Premier Primary Care Physicians PC

I think people need to know what a terrible practice this is.
I moved to the Arlington area a year ago with a newborn baby and this was the only place that was accepting new patients at the time. That made me happy however, little did I know what I would be getting into.
1) The receptionists obviously don’t know the difference between Family Medicine doctor and a Pediatrician. I was given Dr. Everrett (great doctor) but she wasn’t a pediatrician. I would call multiple times asking for a pediatrician and they would always give me a FM doctor. I had to do my research and find out that Dr. Stanford was the pediatrician in the practice.
2) They messed up my insurance information at least 3 times. I would get bills in the mail for almost $ 1,000 for baby vaccines, where I had to call my insurance provider and their billing staff and literally argue with them about how that was incorrect. It was always Premier Primary Care’s mistake.
3) During one of the visits, we were taken to one of the rooms and the nurses weighed the baby, checked temperature etc. They asked me to remove her clothes and that the doctor would come in shortly. 45 minutes later… the doctor came in. Apparently there was some sort of issue with another patient, but I didn’t get any updates on the situation. If a nurse could have let me know that would have been better, but no. I had to take time off work to go, I almost left. Unacceptable.
4) My baby got really sick about a month ago with 104 fever. I called the practice to see if Dr. Stanford could see her, but they said no walk-​ins. I asked the receptionist if I should try to go to the practice and see if they would see me, and she said it was worth a shot. When I got there, with a highly febril baby, they sent me away. I literally begged. To me that is unacceptable. I would have waited if they could have just squeezed me in quickly with any other doctor. But they didn’t even offer me a solution to my problem. I ended up taking her to the ER. In my mind, when it comes to children you have to have walk-​ins.
5) After the E.R. visit, they asked us to do follow up blood work a few days later. My husband took the baby to see Dr. Stanford and get her blood work. In the labs, they were really rough with the baby, and had a hard time drawing her blood. A few days later they sent us a message saying that they didn’t get enough blood to get a result so were would have to do it again. We decided to take her to Georgetown, and there they did is easily and said that for that kind of test you don’t need to get a lot of blood. Another mistake by Premier Primary Care. My husband is a doctor, so when the nurses at Georgetown told him this he was furious at Premier Primary Care for messing up the labs.
6) I don’t like it when the receptionist/​staff calls me «Honey». She doesn’t use it in a sweet way. It’s condescending and disrespectful. She has done it over the phone and via messages.
Please don’t waste your time going there.

Sibley is the best. So nice and empathetic, she never make you feel as though you are wasting her time or she needs to rush out. Stanford is also wonderful, she sees my child and is conservative which I can appreciate with the unknowns of homeopathy that people always recommend to me. I also can also almost always get appointment within 24 hours if not that day for when I am sick or coming down with a virus someone shared with me from work.

It is really hard finding a great doctors office. I am very sad that Dr. April Everett is leaving the practice. I am hoping to find a replacement within the practice that is just as good as her! Never had any issues with scheduling, or questions with the office.

I’ve been coming here since we moved to Arlington about 5 years ago. I mainly see Dr. Stanford and find her open to discussion and conservative in her treatment approaches. She has seen me through some oddball diagnoses. I enjoy the open concept scheduling, I can get in to see her within two days. I have never had a single issue with their staff not understanding me or mis-​filling a prescription. The nursing assistants are always polite and professional.

