Our follow up visit was efficient and quick. We got in to see the doctor, had our final visit with him before being discharged. read more

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I am sharing my personal experience as a former patient of, Dr. Wnek, so that others can make informed decisions about their own care In my experience, my concerns and the findings related to my thyroid nodules were not followed as closely as I believe they should have been. I was later diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer that had spread to my lymph nodes. After reviewing my medical history, I was left with serious questions and concerns about whether suspicious characteristics present in my earlier thyroid imaging should have resulted in additional evaluation or biopsy sooner. I also experienced significant problems with continuity of care at the practice. I later discovered that there were two separate patient records under my name, and I had difficulty obtaining a followup appointment (with phone logs to prove I called to make the appointment and was not allowed). I was ultimately terminated as a patient while I was hospitalized for surgery related to my thyroid cancer. Paula Gorman call me while I was in the hospital after surgery for cancer, which they are part of the care team for. I was alone in pain and on medication and incredibly vulnerable situation and this woman thought this was the best time to call that she was releasing me from the practice. Absolutely zero compassion from this woman or this facility. This experience had a profound impact on my life and required additional treatment and surgery. I am currently pursuing formal complaints so that the appropriate agencies can review the facts and medical records independently. This review reflects my personal experience and my concerns based on my own medical records and treatment history.I encourage anyone seeking thyroid care to review their imaging, ask questions, and seek additional opinions when they have concerns. read more

Woefully incompetent. Everything is a hassle. If you ask questions you do not get direct answers.

Shocked as I'm reading some of these reviews. I have been a patient here since 2003 when they opened. Dr Vankat has been my primary and there have been a handful of times that I was unable to see him. I go for my yearly checkups and whenever I'm sick or have an injury. They are generally able to get you in for a same day appointment if you call early in the morning. The wait time when you return a nurses call is a little long but that's to be expected since their first priority is and should be the patient in the office. I was seen today for a knee injury, Jordan the PA seen me, I had seen her once before and she remembered me. You are generally seen within 5-10 minutes after check in. I have been pleased with the quality of care I have received and have recommended other people to the practice and they were also very pleased. read more

No one answers the phone. More than once I have sat on hold over 15 minutes. The major issue is Paula (manager). She seems to deliberately not understand what you are saying to her and denies actual proof of what you are saying. Please believe the negative reviews. I hope the owners listen to the reviews that identify Paula as an ongoing problem at this facility read more

calls not answered. hard to communicate. dr. deal with emergency first, other calls considered "not relavent"..including seniors.

Everything was great up until I fell into a depression as my dad got sick and then died. I had a hard time facing the world and didn't make my next appointment so they dropped me. I called and apologized, explained my situation and that it would not happen again. No empathy whatsoever, just no we don't want you as a patient. Truly unbelievable! They were also supplying my anti depressants and just cut that off. Who does that to a person. Not a practice that actually cares about the patient. read more

Manger PAULA VERY RUDE told me I wasn't being honest with her due to me telling her how I didn't recieve. anything in the mail regarding anything read more

They never answer the phone doesn't matter what time you call they leave you on hold for hours. No one has all day to sit on the phone completely unacceptable. read more

I've had great experiences at Southgate Medical Group with my doctor Angela Barnes, DO. She is very personable and thorough. The Group at large was able to place me with Angela (my preference is for a DO) easily and my appointment was scheduled in a reasonable amount of time. When I came to visit in March before covid became an emergency situation they already had masks and sanitizer available and signs about not entering if feeling sick with cold/flu symptoms. My appointment was kept timely and I was able to do bloodwork at the nearby Quest center. I've also had an ultrasound at this facility and my appointment was also kept very timely and the ultrasound tech was very kind and friendly with a great bedside manner and calming presence. read more

Hello, this is Michelle, I was there several times with my grandparents, trying hard to give this group a chance, however, I have often encountered nothing but rudeness and disrespect and will be taking my grandparents elsewhere....I do not recommend this medical group to anyone!!! read more

