Planned Parenthood

Jeremy was so nice, intelligent, and kind. He helped me with my birth control visit and made everything effortless. His knowledge of my shot encouraged me to take more calcium and to take better care of my health. Jeremy made me want to come back to this location due to his great patient care. This is an awesome clinic! Every one was very helpful.

I have come here a few times for regular STD testing/​checkups. They are very close to the blue line which is why I initially chose this location.
The staff has always been friendly and knowledgeable.
They have free wifi for while you wait which is pretty great since you usually have to wait a bit after checking in and between procedures if you are doing multiples.

Long story short: Planned Parenthood is apparently, officially now in the business of telling women what to do with their bodies. I am livid.
Long story but still kinda long: I went to PP today to get a new birth control prescription. While I could explain the circumstances that led me here in detail (old doctor moved, new doctor bumped my appointment forward 6 weeks), they don’t matter. Planned Parenthood advertises itsself as a place where women (and men) can receive thoughtful, judgement-​free sexual health services regardless of circumstance or background.
In any case, I waited nearly 2 hours before I met with a nurse practitioner (Michelle). She asked if I experienced migraines, and I do occasionally get migraines. And now as a woman of 36 years old, because I have both migraines and age, I apparently am REQUIRED to switch oral contraceptive medications because of an increased risk blood clots (a risk from 1 in 2000 for younger women to 2 in 2000 because I am one year older). Well, I like the progesterone in the OCP that I have been taking for over a decade. I like it because it controls my excruciating cramping and fainting every month. I started taking it specifically to treat my difficult periods, and now I am being told that I must return to my difficult periods and start using a foreign, unproven hormone.
In actuality, I have been there and done that. More than 15 years ago. I tried the other ones and they didn’t help.
And to be honest, if Michelle had any bedside manner whatsoever I may have been convinced to try something new and unproven. But she instead sat there smirking. She seemed almost glad about dismissing all of my concerns as if I were a complete idiot who had no idea what she was talking about. She made no attempt whatsoever to understand why I would be upset that I was told — after a 2 hour wait, mind you — that I was not actually going to get what I came in there for. She kept robotically repeating that my former pill is no longer good for me and that my only choices were an on-​the-​spot depo provera shot or to get a progesterone only pill, end of story, because of slight statistical increase in risk.
In the end I stormed out of there so angry I could spit nails. To be treated like an uninformed idiot; to be lectured about what is best for me as if this Nurse Practitioner took one SINGLE moment to consider my perspective, knowledge, and unique circumstances; to have my concerns brushed aside and TO BE SMUGLY SMIRKED AT as I was essentially told that I could do what she said or get out… I left feeling completely devalued. Way to go, Planned Parenthood — devaluing a woman and leaving her without access to a needed medication.
You will notice that the majority of the recent reviews for this location are one star. You will also notice that a few other patients mentioning that certain types of birth control were pushed on them as well, against their will and better judgement. LISTEN TO THEM. I previously went to the North La Salle location and had a much better experience, and I would recommend you do the same. Maybe I will too.

This place is a prime example for why I cannot stand the medical system and how doctors around the nation take advantage of your time and money. I had a 10am appointment today, I went to the check-​in and a guy who could barely communicate properly with me asked for my insurance and my ID to take a copy of it, which they should already have on file, since I have been there before (and it was just this past January so it’s not like it was years ago). I sit and wait for about 20 minutes and they finally call me in. A girl then weighs me and takes my height, which again, they should have on file already. She brings me into the room where I will be seen and asks me a bunch of questions (you know the normal). I start to tell her my symptoms and she interrupts me and acts as if she doesn’t have time to actually listen to my concerns. She tells me to get undressed and the clinician will be with me shortly. About 5 minutes passes by and she comes in the room and tells me that the clinician will be going on break and «it will probably be about 15 minutes, is that okay?» I say «I guess so.» Cause you know… I’ve made it this far so I might as well stay. So here I am, in this cold room, half naked. I start to flex on instagram and text my boyfriend about the horrendous experience I am having. 15 minutes goes by and I’m thinking to myself «wow fuck this, I’m over it, I could be drinking coffee and doing other things with my hour.» So I get dressed and walk out. My time is money. Money is replaceable, but my time is not. And that place was trying to steal both from me. Dont go here. If you have to go to a planned parenthood, go to the one on Michigan Ave. They’ll treat you like an actual human being. I only messed with this one cause it was so close to my house.

