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Message |
    
xavier67
Citizen
Username: Xavier67
Post Number: 207
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 2, 2003 - 6:17 pm: | 
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I haven't had a complete physical checkup in...let's see...never! So I was thinkin' maybe it's time to pick a primary care/family practice doctor in town who can check me out and who can take care of my worn out body for the rest of my sojourn in Maplewood.
Any recommendations?
P.S.--I tried to get an appointment with Dr. Mandola in Millburn, but his receptionist said he was booked till July of 2005. She was also pretty rude, so Mandola is off my list. (Unless, you all think Mandola is the only good family care doc in our area.) |
spw784
Citizen
Username: Spw784
Post Number: 335
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 2, 2003 - 8:43 pm: |
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Dr Scott Orenberg - 1985 Springfield Avenue, in Maplewood - near Dunkin Donuts. Don't have the phone number handy, but he's got to be in the book - 2 -3 others in the practice - Jacobsen and Wallen, but I've never seen either of them. |
softparade
Citizen
Username: Softparade
Post Number: 64
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 2, 2003 - 8:45 pm: |
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Try John Russo MD in West Orange 736-8119- he was named one of the top Internal Medicine docs in the state -2 miles from Maplewood--- but of course you need to check with your HMO first |
hismom
Citizen
Username: Hismom
Post Number: 56
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 2, 2003 - 8:48 pm: |
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My husband and I use the 3 doctors at Springfield Family Practice. They are on Morris Ave near the jughandle at Springfield Av. We have never had trouble getting an appointment when we wanted/needed it. I really like Dr. Posner since she takes time to listen to everything and always asks about how things are with my family (ie are they stressing me out). The office staff is very friendly and there's never been an issue about getting a referral when it was needed. Check them out! Their # is 973-376-7788 |
us2innj
Citizen
Username: Us2innj
Post Number: 764
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 2, 2003 - 9:07 pm: |
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I contacted Dr. Mendola to be examined, or referred for a very painful urinary tract infection. His bitch of a receptionist said I could be scheduled for an appointment a week from Thursday. When I said "I don't think you understand, I am in very severe pain", she said "yes, a week from Thursday." Needless to say, I found a Urologist in West Orange who had me come in immediately.
Dr. Mendola and his Nurse Ratchet really bite the big one. |
algebra2
Citizen
Username: Algebra2
Post Number: 1061
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 2, 2003 - 9:09 pm: |
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My husband really likes Dr. Eileen Klein in Millburn (Summit Medical Group).
The way my health plan is set-up I can't pick a primary care in NJ. Anybody have one in NYC they like. Mine is "ok". |
deborahg
Citizen
Username: Deborahg
Post Number: 594
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 2, 2003 - 10:47 pm: |
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I actually went to Dr. Mendola for about 6 months and had a horrible experience. Not only was his nurse a nightmare--I woke up one morning last year thinking I'd had a stroke. It turned out to be Bell's Palsy, which paralyzes half your face. I rushed to Dr. Mendola (ho ho ho) who told me he "didn't know" the best treatment...suggested "doing nothing and seeing how it went." I ended up calling a friend's father, who was a neurologist, and who got Dr. M on the phone and told him what to prescribe. He prescribed it, it helped, and I switched doctors as fast as I could. I now go to Susan Cantor on Millburn Ave., who is one smart cookie. There's nothing scarier than having something REALLY wrong and going to a doctor who doesn't inspire confidence. |
Maplewoody
Citizen
Username: Maplewoody
Post Number: 241
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 3, 2003 - 2:00 am: |
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I go to Dr. Mario Massarano in East Hanover off of Rt 10. His place is called MED CARE, and is open all the time. I can even see a Doctor over the weekend if needed. .
There is a woman there too, Dr Liang, and another young man, Dr.Tuttle. I really like all them, and their bedside manner. All the assistants there are very nice too. It's just down from the FRIDAY'S, beside Domino's, and beside the VITAMEN SHOPPE. From here you need to make the jug handle right turn at the Home Depot's turn off and loop around past the BF Goodrich, the one with the green 10ft Statue of Liberty on the corner...