I am not a medically needy person per say... I'm healthy and rarely ever do I need to contact a doctor...but obviously I have one for yearly physicals and than anything else that might pop up. I've had a few different doctors over the years... I'm not a person who just picks a place and sticks with it unless I really like it, I never liked any of my primary doctors that I've had in past years so I never stuck with them, I didn't like their attitude walking in like they were God Almighty not listening to anything that you say or trying to make a problem out of nothing etc...2 years ago I found Southgate medical where I have my new doctor (Redenbach) and so far I'm loving it! I never wait long when I go in there... usually I'm called right away, the girls at the counter are always awesome, my doctor is younger which I am grateful for, she's very personable knows how to laugh, isn't stiff or stuffy like most physicians... really makes you feel like you've known her forever which makes you feel more comfortable being there, let's face it nobody likes to go to the Dr. and it's always hard to find time to even go! Finding a doctor who acts like a real human being and also treats you like a human being it's really promising!! I am hopeful she is the very last doctor I will ever need, she's the kind of person/doctor that I would follow if she left the group. One perk I also like is they actually pay attention to their patient portal unlike other places, if I ever send any test results or anything else that pops up or I have a question that it does not need a office visit or phone call they are totally on the ball with it! read more

I was a patient there for 4 years. I saw two people regularly - Heather Leary and Derrick I can't remember his last name. I had a good relationship with both of them. When I called to make my 6 month appt. , I was told I would hav to see Dr. Anh-Thu Nguyen MD. I asked why I had to see her when I had a good theraputic relationship with the others. I received no answer to this and they scheduled me with Heather. When I got home (I was down south for a couple of months) - I received this letter from Dr. Nguyen saying that a breach of doctor -patient relationship had occurred and I needed to go somewhere new. I had no doctor-patient relationship with Dr. Nguyen. I believe this was her ego at play. So,, because of her, I lost access to my two practitioners, as well as everyone else in the practice. She totally banned me. I don't like the way it happened, but I am glad I am gone. I am happy where I am now. I give the practice two stars - one for Heather and one dor Derek. read more

I just called and spoke to a receptionist asking if they were taking new patients and mind you I was in a few months ago and they told me no but to call back TODAY Jan 2nd. So I call back and the tone of this woman's voice was so nasty, she said "yeah..........(there was a pause) no were not, DIDNT say"I'm sorry someone told you to call back today, unfortunately we don't know when the window of expecting new patients will be" Then after the response I got I was starting my next sentence and she just hung up on me...DIDNT say "sorry I couldn't be any more of assistance, have a nice day" I work in customer service and I'm sorry but in my personal opinion lady you should not have a job as a receptionist unless you go learn how to speak to people, or just find a job you like. read more

Came here because I felt I had covid symptoms coming on. My wait time was short and saw a doctor right away. The PA who saw me, Derrick did a great job. He was professional and knowledgeable. Would recommend to anyone who is looking for fast professional medical care! read more

This is about just trying to connect with a Dr, nurse, or even janitor. This telephone system is brutal. The first connect is with a secretary, easy enough. Let me transfer you to a nurse, dr, etc. Be prepared to listen 20 minutes or more to an annoying voice telling the caller their call is very important to them and a representative will be with you shortly. Define shortly? After 20 minutes I now find myself hanging and hope my question about my health wasn't serious. read more

Friendly staff, doctors are usually on time within five minutes or so, pharmacy on site and plenty of private lot parking available.

Yep - they read my review here and put two and two together because today I got a "certified letter" from Dr. Dipirro essentially firing me as a patient (even though I'd previously stated to him/them that I wouldn't be returning). The letter actually states that "NO Southgate Medical Group provider will be able to provide me with routine or emergency care." I've never been rude to any of the staff at Southgate Medical Group - so it's most definitely a result of my Yelp review. Perhaps they should spend more time & energy focusing on bedside manner and customer service rather than simply firing patients who ask to be treated like more than a billable object. I can't state enough how much of a headache this place has been. It's sad that almost every Dr. listed on my healthcare plan in my immediate area comes up listed under Southgate Medical Group. Luckily I'm not locked into having to choose someone in their approved list. Beware "Julie C." If you keep up your Yelp "antics" and continue to demand quality care and decent customer service, you too will get a certified letter. :p read more