In my 26 years, this is absolutely the worst place I have ever been to — in more ways than one. Let me explain…
Back in January I went in for a female annual visit & to be completely honest with you, my main objective was to acquire BC. They let me know that the full physical wasn’t necessary because I had had one within three years. They recommended a BC Consultation.
The consultation was easy, a doctor/​nurse practitioner? came in and asked if I had ever had the rx before. I said yes and stated I already knew exactly what I wanted. She left to write the rx. Easy enough, right? Wrong.
I waited for thirty minutes in the room until someone from the front desk came in and said they were still on hold with my insurance. They said either I could pay up front and receive a check in the mail in 30 days or wait for them to get in touch with them. I said I would wait, much to their dismay. After sitting in the lobby for an additional 15 I decided to pay up front. Huge mistake.
When checking out they tried to get me to purchase my BC there for full price (insurance doesn’t cover it if you get it from them, apparently). Why would I do that? I said no which seemed to upset them & asked for the rx to be called in. The encounter ended with them reminding me that my check should be in the mail in 30 days.
A month rolls by and I call & call. I couldn’t get in touch with Planned Parenthood’s billing office (I honestly think they don’t have one — just a graveyard voicemail for calls they don’t ever want to return) so I call my insurance. THEY NEVER FILED THE CLAIM.
After trying to reach Planned Parenthood’s billing office for the 3^rd or 4^th time (every time leaving a voicemail) I decide to hit one and be transferred to the front desk (appointment scheduling). They seemed upset that I didn’t call the billing department… and reluctantly transfer me to someone. I actually got to talk to someone — how crazy! The person I spoke with was unapologetic, rude, and actually blamed the situation on me. She told me that it was my fault it wasn’t filed because I was to call them to tell them to do it. I’m not making this up. She says she’ll do it when she has time.
A month later I get a bill in the mail from PP telling me I now owe them $ 62 MORE dollars after the claim was filed. I am then going back and forth with my insurance for 4 months thinking that this was because of them making a mistake. Just found out last week that it was in fact PP’s fault for sending a claim with the wrong codes (they stated on the claim that it was a medical diagnosis and I was charged for a specialty visit)…trust me when I say my insurance is crappy too for not figuring this out sooner. None of this makes sense.
I called and actually asked for a manager this time. Spoke to Mary Bell who told me that I didn’t have a balance with them anymore — they had fixed it within their system in APRIL. When I asked if they had sent an updated claim to my insurance she said no. Seriously? Why? She then told me she would email (yes, email) the lady in billing and have her send it. I asked if she could personally send me an email when it was sent. That was last week & guess what… NO EMAIL.
Whatever you do, don’t go here. It’s honestly caused me so much unnecessary stress. I’ve never experienced anything like this and I work in customer service. I finally decided to leave this review after not hearing back from the MANAGER or anyone in billing (of course). I’ve just never been this disappointed.

I ended up not even seeing a doctor because the wait took so long. They recommended me getting there 15 minutes early to fill out paperwork so I showed up 15 minutes early. As I was waiting, I watched 4 people leave or reschedule because they were waiting so long. After sitting there for 45 minutes, I too decided to leave. The staff was not apologetic at all, it’s like they are so used to it they don’t even recognize it anymore. I would not recommend this PP office to anyone.

This place is wonderful! I have never been to a planned parenthood before and was expecting a much different experience. In the end, I stumbled across an extremely helpful and inviting environment.
I was able to get my HPV shot here, birth control, and a bunch of other stuff. All the ladies are extremely helpful and kind and I would recommend this place to anyone.
The building outside DOES look a bit shady but the inside is warm and inviting. Wait time isn’t bad at all and everything is thoroughly and efficiently done.

