I dont always rant, but I am seething right now. So many of my friends know that I recently had…read moresurgery on my hand. As such, I have been in the need for physical therapy to help things along. I have been going to Astoria Physical Therapy and things had been fine...Until recently. So first of all, let me say that my problem was not with the physical therapists themselves but with the front office staff. The owner (the primary physical therapist) and the secondary physical therapist were awesome. I was working with the secondary therapist, Savita, until she was let go due to lack of enough clients to sustain two therapists (or so the story goes). I had a chance to work with the owner (primary physical therapist) for a few sessions. Lovely gentleman, great conversation, and good work.
Really everything goes downhill when I had to deal with the front office. In particular the business/insurance handler, Lady. So unprofessional. She comes off as syrupy-sweet, but she is the most cold-hearted and vindictive person I have ever had the unfortunate opportunity to meet. She is passive aggressive and the minute you try and stand your ground she does what she can to sabotage you and make you look like you're the bad person.
So, I had to miss a few sessions due to illness. I called in and cancelled those appointments. Then today I was called to find if I was still coming in tomorrow or if I wanted to "close my case". I explained how I had been sick, but no matter how many times I explained it I was made to feel as if I was lying! I kept being asked if I wanted to keep my case open with them, when I had already very clearly stated that I would be there. I felt as if I was being harassed, and was even told, "well we saw you Costco". I mean come on, I was sick but when you have a family and need to go to the store you need to go to the store.
I even asked if they wanted me to have my supervisor call them to confirm that I was ill because of the way I was being spoken to. I had enough and was getting defensive because of the way I was being talked to. I told her, I will be in tomorrrow and mentioned that I would speak to the owner at my next session. I hung up...the next thing I know I am being called back and told that I am being discharged!!
Where is the customer service and quality of care? I am disappointed that the owner did not speak with me directly to find out what was going on, but when you have a manipulating office staff why bother? Who even knows the tale she weaved to him.
If you can, stay away. It is unfortunate that a good physical therapist is avoided because of office staff who do not know how to appropriately interact with people. If not for this person I would have continued seeing the owner (primary physical therapist). Instead, I will take my business and my health and put it into someone who really cares hands.
If you all know me, then you know that I am very considerate and a professional. Come on, I am on the phone and dealing with agencies, hospitals, etc. all the time, it is part of my job. I have never had something like this happen to me. Stay away from Astoria Physical Therapy, this woman is toxic and I am just so livid that I, or really anyone for that matter, could be treated so badly. On second thought, I dislike the owner now too, how could he not care about a patient's needs or even bother checking in with me. Grrrrrr. Now I am stuck trying to find another physical therapist. In the meanwhile I will deal with it. Ugh!
