Austin Regional Clinic: ARC South 1st Specialty

I would not recommend seeing Dr. John Simmons ENT and Dr. Kathleen Kraft 0/10 experience. Simmons: Went in for throat problems and allergies but he barley even examined me. Also this way in May, he was head to toe in PPE gown and looked terrified that I was going to give him COVID (Which I did not have) his care was not worth the $50.00 co-pay that I paid.
Kraft: her nurse is very rude, “skipped” over me for my appointment time because I was 7 minutes late and made me wait an additional 45 minutes to be taken back. I saw her for ear pain, she prescribed me very expensive ear drops that did nothing.

Today 9/3/20 I went to the office of Dr. Melba Lewis, and was seen by Jen Ruffin P. A. The care I received at her office was 100/100! Very thorough and found out that I have a deviated septum that is causing me all the sinus problems I have been having. As well as my tonsils causing my sleep apnea. If you are thinking of seeing an ENT I would not go to ARC.

It is really sad that I was not able to receive the appropriate care that any Patient deserves when they go to the doctors. I have been going to ARC since birth and recently been seeing a decline in their doctors and support staff that try and act like doctors. I will no longer settle for the care at ARC, I recommend branching out and looking for other places to go!

On Tuesday afternoon June 23rd I called into the office to get an emergency prescription filled after noticing that my mail order prescription orders were not being delivered. I was out of one of my medications. Knowing what a restless night is without the medication I knew I had to make arrangements to get the prescription filled as soon as possible and although I had an appointment with the doctor Thursday morning June 25th, I phoned the office anyway to get an emergency prescription filled locally so I would not be without.
For some reason all of the orders that I had placed with a mail order which I had assumed were set on auto delivery were all canceled.

I had had a previous issue with prescriptions and had inquired with the mail order service as to what the issue was. They informed me they had reached out to ARC multiple times (they gave me dates and times) and said they were unable to reach anyone and my orders were cancelled.
They further indicated to me that they had attempted numerous times to communicate with the office and get the prescriptions filled without ANY reply or follow up from the ARC office.

That said, I was unclear as to why this last set of prescriptions had been cancelled until I called in today. I received no notification from the doctor's office there were any issues with regard to my prescriptions NOT being fillable for any reason.

When I phoned in that afternoon the nurse told me that he would be able to send over prescription to the local CVS for a 30-day supply and that I could follow up with the doc at my appt. Anticipating there might be an issue, I waited a few hours and then low and behold the prescription was SENT TO THE MAIL ORDER instead of the local CVS. When I phoned in later that night to inquire as to what the issue was the receptionist began to talk over me and told me that this issue had nothing to do with her! Literally!
And then that she was basically not responsible as a representative for the office and the doctor.

Can you believe that response because I don't think I still can.

After about an hour on hold for a nurse who could finally facilitate the transfer to CVS I wasn't treated much better. I honestly thought at any moment that she was going to hang up on me and that I was going to be out of luck for my medication at my doctor's office The nurse seemed equally unappreciative and unimpressed with my situation and even began to chuckle when I mentioned I had a previous negative experience, as if my issues and situation weren't important. NONE of this was a funny.

It's sickening to think of and equally alarming to think of others could be going through similar situations. As if it were my fault INCORRECT dosages were being sent to the pharmacy and that my prescription request by the mail order had been ignored and my orders been canceled and that I was OUT out of my medication. And then that the medication after an emergency request was sent to the mail order again! UNREAL.

The lack of attention to detail and TO CARE is truly astonishing and honestly stomach turning. It doesn't matter we're in the middle of a pandemic; it doesn't matter the nurse is stressed out or that they're overwhelmed, or that the doctor can't take the time to READ MY EMAIL. MY care and my HEATLH are still important and it's critical that these issues are addressed. I might not have COVID19 but I am still YOUR patient and deserve exemplary care at EVERY step of the way.

To complete the evening, when I phoned over to CVS they told me that the prescription would indeed NOT be covered with insurance and that I would have to contact my insurance company to have the mail order removed immediately which would mean the rest of the Rxs i had filled through them would be cancelled and then transferred to CVS. And that I would have to PAY CASH out of pocket to get my Rx that had been ignored by the doctor.

It's simply not lack of customer service, it's dangerous such mistakes are alarming and I'm offended I was spoken to and treated so derisively.

Billing department and customer service are trash. The doctor I saw was fine, but did an unnecessary procedure on me without my knowledge for which I was later billed, which is separate from my aforementioned issues.