Allison Broadbent, PA-​C, is a lifesaver. I’ve been seeing her for over a year, ever since I had a very complex diagnosis from a specialist. She’s worked with me through dozens of appointments to find the right medication and the right lifestyle changes to make sure I can live with my diagnosis. She truly cares not only about your physical well-​being, but also your mental and emotional well-​being. No matter how many odd symptoms I came in with, she never made me feel like I was crazy or a bother. She made herself available via the patient portal, too, so I always was able to get an email response from her within 24 hours — very useful when trying new medications.
The other PA-​C in the office, Nicole Sibley, is also a wonderful person to see if you’re feeling ill. When I couldn’t see Allison yesterday but had a terrible backache and stomachache, I saw Nicole instead. Nicole listened to my issues, did a thorough exam, and ordered a myriad of tests to ensure we were covering our bases. She also sent me straight to the hospital for a CT (with «Stat» written on the order form) so I was treated like royalty at the hospital. Turned out I have a kidney stone, which I wouldn’t have guessed, and I’m so glad I saw Nicole when I did. Even better, she called me this morning to follow-​up and see how I was feeling. She went into more detail about the results from my CT and asked that I follow-​up with her next week.
I’ve seen other doctors at the practice and haven’t been as impressed as I’ve been by the two PA-​Cs. Recommend seeing them if you have any issues.

This is a review based solely on my recent phone call. Typically I frown upon reviews based on one interaction with a business, but I am hoping that doctors/​staff at PPCP read this review and consider making changes to the way they operate.
For weeks I have been researching med-​peds physicians in the area because we are moving from Hawaii to Alexandria this summer. My family and I don’t know anyone in the area so we’ve really got to do a lot of homework in order to pick a doctor that we feel comfortable with. Here in Hawaii we see a med-​peds physician and we were looking for someone who would be able to see both myself and my son. Dr. Stanford is med-​peds certified so I was looking forward to meeting her since there are VERY few in the area.
I just called the office of PPCP to schedule an «interview» or «meet and greet» with Dr. Standford. The receptionist wasn’t very friendly at all. When I explained that I’d like to schedule a first time visit to meet Dr. Stanford I was told «we don’t do that». I was a little confused because every other doctor that I’ve ever been to has allowed me to meet them and talk prior to a sick visit. Once again I just clarified and explained my situation, but it was obvious that the practice really does NOT allow for first time meetings prior to an actual sick visit. I think this is very unfortunate. It is so important for both the patient and doctor to get to know each other, if only a little bit, in order to truly get to know each other, their styles of practicing medicine, and expectations of the physician and patient – this is a REAL benefit to everyone involved.
I suppose the practice is inundated with patients and perhaps they really don’t have the time to meet. If that is the case then it’s not a practice I want to involve the health and wellbeing of myself or my son. It is really a bummer because I think ped-​peds physicians truly have an upper hand in terms of knowledge and experience.
Hopefully someone with some clout at the office will read my heartfelt review and offer to make changes so that incoming patients feel more comfortable.

Allison Broadbent, a wonderful woman who understands and cares. She makes you leave the visit with a sense of support and love. She is the only person I will see at the office. Thanks for being you Mrs. Broadbent.

Pretty bad experience. Almost 2 years ago looked up dr. Shwartz and decided she’ll be my doctor. First time I just wanted to schedule a checkup which I did and got an non urgent appointment a week later. That was ok.
Since then I can never get an appointment. I called and tried to get for an emergency and they asked me to go to urgent care which I did. Next time same thing. The one after the same, but there was I screamed and said I’m calling on a monday, just give me any appointment this WEEK. After I fight I got in on Thursday that week and saw another Dr. I had to call in 3 days In a row after that to ask for my X-​ray results, they say they’d call back and never do.
Overall I’ve only seen dr. Schwartz ONCE. The very first time only.

I’m currently sitting alone in the examining room waiting for Dr.Sexton. My appointment was at 1:30 and it is currently 1:59. I have been examined my her medical assistant, and have been waiting for over 15 mins for Dr. Sexton. I just inquired how much longer it will be until Dr. sexton will be able to examine me and was told that she is currently with another patient. What I don’t understand is that it’s nearly 30 mins into my appointment time and she is still with another patient.
After finally meeting with Dr. Sexton for all of 3 minutes, she put me on a nebulizer and disappeared again. I’m once again sitting alone in the examining room waiting for the Dr. As she tends to other patients. This is ridiculous, if she would just focus on one patient at a time she could get each one out of the door as opposed to making us wait while she bounces from 2 – 3 rooms at a time.
I’m not sure if ill return back to this office, I don’t have that much time to sit around waiting.
Update: I had to return for a follow up because the medication I was prescribed did nothing. Once again I’m waiting alone in the examining room for Dr. Sexton, this time it’s been nearly 25 mins. I really don’t understand her lack of time management.
She should really scale down her patient volume, if she can not find time for every patient. I’m sure she will be rushed again and only examine me for 3 mins again and leave without answering a single question.
Definitely not returning to her as a patient!

