Hospital Plaza Foot and Ankle Institute — Attraction in Downers Grove

I previously went to this place based on the 5 star reviews (45 total on their website) for pain between my foot pads (big toe and 2nd toe). After much treatment by Dr. Parrilli, their staff, an MRI and several other treatment modalities, my pain did not subside very much. They diagnosed me as having a neuroma. They asked me to have a consultation with the head doctor (can’t remember his name) so I brought my husband in for a second set of ears (also an attorney). We listened for 1 hour as he tried to convince me to have foot surgery to correct my issue. There are several people I know that have had unsuccessful foot surgeries, my mother included in that bunch. The head doctor was very forceful and insistent on surgery. He had his speech down to sell the surgery. I told him I was not doing surgery, especially since I was not convinced they had pinpointed my problem. I stopped treatment after going twice a week, every week, for the entire summer.

Because I still had pain, the next year I consulted with another foot doctor in Western Springs that someone recommended. He said it was simply capsulitis and if I wore good shoes with a good arch support and didn’t squeeze my bones together by wearing too narrow shoes, I should eventually be ok. He also said that a neuroma would not be between the big toe and second toe. That’s not where neuromas take place. It was capsulitis which is inflammation of the capsule. Duh! If I had listened to the doctors at Hospital Foot and Ankle Institute, had the surgery, God only knows what problems I would be facing right now!

Today I called to ask if I could buy the blue inserts which I previously bought at this office. The inserts are generic inserts with arch support. They are not custom at all. They sell them to all their patients. The office told me I would need to have an appointment with a doctor. I said for what? She said to make sure they are the right inserts for you! Ha! Another tactic to make money. The inserts are one size fits all, not custom. This place is a cash cow. Find another reputable place to take care...

Nice people and good treatment, but the staff were very ambiguous when it came to the payment and how it would factor with my health insurance. They said we only had a copay of so much and our bull was settled...then a few months after treatment we go a whopping bill of $750. No explaination and no owness of the misrepresentation of service costs. Then it was turned over to collections, and the collection agency they use is absolute snakes! They hound you with a barrage of intimidating letters, and then when it comes time to pay, they only give you one option to get it removed from your credit. You must pay in full including their extra fees which are in the hundreds. Otherwise, if you dont have the thousands they are asking for, they do absolutely no negotiations to settle for less. They say they offer a payment plan, but they do not, and I was assured, they absolutely do not take it off your credit once paid out. They strap people during hard times. I have NEVER been a patient at a medical practice with such snake-like money practices. Usually hospitals and doctors have some compassion and understanding. I am still shocked, because the people who cared for me were actually very nice. Such a shame. I will never be going back ever. There is just something about a medical practice that throws their patients to the wolves right away with no mercy. These people started a collection 3 months after services provided. I would that reveals more about their character than...

NOTE: THIS POST IS FROM DR. CYNTHIA BROUGHTON.

Following an extensive search, I decided on HPA&FI for surgery on my toes, and I am so glad I did! From the first free consultation to the end, the entire staff has been professional, courteous, friendly and accommodating.

The post-surgery follow up was outstanding. I was able to meet and appreciate all the excellent doctors as they cared for me. My favorite is Dr. Nick Parrilli who was mainly responsible for my follow-up care. His compassion and exemplary service always made me feel like a valued customer with my health and wellness as his primary focus.

Thank you to all the doctors and staff. I highly and happily...