I was a patient at North Raleigh Periodontist for three years, and until recently, my experiences…read morewere routine. However, the events surrounding my March 2026 appointment and the follow up four months later were so unprofessional and concerning that I feel obligated to document them.
My March appointment itself went smoothly, but the interaction at checkout was alarming. Historically, the office billed my insurance first and then contacted me to pay any remaining balance immediately once insurance processed. When I was told I owed an amount that day, I explained this had never been their practice and asked if they could bill insurance as they always had.
The receptionist, Kris, responded in a manner that was unexpectedly hostile. She stated, "We aren't doing that anymore, you have to pay today," and when I asked if they could bill insurance for this visit, she replied, "No, I want the money today." She then added that she was "tired of hunting people down for payment," despite the fact that I have always paid promptly and have never required follow up.
When I asked for her name, she refused, saying, "You don't need to know my name." She then made an inappropriate and inaccurate remark: "It's not my fault you can't afford the treatment... you need to pay now." At no point did I indicate an inability to pay; I simply did not have my card with me because their longstanding billing process had never required me same day payment.
I left the office in tears. Shortly afterward, Dr. Singeltary called me personally. He apologized for the interaction, acknowledged that Kris could come across "gruff," and assured me he would address the matter with staff the next morning. He also told me that my next cleaning would be complimentary as a gesture of goodwill and asked me not to leave a review. Based on his assurances and the fact that I had previously been satisfied with his care, I chose not to post anything at that time.
Four months later, I drove 45 minutes to my scheduled appointment, an appointment that had been made by my hygienist before I left the office in March. I had not received a reminder, which concerned me, but I still arrived on time.
When I checked in, Kris asked my name, looked at her screen, and said "oh," then whispered something to her co-worker. She informed me I was not on the schedule. When I explained the appointment had been made months earlier, she responded, "Yeah, but you and I had an issue."
I informed her that Dr. Singeltary had called me after the incident, apologized on her behalf, and had asked that I keep my appointment. She responded, "I wish he had told me that," and reiterated that I had not been placed on the schedule.
At that point, it was clear that the issue had not been addressed, the promised follow up had not occurred, and the same staff member who caused the initial problem was still permitted to treat patients in this manner.
This reflects a significant breakdown in professionalism, communication, and patient care. The conduct displayed was dismissive, inappropriate, and inconsistent with the standards expected in a healthcare environment. As a result, I will not be returning to this practice.
