Howell Pediatrics-University of Michigan

I chose this pediatric clinic because of it’s affiliation with University of Michigan and brought my children aged 4 and 2 for well and sick visits. First few visits went well however once my 4 year old son started developing pain in his abdomen he was diagnosed with constipation that never resolved. I had to call the office many times and it was protocol to leave a message for the nurse to call me back which was very inconvenient. She would assess if we should come in or not-​even when my son was doubled over in pain we were instructed to give him more miralax, tylenol, motrin.
This went on for 4 months-​we had xrays (which revealed some «bright spots»), more laxatives and after begging to see a pediatric GI specialist, they finally referred me to one for an appt, 3 months later! Not once did the doctor or radiologist look deeper into the «bright spots» even after I inquired what they could be from. Brushed off once again as possible calcifications, nothing concerning.
Fed up, I took him to urgent care, the doctor was very concerned and asked me to take him to Mott Children’s ER for more imaging. He was given an enema, xrays and sent home. The next day he was in exruciating pain once again. I called the ER and Howell Pediatrics but was brushed off as an overreactive mother and instructed to triple his miralax dosing. I had to beg the pediatrician at Howell Pediatrics to order an ultrasound knowing this couldn’t be just constipation. We had the ultrasound a week later and it revealed a grapefruit sized tumor in his abdomen that is known as neuroblastoma. Stage 4 cancer. My son died this past September from this disease and I am convinced if I would have taken him elsewhere, it would have been detected sooner and he would of had a much better chance at survival.
AVOID THIS PLACE-​they are insensitve to childrens pain and parent’s worry, too lazy to look deeper into other possibilities. No one called us while he was in treatment for 2 years, or offered any condolences when he died. The doctors and nurses here are shameful.

This has been my almost 5 year old daughter’s doctor since birth. We really like this place. The staff is very friendly. They do so many extras for their patients! We have seen all the docs here and have felt comfortable with all of them. I prefer female doctors and ALL of the doctors here are female as are all the nurses. They also have a separate waiting room for kids that aren’t sick, which is nice.