Gretchen Bowling, M.D. — Local services in Johnson City

It’s a real bummer that I have to write this, but I think it’s important for other potential patients to know what they’re getting into (or not).

I called to ask if Dr Bowling was taking new patients and was told that the only way I could be considered, was to fill out all the new patient forms and then submit them. I’m all of my doctor inquiries, I’ve never been required to do this even before becoming a patient. It took approximately 15 minutes to complete those forms and was submitted on a Wednesday. I waited several days and through the weekend and received no follow up. The following Monday (today), I called and spoke to Becky at 9:30 in the morning asking if my forms had been received and reviewed and she advised she look for them and would call me back to let me know. I waited through the morning and didn’t hear back, so called again at 1:45 in the afternoon only to be told that care for me had been declined and I would be better suited for an internist due to my health issues. I’ve had a family medicine doctor as my primary doctor my entire life and have never been denied care in this manner. I think it’s a true disservice to patients or potential ones, for them to disclose all of their medical history, so that the practitioner can pick and choose who they provide care to. I guess I’m too complicated of a patient for her to handle and I ultimately lost 5 days of finding care elsewhere. It’s a real shame that they think this is an acceptable practice. I have enough to handle on my medical journey without...

I used to see Dr. Bowling and she in particular is great. However I cannot say the same for Blue Ridge Family Medical. I have a general phobia of doctors and have a rough time establishing a primary care provider because it's difficult for me to feel comfortable. I had found a great doctor in Dr. Bowling. Back in 2012/2013 I went on a work trip abroad for several months and had forgotten to pay a ~$300 bill. Fast forward later when I had my next need to make an appointment, I was told that I was discharged because of this bill going to collections. I paid it in full but was basically told I was not welcome back. To this day, they refuse to allow me to schedule an appointment. I try every few years to get back into rotation with Dr. Bowling...and now It's been nearly ten years. I could have had a bankruptcy fall off my record in this time, yet they still refuse to see me. Dr. Bowling is great but the staff/policies of Blue Ridge Family Medical are petty and brutal. I've tried ways of getting in to contact with her directly to obtain more information and explain where I went, but have never...

I am a female in my mid 50s, and I have had several PCP’s through the years. Dr. Bowling is the best PCP I have ever had. I’m a complicated patient with multiple health issues, and I am a cancer survivor. Dr. Bowling is respectful, patient, kind, compassionate, and invites honest conversation. I know she is incredibly busy, but she is easy to talk to. She sits down and takes time to really listen. She is very knowledgeable, conscientious, and she takes time to look at the full picture before diagnosing or prescribing medication. She is also quick to respond on the patient portal when I have questions. I believe she genuinely cares about her patients. I feel very fortunate and blessed that she accepted me...