I’ve been going to urgent care for all major issues, broken bones, flu, etc. However, I’ve been having health issues that I decided I want to figure out what the heck is wrong with me and wanted to make an appointment with a doctor. Granted, it’s really difficult to find a «good» doctor so I just made an appointment with Premier Primary Care Physicians because I went here once 2 years ago for a physical. And although I didn’t have a very good experience the first time, finding a new doctor is difficult and I don’t go to the doctor unless my bone is broken or I’m dying, so I decided to give them another try…
I called the office, explained that I have been suffering from certain symptoms and that I wanted to speak with a doctor. They were able to schedule an appointment for the following day. Great.
During my visit the physician assistant/​nurse, or who every she is that takes your vitals, was very nice. I wanted to make note of that. I told her quickly why I was there and after taking my weight, temperature, blood pressure, etc. she said the doctor will be in shortly and said if I needed absolutely anything don’t hesitate to come get her. Very kind.
I saw Dr. Everett and she really listened, with concern, to my problems. She didn’t make me feel bad, because of course I wasn’t dying or bleeding, but the quality of my life has declined because of these symptoms. She and I both tried to figure out what could be wrong and she scheduled some tests to be done. She explained why she choose those tests and what the next steps would be and that she’ll try to work with me and help me figure out what’s wrong. I felt like she took enough time with me and was not dismissive. That was exceptionally refreshing and I am so happy I met Dr. Everett. She listens and of course doctors don’t immediately know what’s wrong with you, but I am very happy with my first visit with Dr. Everett.
I’ll try to remember to update my office visits because I can foresee many more in the future.
I also want to make note, the wait for my scheduled appointment wasn’t very long. I was 10 minutes early and was seen fairly quickly after my schedule appointment time. However, after my visit with the doctor I had to go back in the waiting room for someone else to get lab/​blood work drawn. I waited literally an hour and thought they forgot about me so I went up and asked wtf. Apparently the lab person didn’t have my papers, I guess they were misplaced, so I was waiting for nothing. Thanks a lot… so another 15 minutes or so I was seen. Please be more organized in the future. Also, parking is not free. Oh and also to point out, the walls are thin and I overheard people/​doctors talking while I was in the exam room waiting for the doctor. Might be a violation of patient privacy but… meh.
Also, I find it ironic how my last review mentioned I suffered headaches about 4 times a week and was quickly dismissed by another doctor (who is still working here by the way). Two years later still suffering in lieu of other issues. Wish the doctor wasn’t so dismissive in the first place so I wouldn’t have to suffer in silence.

