatrician's office. Front staff, Nurse...everything was above and beyond my expectations! read more

We Love our peds office! They are prompt, billing has been good, and all the staff is great! We have been seeing mostly Dr. Macy and couldn't be happier! She is warm, educated and listens! I am very grateful that I have going an office that thinks outside the box! read more

Originally, I loved bringing my children here. I know a lot is going on in the world, but I have been very disappointed in their customer service and manner in which I have been treated. I have been trying to schedule an appointment for my children and 3 to 4 times they have said they would call me back. Every time they are rude on the phone. I'm just so disappointed. I'm thankful my children are healthy, otherwise I don't know what I would do since they have been so unhelpful! read more

Dr. Schening is a wonderful pediatrician who cares about her patients. She helps offer natural options which is a huge plus! I highly recommend her practice! read more

This is seriously the best pediatrician office ever! From the office to the nurses to the doctor, they all want what is very best for your child and family! read more

I've only been for regular check ups and vaccines and I have no complaints. My advice is that you call when you get an email with an appointment reminder to make sure they have it on their books. I had issues with that today and they did nothing to accommodate me even after it was clearly their mistake. read more

They told me to give my 3 month baby clove oil for teething. Thank god I looked it up, because that could burn her gums. I called back and asked if they were sure I could give it to my 3 month old, and they said yes. I trusted my instincts and never gave it to her but at our next check up I asked the doctor and she said not to give it to her since it could burn her. Good thing I didn't listen to the nurse practitioner. I had a few more bad experiences here. You want to do what's best for your child, this place is the furthest from that. I would never recommend this place. read more

Our family has been going to Next Gen Peds for several years. My kids have been seen by many of the practitioners and love them all! Very attentive, caring, and take the time to listen. All have been great! read more

One of the critical things that any parent-to-be needs to do is find a pediatrician. Of course, since this was such an important decision, I put it off until the very last minute. Sure, I researched the crap out of pediatricians that align with my views on health on the internet and talking to friends, but I didn't actually get around to narrowing anything down and/or visiting offices until I was 38.5 weeks...yes, that's right, with 1 and a half weeks to go until my due date, I finally got around to making a life changing choice on behalf of my unborn child. As you can tell, I'm not looking to win any mommy to be awards here. I called the office and spoke with a friendly receptionist who let me know that the next meet & greet with the doctor was on May 13th. Then she asked when my due date was...um...May 9th(?). She was nice enough, even though I'm sure she was shaking her head on the other line in disapproval, to take my information and promised to talk to the doctor about when she would have time to see me and that she'd get back to me. It took 4 days for the office to get back to me, and I just figured that I had missed my chance to get in with this particular doctor. I started thinking that I'd just ask my family practice doctor to do the honors, and then the receptionist called me back to schedule an appointment (score). The office is in a little office building clump on McLean, just past Spring. I actually passed it the first time because the buildings are pretty far off the road & there isn't any signage that can be seen from the road. I saw the "101" on a side door after I had already passed the entrance. After a quick 3 point turn off a side street, I finally found the place. The office itself is pretty plain but clean, and I suppose that's what counts. I checked in, filled out a short form & waited for someone to take me back to see the doctor. After waiting about 10 mins, I was lead down a hallway to a set of offices, again, plain but clean. The room that I was ushered into was absolutely adorable. It was painted with a jungle themed mural on all 4 walls & there was a vintage looking examination table and baby scale. The first thing I noticed was a large container of Clean Well sanitizer, which confirmed that I was in the right place. Dr Shening is really friendly and extremely knowledgeable. She basically let me have the floor to ask any questions of her that I could think of. She's a big advocate of breastfeeding and is actually on the board at Sherman, trying to make it more of a breastfeeding friendly hospital. My next question to her was about vaccines, and she let out a big sigh (oh great, she thinks I'm crazy). She told me that she could argue both sides of the vaccines debate. I explained to her my stance on vaccines and the fact that I'm looking more for information and research to be able to make the best decision for my child and that I'm not necessarily against them. She seemed more ok with my questions after I explained that I'm not carte blanche against them. She does seem like she's willing to work with parents regarding "mandatory" vs. "recommended" vaccines, which I respect. At the end of our conversation, I was 100% sure that I had made the right decision about going with Next Generation Pediatrics. read more

the doctors themselves are good but the office staff & schedulers are TERRIBLE!! i rushed in on a saturday, driving 30 minutes & sat & waited 30 mins past our appt time with a 4 yr old w/ 103.5 fever. at 35 minutes past the appt i was told it would be at least 45 more minutes... with a lame explanation, which was an excuse for this mismanagement of the appt times. needless to say, we will be finding a new practice because this type of thing happens all to often. its very clear why the staff at the front keeps changing... THEY ARE AWFUL!! read more