MED CARE
(973) 386-1133 |
lamojo
Citizen
Username: Lamojo
Post Number: 25
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, July 3, 2003 - 9:16 am: |
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I second the vote for Dr. Scott Orenberg...I have been going to him for a year and I am really pleased. |
shoshannah
Citizen
Username: Shoshannah
Post Number: 162
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, July 3, 2003 - 10:08 am: |
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No one has mentioned training. It is extremely important -- not all doctors are created equally. I too am looking for a good, local PCP, but I always ask doctors where they trained. |
algebra2
Citizen
Username: Algebra2
Post Number: 1063
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 3, 2003 - 10:48 am: |
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Dr. Klein went to NYU ... she's really very good ... my husband has been very happy with Summit Medical Group |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 1669
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 3, 2003 - 11:17 am: |
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I, too, am very happy with Summit Med Group. I go to Doug Roth in the Short Hills office. I've always been able to get in the same day for urgent care & never have to wait more than five minutes. He's a great doc; trained as a D.O., so they learn all the touchy-feely holistic things. If he hasn't seen me in a year, he won't renew my allergy prescription until I come in, just so he can see how things are. Always gets an update on my complete history. I told him once that he's a pain in the ass. He just laughed. OTOH, I take medication for a chronic condition. Once he became confident that I know my body & how to handle things, he began working with me to decide my own dose; he never tries to dictate if I disagree about how it's working for me.
Can you tell that I just love him?
You can also go on the Summit Medical Group website & see where everyone trained & what their certifications are.
I mildly disagree with the "where they trained" thing. I always look for where someone went to school, did their residency & current hosptial affiliation. However, I've had some real nightmare experiences with docs who trained at Harvard or Columbia.
I rely on hospital affiliation, referrals from people I trust & my own comfort level to choose a doc. |
jfburch
Citizen
Username: Jfburch
Post Number: 629
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 3, 2003 - 11:21 am: |
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I've also heard good things about Eileen Klein, but she's not on my plan.
Hismom, what's Posner's first name? (and could it be spelled with a 'z'?)
Anyone, I'm looking for a female, family or internal medicine person who takes Oxford Liberty.
My SO didn't click with Susan Cantor so I'd like other suggestions.
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eliz
Citizen
Username: Eliz
Post Number: 552
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 3, 2003 - 12:50 pm: |
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If you don't mind a male doctor my husband goes to Dr. Michael Tillem (West Ornage) and he's great. He won't see you for a sick visit until you have come in for a physical, he makes you do the standard tests before you come in so he has the results in hand when he sees you.
I see Dr. Cantor but I'm going to switch to Dr. Tillem. Dr. Cantor is very nice but a little too hands off for me - I've been her patient for 2 years and she's never asked me to come in for a physical. I call and see her whenever I have something "urgent" i.e. ear infection or something. |
rcarter31
Citizen
Username: Rcarter31
Post Number: 114
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 3, 2003 - 4:16 pm: |
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What an interesting set of posts having just given up on Dr. Mendola and moved to Dr. Alvin Schmidt on Northfield Ave. 973 325 0006.
He even came to visit me in the hospital though in this case he had not admitted me because it was an emergency. I've never had that to happen before.
I felt that the receptionist at Dr. Mendola's just made dealing with them impossible.
My wife and daughter have been very happy with Dr Trina Frankel on Millburn Ave at 973 467 9282.
Best Regards,
Ron Carter |
interalia
Citizen
Username: Interalia
Post Number: 325
Registered: 3-2001
| | Posted on Friday, July 4, 2003 - 9:10 am: |
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Trina Frankel has ice in her veins! I had a horrible experience under her care (if one would call what she provides 'care'). She meets the criteria for a yearly physical well enough. Just don't get sick or have a problem that might require a little 'understanding'. The woman has no compassion! Also, she is VERY reluctant to refer to a specialist (which ultimately caused me a lot of problems). |
gozerbrown
Citizen
Username: Gozerbrown
Post Number: 168
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Friday, July 4, 2003 - 11:20 am: |
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Interalia,
I laughed and read your post aloud to my husband about Trina. After not being able to find a doctor who would take new patients (my healthcare complaints are a whole other issue), I got to see her. I found her a little lacking in the bedside manner. She seems a little spacey, like when she had me put on one of those little gown things when all I was there to do was review my blood work.