Sigh. How I wish this could have been a decent review. (Note: I didn’t realize until just now — 8 months later, that I didn’t ‘publish’ this review… sorry for the delay).
My initials are C. D. (so they can verify the veractiy of this claim) and I had a Friday appointment, 8÷24÷12 @ 9 AM (I arrived @ 9:02, but was quickly shown to a room). I was able to schedule the app’t last minute — so I was initially quite grateful. I had a cough for three weeks, building into what was an a periodic inability to breathe. Due to a feeling like I was ‘choking, or felt waterboarded’ and had a weird sucking sound. Well, apparently the Doctor (a new? one to the practice, April Everitt) listened not at all to a thing I said. Her diagnosis was that was likely viral bronchitis and sent me to the hospital for a chest xray (in case of pneumonia). Fortunately, my wife was doing research and had correctly diagnosed me with… Whooping Cough (which any search of Google indicates is on the rise with parents who typically don’t get boosters). So…
During the initial consult, I feel that I had to rather browbeat the doc into issuing a prescription for an antibiotic, conditional upon finding pneumonia. After calling her and leaving a message with the service, in her voicemail reply, she suggested that I not take the antibiotic as I had only had the cough for «3 days» (I’ve had it for 3 weeks, per earlier — and had been seeing stars due to my inability to breath… which again is classic whooping cough symptoms) and had now started passing out. Further, in trying to call the doctor and appraise her to the fact that the diagnosis appeared to be incorrect, and that it was in fact, whooping cough (verified by a very conscientious doctor at VA Hospital Center… and the fact that I have these amazing whooping cough fits that just stink)… but no direct call back, though I did receive another message from another doctor tonight (suggesting maybe I should take the antibiotics!). At this point, I’ve run through the prescription of 6 pills (1 /​day — though my condition has taken a marked turn for the better), but I am still having choking fits, and so requested a refill (and I believe only taking a partial course of antibiotics is a bad thing) and asked CVS to contact the doctor’s office for another refill, and I called for the same. But no response. (I’d love to know how many more antibiotic pills are appropriate, but seemingly the doctor won’t call back — and since I’ve done the diagnosis and now the medication, I’ll just figure it out).
So while I was tempted to rate 2 stars (for the same day, last minute appointment) the fact that they didn’t (apparently) listen to a thing I said, were reluctant to provide proper of any meds (in spite of my obvious whooping), and then subsequent silence in lieu of any kind of followup consultation… I’m reluctantly providing 1 star, and strongly considering leaving this practice (after 5 years of rather increasing frustration) and will likely go to a concierge service — will be visiting with Partners MD (in McLean) on Friday, and Princeton Longevity the week after (though I don’t have any feedback on these yet — I will further post).

I’ve been going to Premier Primary Care off and on for 10 years. The only reason I have been off is because my insurance changed and I cannot see them any longer. They have 4 tech savvy female doctors. I’ve seen each of them over the years. They have always been very thorough and spend the time required. They make appropriate recommendations. I have not ever had an issue getting an appointment. In fact, I switched to another gyno due to insurance, and could only get appointments 6 weeks out, so I paid out of pocket to go to Premier and get an appointment within a few days. I’m dissapointed to see that some others have had negative experiences with a gyno that I have enjoyed for so many years. Pretty much all of my friends that live in Arlington also go to Premier Primary Care as well.

When I first moved into the area, I needed a primary care doctor so I went here. In some ways I appreciate that they have medical students at their practice, but I also think it slows everything down becase you have to explain yourself twice. Office staff is frustrating and it’s difficult to make an appointment. I like that it’s a family practice so it’s not all geriatrics like other adult primary care docs seem to be.
You either have to wait weeks to months to see a doctor, or call the day before for an «urgent» appointment. Mental health is never considered urgent to their practice, so good luck with that.
A few times I had legitimate concerns that were brushed aside, and I left feeling frustrated and ridiculous – you wait forever for a 5 minute appointment and don’t get taken seriously. Dr. Sexton is a good doctor, however I can tell that the practice is strained by the amount of patients they have and I often felt rushed and hurried along.
You have to pay for private lot parking and it’s not validated. I guess I’ve come to expect that with the DC metro area, but validation would be nice.
I just wasn’t feeling like my issues were being addressed here, so I switched to Dr. Gorrelick in Arlington and have been pleased with the General Internal Medicine group so far – I’d more highly recommend GIMG if you’re looking for a primary care doc!

I have known the physicians here for well over 10 years, and I never miss an opportunity to recommend them. They are knowledgeable, caring, and I trust them. I prefer to see female physicians for my healthcare, and I have never felt rushed or dismissed during an appointment. They have proactively embraced e-​Rx and EMRs. My primary physician is Dr. Sexton, but I am comfortable being seen by one of her colleagues.
Running a private practice is NOT an easy thing to do given declining reimbursements from payers and increased unfunded mandates. Primary care often gets the short end of the stick. The physicians here do not run an assembly line practice but they are efficient. The availability of same-​day appointments is rare and a wonderful benefit for their patients.
If you are looking for a physician who is in practice with a genuine desire to care for others, who knows what they are doing and will give you top-​notch care, this is the place to go.

