Advanced Allergy & Asthma, Tarentum PA

Horrible experience! Went their initially as a new patient then had to schedule a testing. They said it was on a Thursday for a the testing, got a call saying it was Wednesday. Called them atleast 10 times to verify which day it was.left a message, was on hold and disconnected and never actually spoke with anyone. Horrible customer service and front desk personal!

Staff is pleasant and kind. Dr Patel and Kelly-pa, listen carefully and give educated help. They have both help me tremendously in less than year. Great place!

Check in was easy and scheduling for my next appointment was super fast.

If I could give 0, I would, and this is not about the service of the practice itself, because I never was seen today.

I made an appointment for the Butler location a few weeks ago and was given today, 4/15/22 @ 9: 15am, because the doctor only comes to Butler on Fridays. I arrived at the building around 9am, which has a lot of various offices in it, but could not find any signage outside indicating which entry to use. I eventually found the office, only to see the sign on the door (pictured) stating they were closed. I proceeded to call the office number and was routed to the Tarentum location where I spoke with someone and was told they were closed (even though she was working) and that I could reschedule. At that point, I was infuriated enough that I declined, but questioned how the appointment could have been made few weeks ago for this day, in addition to receiving a reminder call and text (pictured) on Wednesday to confirm. The response I received was that they did make calls to reschedule, but I certainly was not one of them.

Given that this kind of error can be made only begs the question as to the actual quality of service at this practice. I guess I will never know, because I have no intention of going back, and will look elsewhere for treatment.

Not a good experience for me.


PURPOSE OF VISIT:
Figure out why my body is becoming more alarmingly allergic to every day products. New allergic reactions turn to anaphylaxis.
High anxiety due to these episodes.
High sensitivity to the utilization of EPI and steroids.understanding one's body makes epinephrine, steroids, and hormones does not negate the fact that one can become sensitive to man-made versions.

CON:
I arrived early and was met with disdain, by one of the office staff, for being 'too early'.

PERSONAL PREFERENCE - NEITHER PRO OR CON:
Staff asked if I completed online information. I was not aware or advised to complete anything online; hence, another reason I arrived early to complete anticipated paperwork.

PERSONAL PREFERENCE - NEITHER PRO OR CON:
Staff provided me with paperwork to complete along with a 'little stab at humor' at me by stating "Now you can be more productive" because I was playing a game on my Kindle. (BTW.was not funny, just sayin')

PERSONAL PREFERENCE - NEITHER PRO OR CON:
I did not receive a call or text with a reminder of appointment.
Not familiar whether this practice makes calls to remind patients of their appointments.
I called the morning of my appointment to confirm. Not a big deal unless one is used to receiving such reminders.

CON:
After completing forms and returning to an open-registration window, staff was eating lunch. I appreciate that folks need to eat their lunch; however, it was an awkward situation for me to approach an open-registration window, initially "ignored", then I interrupt and apologize for disturbing only to be advised to return in a few minutes by staff. This, imo, is also minor but unprofessional.

PERSONAL PREFERENCE - CON:
Imo and for my situation, the doctor was dismissive and arrogant. After reading my history, doctor seemed uninterested and unconcerned about my newly-found allergies and anaphylaxis episodes. Doctor's question to me: "So what do you want me to do for you? " (meh.absolutely nothing)
Again, my opinion, this is usually NOT the best question a professional or specialist should be asking their patient. I was treated as an inconvenience to doing one's job. A patient goes to a doctor for their expertise and a solution or suggestion, not for judgment or an arrogant question.

OBSERVATION:
I was 50 minutes early for my appointment (pre-planned due to unfamiliarity of area and potential road construction).
The doctor was on time for my scheduled appointment and had me out of his personal eyesight within approximately 15 minutes from that appointment time.
This is not a complaint and just to be clear, though I was alarmimgly and distastefully early to staff, I was not brought back to doctor's office to be seen until approximately five minutes before my scheduled appointment time.

SYNOPSIS:
I was looking forward to this visit since I made the appointment. Three hours of my day wasted. The overall experience equates to ONE STAR.

He dismissed me and referred me to AG (Allegheny General) - University of Pittsburgh, so perhaps start here with one's own research and have your list of questions ready to ask.

DISCLAIMER:
The above details are subjective to my own personal experience and not up for any debates. Other's experiences may vary.