Mountain Heart / Northern Arizona Healthcare Cardiovascular Institute, Flagstaff AZ

We were referred for cardiac clearance for surgery. Katie (preop scheduler) and Dr Atiemo, went above and beyond to get the appropriate testing done and results in speed record time. Dr Atiemo and Katie gave us clear, concise instructions and answered our 2 million questions with patience and understanding. It is very obvious they actually care about the patient and the family's concerns. Dr Atiemo was very easy to talk to. The front office folks were friendly.

It's been 6 months since I was told I need a sleep study and I still haven't gotten it. They did one after only 3 months of delay, but screwed it up, and I still haven't gotten the services my doctor ordered. I am of course being charged for the sleep study, and they insist on billing me even though I have in writing the services that were ordered that were not provided. It's possible they'll be able to provide quality services once they're no longer short-staffed, but at the time, they're charging for services they're not providing.

I see many negative reviews here, as well as excellent reviews, which is normal for today's society. I personally had great experience (some scheduling issues at 1st and waiting time) at Mountain Heart. Where I live we have had a BIG takeover with Summit Healthcare that is driving other doctors and labs out of our area, leaving only their doctors and maybe 10 minute appointments, long wait to see heart doctor (2 months) or end up in emergency room. That's is why I waited to go to Mtn, Heart for getting a pacemaker. Kent Winkler was a kind, caring person who took the time to listen to my concerns and make sure I needed the surgery. Everything went well and not forced with heart medicines I didn't need. Did all other tests to check everything else with my heart and solved my issues with my CPAP settings, which needed settings increased and didn't need to do another sleep study. Still working with Dr. Henderson on insomnia issues and she's been great. I can't easily travel to Phoenix for doctors and both Mtn. Heart and Flagstaff Medical Center treated me well. Sorry to see Kent Winkler retire and sell out to the Regional Medical system, but hopefully still be better than what we have now in White Mountains. People need to realize our medical system is overloaded in America and full of red tape and you can't always get everything right when you think you need it or the way you think it should be. Things are ever changing in America and some people are seldom satisfied with anything. I've had doctors in the past in Phoenix that wasn't good experience. You don't like this place, I'm glad you are going elsewhere making my need for an appt.easier to get. I'd give this place 4 1/2 stars if could for treatment for me. Blessings for your retirement Kent Winkler.

Revolving Door for New Doctors that Move Here

In 9 years I've had two attending physicians who literally quit while I was their patient. That's about six visits total and both doctors quit or were fired from there. If that is my experience, I can only guess how many physicians have worked there. Estimate doctors blow into town, get a job there temporarily until they can find a good place to work, then they are gone.

My last doctor spent two minutes with me in two separate visits and I was billed $292 which Medicare paid $88. Trust me, all you are is a $$$ to those people. I've read reviews of "good" doctors there but I checked and they are LLC partners or owners of the firm. If setting a new appointment, ask for them and if told "not accepting new patients", tell them you'll wait and I bet they call you in a couple days with a miracle: "cancellation". That kind of GREED can't be restrained.

After my visit I went to a sleep specialist cardiologist and had a REAL physical done, not just a quick listen to your heart so they can bill more stuff that is so evident everywhere. I will never return to this place.

Terrible customer service. Impossible to get them on the phone. Impossible to contact my doctor directly. And people out here have got zero knowledge about insurance coverages.

Called to get the results of my echocardiogram and Ann Taylor absolutely refused to call me back, had her assistant Danny attempt to decipher the results over the phone, and told him “just mail her the results”. I called again to speak with manager Jennifer Phillips who ensured me she would have Dr. Wani call me back, two weeks later still no phone call. This is horrible customer service. I do not recommend Mountian Heart, they simply dismissed my concerns and me in general as a patient. I’m sure I’m not the first to be treated with utter disrespect.

They treated me well once in. But it takes 3-4 months to get in and get anything you need done for Sleep Apnea, even just a copy of my RX.

Our first visit was a hospital follow up after my hubby went through a scary cardiac experience. We saw Dr Leder who was relaxed, funny, and very knowledgeable, so impressive! We were taken back within 20 minutes of arrival, the staff was friendly and helpful. Dr Leder stressed the importance of my husband staying on his prescribed medication. I called for refills on his meds when he had 4 days worth left, leaving a message on his MA’s VM. No call back. I called again leaving a message, no call back. 2 days later, I left yet ANOTHER message for which I got a call back saying they would forward my request to the provider.
Well, it’s Sunday. His medication was never called in. Now he’s out. This medication is important to prevent him from slipping back into A-fib after a cardioversion. I am SO. Disappointed. I left a message in the general VM today, meanwhile, we are scrambling, trying to figure out how to get Rob’s meds. Such a lack of communication has taken away the confidence we had in Mountain Heart. Maybe previous suggestions to “not waste our time here, go to PHX “we’re spot on. We’re really bummed about this experience.

Terrible customer service here. We have had an appointment for several weeks for a Cardiac check up. Appointment was for 10: 45 we waited until noon without being told anything regarding why the appointment was late.
When we asked the receptionist she just replied oh the doctor is running late. This place is very unprofessional and should at the least advise patients they will be expected to wait an hour or longer to be seen, so block off the day when you make an appointment here!
We could not wait as we had other appointments today and the receptionist did not even offer to reschedule us! Very disappointed and this treatment certainly does not inspire confidence in this facility! Perhaps Phoenix offers more professional Cardiac care.
Would not recommend.

I was referred to see Dr. Winkler specifically. I called to book a appt and his first Availability was 3 weeks out. I booked it and arrived today to find out I was scheduled with a completely different Physician. It was important to me to see the Physician my Doctor had suggested. This was a complete waste of my time!

They are getting worse and worse. Made an appointment for two days away. I get home and my appointment card reads 2 months out. Called and Yep, schedule was screwed up. Had to re-book for a sooner time. Left messages and calls never returned. Took my malfunctioning NEW CPAP in and they charged me $25 just to see the tech for my NEW machine. Sucks. Too busy to provide good service.

The front office staff was friendly. The MA and Doctor were very rude. He didn't listen nor cared. You can tell his compassion is for the money not the people. He just wants to get his appointment over with in the fastest way. He does NOTHING preventative. He thinks your problems are someone else is problem. He willing to right a "clean bill of health" without doing any further testing that will to attest to that. He speaks loudly so you will NOT question " his findings". For the MA, she isn't friendly. If you have questions about the paperwork she said "if you never heard it, your probably don't have it. I have a lot of things to do.and i don't have the time to answer your questions" So, her compassion for people isn't there. You would think that a employees will help the patient understand the paperwork and what you are signing. To the lady that handles the complaints. She has very little knowledge in the heart or how to handle the complaints of patients. She seems very timid to confront the doctor. I don't think she understands the position she is in. She wanted very little involvement in the complaint. I can now understand why this place has 2 star review. I witnessed it. Save your heart, money and your future and go elsewhere. If you love your family and yourself. I beg of you to seek another cardiologist. Don't let your health be chanced by pride.

Don't know why there's such bad reviews. The receptionist was friendly, the Medical Assistant Danny was great and a funny guy and best of all was Dr Cohen. He explained everything I needed to know, answered all my questions and took his time with me. A very good experience today.