Went in for some info and a prescription for birth control. Making an appointment and the desk staff were very friendly … HOWEVER. When I first went into the room the nurse asked me what I was visiting for. I explained to her what I was looking for. Never have I felt so belittled and so self conscious about asking questions or expressing concerns. Asked about the risk of blood clots with the nuvaring being higher than other birth control methods the response was she snapped at me «Well you smoke so obviously all birth control methods you’re at significant risk if you smoke.» (~attitude) WHOA ok. yea i got it. i smoke and it’s bad for birth control but can you be a little less judgey. That wasn’t the only instance in which I recieved a snappy or judgmental response. I’ve never felt so uncomfortable discussing my personal information or felt that I was asking questions or seeking advice that was wrong of me to do so. I had to tell her I felt so uncomfortable talking with her I’d like to speak to someone different. Where as the physician came in and was very pleasant. I explained to her what I was looking for and she eased my mind with actual information and facts (minus the attitude yay!) in which I was looking for. That nurse really set me off. If you have questions that aren’t obvious and want to feel stupid asking them ask nurse Diana! I will not be back and I will not be recommending my friends there unless they want to feel belittled or judged.

I am going to take this opportunity to speak up for all of the Chicago women that are being ripped off!
I needed to refill my birth control prescription ASAP and I really did not want to go to my usual gyno, so I made an appointment with the Wicker Park PP online. It was quick and easy.
Since I always had to provide a Pap smear sample whenever I needed to refill my birth control at my usual gyno’s office, I prepared my ho ha as needed – wax, scented lotions, all the good stuff. Everything needed to look presentable, right? WRONG!
I did not wait long before I was called back into an exam room. The nurse practitioner asked me a bunch of medical questions, took my weight, blood pressure, temperature, and that was it!!! She wrote the prescription on the spot. When I asked the practitioner why they did not need to perform a Pap smear, she informed me that a woman my age (26) should get a Pap smear done every 3 years! WHAT!!! You mean to tell me that I have been paying $ 350 a year for a test that I did not really need!!! You have got to be kidding?! But wait… it gets better!
As I began to check out with the woman up front, she asked me if I wanted to purchase my birth control (ortho tri cyclen lo) there. I was happy to hear that I did not have to make the extra trip to Walgreens. However, my jaw hit the floor when the woman informed me that one pack was $ 33 and they were having a buy 3 get one free special. I was absolutely flabbergasted because not only did Walgreens refuse to give me more than one pack at a time, but they freaking charged me $ 140 for every single pack of 28 pills!!!
Can you believe that?! How can Walgreens, and other big name pharmacies for that matter, cheat women like this? Women who take birth control are trying to prevent unwanted pregnancies and this is how businesses repay them?
I left the PP facility with 4 packs of birth control pills that I purchased for $ 99. I couldn’t even get one pack at Walgreens for that kind of money. How pathetic.
It was then and there that I realized what a gem PP really is. They are a company that promotes women’s health and women’s rights. They are not just a place that women go to when they need an abortion– they offer so much more. I will always and forever support PP because they are one of the few companies out there that still looks out for us women.

They were not helpful. I needed one week of the pill to tide me over until I was able to get my birth control and they would not provide that without an expensive consultation.

The staff here seems to have a recurring issue of not listening to what patients are telling them. After explicitly telling the nurse and clinician why I was there for my first visit, the clinician never put in a Rx for my birth control, causing me to go back and pay again for the same service. Same questions, same answers, same paperwork, but I paid twice for reasons even an alternate clinician couldn’t understand– but still charged me for. I’d highly recommend finding a doctor who will listen to you and avoiding this PP location all together.

Terrible service! Wait time too long. Got there at 9:15 and they made me wait over 2 hours for just a consultation. Ridiculous! Not recommended location by far!

