Pediatric Associates of the North Shore

I’m writing this review based on my telephone interaction with the person who answered the phone (presuming it is a receptionist). I called this practice, based on location (in the same city my parents, who I am visiting, live in), and BCBS listed them as a provider. The first thing I inquired on was whether they had walk-​in or sick call hours. I explained that I was visiting my parents from out of state, and had a daughter who developed a cough that needed to be checked out. The woman seemed oblivious to this, not answering, and instead told me they had appointment availability at 2:15 pm and 4:00 p.m. I told her that 4 pm would be fine, and she asked my name. Ok, gave it to her. Pause on her end. «You’re not in our system.» As I again explained «Right, that’s because, as I initially told you, I’m visiting from out of state, and need a pediatrician based on this situation.» Her next question was «What kind of insurance do you have?» I answered «Blue Cross Blue Shield. I found your practice on their national doctor finder.» She puts me on hold. A couple of minutes go by, and she comes back on, telling me «We don’t accept all forms of BCBS. So, we can’t get you in today.» I then explained that this was fine, since we paid into our deductible (meaning I will pay the ENTIRE AMOUNT at the visit), and filed for reimbursement through our HSA. Her next ridiculous response «Sorry, I can’t get you in today or tomorrow because we only have two doctors.» I already picked up on her BS, but still asked her if she could recommend another doctor or practice who accepted walk-​ins for my situation. Her stupid answer? «Why don’t you go to the CVS minute clinic?» At this point, I realized I was dealing with a complete idiot, and explained to her that I was not looking for a GP at a pharmacy, not an Emergency walk-​in Clinic, but an actual pediatrician. The unprofessional dolt gave herself away, and portrayed this practice in a very poor light.
Her responses and interaction with me were very rude, unprofessional, elitist and demeaning. She represents this practice and its doctors, and how you are treated on the phone is a good indication of the type of treatment and care you (or your child) will receive on a visit. Particularly after she put me on hold, and came back with a very rude, demeaning, uppity bourgeois attitude. I grew up on the North Shore, went to HS at NTE and college here, so spare me the BS. No thank you!
*On a side note, I ended up moving to the next practice on the BCBS list, and found an awesome practice on Golf Rd (4611 Golf Rd in Skokie), where my daughter was seen by Dr. Mary Hall. The practice is located on the 2^nd floor of a bank-​they recently relocated there-​and the staff is beyond professional, courteous and attentive. Dr. Hall is an excellent pediatrician, doing a complete examination on her, and spent quite a bit of time with her and I-​I did not feel «rushed», and my daughter was very comfortable with her. I come to Chicago at least twice a year to see family and friends, and my daughter will now only go here.