Providers are excellent. The office is VERY poorly run. Unlike any other medical provider that I've ever visited, the check-in line is often out the door. It doesn't matter whether you complete the online pre-check or not. The people at the desk tend to be short-tempered and unsympathetic. I've witnessed several events where someone had traveled some distance to find that there is no record of their appointment or it has been cancelled. When this happens, the admin people are completely unhelpful. Check-in people spend a lot of time typing on their computers and avoiding eye contact with the slow moving and growing line. If you can get past the front desk, it's a pretty good experience from that point. If I wasn't already in treatment with a provider that I really like, I'd consider going elsewhere. read more

Unfortunately something happened tragic happened with my urologist, who was great, and I am forced to find a new one. The APRN I liked transitioned to this practice. After weeks of leaving messages, no return calls and no way to contact a human, I have given up on this office. Which is sad, since they have a local office and the doctors get good reviews. read more

did a Eurolift procedure with Aaron Berkenwald. I had some complications after, but PV Urology really stepped up to bring me comfort. i am super Great full to Dr Berkenwald, and his staff. highly recommended. read more

After a half dozen visits I've had it! the front office is total chaos. nasty people who regularly cancel appointments without letting you know! id rather get my drivers license than see these people again. read more

Don't walk away from this place, run!!! The doctors are kind and compassionate but good luck with the support staff. No return calls, scheduling MRI and PET scans like pulling teeth, "Tammy" the scheduler is a ghost. I had to reschedule MRI due to no info on Prep. Never called in anti biotic prep for test and I could go on and on, so frustrating. Trust me, stay away from this place if you value your health! read more

I love that they have a location in Palmer. The staff is very helpful and respectful. I have been seeing Dr. Zavaski for years. He's kind and honest and has done emergency surgery on me with great results. When you meet with him he knows your file and history. I would recommend this practice to anyone. read more

After completing some tests over the course of 3 visits, my Dr (Asher - really like him) said "here's the results of your tests, and we don't need to do anything further, and you're good to go." Then a week later, another Dr (Starkman) whom I've never met at the practice apparently reviews my test results again (which have already been given to me and discussed with me by Dr Asher), and bills my insurance $1400 for the privilege. I call and tell the office that I already received the test results and met with my Dr. to review them a week prior to this 2nd Dr getting a look at them... why am I being billed for another Dr to review them later after my diagnosis is complete? They insist this is normal and that it's all correct. Makes zero sense to me. I really liked the practice up till this point but being billed for unnecessary services is a deal-breaker. read more

I had an appointment that I was not looking forward to. I am grateful to say that the staff and dr Michael Zavaski were amazing in putting me at ease and answered all my needs! I would recommend the group to all my family and friends read more

If I could give no stars I would. My fiance was scheduled for a surgery with Dr. Starkman at 12:30pm at Baystate Hospital. After driving for an hour and a half through the snow, we arrived at about 12:25pm for check-in when we were notified that the surgical procedure had been moved up to 7:30am that same morning due to "Covid". The receptionist explained that the office tried to reach out several times but were unable to reach us. That takes us back to Pioneer Valley Urology. On many different occasions we were unable to speak to an actual person and had to leave a message with the surgical scheduling department. Sadly most calls were never returned. Eight days prior to the date of our surgery we changed our phone number. Because we were unable to speak to an actual person once again, the new number was left on voicemail. Surprisingly the new number was never recorded in the chart (shocker). The communication between Dr, staff and patient is appalling. Apparently we were expected to consult our crystal ball to know the time had been changed. How about an email notification or even keeping the scheduled appointment time. I know the world revolves around the surgeon but let's pretend this is real life. Needless to say we are seeking care elsewhere with a more competent, and reliable urology office and surgeon. Absolutely pitiful and unprofessional. Shame on you. You're better off seeking care at a veterinarian office. read more

Pioneer Valley Urology - Proof of date and time. - Urologists Near Me - Springfield, Massachusetts

Dr Gallo is a caring thoughtful practitioner that takes the time to explain the situation. His bed side manner is very much appreciated.

Short wait time, pleasant, kind staff, the Dr took his time & answered ALL the questions we had. We did not feel rushed at all! We recommend this practice. read more

High quality care with attentive staff. Could not ask for more when dealing with urology concerns.

The staff was fine . Explained what was going on. The only thing I didn't like was the bathrooms were out side for anyone to use. The front doors to the office were heavy and difficult to open for people with disabilities. read more

