After finding the -perfect- Primary Care Physician many years back, I have been loathe to find a new PCP in Chicago. Especially after my first few attempts gained me bitter disappointment and a health-threatening issue w/ my medication.
Having recently moved to Uptown, and no longer able to easily travel back to Milwaukee for my old doc, I once again searched for a doctor on my insurance company's website, gave up the "female doc only" option, and settled on Dr Abbo, a five minute walk from home.
The service I received from Dr Abbo and his staff was good, efficient, quality. I definitely don't have that same connection w/ him or his staff that I did w/ my former PCP (who would call me to check up on me if I hadn't been in for awhile, see how my life was going, etc). But unlike some of my other Chicago doctor experiences, in Dr Abbo's office I certainly didn't have to worry about neglect or other issues that could threaten my safety or well-being.
He gave me a recommendation for a wonderful gynecologist that I really like.
His staff is always pleasant and thorough. I don't have to wait long, and it's a pretty busy office (not sure how many doctors on staff).
When we first met, and I explained I have X health issues, I work w/ a chiropractor, but my former PCP and I agreed on several medications that work on my ailments for when I need them....he didn't try to argue with me, or talk down, or cop an attitude of "well that's your old doc, you're under my rules now" (yes I've had that happen in other offices). He listened to everything I had say, no sense that he was impatient or didn't have time for me. We discussed my reasons for two of the specific medications, and he really listened to me as I explained my reasoning/rationale for choosing a particular medication, and we discussed how it fit into my lifestyle and health goals.
And when I faced my insurance being canceled, he acquiesced to a sooner than expected request for a medication it usually takes me half a year to go through, being mindful of my "need" to refill before my insurance ran out, rather than being stuck w/ a $150 prescription bill between now and my new insurance.
So to sum up:
He's not warm & fuzzy. But he's highly competent, polite & pleasant, with a staff that is the same.
He treats his patients respectfully, mindful of his patients needs, and that they are capable of intelligently discussing ailments and medications w/o a need to talk down to them or be a dictator.
If he's still covered under my new insurance I will return to his office for future care. read more