So this little place is tucked away and if you blink you may miss it. Even though it’s in a nice area the building its self is a little sketchy looking. When you get inside though it’s really nicely put together.
The ladies in the front are extremely happy and helpful. When you are in the room they do tend to dumb everything down and explain every little detail about everything that is going to go on in your appointment. It was rather annoying, like I’ve already had birth control for well over 10 years do we need to discuss how to take it properly? I suppose it’s good just in case someone doesn’t know, but I suppose maybe they should give you the option to skip the long instructions.
I digress. The building is clean, staff is friendly, and well the birth control is cheap. Thanks!

I’ve been going to Planned Parenthood for over 10 years. I’ve always had pleasant experiences with the doctors. Although I have had long waits, the staff at all the other locations have been very polite. They obviously have a lot of issues with organization. I started going to the Wicker Park branch the past year and a half.
When I showed up on the Sunday (03÷02÷14) that I needed to start a new pill pack, (I’d been out of the country for a few weeks and just got back.) I was told that my prescription had expired and I needed to have a consultation before they could give me anything. They never told me that I had bought my last pack, or I would have scheduled an appointment ahead of time. After waiting for 45 min in the waiting room, the YOUNG LATINA RECEPTIONIST said they could fit me in at 10am the next morning (Monday, ugh). She seemed a bit rude to me, but I decided maybe she was just bored at her job. I’m sure my reaction wasn’t exactly pleasant either, so I thanked her and left.
I live a mile away and usually walk, but it was really cold. I left a half hour before my appointment to make sure I’d get there early. Unfortunately, I waited for the blue line for 20 min. I finally just left and started walking. No buses came by on my way. No cabs were available either. I showed up 20 minutes late frozen and knew that I was probably not going to be seen that day. Sure enough, the same receptionist informed me (with zero emotion) that I’d have to reschedule. To my surprise, she told me I could come in the same day at 3:15pm.
I made sure to arrive 15 minutes early this time. The girl still didn’t seem to remember me even though it was my 3^rd time there in 2 days. After waiting for 45 minutes [AGAIN!], the girl called me up to the desk to return my ID and said they were running way behind and it would probably be another 30 minutes. I decided I might as well wait since they had pretty much already wasted my whole day. No point in wasting another one. Eventually another patient, who came in after me, asked how much longer it would be and looked a bit defeated after talking to them. Shortly after, she was called in. I started feeling paranoid that they were skipping me on purpose. When I went up to ask how much longer the wait was, she snidely told me it would probably be another 30 minutes. When I asked why people who had come in after me were let in ahead of me, she said that they must be there for a different department. I was tired of waiting (2 HOURS!!) and walked out.
In my experience, a «consultation» consists of pretty basic questions that takes around 5 minutes. I have insurance, but I basically fork over full price. I’m pretty sure more than half the people that go to this establishment get free service or pay next to nothing, many of whom are working the system. You would think that they would appreciate the business of people who pay immediately, but it seems they could care less. I work in the service industry, and I was insulted by the way I was treated by the «gatekeeper» of Wicker Park Planned Parenthood.
Based on the last several reviews, it looks like I’m not the only one that a bad experience. They should consider firing some of their receptionists and hiring a more professional staff that knows how to smile and provide actual customer service (like apologizing to people when they’ve had to wait for so long instead of being rude and unfriendly). The location is convenient otherwise I would have left sooner, but I will definitely be taking my business elsewhere. They are clearly to busy to keep up with demand, and I don’t want to give anymore money to a place that treated me like crap.
Bad karma is coming your way little punk receptionist!