Southgate Medical Group - Medical Centers Near Me - West Seneca, New York

Once again, a negative star review would be preferable. I left this practice over a year ago. My reasons were many. Doctors more concerned about the buck than the patient and who don't listen to the reason the patient is here. I also cannot stand the condescending attitude that was prevalent. When I left I had "bubkas" with respect to a medical file established. Did not do yearly exams and refused all extraneous blood work or testing. The one major issue I requested attention to was my blood pressure, which was skyrocketing. I was told to watch my weight, get more excercise, take 2 aspirins and call in the morning. Enough. Switched doctors. Have a wonderful working relationship with current MD. Anyway..the reason of this bitch?? I had received a bill for $14.00 for records transfer fee. I ignored this because no records were transferred. Guess what, my delinquent account has been submitted to a collections agency!! And total owing has been reduced to $13.50!! Frigid day in hell before this is ever attended to. Bottom line - STAY AWAY! read more

I had a physical due during Covid and i was asked by Angela Barnes if I would do it on a zoom call. I said sure cause everything was still crazy then (3/4/21). Never mentioned any additional charge for an office visit (which it wasn't since it was a phone call but yet was charged for an office visit. Didn't do any vitals, didn't refill any prescriptions from what my pharmacy told me. Not much was discussed and I'm being charged $77 dollars yet a physical should be covered? Then I questioned it with Southgate Medical and they were looking into. Then I received a notice that I'm no longer accepted there cause I didn't follow a plan of management of medical concerns. Breast exam, colonoscopy, blood work. Well, my job ended end of April and I haven't had insurance. Never reached out to me to question why I didn't go. I believe they weren't happy that I disputed the original bill which as of today, I think it's BS and they are taking advantage of people now. I don't recommend anyone going there. read more

Save yourself time and fustration. I use to see them in 2010, was 3 minutes late for an appointment, and they canceled my time with my doc...Called the following day, and was told "You best be on time or your out" What because I was 3 minutes late. thier office manager is rude and crude.....enough! I have found another Doc, who cares about his patients 100% read more

The nurse could barely hide her irritation at having to work. It was 930 am, she didn't greet me or acknowledge me, and was rude and dismissive. read more

Went there over the past 10-12 years. Recommended my husband and daughter who also loved them. Today, they blocked by pre-surgery clearance if I didnt get a check-up with a cardiologist as they didnt like something on the EKG. Mind you, I have never seen a cardiologist nor ever had ANY heart problems. SO here I am at work today, with a surgery scheduled 5 days out and Monday is a holiday...I get into a cardiologist after calling around SEVERAL (thankful for understanding bosses that I had to leave immediately *AND WITH NO PAY I MIGHT ADD). It took me over 31 minutes ON HOLD to get Southgate to send over the records so the cardiologist would even see me!!!! Continuing on....I get to this cardiologist ....she says there is no problem and clears me. Mind you I am driving and crying along the way thinking I have a major heart defect as I get nothing from the nurses at Southgate Medical except long hold times and "something with the ST depressions" and I am more and more anxious as the clock is ticking and I have to race to this cardiologist going over 50 miles an hour to get there so my surgery will not be postponed. That worked out....well I guess. I was just there Wednesday and they wanted to send me the clearance on the portal but I cannot get on it any longer...my account is frozen. They give me a new sign on for the portal (which does not work because just about everyone and their brother uses the same portal forms so if you have passwords and user names plugged in on an iMac....good luck, it gets frozen. I love the doctor but boy I hate this place after the run around they gave me. Basically making me think there is a major heart problem, I am crying on the way to the cardiologist thinking what is wrong with me? I get there, thankfully she clears me and said there is no problem. Almost get into an accident as I am crying all the way for this? I am done with this place after this. No communication from my actual doctor. Nurses took forever to pick up the phone, and they had me worried sick for nothing as everything was fine. Let's see if this surgery takes place. I am done with the run around from this place. They had over 10 days and they get to me when the last dog does basically. I have been in pain for years. Need this total hip replacement and do NOT need the run around from Southgate Medical. read more

