Applegarth Dermatology, PC

I just went to Dr. Applegarth office. They asked for insurance card, then form to fill out. The receptionist asked if the insurance was mine, I said no it was my wife’s (who works at Porter Hospital, where Dr. Applegarth is associated) and we have their insurance, so I had to put my wife’s information including her social security number. I have only been married 2.5 years and don’t have that memorized. The receptionist indicated that they needed it, I said «Okay I’ll get it to you». She said: «I need it before you go in or you will have to pay like you have no insurance». I questioned that, and told her that my wife was working in the ICU today and I could not just call her for that. I offered my social security number, that would not do. I was questioning her, since I had to pay the co-​pay and I have insurance why it is necessary, she told me: «In case you don’t pay»:
I held my composure, but I am sure my face was red, and hers was too. I walked out, to never walk in again.
She must have thought that I was a thug/​crook/​criminal, which I am not (a businessman in clean business attire driving a new car). Or, that is their method of doing business. I feel that is totally unacceptable, and no one wants to be embarrassed in a waiting room full of other people.

Why anyone uses this place is beyond me. First the reviews are terrible on both Unilocal and Google.
Our family used them in 2013, and aside from being rude… they apparently are terrible business people. Just had the Porter County Sherriff come by our house to serve my wife with papers for a $ 39 bill that apparently they’ve been trying to collect on since our 2013 visit. Really? Really? No emails, calls or letters, but a law suit for $ 39 now seeking $ 311.
Okay. So I looked into it. First, name spelled wrong, address was wrong. These people are idiots. What a waste of the tax payer dollars sending out our hard working Sheriff for something so frivolous and what a phone call could have taken care of They probably had that wrong too.
DON’T USE THESE PEOPLE. If they have as terrible reviews as I’ve seen posted, and their support staff is this bad, I don’t know why you’d want to deal with these folks. Bad business needs to go away. They don’t even deserve a star.

Never call to remind EVER and only take cash or check. Went in for this last appt and they canceled it w/​o calling me. The lady at the front desk rudely said she would get the call list to tell me who they spoke to when they called to cancel– and when she got the list it didn’t show that they ever talked to anyone. So naturally, she blamed it on me and said they must have called before the current call sheet was made… this was the last straw. I won’t be going back.

Never got call to confirm apt so never told that they don’t take debit or credit cards. what business doesn’t take credit cards. Even though I have Porter insurance (they are on Porter’s website), they wouldn’t keep apt. I have had experience with DeSai out of Portage. A kind man and took great care of my father in law. I wanted to honor the network, but.. .

The physician assistant is FANTASTIC here. Haven’t met with the doctor though. However, the office staff is the RUDEST and WORST I have ever experienced– it’s amazing! I have been a patient for a few years now and I’ve brought in my husband and two daughters as well. However, even though I love the PA, I’m considering going somewhere else because the office staff is THAT horrible. Even with office turnover, they still bring in someone who is rude and unpleasant– it’s like they hire specifically those who are unpleasant! One forgot to put my appointment in the computer and when I arrived on the appointment date, she acted like I was crazy– until I showed her my appointment card. They demand payment and then argue if you want a receipt. I have witnessed the staff being unpleasant so many times to other clients, I can’t image this hasn’t hurt their business. I’m not sure how companies nowadays can’t find better staff with the unemployment rate so high– and I also don’t know how companies don’t realize that their office staff is the face of their business and needs to be pleasant at the very least.