Signature OB/GYN

Doctors and midwives available at this practice. Big clean practice. Ultrasound done in office which is a huge timesaver. No issues getting an appointment in same week but don’t expect to see same Doctor each time for appointment. Since the doctor who delivers you is the one who is on call that day you may want to try different doctors so that you can be more comfortable when the day comes.
I’m used to seeing same Doctor each appointment and delivery so that prevents me from giving higher rating. Doctors are great but I feel like service is a little less intimate than seeing one doctor throughout.
Bigger issue preventing 5 stars is my perception of the office front desk staff. They are not very friendly, low energy, and cold. They do not treat people as if they are not going through this amazing time in their lives being pregnant, but rather as if patients are picking up cars from an impound lot.
They are not very welcoming and their front desk setup doesn’t help. It’s a long desk with 4 – 5 receptionists separated by dividers making it easy for them to pretend not to see you waiting to be checked in. Never had conflict with them but just not impressed with their demeanor.
Highly recommend Dr. Kokkinos. Never thought I would prefer male OB but his bedside manner is really great. Also Dr Kirkner but her schedule is a little tougher because she works part time at the time of this posting. Ultrasound staff is really friendly and professional.

I have been going to this practice for three years. The staff, front desk and doctors have always been helpful. They answer my questions with a phone call the same day. I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THIS PRACTICE.

I have been going to the practice for 4 plus years and have always been very happy with the service at both Columbia and Eldersburg locations. All the doctors are excellent and very attentive. I was under their care with my second baby and was very pleased with all my visits and follow ups. The staff and the doctors always listened to my needs and helped me with everything I have ever needed. I would definitely recommend it to every woman out there who is looking for high quality obgyn services.

I’ve been there twice and twice had bad experiences, so I will not be going back for a third. The first pap smear there was the only one that I’ve ever actually had bleeding afterwards from. When I went the next year, I wanted to do the genetic testing the midwife recommended as I’m going to try to get pregnant soon. The midwife gave me the kit to take to the lab downstairs. I got to the lab and they told me it was the wrong kit. I went back upstairs and the secretary was rude, like I was bothering her. The nurse seemed very confused and gave me another kit (there were only three options). I went back to the lab to find I’d been given the wrong one again. Obviously, they must send this kit down often if the lab techs can recognize it. I don’t know what was wrong with this nurse, secretary, midwife, and doctor from the first visit, but I won’t be going back for my pregnancy care.

Worst ob/​gyn practice to provide care to pregnant women. They almost wanted to kill my wife. They have only two good midwives: Gennene & Nora, but the problem is that the pregnant women doesn’t get to have preferred midwife to deliver the baby. My wife had bad luck to have midwife Stiffany to deliver the baby whom was not courteous or passionate whereas she actually failed to remove the placenta all at once & never checked on my wife’s health afterward. My wife had infection then fever and suffered for a week after that then a doctor from the clinic discovered the problem & fixed it with d&c operation.
So please avoid this practice, you may try University of Maryland Medical Center.

I received excellent prenatal and postpartum care with the midwives. I never felt rushed during my appointments, got to know each midwife, and got quick responses when I called after hours. I would highly recommend this practice. Nora in particular got me through some difficult moments during a long labor and postpartum infections. I felt supported to have whatever labor I wanted (ended up with natural) but did not feel like there would be a judgment either way. But each midwife I saw was very responsive, professional, knowledgable, and caring.

I received a phone call from Dr. Means on Tuesday 11÷3÷15. I was taken aback since I am not pregnant. When finally speaking to her on Wednesday, 11÷4÷15. She inquired about my previous review first asking if it was indeed me, then stating that a patient of hers asked her about it. She then stated that, I must have been confused about my condition, insinuated that I only wrote the review out of pain, but then proceeded to say that she wanted to answer any questions I had. I told her that I didn’t have any questions. I completely understood. As well as, understood that her colleague broke my water. She then proceeded to tell me what was recorded in my chart about that day. And I countered that with the truth. She all but admitted that Dr. Dana Baras fabricated information in my medical records. According to her, Dr. Baras recorded that my water had already broken, that she examined me with a speculum, and noticed that my membranes were ruptured. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Dr. Dana Baras examined me with her hands & I was not wet AT ALL! I did not have fluid gushing as stated by Dr. Means, which was falsely recorded in my medical records by Dr. Dana Baras! PLEASE DO NOT ALLOW THESE PEOPLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH PRENATAL CARE!!!