I absolutely love taking my children to be seen at this practice. They are professional, attentive, kind, and very thorough. The best part is how highly they regard parental involvement and choices. This is very important as it helps develop and keep a trusting relationship between doctor and patient. I recommend them to every person who says they are searching for a good pediatrician. read more

The office was fine and my 15 month-old received sufficient care. I just wanted to add a tip - I moved from the city to the suburbs recently and found the office a bit challenging to find. You can access the building by going through the Butera parking lot. Google Maps and Waze directed me to a house next door to Walgreens (across the street) and a subdivision. Unfortunately, the office's answering service wasn't working properly so I couldn't get ahold of anyone to help me out. read more

There are people who love this practice but I am baffled as to why. Like others, my initial call to schedule was met with being on hold for over 15 minutes and was then hung up on. Against my better judgment, I called back and got appointments for both children to establish them as patients and have my toddler's 18 month well visit. Upon arrival, I gave them my paperwork I filled out at home only to be handed a new stack of forms because what they sent me a week prior was "oh, that's the old stuff. Just fill these out." (In a cramped waiting room with a developmentally delayed 5 year old and toddler- sure, no problem.) Once in the exam room, I was met with judgment about medical diagnosis and treatment for my son (from someone who hadn't looked at his records and barely had said hello to us). She spent about 30 seconds looking over my daughter (really, it was the quickest check up I had ever witnessed) and when I asked about vaccines, I was reassured twice that she was not due for any shots but was told that many families come here for "alternatives to typical medicine and are anti-vaxers"... I explained that was not our stance and that we followed AAPs recommendation for vaccinations. The office called me the next day to schedule a second appointment to get my daughters vaccines done because the provider "must have forgot"- I'm not kidding.) A month later, I called and requested her records be transferred to a new pediatrician. Flash forward several months and today I got a certified letter saying they will no longer treat her because she hadn't been in for a well visit... I seriously laughed out loud. The office has essential oils and "supplements" cluttering the front desk, staff who seem annoyed with patients and in my opinion, act unprofessionally. On other reviews I have seen defensive responses from the owner so I imagine this will get one too. read more

Anyone considering treatment here should know about this: I have never left a review for a business before, because I usually don't have time for this sort of thing. But what we have experienced at Next Generation has me deeply saddened at best, and incensed, at worst. We came to Dr. Schening 4 years ago, because of her reputation for not pushing medication or vaccinations. We were grateful to have found her for that for our 4 little girls. Any parent knows it's not easy finding a doctor you trust. Or now, trusted... After 4 years of seeing our daughters, Dr. Schening sent us a letter (that she didn't even bother to sign) stating that she would no longer see our girls for treatment. No reason was given. We were just about to schedule our 3-yr checkup for our twin girls. I called the office manager, Sherry, about it, and she said it was because we didn't schedule our well visits as frequently as we should have! What?! NEVER, in any communication from their office, did I receive a notice or a letter that stated that if I didn't schedule an appointment with them, they would refuse to see my daughters ever again. Even if they had notified me about it, wouldn't that seem like a strange policy?? I'm a business owner myself. You don't treat loyal customers like this. In that first conversation, I asked Sherry to talk with Dr. Schening about it. She said she would and get back to me. Never did. I had to call back 4-5 times. Left messages. No response. Finally got through. She said she would call me that next Monday. Never did. Finally now, 6-7 weeks later, I finally called back again. She had to look up things in her notes. It sounded like she didn't even remember our situation. She is very kind, but she takes no responsibility for any poor customer service, by simply claiming that she is just the messenger. Maybe she has her hands tied and is not able to influence policy decisions. But if that's the case, that tells you something about the way things are run in their office. What is ironic is that Sherry told me they were taking new patients these days. What?!! So, you would take new patients but you won't take my children, who have been with you for years now!? Frankly, none of the reasons that Sherry has given me for this decision add up. I think there is something else going on that they aren't telling us. Or maybe they simply are too overloaded with customers and can't keep up. Good for them. Bad for us. And bad for you, if you go. read more

