St Pete Urology — Local services in Saint Petersburg

I've been a patient of Dr. Laryngakis and St. Pete Urology for 5 years, and after those 5 years of being a patient there, the shocking and unacceptable experiences I just had over the last week when I arrived for, first, an ultrasound (the actual ultrasound tech was great, but the experience I had with the front office staff person was downright traumatizing and completely unacceptable) and then yesterday to review the ultrasound with the doctor, have forced me to conclude that things about the practice are, to use the same word again, unacceptable: I was treated extremely rudely upon simply arriving to check in for the ultrasound, including (but definitely not limited to, as she was super rude even before the following!) being told that I didn't have an appointment for an ultrasound and that I wasn't getting an ultrasound (I actually did have have an appointment for an ultrasound, which had been confirmed), and I'll just leave it at that example though I could go into great detail on how rude the person was from the moment I walked in, then during that example above, and beyond. I did get the ultrasound, as I was scheduled for it. Then, days later, when I arrived for the annual consultation with the doctor to review the results of it, I was told upon trying to check in (and ONLY because I mentioned that my appointment was with Dr. Laryngakis--they were not going to tell me the following if I had not specifically said that) that I wouldn't be seeing the doctor, I'd be seeing a nurse. When I said, actually, no, the appointment was scheduled to be with Dr. Laryngakis, and has been confirmed to be with him, the same incredibly mean, unnecessarily adversarial person who had been so bizarre to me days earlier re the ultrasound, interjected herself into the conversation between me and a much kinder front office person with whom I was checking in that time, and said "NO, you are seeing the nurse. The doctor may pop in if needed."

It is unethical to change an appointment a patient has scheduled and confirmed with a specialist doctor to being with a nurse instead, without even informing the patient of this ahead of the visit (they weren't going to point it out at check in, either, but I just happened to say, at the end of checking in with the nicer person, "Thanks, and that's with Dr. Laryngakis.", at which point she said no, I show you with so-and-so, the nurse practitioner (whom I had never heard of--and who turns out to be really nice and seems to know his stuff, but my point is: my appointment was not scheduled with an NP, but with the doctor I've seen for 5 years).

There are multiple other examples (as well as way more details of the ones I gave) of why I am furious about various things that I experienced at these last two visits over the past week in particular, and why I feel and think things about the culture and some staff of this practice (and I hasten to add, in fairness, that a few of the staff are kind and helpful) are 100% unacceptable but, bottom line: I'm strongly considering finding a different urologist before next year when I need to get my recheck, even though I think Dr. Laryngakis is a good urologist. For the entire 5 years, I've had some concerns about the way the doctor seems to rush through our once-per-year appointments, and some things about the office culture, but I told myself, well, it's GOOD that he doesn't think your case is anything that requires much of his time, and he's supposed to be a good doctor, so stick with him. But these last two visits in the past week have made me realize: since I'm lucky enough to be strong and healthy, I have the luxury of ability and time to "shop around" for a doctor who takes time with me once per year, and for a practice that is run competently, documents things from appointments to patient records correctly, and treats their patients with respect. Unfortunately, this doctor and this practice cannot be relied upon for any of...

It's really a shame I have to give such a poor rating and review, because I believe Dr. Laryngakis is a good doctor and truly cares about his patients. That being said, this week I sought to get treatment in a timely fashion and was told I had to wait until next Thursday (7 days) to actually get in to see my doctor (Dr. Graves). I asked two of the office staff if they could fit me in on Monday to see Dr. Laryngakis and I was told no and that the doctors never switch patients. Which is bizarre, because I just saw Dr. Laryngakis 3 months ago when Dr. Graves was not in. When I explained I had an urgent need to see the doctor, I was still told no and basically shoved off. I asked to speak to the manager and was put through to voicemail. I've yet to receive a return call from the manager. I also asked to speak to the nurse, left a voicemail and have yet to receive a return call from the nurse. At this point, it's obvious this practice doesn't care about helping their patients, they are a money machine...nothing more nothing less. When you go into the office, the sitting room is ALWAYS packed...it's a revolving door of money. They hurry you in, hurry you out. The only good experience I had was with Dr. Laryngakis, but apparently I'm not allowed to see him as he's not my "main" doctor according to the office staff. I am appalled at the lack of concern shown towards me, as a patient, who needs medical attention. Where do we go if we can't go to the doctor when we actually need one? What's the point of having a doctor? The doctors should take a serious look at how their office staff is running the office. I would highly recommend for potential future patients to go elsewhere...when you need to see your doctor here, you won't be seen in a reasonable time and you'll get pushed around and...

My father was a patient of Dr. Graves. Time spent with the doctor is normally about 15 minutes, which may be about the same with other specialist or primary care doctors. My dad was mostly well taken care of by the doctor and staff. There may be time of inconsistency due to large number of patients they see daily, but his kidney stone issue was resolve by Dr Graves whom also monitor his other urology health issues. Dr. Graves will refer his patients to another specialist if he notice any concerning health issue that is outside of his field of medical practice. Both Dr. Graves and Staff will work hard to get preauthorization approve or will assist with finding out from insurance why an preauthorization is being denied. I've always receive a call back when leaving a message for the dr medical assistant.

Frustration can occur with billing, they use to have a separate billing system that I think doesnt sync with their main system. So a co-pay or billing payment made through billing system online would not reflect in patient chart and additional time is spend for them to access a different system to confirm payment was made. They did recently upgrade to a new system last year that should have resolve that issue.

This advice applies to for both this office and any other medical office you may go to. Most doctors see a large number of patients daily. Make sure you are communicating with the doctor. Ask questions whether if its to clarify a health issue or if the treatment plan given is the only option if not why is it the best option. Advise them of any change in health or diet that may have affected the results of an lab. Absolutely seek 2nd opinion or new doctor if you do not feel your medical issue is being addressed.

Sorry for long review, but...