Mike P. I am a patient of Dr. Karaga and I find his attention to my situation(s) is with good and professional concern on his part. I understand that he is not always available for some of my appointments but all of his colleagues are just as qualified and professional. Dr. K. does make it a point to see me as often as he can but I do not have any complaints with his follow up if I do get an appointment with his colleagues or staff. Other than being on hold awhile if you have to phone in an appointment or question, I use the patient portal most of the time and they get back to me pretty quick. Dr. K. shows concern with my situations and always follows up after consultations or recommendations. This wasn't always the case with my former PCP. before Dr. K. came aboard with Southgate Medical Group. Things (at least for me/family) have gotten better with our experiences with SMG since. read more

I have been going to the Southgate medical group for over 20 years. I almost never see my primary doctor anymore. If I ask to see him it's a 3 to 4 month wait. They made me make an appointment to renew my handicap parking pass. I ended up seeing a doctor that did not know me and he gave me a temporary pass for six months. This visit cost me $180 out-of-pocket. When I told one of the women at the front desk I was not happy. She told me it would be fine if I just went to see another doctor. If I could give this facility zero stars I would. Most of the time you see a nurse practitioner. Why should I pay a full co-pay when I'm not even seeing a doctor. No one seems to care and it's all about money. UPDATE I already had a handicap pass. All you have to do is goto your town hall. Your pass is good for life. So they give me a temporary pass when I had a lifetime pass from a heart specialist. They could have told me and not set up an appointment to renew a pass. read more

Southgate Medical Group - Medical Centers Near Me - West Seneca, New York

I switched to Southgate a few years ago after feeling like a number at my previous primary doctors. Dr. Karaga is by far the best primary I have ever had. I feel like they really care and listen to my needs. They always fit me in for sick visits and I've never had a long wait time. Every nurse and PA is pleasant. I have seen other doctors there and they are all equally as nice and professional. I would recommend them, and have, to anyone. read more

Find a better practice subpar care and doctors who don't care and even better when they screw up by not providing care and calling back overall giving a shit about their patients they will discontinue care as a result of "disruption of patient/dr relationship. No on call dr but close and accepted new patients now I see why they are always accepting new patients. Do yourself a favor find a better medical practice read more

Ever try getting through once line picks up? I'm still on phone after 45 minutes waiting! Perhaps hiring people to answer calls or having a voice mail set up for them to get back to caller would be a good idea!. read more