I wouldn't give them one star if I had a choice. I'm new to the neighborhood and literally live behind this office so I thought it was ideal but I was so wrong. I called the office but right after I was greeted I was put on hold for about 20 minutes so I hung up and called back the following day and the same thing. I should of stop there..... but I decided to give it another chance so I walked in to make an appointment and was standing in line for 15 minutes and hear peoples name out loud and their personal info. By front desk, assistants, and even doctors.... Now really! people sign HIPPA for a reason. Of course I never went back read more

Waiting at doctors has become a norm now but waiting 2 hours is ridiculous. Finally, i just walked out and told them i can't wait anymore. They didn't even care. I don't recommend unless you have so much time on your hand. Will be looking for a new doctor. Dr. Jessica was extremely rude as well. She was talking about her next patient(my daughter) infront of me to her staff. Very rude. Yes, i was 20 mins late but don't act like you're attending to patients on time. read more

I never reviewed put i feel like everyone should know NOT to waste their time here. They are unprofessional and plain rude. When you call they immediately put you on hold for at least 10 minutes, and when your there for a set appointment time you wait an hour to be seen. The front desk is unorganized and don't follow HIPPA rules. I hear my daughters first and last name out loud sevral times used in the open. The front desk is crazy busy and Beth is always complaining her head hurts, she's un happy, she needs advil and so on... The office manager works also in the front desk and takes personal phone calls in front of patients. The assistant medical staff is knowledgeable about any shots and can't follow up with a simple follow up phone call. Again unprofessional and will get you frustrated. read more

We absolutely love Dr Schening for our 3 children! So much so, we pay out of pocket to continue seeing her rather than finding a physician in our network. Previous pediatricians had always been quick to want to prescribe steroids and other meds for the slightest skin rash or stuffy nose. I appreciate Schening's more holistic approach and that she aims to treat the source of whatever is causing an ailment instead of masking the symptoms. If only I could find a doctor as trustworthy for myself! read more

If I could give 0 stars I would. Dr. Schening has the worst bedside manners I have ever encountered. Critical, stuck up, and completely out of line is where this entire office lies in my family's book. Both grandparents have met her along with my husband and we have all finally drawn the conclusion that we will never go back. If you enjoy being talked down to by a doctor who thinks she knows it all then go here. She was horrible at answering my questions as well. She is the worst pediatrician I've ever met. read more

Loved the office and everyone that helped us. Dr was very informative and took her time to explain and go over our concerns. Even though it's a far drive - it's totally worth it. read more

Choosing the right Dr's office for your child/ren can sometime be a mom's worst nightmare when you end up with someone who doesn't see you as a partner in your child's health. Most don't even look at you while you're talking. Most never even really engage the child..... Not the case here. Since giving birth, I have switched peds 5 times for no other reason than they ALL had a terrible bedside manner and acted like they didn't really even care about my family. We were just another face in the crowd, spend about a minute with you, and done. Next Generation pediatrics made us feel like we belonged there. The front desk was warm and welcoming. They have a separate room for the littles to play in while waiting. I have yet to see The Dr. herself, but Joyce, and I believe her name is Melissa? She is wonderful too! They always take time to talk with my son and they make him feel at ease. They never seem like they are in a hurry to leave and always happily answer any questions I have. I am not rich by any stretch of the imagination and we don't have the best insurance, but this office treats us like we matter. That's why I waited a year to be accepted to Dr. Schening's practice.... It is also an hour drive. That is how worth it Next Generation is! She (Dr. Schening) probably has no idea who I am personally,but I can say I truly appreciate her for creating such a welcoming and relaxing office for mom's and dad's to bring their children for not just good care but good human beings to go with it. read more

Extremely satisfied with the very first visit with my 5yr old daughter. Dr. Schening is knowledgeable and respectful and takes time to address all inquiries. The staff was extremely personable. I love the alternative homeopathic supplementary approach. read more

I am one of the grandmother's Meghan speaks of. I was not impressed with the staff or Dr. Schening when I accompanied my daughter and grandson to their appointment. Not overly friendly, or informative to the front office staff. As for the doctor, she seems to only be worried about comparing your child to what the "average" child should be doing at a certain age. Not every child's development is the same. Helpful hint doctor, maybe try complimenting the parents, and give them suggestions and try to work with them in the development of their child. Being negative and saying nothing positive is not what a parent wants to hear. After reading the other review on this site, I am thinking there are two Dr. Schening's? From a grandmother's perspective, just be careful parents. Picking a Pediatrician is an important business, and sometime's you have to shop around to find the right one. There are plenty of them out there, so don't stick with one who doesn't treat you or your child the way you deserve to be treated. read more