I belonged to Pioneer Valley Urology on Wason Avenue for over 5 years. During that time I saw Doctor Shaker once and saw Nurse Practitioners and Physicians assistants 90% of the time. Dr Shaker knew what he was doing, but they rest don't seem to know much. They always ask me about my prostrate tumor, the surgeons want to remove my entire prostrate. when I ask how to solve the problem without surgery, the PAs leave the room to ask a Urologist doctor what should they advise me. I really don't mind that so that's not why they get one star. It's because they charge you $50 if you miss an appointment. That is fair, but the NP and PA have a habit if they can't get a hold of you of making an appointment for you without your consent. They did not inform me by calling. They mailed me the appointment which I did not agree to, and it was mis-delivered to my next door neighbor who handed it to me one day after the appointment. Now I have to pay $50, but don't bother! The US World and News reports, the top 100 urology doctors in Massachusetts, and Pioneer Valley Urology doctors are never mentioned. They are mediocre Urologists, seem to think you are bothering them. No wonder they are never mentioned as an elite urologists. But US News did mention 3 other urologists in another office in Springfield and 18 urologists in Hartford. Also the last time I had an appointment at Pioneer Valley Urology, they charged me a $40 copay (which is fine), but they also charged me another $40 to use the ultrasound machine on me, to find out if I emptied my bladder. That and their late fees are price gouging. Their waiting room, outside the drinking fountain, used to be busy and full. But last month, there were only one other couple sitting in there so their cracking down must be alienating many patients. But there better urologists on 3000 main street and in Hartford and other places nearby, who won't charge you as much, do a better job, where there are better urologists and that makes everybody happy. read more

Individual physicians at this practice may be very good, but the practice as an organization is terrible. They keep you on the phone for a quarter of an honor repeating silly messages you don't want to hear, then hang up without ever answering. And of course the fact that they wouldn't talk to you won't stop them charging you if you miss the appointment you were trying to cancel. What use is a medical practice if you can't talk to them? read more

They are one of the few practices that kept things going through Covid and have continued to meet all my needs. The staff is great.

Unable to get ahold of them to schedule an appointment. Called LOTS of times on a Monday and Tuesday during business hours and always got a voice answering service. This service would direct you to one or more mail boxes. they were either full or stated to NOT leave a message as it would not be answered and you must just call back in. I guess your supposed to continuously repeat this process until you actually got a hold of some one, else hang up and dial again. I did this many times but was never able to schedule a visit. If they can't manage a basic voice mail box / services I'd be worried about how they manage patient care. read more

I was happy with this urology group and especially Dr Swanson who I was a patient of for the last two years. Most recently I had a kidney stone and had to go to Noble Hospital due to the extreme pain I was in . After a CAT scan the ER doctor advised me that I had a 10 cm by 8cm MOTHER of a kidney stone way up by the opening of my kidney but was most likely too large to pass. He contacted my Urology group Pioneer Valley Dr on call. He was advised by this Dr to send me home with meds and call office in the morning, which I did. They gave me an appt later in the afternoon at which time I thought I would see Dr Swanson and a surgery would be scheduled within the next few days. Instead I met with a PA Salisbury who had my CAT SCAN report . She the asked me why I was released from hospital with this size kidney stone. I advised her Dr on call advised that last night. Her remark was "well I have to talk to that Dr". She then advised me that there are no openings on the surgery schedule for at least two weeks and that my insurance didn't cover their surgi center ( which was true) but then stated there are no openings there either. I then questioned her as to what am I supposed to do with this pain and this kidney stone which the results showed my kidney was already under stress and because the size this stone most likely would not pass. She then advised me that she could put me on a surgery list but that there was no guarantee that I would be called. She then advised me that if the pain got too bad which it couldn't have she said go back to the ER and they would have to do an emergency procedure to get it out. She added that she had two people prior to my appt and told them to do the same thing!!!! I said but I thought because of the size,pain and the danger of where the stone was located they would get me in somehow. She then stated well then we would have to bump someone and everyones kidney stone hurts. I then advised her that my sister was an ER doctor and she said well maybe she can get you in somewhere. I then advised her that I am Dr Swanson patient at which time she looked in her computer and stated "oh yeah there you are" and said well sometimes Dr Swanson can move things along. I then asked how am I supposed to deal with this excruciating pain and she stated I can give you a script for hydromorhine . I then left the office after paying my copay and no results except maybe we will call you maybe we won't!! Fortunately I contacted Western Mass urology and they saw a Dr the next morning on Thursday and had surgery for the stone on Friday. The staff and Dr Swanson at Pioneer Valley are great hands down but the way I feel I was treated by PA Salisbury was totally uncalled for ,she showed no compassion and told me to go back to the ER after I had been there the night before and to pay another 150 copay and they would take care of it!!!! I've never heard of someone being treated this way after have spent the night before in the ER. I know in the appt with PA Salisbury there was a young man recording the conversation at least I thought he was it looked like a steno machine. They can check that machine and see this is what was said during this interview. I did comment to PA Salisbury after she gave me the script that this is why there are so many people becoming addicts. I am sure that if I saw Dr Swanson I would not have been given the same treatment! Dr Tyson from Western Mass Urology group was able to retrieve the stone on Friday , which I am forever grateful for. It's unfortunate that PA Salisbury treated two other patients and myself this way. I understand that all these offices are busy with surgery schedules but I feel that if I had gotten a Dr or anyone else besides PA Salisbury this urology group would stepped up to the plate instead of just pitching myself and two other patients to the ER to pay another 150 dollars for a copay!!!!! read more

