I've begun using Yelp to try and locate doctors since health guides always recommend referrals…read moreinstead of location as the surest way to find a good one. So here's the skinny on my experience with Dr. Sheridan. She's been my primary care physician for more than five years now, ever since my company switched to a new insurance carrier. I found her by asking coworkers for a recommendation.
INSURANCE: My plan is accepted by Murray Hill Medical Group (MHMG), so I have not had to pay anything up front except the per-visit fee. I've only ever gotten one bill for an overage -- just last month in fact -- and it was for $5 - admittedly an odd amount to bill for, it hardly seems worth the effort but I guess if you have a hundred patients it adds up. The bill arrived about a month after my visit.
PRO: I have found Dr. Sheridan to be consistently pleasant and low-key. She listens patiently to my updates and concerns and while quick and efficient, doesn't give me the impression of being perfunctory or rushed. Her calm demeanor works for me in stressful situations. She has never tried to talk me out of any referrals I've requested but I typically do a lot of research about any issues I have (I'm Type A personality), so like to think I've been conservative and not hypochondriacal in those requests. The people and places she's referred me for scans, tests and exams have been clean, efficient and professional, so no complaints with those, either.
HUGE PRO: The amazing online scheduling system. For someone working in a cubicle environment with zero privacy (and someone like me who always forgets to even make appointments until after work or on a weekend), it's a Godsend and may be the difference between putting off an important exam or getting critical care. You can make, update and cancel appointments, exchange emails with doctors, and it's easy to look for dates and times in the calendar. Why every doctor's office doesn't have this capability in the year 2010 is beyond me. Even if the care weren't as good as it is, this feature would still weigh in my decision to choose a doctor. I know it shouldn't but if I never go to the doctor because I can't ever make an appointment, what use is he/she to me?
NO RATING: I haven't had any challenges from my insurance carrier to referrals or tests, so I can't judge how much of an advocate Dr. Sheridan or her office would be if there was ever any question. If that's a concern for you, I'd definitely ask about what they can do for you. Of course, the fact that there's been no challenge might indicate they've been filing stuff well but I haven't had any life-threatening medical concerns that might kick the insurance company into action so can't give this a true pro or con rating.
CONS: A minor con is the location. It's way the heck on the east side, away from easy subway access. I generally take the 6 to 34th and walk east but it can be a long, dreary trek when you're under the weather or the weather is bad. The only other thing that some might consider a con is that if you're looking for a very chummy relationship with your doctor, I'm not sure Dr. Sheridan can provide that. It's not something I look for -- I want efficient, knowledgeable attention and personally don't want to get into friendly discussions all that much in that situation. Also, to be fair, I only go to the doctor once or at most twice a year, so it's not surprising to me that she would have to refresh her memory about me by referencing my file while we consult or by asking me questions about my medical history. It might be an issue for you if you don't go very often yourself but would like a doctor who namechecks your kids and who has your history embedded in memory. Again, if you have a chronic condition and visit a doctor often, you might develop more of a personal relationship with her. It's just not come into play for me.
TYPICAL VISIT: I have never had to wait more than 10 minutes for my scheduled visit (except once when I was a half-hour late and she was already seeing the next patient when I arrived -- even then they worked me in instead of sending me off with a snarl). There are a few stray magazines, mostly medical, but I've never had to resort to them. Not buddy-buddy but friendly and efficient front-desk staff. Usually a brief form to update -- try to remember to bring your insurance card each time, I think they ask. The exam rooms are always private, clean, and adequately warm. The doc usually sits down briefly to talk over concerns, leaves for a few minutes while I disrobe, comes back for the exam and then meets me in her office afterward to discuss her summary and treatment options. You pay the co-pay fee on the way out.
Final verdict: Yes, I can and do recommend Dr. Sheridan as a primary care physician and the Murray Hill medical group as an overall provider. I hope this was helpful.