I had been a patient here for four years and had a very bad experience recently. They adopted a new online system to help with scheduling. I am all for using technology to make life easier, so I used it to request an appointment on Tuesday. The system scheduled me and I accepted.
I then recieved three different emails notifiying me of changes to my appointment. The last of which, I received at 1030am the day of the 130 appointment. I logging in and «checked into» my apointment, and even recieved an email at 1026 confriming that it was on.
When I arrived, I was notified that my appointment had been cancled and that the office was unable to see me. Even though a slew of patients contiued to be ushered past. After explaining that I only really needed to get a signature for a prescription refill, the office manager still denied to see me.
I might be off, but from a patient’s standpoint it was very much as if I had made a reservation at a restraturant; had it changed on me three times; confirmed it the day of; showed up to be told that you no longer had a table for me even though you were seating others; and was then even denied the slightest option of a take out menu.
Please honestly ask yourself, would ever go back to that restaurant again? Im not, and I suggest you don’t either.

My family has had a wonderful experience with Premier Primary Care, especially Dr. Sexton. She is my primary physician. While I’m fairly healthy and don’t require much more than a yearly check up she keeps after me to lose a few pounds. I couldn’t figure out how to select a trainer or gym after reading about so many shams. Dr. Sexton recommended a great gym and trainer that she has had personal experience with and I’ve been going to him for 3 years with considerable success. I trust Dr. Sexton.
My husband and young adult kids have been able to get same or next day appointments for everything from severe colds to wart removal. They’ve been pleased with the service from some of the other doctors.

I had to go for a follow-​up visit and I got clarification that actually saw Dr. Park during my first visit NOT Dr. Saxon.
I did meet Dr. Saxon during my second visit and she was very nice and personable.

I agree with Ekaterina G.
I had a pre-​op physical with Dr. Park and while she lacked any bedside manner, I decided to schedule an annual physical with her.
Unfortunately I arrived 11 minutes late due to a broken gate to enter their parking lot. I signed in, sat down, then was called up to fill out paperwork, I was then told that they need to check with Dr. Park to see if she’ll take me because they have a 10 minute grace period. That was something I was not aware of when I made the appointment, was not told during the reminder call, and is not noted on their website. After waiting almost 45 minutes I was informed that I could not be seen and could be rescheduled for that same afternoon. I had taken a half day of PTO (which as most everyone is aware, is extremely precious) and work in Maryland, so that was not an option. The receptionist looked at me with a blank stare. I told her that I would change my PCP and would not be returning to that office.
I strongly recommend not choosing Premier Primary Care Physicians, particularly Dr. Park, as your doctor.

