Madison Women’s Health LLP

I’ve had variable experiences with Madison Women’s Health. The clinic was originally recommended to me by a friend who really loves her OB/​GYN. My friend has had 3 children in the time that she has been with the clinic, so I took her advice and made an appointment. A few pros first – I find the office to be very nice – modern, clean, and beautiful. I also like that this is a female-​owned and opperated clinic.
My friend’s doctor was not accepting new patients at the time and I was assigned a different doctor. I’ve seen her for about 4 years at yearly appointments and my impressions are luke warm. When I expressed my intent to start trying to have a family last year, I didn’t get much input or advice except for her to hand me a pamplet on Pregnancy Planning and to say «good luck.» I had to initiate the conversation about prenatal vitamins and her response was that I didn’t really need to start taking them until I actually got pregnant. That whole scenario and her advice didn’t sit well with me because it was in contrast to what I was reading and hearing from other women (including friends who are nurses and doctors). However, as I understand that there can be different opinions on such matters, I was willing and able to take all information available to me to make a decision on the approach I was most comfortable with – but the whole situation made me feel isolated in the decision and without sound advice from my physician.
My main frustration and issue with this clinic is that I can’t get an appointment for 3 months each time I call. I find the clinic administrators to be condensending in their communication style and unapologetic about the lack of availability. Most recently, I reached out for advice related to an upcoming trip to the Carribean (Zika virus concern) and was told that no one could talk to me for 2 – 3 months – full stop, not even the offer of a phone call. So, again, I feel like I am on my own in my health care decisions.
I am also frustrated that my Primary Care Physician, who is an OB/​GYN, will not see me for important Primary Care issues – which I’ve requested exactly twice in 4 years time. I think that shuffling patients around to a bunch of different doctors and NPs leads to inconsistency in care. I’d really like a doctor who knows me. This may be a trend in health care in the US. And, I have no doubt that MWH is comparably good clinic in the grand scheme of things… but it makes me feel like this clinic is too large and way too impersonnal. My experience has been «meh» so I can’t rate them high.

My first experience at Madison Women’s Health was pretty good. The doctor seemed friendly and informative. I treated here for a total of one year. I had a successful surgery within the first few months. However, during the consult I made it clear verbally and in writing that I didn’t want anyone else besides the doctor to be operating on me (no med students). Not long after I was wheeled into the operating room a med student confronted me and asked for my permission to assist during surgery. My doctor was not in the operating room yet. I felt vulnerable and pressured to say yes. I was very frustrated because I had already gone through this with the doctor. Looking back I was mad at myself for not being more assertive and standing up for myself. I guess it can be hard to do while lying flat on your back in an operating gown.
Towards the end of my time at Madison Women’s Health a number of new health issues came up that resulted in irregular test results and additional tests being ordered. They had no problem scheduling me for additional tests, but refused to schedule any follow up appointment for me to discuss what was going on and what the test results meant. I was told that if these were necessary (after getting test results) they’d be sure to fit me in. I made five (5) separate requests to schedule with the doctor, both in person and on the phone, and was turned down every time both by the nurse and scheduling staff. Despite asking for an appointment five different times, the only response I received was a phone call from the nurse who was very clearly not familiar with my file. Finally, after the five requests over three weeks, I was told to schedule with a P.A. for a procedure that I was never allowed to discuss with the doctor in the first place. They wanted me to take meds hours before the procedure for something I didn’t know if I would allow to happen, but this was the only way to come in and ask all my questions. Still, it wasn’t with my doctor. I felt this was a horrible treatment plan and was not comfortable moving forward. Needless to say, I am now treating at a different facility and am much happier.

I am a physician myself and I can say without any hesitation that this is a very well run practice with excellent physicians and nurses. I put my trust in them completely and have been very happy with the care I have received here.

I went to my first appt with Dr. Weidel today who was wonderful. I highly recommend her. She is very friendly and informative.

Great doctors, not so great nurses. Doctors are great at actually listening to patients and helping keep me healthy. The receptionists are also very kind and helpful. Most of the nurses I’ve dealt with are extremely rude and careless. If it weren’t for the rude nursing staff I would’ve given 5 stars.

Dr. Katherine Sample of Madison Women’s Health delivered our son on 11÷6÷2010 and fractured his skull, killing him almost instantly. She has devastated our family and I would advise everyone to stay far, far away from her in particular. Hopefully this post helps save some lives…

Other than the slightly strange location (in an office building, so you’re occasionally riding up to your OB/​GYN appointment with a bunch of twentysomethings coming back from their lunch breaks), this office is gorgeous. Beautiful, new, lovely view. And most importantly, an experienced, knowledgeable, friendly group of female RN’s and physicians dedicated to women’s health. Every experience I’ve had here, from appointments to lab work, has been positive.