I was really surprised at all the poor reviews for signature! I’ve been going there for the past 4 years, delivered my first baby with them, and am 7.5 months with my second baby. I’m also a ‘high risk’ patient due to some other health issues. I’ve always found the front desk staff to be fine, never rude, and because I’m high risk I often have to go 2 – 3 times a week near the end of my pregnancy so I see these people a lot. In particular, the older woman who does scheduling is very sweet and even called me one time when I left some stuff there after I left.
I used to go to the midwives before they upped me to ‘high risk’ and I also really liked them. I choose to alternate between the various OBs so that I know all of them since you don’t know necessarily which doctor is on duty when you go into labor. I can say I like all of them except for one. My favorites are Dr. Baras and Dr. Holsey, but really, all of them take time to answer my questions and have called me back same day whenever I’ve left messages. Dr. K delivered my baby at the hospital and I was happy to have him because he was usually very laid back at Signature, but when my baby’s heart rate was dropping into the 40s during labor and Dr. K got extremely serious, I knew it was go time and I had to push my little heart out! I did not spend a lot of time with Dr. K at the hospital. Most of the time was spent with my nurse Tasha, who was fantastic. The next day, I had Dr. Baras checking in on me, which I was happy about since she’s so nice and honest.
They have fish tanks and some toys in the waiting area and boxes of toys in the rooms. Dr. Baras even refused to let me pick up the toys my 18 month old left sprinkled around the room the last time and did it for me, which I thought was really nice. Lastly, I get lots of ultrasounds and have always found the techs to be pleasant.

I went to the midwives here with my 3^rd child and it was the best experience from start to finish.
My labor and delivery was a dream! Best one yet! ;) I wish I would have had this team the first two times around.

Unfortunately this was the worse obgyn practice I had ever been to. The front desk staff was rude, impatient, unresponsive, and vey dismissive. The staff of doctors I had seen had no bedside manner. When I went in for my ultrasound of my child they talked behind a curtain like I wasn’t there. I was unfortunately going to have a miscarriage and the way they acted was the most discouraging, heartbreaking, disrespectful, painful experience at a doctors office. My baby had a slight chance of making it but it was a chance. The treated my baby dead on arrival. My only hope is others have a WAY better experience than I had. I am thankfully 30 weeks pregnant now and couldn’t be happier with my new office! Check out my reviews if you are looking for a great office! Happy Unilocaling!

I was 5 minutes late and they told me that I had to reschedule because the doctor was in a meeting (later to find out she was at lunch) with no phone call or warning. Even though that time should have been set aside for my appointment. I was told the appointment takes 20 minutes, after going back for my second appointment i wasn’t even brought back within the first 20 minutes and by the time I left it took 45 minutes. They have no sense of customer service and all the receptionist are extremely rude with attitude problems.

Absolutely terrible. THE OFFICE DOES NOT RESPOND TO THE PATIENTS REQUESTS. The receptionists are rude and dismissive. I have had to wait over two weeks for a call in response to my countless messages.
I needed my birth control re-​filled; to me this is an urgent matter. I find myself constantly disrupting my body because my refills aren’t being taken care of. MULTIPLE TIMES I have had to wait weeks while calling every day to just get in contact with a doctor to send a refill to cvs for the prescription. This office simply does not care for their patients. my mother and sister have had similar issues. I can’t imagine if the matter was more urgent. Do not use this office. Horrible and unprofessional.

This is a large Hopkins affiliated OB & Gyno practice. Most of the docs are ladies but they have a few gents. The docs are pleasant & have a great bed side manner. They deliver @ Howard exclusively.
They’re quite popular and they have a large waiting room & a big ol’ team of support staff.
I was very reluctant to come here — anticipating I’d be lost in the shuffle. The reviews are also not great but a friend insisted she had the greatest experience with the group. I definitely prefer single practitioners and have had unpleasant experiences with large groups.
But I was totally surprised. This place rocks! Let’s talk about the positives:
1) email. They miraculously communicate with u via email which is rare but seriously awesome for us gainfully employed folks who don’t necessarily want to chat @ work about our health issues.
2) you can pick one practitioner & stick with them. That’s what I’ve done.
3) the big support staff ensures your calls are taken and you are in & out in a jiffy. Seriously I’ve seen them clear a waiting room of 20 ppl in 3 minutes.
4) it’s relatively easy & painless to get an appt.
5) the midwives seem to be really popular.
6) clean & large waiting room with a little play area, Tubs of antibacterial gel, TVs & magazines.
7) large parking lot.
8) Hopkins pharmacy in the same building.
There are also some cons — again this is a large practice, things might occasionally fall through the cracks. I’ve had an excellent experience thus far & I’ll take the occasional bump since it’s not the norm.

I’ve only seen the midwives, but can’t say enough fantastic things. Both throughout my pre-​natal appointments and into the birth of my daughter. Nora was simply incredible and I will never forget her magnificence, patience and compassion during the birth of my daughter. I wanted an unmedicated birth and Nora truly helped me get there. Nine months later and I am still moved by Nora’s dedication during my daughter’s birth.
Regarding appointment scheduling, I always just scheduled my next appt at the end of the previous appt and I didn’t have any issues. I also needed multiple forms filled out (for short term disability and to become a milk donor) and again, no issues.

