Which one is the suckiest? Summit Med Group, Atlantic Health or RWJ-Barnabas?

They are all factories. I have been trying to get to a specialist at Atlantic for two days. Nobody returns calls. 

Summit: I set up an appointment in October for April 22. I called on 4/21 to confirm since I hadn't received their usual prior day call. "We don't have a record of your appointment. "I have the card with time and date." 

"Sorry. Next appointment is July 7th.

Bernie: I get a return call from the specialist's office some of the time.


My favorite description of Summit was from a local pharmacist. "It's like a big wheel that spins slowly. No one knows where it is going or why it is spinning. Sometimes it stops spinning. Then it starts up again."


I have to admit that my experience with SMG has been pretty good. I've got a few doctors there and I don't really have any complaints.

I can't complain about SMG.  Generally like and trust the doctors I've seen.  They are usually on time with appointments.  Their online portal is very good.  They respond to emails (some other docs who claim to have portals don't).  It's a big business machine but that's the way medicine is now.


FJJ, if you need help with AHS, private message me. 


OTOH I have one doctor with Atlantic. Tried to make an appointment - first availability is August.


My primary doc was with Atlantic Health.  The doc moved out of state and I was never notified.


basically it depends on the Dr.  I have in all 3 groups. 

But my Cardiologist and Spinal Surgeon are not part of any group. My Dr's know not to even think about discussing any PT, medication changes or any other issues dealing with those 2 areas.  

I aim very clear on what i expect of the Dr's and the office and have them tell me what they expect of me.

I am a no BS, I don't see your appointment here.  If I had a card with a date and time, I would go to the office with that card and demand an appointment.  They effed up, not you


i found an independent NP (PCP) on Morris Ave in Springfield I am happy with so far.....the ones with the big groups just cared about meeting insurance requirements and didn't take time to listen....University/UMDNJ is the worst.  I need a specialist who was only there.  Took 3 weeks to find out who his receptionist was.  Took 3 days to get her on the phone.  After discussing a late day appointment, she puts me on hold for a half hour and comes back and says i am all set for 9:30.....

I couldn't get summit to respond emails.

About a year ago, i had specifically tried an atlantic health pcp because of the online portal.  they refused to use it and kicked me out of the practice because I expected them to...said it didn't fit in with their work flow...this after i discussed with the doc my preference for online communication..and she said that was great, they preferred that.....1st and only time I contacted them, they completely disregarded everything i said and just tried calling to schedule an appointment....even though the issue didn't need an appointment as per previous discussion with the doc..and if i wanted an appointment i would schedule online or call them directly...not email them to ask them to call me...that makes no sense.


I've found SMG to be pretty responsive to portal inquiries.

The biggest complaint I have with them is that there appears to be a glitch in their computer records system because a few days before every appointment I get an email and text telling me they require me to confirm information, and it sends me to their complete medical history questionnaire, which I've already filled out. Either they want me to update it before every appointment (no thank you) or there's a bug somewhere.


I use mostly SMG doctors.  My original PC was excellent, responded to messages within 24 hrs, and often extended necessary advise without an office visit.  She retired, my new PC insists upon an office visit no matter how obvious it is that I should go to a specialist.

Re appointment reconfirmation & information form:  I reconfirm, and ignore the form.


At SMG if I need a specialist, which is my normal thing these days, I just make the appointment with the specialist. Haven't seen my PCP in about a year.


Atlantic H.c.   I left messages over two days at a gastro.  

'For all other calls, wait on the line..." 5 rings and it went to voice mail.

No picking up the phone or return from message machine. 

So...  "To make an appointment, press 2......" I figured that would bring money into the office so I press "2." 

Result, immediate pickup. 


Then there's the Patient Portal.  Results posted on the portal are useless without the medical knowledge to understand it. So ya gotta call 'em to interpret it anyway. -

Then, if you are in two or three different systems, two or three passwords to remember. 

SMG new patient form: " Your email address. A password to use with the p.p." 

Clerk: "You didn't enter your email or password."

Me: "I am here for blood pressure treatment. Patient Portals increase my blood pressure. Call me if you need me." Results, they direct email me if they need me.

AH refuses to take me off the email system. 


drummerboy said:

At SMG if I need a specialist, which is my normal thing these days, I just make the appointment with the specialist. Haven't seen my PCP in about a year.

I think this is very dependent on your insurance - some require referrals and some don't. 


sac said:

drummerboy said:

At SMG if I need a specialist, which is my normal thing these days, I just make the appointment with the specialist. Haven't seen my PCP in about a year.

I think this is very dependent on your insurance - some require referrals and some don't. 

true, but tomcat seemed to imply it was the PCP requiring the referral.


i have no problem with understanding test results on patient portals, in fact i have had docs MISS things.  it was my access to the portal and googling the tests and results that helped.


I've been pretty happy with Summit.


yahooyahoo said:

My primary doc was with Atlantic Health.  The doc moved out of state and I was never notified.

If I may, who was the doc? Initials work.


jamie said:

I've been pretty happy with Summit.

We have also.  Biggest issues are with billing but it has always gotten sorted out eventually.  I'm pretty happy with the doctors I've had there.


sac said:

We have also.  Biggest issues are with billing but it has always gotten sorted out eventually.  I'm pretty happy with the doctors I've had there.

The doctors are fine in S.M.G. - anyways, the ones I've had. Its the office staff, system set up that's F.U.B.A.R.E.D.

I went to a physician for 15 years. He was in private practice. He went to S.M.G. three years ago.

Me: "Is this a good move for you?"

Him: "Its my Nirvana."

Me: "Based on prior experience, not as good for the patients."

Him: "Yeah, I guess so"

His office was the one that screwed up my appointment for this month.



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