I gave one star because they wouldn’t let me put anything lower. By far this is the worst place I’ve ever tried to receive service. I can only hope and pray that their doctors have no clue how rude, disrespectful and condescending their staff is — including the so called administrator.
Today I had what was supposed to be my first appt there. I called the day before because I was in SEVERE pain and needed to see a doctor, they were nearby and a friend recommended them. When I called to make an appointment I waited on hold for 17 minutes (the clock on my cell phone told me so) and quipped to my office mate, «I could have made it to the ER by now!» I was told that I had to wait 24 hours for an appointment — so they scheduled me for the following day.
Today, I left my house on time however I locked my keys in my house. After retrieving keys and getting in my car, I called 411 to get the number for the office to let them know that I was running late.
The first number that is listed for their office with 411 is no longer in service. So I dialed 411 again and got the second number. Again, the phone was answered with a «PPC let me put you on hold» and there I was on hold. Again — clocked it, this time 7 minutes on hold — I thought, wouldn’t it be funny if I showed up still on hold?
I let the receptionist know that I was late and would be appx 5 mins late from the time I called. she asked which doctor I was to see, and said, «that’ll be fine.» (now I’d heard that these folks were nazis about their rules so I felt relieved and thought that everyone who had written nasty reviews were just grumblers).
I got lost and stuck at a redlight heading to the office and arrived at 10:55. To get in their building you have to get through a pay parking booth, and sign in in the lobby and wait for the elevator. This probably added 1.5−2 mins to my time. I signed in and said how grateful I was that they’d told me I could still have my appt when I called on the phone. And that I had found their paperwork on line and filled it out before arriving (taking away the time that most doctor’s office seem to build in for just that purpose).
Receptionist said, «I don’t think you’ll be able to have this appointment.»
At this time I went a little nutty. I was in extreme pain (after spending the entire day at the ER I know now that the pain was not in my head and will likely have surgery to correct the problem). and snapped that I’d been told I could have the appointment.
The girl who answered the phone came from the back with a smug grin and said, «I told you could be 5 minutes late and you called at 10:49,» I pointed out that 10:49 was one minute prior to 5 minutes late and if she’d meant I couldn’t arrive after 10:50 she should have said so.
I also pointed out that I had called and been on hold for 7 minutes — just to tell them I was going to be late.
At this point I was crying, the Office Administrator came out to tell me that Dr. Park already had another client (now it’s 11:00) I asked if that meant that Dr. Park only intended to spend 5-​maybe 10 minutes with me in the first place?
She simply stared at me and said something like, «she’d spend the time she needed.» WTF?!
IF she already had a client in her examining room at 11 (when I’d been there in the office for 5 minutes) and they hadn’t expected me to come with my paperwork, and I was a new client meaning they’d need to collect insurance and payment information before letting me into the examining room — the doctor REALLY expected to see me in fewer than 5 minutes according to what I was hearing.
The office administrator stated that they would let me fill out paperwork in the examining room — I asked the other patients in the waiting room if that had been their experience, and no one reacted so who knows if this is the one enlightened place on the planet that doesn’t care if you have paperwork completed — including insurance — before seeing you.
I explained that a) I wasn’t normally irrational, but I was in excruciating pain, and b) I had stated that when I tried to make the appointment the day prior. And I had reiterated when I called to alert them to my being late.
She stared me (office manager) and said, «we can make an appointment for you tomorrow.» This woman is clearly being a gatekeeper and trying to teach patients (CUSTOMERS) a lesson by putting us in our place.
It was rude, disrespectful and downright lousy service. I asked to speak to a physician because my experience has been that most private practice physicians would want to know the level of their customer’s distress, pain and frustration if their staff is treating customers that way! They would not let me see a physician.
I drove myself to the ER — where I spent 8 hours and have finally reached a diagnosis. Certainly, had I seen a doctor, they would have sent me to the hospital given my situation. Bottom line: bedside manner sucks.

I stopped going to this practice over 3 years ago (however the drs I saw remain there — not sure about the nursing and office staff).
It was very difficult to get an appointment and my referrals were frequently not correctly made — or made at all — without extensive, pro-​active follow-​up from me. Over the course of going here (and the previous medical offices where some of these Drs practiced) I was mis-​diagnosed on a number of occasions. All I can say is THANK GOD the specialists I went to for follow up got it right and either corrected the diagnosis or sent me to the proper person to be treated for it. (Nothing like having someone go «what did she say was wrong with you again?» Does not give you the warm fuzzies.)
I also had my insurance billed for someone else’s treatments. Again — thank god I paid attention to my mail and responded right away to the notice from my insurance company that they were not covering these procedures. I can only imagine a. what would have happened to my credit rating (since the billing is tied to my SSN) if I hadn’t and they were flagged for non-​payment; or b. my insurance just paid the bill and my own actual insurance benefits and records affected accordingly.
I finally decided I’d had enough, and have since found a difference primary care physician with whom I am very happy — both with his services, and those of the office in general.