They have a despicable attitude toward patient care. Was scheduled for a surgical consult here back in May. Was told by phone my previous tests and scans were acceptable. it is over an hour and a half away from where I live. Drove out there and sat in the waiting room for an hour only to be turned away without ever seeing a doctor or having any consult because they wanted new scans. They didn't even take 5 minutes to assess me or talk to me and when I explained the situation and how inconvenient, frustrating, and unacceptable it was to waste my entire day this way they basically said "tough". Now my care has stalled once again because of rude and unprofessional doctors and staff. My insurance doesn't want to authorize another facility and I refuse to work with this one because of their ignorance. read more

I cannot say enough about Pioneer Valley Urology. Dr. Starkman and Cindy are both my hero. I got the all clear, no more appointments needed on Tuesday. I wept on my way home, cause I will miss them both. Each and every time I was in the office, I witnessed the staff treat the patients with the utmost professionalism and always with a smile. I remembering saying to one of the girls when I was checking out..."you ladies seem like you really like your jobs". She agreed with that statement. If you ever find yourself in need of a urologist. I highly recommend the staff at Pioneer Valley Urology! read more

An amazing practice. I have been a patient here specifically with dr shaker since I was 17. I am now 32! He has performed many surgeries on me, and been active in my treatment. Everyone here are wonderful, kind and helpful. One I first started as a patient here I came from another office that left me worse than before and dr shaker practically saved me. read more

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PLACE! Very surprised to read the bad reviews but then again people have different experiences. Just last Month (February 2019) had to go in for an appointment. Long story short they told Me I needed surgery, got the surgery scheduled for 2 days later (this part was purely luck I'm assuming) . Anyway everyone I dealt with were exceptional people. I can't praise this place enough, I literally mean everyone from the receptionists to the nurses to dr Swanson who performed the surgery to the anesthesiologist were all a pleasure to deal with. I'm 28 and it was a scary thing for me to have to go in for surgery but out of the probably 5 nurses I dealt with every single one of them was amazing. They saw how nervous I was and helped me (well they at least tried) to calm down. Made jokes with me to get my mind off things. I can't recall all of their names but I know for sure Penny( thanks for being so cool with the IV for someone who hates needles you're amazing) shantel, Chanel, Laura, and the others who I've forgotten already(sorry it was all pretty quick but you're all great and I truly thank you). The nurse who had me post op was a flat out great human. Couldn't tel you the last time I freaked out that bad after waking up from anesthesia but my god were they right there to help me along the way. I can't say enough good things about this place. They were out of my network as far as my health insurance is concerned but still glad I went and if I ever had to go back (god I sure hope not any time soon) I wouldn't think twice about going else where. I had called several Times during recovery and they got back to my very quickly(usually same day once was next day but I called late), always calling to make sure I was okay. And lastly when having to get paperwork filled out for work purposes (medical leave,insurance and what not ) they were extremely helpful as well! Again I can't say enough good things and if any of the employees there are reading this my names Marco I was there on 2/10 and 2/13 and I want every single person I dealt with to know you're amazing at what you do. You made this really shitty thing (for me at least) much better and I truly could not thank you enough. THEY ARE GREAT AT WHAT THEY DO AND GREAT AS PEOPLE AS WELL!!!! read more

You do not want to work for a company like this.They are incapable of possessing any form of compassion for you as a human being. They are unprofessional and for a lack of a better word heartless. To work here you must have tough skin because they will break you down physically and emotionally. They will hire people and fire them 4 days later. They will offer you a position and retrieve it soon after. They will not appreciate all your hard work but point out each and every mistake you make. Please take my word. This is not a place you want to be read more

I can't give a review on their work but the scheduling process alone leaves me very fearful. If it wasn't the only place available under my health insurance I wouldn't go. Receptionist are rude. I was called to tell me my apointment was canceled, booked 2 months in advance due to wait time, and they rescheduled me a month later. The fact that they will have me by the tender boys in a few months has me very worried. Will update as this fun adventure continues. read more

Not the group to go to if you are male in need of help for ED. I believe the staff was more uncomfortable with treating this then the patient was working up the guts to go get treated. Once you are out the door, the follow up was poor also. Problem unresolved. Wasted money, time, and dignity. There are people out there that are sympathetic and supportive and able to help with this condition. You may have to travel to get it though. Don't give up. read more

I had a surgical procedure done in September which ended up with multiple problems. I saw 4 different urologists over the course of 5 months to correct this problem. Dr. Starkman new what the problem was immediately and also knew how to fix it. He explained everything to me very clearly, made no guarantees but was very reassuring, kind, patient, understanding, respectful and answered all my questions. He made the adjustments he explained and now I am back to normal. Everyone in the office is always helpful and professional. Laura has called me at home several times and is always very patient, kind, understanding, sweet and professional. Thank you Dr. Starkman and PVU read more

4 years ago when i was going through a hard time i made a few appointments with them and missed them for reasons relating to my mental health. now 4 years later i call back for an entirely different problem and am told that i can never be a patient there ever again because 4 years ago i missed some appointments. pretty horrible, pathetic, and shallow. go anywhere else, i can't imagine any other urology center in the area treats people so poorly. read more