PentaHealth Family Practice West Chester - West Chester, Pennsylvania

Elizabeth D.

I have an important surgery scheduled March 21 for an injury I’ve had for years. I had a pre-op appointment here the 17th, which was needed for surgery. I scheduled this appointment over 5 weeks in advance, as soon as I knew the surgery date, and that’s the soonest they could get me in, which is fine. I was originally scheduled for earlier but they called to reschedule me because the nurse wasn’t going to be in. I had paperwork they needed to fill out and send to my surgeon’s office in order to get the surgery. The next day (3 days before surgery) my surgeon’s office called and said they faxed over just the paperwork not filled out. I called this office to get this fixed and the receptionist said, “we get so many patients, we don’t fill out paperwork. We’re not going to change the process just for you. We only send a letter saying you’re cleared.” They said they had already sent the letter, but they would resend it. I got a call from my surgeon’s office the next day saying they had not resent it, and they had tried to get in contact with this office, called multiple times on different extensions and waited on hold for 7 minutes, and no one answered. She said she’s never worked with a doctors office like this. Mind you, this paperwork was due that day in order for the surgery not to be cancelled. The surgeon’s office rep ended up telling the surgery center I had a copy of it (I didn’t but she thought I did) so it didn’t get cancelled, thank God. I called the next day (today), the day before my surgery, to get the paperwork, and they told me they had faxed it over multiple times already. I asked if I could just pick it up, and they said they could email it, and they would right away. It took me 45 minutes to get it, and when I did, the paperwork was filled out, even though they said they don’t do that. The surgery center called asking if I had the paperwork, and said they had called this office and they had said they don’t fax paperwork because it’s a privacy issue (even though the receptionist said they had already multiple times). It ended up being fine because I emailed the paperwork to the surgery center and I’m getting my surgery, but I didn’t know i was 100% getting this surgery until the day before because of them. A surgery is a huge life event. I changed my work schedule and life around for it. Not knowing whether or not I’m getting the surgery until the day before because a doctor’s office is disorganized is unacceptable to me. I’ve been going to this doctor’s office for years and never had an issue. Unfortunately, I don’t know if I’ll be back.

Brookover F. L.

I’m done with this practice. Been going here for over 25 years. They have grown too much and all the seem to be looking for is numbers of office visits! My prescription was not approved by insurance repeatedly. Not the offices fault it’s my insurance. I had a follow up with scheduled with Dr Boucher to see how the prescription was working. Called multiple times trying to get a supplement for the original and no one would call me back. I canceled the appointment on a Monday they decided to call me on Tuesday to make sure I was still coming… No I canceled it. Why would I come in to the office if I haven’t been taking any medication? There answer we need you to come in so we can discuss another option. Why? I asked… why can you just have him give me the alternative any thing will work I don’t care just give me what my insurance will approve is what I told them. They said we need to discuss it in person. All they wanted was another visit. Absolutely BS! I have to pay for my own insurance, so every visit matters! We don’t have an employer dropping the dime for it. So yes this matters to me!!! I’ll be looking for a new practice tonight.
Pease out and thanks for not really caring!

Veronica G.

I have never felt compelled to write a review about a medical professional until now. Today I had a wellness visit with Andrea Leffet, CRNP that left me deeply upset.

Initially, when I made the appointment, I told them who my usual doctor was, but when I arrived, I was surprised to learn that I would be seeing Andrea Leffet CRNP instead. While this was unexpected, I didn’t mind; being she is a woman and would surely understand. To my surprise it was the total opposite as she made me feel like an idiot.

During the visit, I shared that I’d been struggling with losing weight and despite trying for months on my own, I had been unable to make any progress. I asked if a weight loss medication could be prescribed for me short-term just to give me that “push’ I feel I need as I already am eating better and working out a few days a week. To my surprise, Andrea immediately dismissed the idea, stating the medications (injections) are extremely expensive, my BMI wouldn’t qualify me for them, and my insurance would probably not approve them. I suggested phentermine pills but she said they were extremely dangerous. It wasn’t what she said that bothered me, it was more so, her condescending tone. Andrea did however, suggested that I visit a weight loss clinic, stating that "they prescribe anything."

This advice was both confusing and frustrating. How could a healthcare provider, concerned about the risks of phentermine, suggest that I seek help at a clinic that might not have my best interests in mind or access to my full medical history? It seems contradictory to refuse a prescription due to safety concerns, only to suggest a place that may not prioritize my well-being.

I didn’t even feel comfortable explaining that I had already consulted with a weight loss center and that it was too expensive to pursue, especially with the current financial situation during these hard-economic times. I felt that I would be belittled even more if I mentioned it. Instead, I left the appointment feeling embarrassed, judged, and been made to feel like a failure.

One positive aspect of the visit is that Andrea did order bloodwork, and a colonoscopy due to other issues I brought up during my visit. I hope these procedures provide some answers as to why I have been unable to lose weight. Hopefully, this may help in identifying any underlying issues that could be contributing to my struggles.

I strongly believe that healthcare providers should create a supportive environment where patients feel heard and understood. I hope that Andrea receives guidance on how to better interact with patients struggling with weight issues, as this situation could have been handled with more compassion and care. As for the rest of the staff, I have nothing but great things to say about them. The ladies at the front desk are very welcoming and professional. Unfortunately, due to this experience, I am now considering switching to another practice. This could have been a positive interaction had there been more understanding.

Brandywine B.

My health provider of 30 years went to a 2-tiered Concierge Service. The Privileged and Not Privileged. Needless to say it didn't work out well for those of us who didn't sign on.
On advice of others I switched to Dr. Sissy John at Penta Health and I'm so happy I did.
When I had an infection I got a same day appointment. Plus they have walk in hours on Friday and Saturday. When I called in to renew a prescription, within minutes of speaking with the nurse, I got a message from my pharmacy that it was being filled.
And with their My Chart system, Dr. John has communicated with me on line.
Only 1 negative, is being on hold for 14 minutes until my call was next in line. We are given the option to leave a message, but I'm always glad I waited.

Jon H.

Unfortunately a few of the doctors here let me down. Most have retired. I have to say the only doctor who I dont recall letting me down was Dr Myers.

Shannon C.

My family and I have been going to Gateway Medical/ PentaHealth for years now and I recommend everyone to go to this practice! Sue Villarini specifically goes above and beyond to provide great care to her patients. She is highly knowledgeable and has a gift with listening and connecting with her patients. I truly can’t say enough good things about Sue, she is absolutely wonderful! Overall, I’ve never had a bad experience scheduling whether it’s through the phone or on the patient portal. I highly recommend PentaHealth!!

Christine B.

Been with these drs. forever. But the greatest of all has been dr. Limpert. He always took his time with me.Enjoy your retirement sir !

Terri B.

Always kind and polite. Will let you know if your provider is running behind. Will take as much time as you need when you’re called back. They have taken care of my family for many, many years.