I absolutely love Dr. Sebastian as an ENT. My recent visit with him was very relaxing and easy going. I also love Dr. Claire Hebner. My children used to have her as a pediatrician and she is amazing

Firstly, this place is extremely choreographed and organized! Quick and easy check-in process and the staff was pleasant. Dr. Lee is professional and serious and listened to what I had to say about my symptoms before rushing to any sort of diagnosis. Sometimes doctors have made their mind up about what's wrong with you before you ever open your mouth. This was different. And in this tough time of sickness / appointments / blood tests and imaging. The human component makes it that much more bearable. Thank you Dr. Lee and thank you to the entire staff at ARC South.

I cannot rave enough about the ARC:). Dr. Calloway is smart, kind, efficient, and runs an on-time schedule - her team mates (especially Tina) are spectacular and personable. Kudo's to CEO Chenven for providing equitable access to healthcare. #HappyPatient Thank you ARC!

This review is specifically for Dr. Dana Garcia.

I have lived in Austin for 10 years now and have had terrible experiences with Doctors here. It seems like most of them don't really listen or care. They don't ask questions or listen and they just want to get you in and out as fast as possible so they can get to their next appointment. Dr. Garcia is a glowing exception to this. She genuinely cares about my well being. She asks questions and doesn't make me feel rushed. I am very happy to have her as my primary care physician. Thank you Dr. Garcia!

Dr. Simmons was very helpful, my hearing is restored and I am incredibly thankful. The book of Paul tells us, "Allow for other's mistakes, we are not perfect", this is in regard to the high nursing staff turnover. This is not the doctor's fault, try to be kind.

The worst ARC in Austin.

When I came in, there was a scene unfolding between a patient and the receptionist (quite foreboding). The nurse didn't take my temperature because the thermometer was broken, and that was apparently the only one they had? The doctor mentioned several times that he was going on vacation and so would not be able to follow up with me. After I left my symptoms got worse and I couldn't reach him. I went to a different clinic, where the doctor described my medication prescribed from ARC as "garbage". I was given a new med and my symptoms immediately cleared. I will never return.

I don't know what it is about this location but I've never been seen earlier than 30 minutes past my scheduled appointment time. Far West is the far superior location. They've never been more than 5 minutes late. Do yourself a favor and stay far away from the S. 1st location. They only get 2 stars because Dr. Norris is absolutely wonderful.

Keep in mind I'm new to doctors, clinics and stuff, and I knew it was kinda midly hard to get an appointment.
This place is bad.the people barely answer and they just transfer you. They are not getting my business and I actually rather not even go to the doctor because of bs like this. It's just so annoying that they don't know what they are talking about.

Front desk rude and unprofessional
ps im just here for Dr Hines he’s an excellent and caring professional and listens to all your needs. He gave me the right medication thank you dr!

This place does not consider its patience as a priority in any case. My Dr.left early twice this week and this clinic did nothing to assist in providing me with a physician others that day as my medical situation needing a physicians immediate attention. They did not seem concern that my symptoms had gotten worse or asked me if I needed help. I will never book an appointment and at every turn I will discourage others from going there because of poor customer quality and care.

After 2 visits to the emergency room, needed an URGENT referral for NEUROLOGY from my doctor here (Dr Hein). After 4 days there is no response. This place is a joke and should be put out of business.

I enjoyed my experience here. I had an appointment and was seen in just a few minutes after I was checked in. The ladies at the check in desk were friendly and the medical assistant was very nice. Dr Sharon Liu saw me and she was great. Great personality and had me in and out quickly but took the time to answer my questions. Im usually nervous going to the doctor but I fely very comfortable here.

Be careful with billing department's mistakes. They do not correct them and your "supposed " bill will end up in a collection agency, no matter how many times you contact them. Will not be back to any of their doctors there.

** YOUR CREDIT SCORE will GO DOWN if you visit ARC CLINIC **
Went for a checkup (first time ever at ARC). The service was decent. My Insurance covered all my test expenses. However, after getting test results on ARC's mycharts account I realized there are some more records and test results that DID NOT belong to me and those tests were dated back 5 years ago. On top of that, ARC also put a wrongful COLLECTION on my Credit Report for those alleged tests that I didn't even take there. After notifying them about this serious issues, they told me that it will take 2-3 Weeks for them to confirm their mistake and only later they will start the process to remove the collection (for which they did not commit to any timelines). My credit score went down drastically because of this collection put by ARC. I am now suffering because of such a great blunder from ARC!

Made a BIG mistake by giving these people my personal details!

Huge long holds either on the phone or waiting to be seen. They will likely also not call in perscriptions and let you have to wait again when you get to the pharmacy. Terrible all around.

Waited 2 weeks to schedule an appointment. After filling out paperwork online and arriving early for my appointment I had to wait another 45 minutes for my appointment. By then, I had to go and did not even see a doctor. I don’t recommend unless you have time to waste. Other reviews seem to have similar problems.

Doctor Sanchez made me feel comfortable immediately her kindness and attention to my needs was refreshing.