Three words: Mary Beth Shulien
Worst gyne visits ever.
I am a big supporter of PP and have been an on-​again, off-​again patient of theirs since age 16. This nurse practioner is rude, condescending and made various treatment decisions for me without asking. She doesn’t like it when she’s challenged (for example, when she makes treatment decisions without checking in or asking, and is checked). I have never, ever been cut as the result of a PAP smear, but on one visit to her, I bled for over 12 hours following the exam, which has literally never happened in my life. The way she was acting, it actually crossed my mind if this B*** intentionally cut me internally because I pushed back on her rudeness. In addition, she prescribed the wrong antibiotic for my urinary tract infection (the rx prescribed was determined to be ineffective with the particular bacterial strain I was infected with) and I had to really push to be re-​treated and get the correct medication that would actually treat the infection.
The way PP is organized now, everything goes through a central phone center (also staffed by very rude women) and it’s difficult to actually reach someone at the clinic where you were seen or get a follow up visit scheduled or lab results, which should be a no-​brainer to make that process more stream-​lined for efficient, prompt care.
I just can’t recommend this clinic. Blech.

Not a glorious moment but please, I need to put this gynecologist on blast from 3 years ago.
Short haired woman who’s name I not mention was very unprofessional, very condensing, and extremely temperamental. Sure doctors have a bad day & looking at private parts doing pap smears can get extremely aggravating/​monotonous but that does not excuse them from treating patients like crap. Rude as in flailing the door open, slamming it shut, saying «umm umm hold on hold on, gosh.»
I specifically ask for generic loestrin (discontinued now minastrin generic brand) and she writes a script for something completely different. As for wait time, you can’t really complain because you show up when they want you & If the doctor is running behind schedule (it happens) and you wait your turn at a clinic.
My advice is go see a legit OB-​GYN, not some exhausted clinician. PPH can email me ;) or take this down.

No Stars! They only have one clinician do provide Colposcopy Rx, and apparently only one person to schedule them «Dominique» who is NEVER around, and is terrible at returning phone calls! I finally after several attempts calling daily got a hold of her and was able to make an appt. that we set up today… HOWEVER, when I arrived the person and the check in was confused and stated I didn’t have an appt. her response «oh, that’s weird» Then the supposed manager reported Dominique was supposed to call me to cancel (I received no phone call, no voicemail). When I become upset about the fact that it took me over a week of tracking down this Dominique person just to make the phone call, That I took off work (lost money), Sat in traffic (lost time), paid the parking etc… when I became upset the manager had no apology, she really didn’t do much of anything at all… she put me in a small room while she maybe made a phone call maybe didn’t to the regional director, came back told me they would «TRY» to call or help me out but wouldn’t give me the number to speak with the regional director, wasn’t offering any solution to the problem and in fact even though I was the one getting mistreated she made me feel worse about the situation acting as if this was my fault. When i expressed my frustration in tears she didn’t care, when I told her I wanted something to be done before I left she insisted I leave. I asked for her name so I know who to complain about, she refused stating that if i stayed any longer she would say it’s soliciting and call the cops.
I’ve always supported planned parenthood in the past and usually it’s fine not the best service but not the worst but this was the WORST! So unprofessional not to follow up with patients when you know their appointment is going to be cancelled, even worse to not try to help them reach a solution and on top of all of that when they are upset and crying not to show any compassion or give any apology! I HIGHLY recommend going to a different location for your appointment or other options for a medical provider all together. (Like the one’s listed below)

Expect to wait a long time before you’re seen for an appointment. It always takes 2 hours before I’m out the door here even with an appointment, only maybe 7 mins of that time is spent doing anything other than waiting to be seen.
Staff is nice though, I only continue to go because the location is convenient for me.

I love this place! Great staff! Great service! They are clean and so friendly. I been getting my birth control here for almost 4 years. Keep up the great work wicker park location.

Great magazine selection! Granted they were from 2006, but National Geographic gets my vote everytime.
I read a fascinating article about nanotechnology which provided me with a lot of perspective since it was four years old. I should really check in now and see where this nano stuff is at!
The receptionists were friendly and respectful and while I didn’t go into the back, my other half did and she seemed satisfied with her experience. From a guy’s point of view, I enjoyed the very calm, clean and entertaining waiting room.
OVERALL: Happy when I left, better educated, curious about nanotech and protected from unplanned children.