I’ve been going to Signature for the past five years, and I’ve discovered that finding the practitioner (s) you like makes all the difference. I had some difficulty initially getting messages to doctors and having forms completed, but in the past year this appears to be resolved and I’ve been able to get through to either a nurse or have my message/​e-​mail returned same or next day (if not urgent). They are also good at getting you in for same day appointments when needed, often within an hour or two.
They have OBs and Certified Nursing Midwifes in the practice. I went with the OBs. Dr. Hall and Dr. Kokkinakos are wonderful. One of the midwives actually attended our birth because things progressed so quickly, and she was so amazing and comforting. So you really can’t go wrong when choosing between the OBs or Midwives because you will get compassionate care either way. I loved that we were able to form a personal relationship with our doctor in a large practice. We also appreciated the support we received from the ultrasound techs when we had a few scares. It really helped us feel at ease during anxious times.
If you are interested in a natural childbirth, they are supportive and I didn’t receive any pressure from staff at Signature or the hospital for unwanted interventions.

I don’t know what happened, but this place has just gone downhill! The office staff in Eldersburg is AWESOME! The office staff in Columbia is rude and you feel like you are «interrupting them» by coming in. All of the doctors and midwives are just not good. I keep getting thrown around and told to go see another doctor for my problems. They aren’t willing to spend time with me to figure what is going on and it’s awful. They also got rid of their evening appointments, which was one of the reasons I came to this practice. With my first child I went into early labor and then bedrest. Don’t get me started on this whole ordeal and my birth… oh boy! Let’s just say I was left alone for everything and never knew what was going on. During my bedrest period after being told by several of the doctors how serious my situation was after a week-​long stay in the hospital on a magnesium drip, one signed me off to go back to work just because I asked (I asked every day, I did NOT want to be on bedrest, so I asked and finally someone said yes). I’m a workaholic so of course I was all for it and my husband refused to let me get up. Who knows what could have happened had I listened to the one doctor (male) in the practice who told me to get back to my normal life. I’m not going to go into birthing with them. Just awful and my entire views on birth and pregnancy have changed because of them.
They don’t take notes in your charts and can’t remember ongoing issues from one appointment to the next so you feel like you are starting from square one every time you go in.
My biggest issues beside their non responsiveness is that every time I go there I either get advice about my weight and what I eat (I am a vegetarian who was apparently killing my child for not eating meat during pregnancy) and am holistic in nature and mainstream medicine is my last resort. During my pregnancy I was told to lose weight daily even though I was exercising and counting calories and the MW I saw made made me feel awful about my body and therefore, I had a depressing pregnancy always concerned about my weight gain.
Fast forward my kid is 20 months old and I have now been given advice that nursing past the age of one is a BAD HABIT and that I’m rotting my child’s teeth and that I am essentially killing my child if she gets the flu because we do not flu vaccinate. This is not their business. If they knew anything about babies and the current recommendations they would know that the WHO recommends nursing for a minimum of two years or beyond with exclusively bf for six months. In addition when you bf milk never touches teeth!!! The nipple is pulled behind the teeth into the throat and there is absolutely no way for milk to damage teeth while nursing unless the baby pulls off and milk sits in the mouth or it is from a bottle. Wouldn’t you think an OBGYN would know a thing or two about breast feeding and nipples, especially if they want to offer advice on the subject?
Ironically, they offered NO SUPPORT when I was having breast feeding issues after birth and shooed me away yet that are constantly trying to now give me parenting advice?!
Stay FAR away from these people. I made the change to a new GYN today!

i can’t vouch for Columbia’s location, however, I am not a fan of the Eldersburg location. The employees are generally pretty friendly, however, getting test results is like trying to climb an electric fence. A painstaking process. Hopefully my results are «normal» because I sure as heck can’t find out from them.

I’ve been going here for 10 years, but after this latest incident I’m taking my health and my business elsewhere. Any doctor who does not call a patient to discuss getting a prescription refilled after an infection comes back, or can’t simply have someone call to say that the patient has to come in for another appointment does not deserve to care for patients. I have called every day for FOUR days trying to get answers and they fail to call me back. A patient should not have to suffer this long. Unbelievable.

Just awful.
The staff is horrible and disrespectful.
The wait time (both on the phone and in person) is outrageous.
The need to go to Baltimore for a sonogram in the third trimester is ridiculous.
The private lab downstairs that takes TWO hours for a simple blood test and/​or glucose test that every other practice administers in their own office is horrendous.
The midwives who treat your birth exactly like a typical OBGYN (i.e. dismissive and barely there to catch the baby) are worthless.
Find any other practice who delivers at Howard County or consider yourself forewarned.

When I first started going here in 2008 my doctor was responsive and it was fairly easily to get an appointment, now it’s the exact opposite. I really need to find a new doctor after these past few appointments. I have stayed so long because she is good once you see her face to face and she has been an excellent surgeon as well.
I have a condition which has required frequent MRIs and ultrasounds. After having these tests done I sometimes have to wait up to a week to get a call regarding my results even though the radiology company sends them over within 24 hours. This last time I promptly got a voicemail from my doctor to call her, I returned her call within hours and its now it’s been 72 hours and I still havent heard back from her. This is often the case here. I sometimes get no call at all but instead a letter in the mail with my results and instructions to make an appointment.
I dont think this is the way patients should be treated. The practice has just grown too large and they are still accepting new patients so in turn the customer service sucks. The support staff is often irritable you can tell they are overworked. I hope to find a smaller practice with more focus on patients.