Southgate Medical Group houses a Doctor who works through UBMD, so this might be a strange review (I'm not sure how this is who all the doctors at SMG work out, but this is my experience) ... I first called UBMD to schedule an appointment with Dr. Smolinski since he was the only Doctor who would see me for a "second opinion" on my knee issues after being just 4 months out from surgery that hasn't fixed my problem. I was told to go to SMG to see him, which was fine. When I finally found the Orthopaedics area, I waited for 10 minutes before a receptionist had time to see me. After we finished that business, I was put in a patient room, where I waited for an hour and around 20 minutes to see Dr. Smolinski. But... I didn't actually see him, but someone who works under him first, who spent about 3 minutes with me and yanked my leg around. Dr. Smolinski came in shortly after and looked at my knee, determined that I had some muscle atrophy in my quadricep, and told me to get physical therapy. He was instrumental in fighting an insurance denial, so I had some hope in him... This was in July. Fastforward to December, where my knee still isn't healed from my surgery. My surgeon tells me to get a second opinion on my new MRI, so I go to Dr. Smolinski. I call up SMG, but they don't schedule an appointment with me, I have to call UBMD. Somehow they can't transfer me over there, even though they probably work with them on a normal schedule since their doctors work there. Top it off with the fact that the lady didn't understand why I was getting ANOTHER second opinion after telling her multiple times, she said she can't schedule it anyway. What was the point in clarification if you don't schedule appointments for him? I get into see him 2 weeks later. Queue another hour and THIRTY minute wait to see him, but first some other doctor who yanks my leg around. He is confused, can't see much on the MRI besides existing tear that is probably from the previous surgery, the chondral flap, and a gastroc tear (which were apparently no big deal?), tells me I should get a cortisone injection, even though I told him I had one previously and it did nothing. His explanation was fuzzy. He wanted to see how the novocaine would make me feel, and started tittering off about possible surgery if the novocaine provided me relief. It did, for about a few hours. The next few weeks were agonizing. A few days in, I knew the pain wasn't normal -- it was worse than it was before surgery! I called up, talked to someone at the desk, and they said he wasn't in and would call me back, but she started giving me attitude about how cortisone shots should take a few weeks to work (uh.. no! And you're not a doctor, why would you say that?!) and that she would "try" to pass the message along to Dr. Smolinski. I never heard back from him that week. The next week, I heard back from the other doctor who comes in and yanks my leg, telling me to just take a mix of ibuprofen and tylenol. Super useful, right? I come back 2 weeks later for my follow up appointment with my husband, because I felt like I wasn't being taken seriously. Queue up ANOTHER hour and now 45 minute wait. Dr. Smolinski seems to have no recollection of the cortisone injection discussion we have. Him and yanky leg doctor have no recollection of my MRI. Good thing I had another disc handy to show them the imaging. He tells me he doesn't see anything concerning on the MRI that he can help with. Doesn't know what to tell me outside of getting HA injections, which I said aren't an option because my insurance doesn't cover. He said he wants to step out of the picture because he doesn't do surgery anyway... This experience has been a huge rollercoaster, so I starter tearing up in the office. He tells me that "a year in pain is really not that bad, in the scheme of things, you can't get emotional about it. Just wait and see, maybe in about 6 months from now, the pain will subside. Try your best not to bend your leg as much as possible, ice it, and take aleve." He tells me to try to see someone else, since he feels like if he added any other info in, it would be a too many cooks in the kitchen situation. He then told me "We have plenty of 80 year olds hobbling around here who have had arthritis for 30 years, and they seem to have no problem," as if being 27 years old and having pain doing mundane, every day things like sitting is normal. Apparently that was a good comparison to make after you just told me to not be emotional about the fact that you have no solution for me. When I came out of the room, still in tears, the people at the desk only made sure to tell me that if I wanted to do a follow up, to just call them -- wait, what? You people told me before that you don't schedule appointments for him. No concern over the fact that I was crying or upset at all. Will never go back again, will never recommend him to anyone. read more

I have been reading these reviews and I had to double check that they were from the same practice that I go to! I have been a patient there for 10 years and have never had an issue. My entire family goes there. All of the providers are extremely knowledgeable and compassionate. Operators and the women at the front desk and nurses are always very pleasant. Dr. Venkat is my primary and he is awesome. There have been many times that I needed to be seen because I was sick and had to see one of their PA's. Again, great experiences! I wondered about the urgency to always have a physical done because I am very healthy. Then I found out that most insurance companies actually require them. I guess it is like changing the oil in your car...preventative maintenance. read more

This place is awful! I went there a few months back and will never go back! The wait to see the doctor was over an hour long and with no apology! Mind you I had an appointment! Oh it didn't end there. so I found a new doctor elsewhere and requested my records to be sent to my new doctor. Southgate Medical didn't have me for long....literally one doctor visit was enough for me. The doctor was horrible, and he had no tact. Today I got a bill from them for a medical records fee. yea.... I'm not NOT paying it! read more

I have been with Southgate Medical since they opened. Over the years though they have gotten progressively worse. Customer service stinks at the front counter. Having to wait for personnel behind the desk to finish their chit chatting. However what is even worse is the fact of trying to get ahold of someone. The wait time in very long. Forget trying to get a nurse (just to return a call from them). I have been sitting on hold for upwards of 30-45 minutes. Of course that only have phone hours of 8:30-4:30, Hmm I work 8:30-5 and do not have the capability to sit for my whole lunch and still not get to talk with someone. I was recently told that I should be using the patient portal for contacting the office. Boy, I guess everything does go to the way of computers / technology. I just want to pick up the phone and actually speak to a person. Guess that doesn't happen anymore. I am about to switch to another practice. ( However, my doctor is great). read more

needed an appointment fast. called smg and they got me in fast. no sitting in a waiting room for hours. dr. wnek was very through and took her time explaining everything. very pleasent appointment. and lotsa parking. betty=eden ny read more

