. "5"^^ . "2"^^ . . "2"^^ . "2018-02-17T00:00:00"^^ . . "0"^^ . "I have read all the previous reviews and when the VA Choice provided me this name, the reviews had me dreading my appt. Let me address a few things that I have noticed. As a new patient, I have had a wonderful experience.\n\nPhones off at 4PM: They do this because from 4-5pm, they are returning voicemails, calling for confirmations on various things-insurance verification, appts, etc. It states it in the VoiceMail message. This is a normal practice amongst various doctors offices. If it's a busy office, it's hard to do call backs if phones are ringing off the hook.\n\nRude phone behavior- i've not heard it. I have had to sit in the office after a shot and the calls I heard were really nice and professional. I am guessing here but when a receptionist has to be firm and tell a caller news they don't want to hear, it may come across as rude. I am always nice and pleasant to them so I did not get treated rudely.\n\n$$35-$50 fee- $35 for cancellation less than 24 hours or $50 for no show. Let's face it. Most Dr offices have this policy. They advise you of it when you fill out your New Patient packet. They advise you of it when they do your reminder calls to confirm the appt. With appts in high demand, if I call for an emergent situation, if someone can't make it, be responsible and cancel so others can get in. No fee is charged and others can use that cancellation spot. This is also a business. They have bills, supplies, employees to pay, etc. Each allotment of time is worth money. If you don't give notice to cancel, they don't have a chance to fill it with a paying customer.\n\nPA vs Dr: Physician Assistants do great job. Give them a chance. Mine has figured out why I suffered 25 migraines a month so now I am at 4. They are overseen by the Dr so its a perfect solution. It's a procedure many Dr. Offices use.\n\nAllergic reactions: If one is having side effects-call 911. If its not emergent, leave a message and know that they call back. You can also call the pharmacist where you got your meds....much faster. \n\nMessages: They check messages twice a day. They will respond within 72 hours. Remember that they send your message to the doctor to address at the end of the day and it's like standing in line at the bank....if the Dr. Has 25 concerns to deal with that came in before yours, then you are the 26th person to get help. My concern for my health is just as important to me as yours is to you so give them the time to help EVERYONE.\n\nPatient Portal: It's a great tool. Use it.\n\nInsurance: I had an issue with my insurance. This office actually took the time to do a three way call with me and my insurances to get it worked out. There are 1000s of insurance plans out there. It is YOUR responsibility to KNOW your plan and how it works. If you don't take the time to know your plan, don't get mad because the office staff doesn't know how your plan works, either.\n\nI want to throw a huge compliment to Lupita. She didn't know something about my insurance and asked on the call. She was given direct access to the PA dept for the Veteran's Choice program. By taking the time to do a 3 way call, I was able to keep my appt. I am telling you. You catch more flies with honey than vinegar. Be a honey pot."^^ .