My husband and I are patients of Dr. Karaga. As a matter of fact so are members of my family. We have been at Southgate way before Dr. Gazzingan and Dr. Rodes and found Southgate to be outstanding. We have had nothing but a positive experience all these years and would recommend this group. We have on occasion, had Janet May see us, who is just as qualified as the Drs. in my opinion. You only hear the bad stuff and so for this reason have decided to have my voice heard and give Southgate Medical Group my 5 star rating. read more

Well to each his own I say...I have been going here for many years, Dr. Dipirro was my first and we did not see eye to eye..so thus the 4 stars. I am now and have been a patient of Dr. Rodes for the last 4 years, do not wait, and can usually get late hours. I have a portal now and can get my meds filled when it's time. Bottom line...don't abuse your meds and there will not be a problem and don't make southgate you 3rd, 4th or 5th place in the last 6 mos. Big Brother is watching! Love Dr. Rodes! read more

My experience at Southgate Medical Group was undoubtedly the worst experience I have ever had a a laser center. I went there for consultation/treatment today for the laser tattoo removal of a simple, small, 14 year old armband in black ink, and a sniffling, coughing and congested nurse wanted to charge me FOUR HUNDRED SIXTY DOLLARS for ONE TREATMENT for removal that cost only $150.00 per treatment at another laser center, which I previously attended. I thought she was kidding. I would like to add that this was a rescheduled appointment (which was less convenient for me) due to the negligence with this practice not being able to read a calendar and keep their original appointment. Due to the consulting individual's not even having the credentials of an M.D. to even THINK ABOUT charging that much, as well as her decision to come to work when she was that sick and spread germs to her patients, I told her she was out of her mind and that I would stick with my original laser treatment center. Also, she only wanted to treat half of the tattooed area at a time, mentioning something about "circumferential swelling" (which I have NEVER heard of, nor have I ever had a problem with the entire area being treated at once), which meant I would have to drive out to West Seneca and waste more time and gas. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND SOUTHGATE MEDICAL GROUP TO MY WORST ENEMY. They are unprofessional, unfriendly, and their services are a total rip off. For what they wanted to charge me, I could have 3 treatments at my original facility. read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Rodes for several years and have been very satisfied. I left my primary at Buffalo Medical Group because I was having elective surgery and needed a clearance from my Dr. which would have involved a 10 minute exam clearing me for the surgery. The surgery date was already scheduled and the nurse would not give me an appointment as it wasn't time for my "yearly physical" I tried to tell her this wasn't for my yearly physical but to no avail. Anyway, I was given the name of Dr. Rodes who agreed to see me immediately so I could go ahead and have the surgery. I had asked my previous Dr. office to transfer my medical records which they never did. I have been extremely happy with Dr. Rodes, I have never had a problem getting appointments and never have to wait more than 5/10 minutes and now that they have a patient portal it has been fantastic. It's been a great tool and when I send over a question or request, I have it the same day or the next. I don't know what people are talking about that the staff is rude or unpleasant. I have never been treated that way by any of the staff, they have always been courteous and pleasant. I, for one, would highly recommend Southgate Medical and Dr. Rodes based on my experiences. read more

Do not go to this Dr's office, I switched to them when I moved into the area and it was a huge mistake. They only treat the ailments that they want and do not prescribe meds that you have been on for 10 yrs. I was told that the medicine I was on that I did not need. Apparently back injuries heal themselves. I also had 4 different Dr's in my short time there. Do yourself a favor and find another Dr. to go to. read more

I cannot rate my experience low enough. I just joined this practice and my new dr completely ignored my medical history and my needs as a patient. He decided to completely remove a medication I've been on for four years and which I depend on to have a little quality of life all without even seeing me in person at all!? The pa I did see misled me at best and at worst flat out lied and they ignore what has been completely obvious to every other dr I've seen in the past several years. I'm now housebound due to the completely incompetent service I've received and my life is actually at risk due to the ridiculous decisions that these two people have made against all evidence medical history and what should be common sense. I will be Changing my dr as soon as possible and making an official complaint about the people involved! read more

I have been seeing a Dr. Claude Sy at this group for several years. He came highly recommended by a friend who he diagnosed in early stages of lung cancer. I think he is a great Dr, is very thorough and even has a great sense of humor. When he thinks something isn't right, he gets it tested. I have recommended him to family and friends, and all seem to find him equally as talented. read more