I also had the distinct privilege of seeing the other doctor in the practice last week. I had popped a blister on my foot and thought it might be infected. After waiting an hour in the waiting room and 15 minutes in the exam room, she didn't really look at. She picked up the phone and called a podiatrist, put me on the phone, and walked out of the office. I never saw her again.
The husband has an appointment to see another doctor in West Orange so I might also fly the coop. |
sac
Citizen
Username: Sac
Post Number: 16
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, July 4, 2003 - 1:48 pm: |
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My spouse and I and several other people I know go to one (or occasionally more) of the doctors at Associates in Primary Care on East Willow Street in Millburn - near the ShopRite and the carwash there, just off Main Street. They are in many insurance plans, I believe. (Every time we have changed insurance, we have still been able to go there.) Everyone I know who goes there has different opinions about which of the doctors they do or don't prefer, but since there are five, you have a good chance of "clicking" with at least one of them. Although there have been women in the practice at times, currently the doctors there are all male. Their phone number is 973-379-5055. |
lseltzer
Citizen
Username: Lseltzer
Post Number: 1619
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, July 4, 2003 - 3:14 pm: |
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I've been going to Dr. Orenberg's partner Ken Jacobsen and I really like the guy (he went to Penn Med School for those who care). My wife's not as comfortable with him, but likes the 3rd partner, a young guy whose name eludes me.
I think one thing is important, that you go to a group with at least 3 doctors. That way you've got coverage from someone in the group in case your doc has the gall to go on vacation. |
mtierney
Citizen
Username: Mtierney
Post Number: 376
Registered: 3-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, July 5, 2003 - 12:47 pm: |
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I have been satisfied with care and treatment fromthe Millburn Family Practice on Essex St (next to PD). Never had to wait a long time for an appointment, particularly if in pain!
My spouse prefers Dr. Durante on Sommer Ave. |
thegoodsgt
Citizen
Username: Thegoodsgt
Post Number: 253
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Monday, July 7, 2003 - 10:54 am: |
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I left a message on the voicemail for Dr. Steven Belt's practice about a month ago to become a new patient. Two weeks go by with no return call (even though I asked for a callback), so I followed-up with a phone call. The receptionist tells me, "We don't return calls for new patients. You have to call us."
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bookgal
Citizen
Username: Bookgal
Post Number: 385
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Monday, July 7, 2003 - 11:06 am: |
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Another vote for Alvin Schmidt. We had a lot of extremely serious health issues this year and he was very effective at securing every test immediately, prompt referrals to specialists (calling them in our presence to stress the importance of immediate visits), etc. He also has a very helpful office staff.
He is also great about returning calls promptly and follow up. |
shh
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 582
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, July 21, 2003 - 4:30 pm: |
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How is Orenberg's office? Modern, clean?
I'm looking to change from my current PCP and he's on our new plan (GHI Qual Care) but I'd like a little more info about the office.
Is parking convenient? Is the staff helpful?
My husband and I need physicals... |
hismom
Citizen
Username: Hismom
Post Number: 62
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, July 21, 2003 - 5:48 pm: |
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Sorry for the late response - I haven't been checking the board much recently. The doctors in Springfield Family practice are Samantha Posner, Marnie Doubeck and Hugh Snyder. They have a second office in Summit at Overlook hospital now.
FYI we used to see Dr Frankel, but her brusque manner was a real put -off, but her staff is very nice |
weekends
Citizen
Username: Weekends
Post Number: 7
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 11:07 am: |
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shh - The decor of doctors Orenberg and Jacobson office is not current, if that's what you mean by modern. It is Modern, as opposed to Arts and Crafts or Victorian, however.
Parking is more than convenient. Being next door to Dunkin Donuts, after every visit you can treat yourself, after the doctor treats you.
I've been going to them for the past six years. Though the office is busy, they never make me feel rushed. Both these doctors take the time to talk with you. That's more important to me than the dated decor.
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shh
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 583
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 2:00 pm: |
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Weekends, your post is not what I need to switch to Orenberg's practice.
I really don't care about the "period" of the office decor, but I do care about the cleanliness. Nothing like sitting on a table skeeving the surroundings.
And I don't frequent D&D...I wanted to know if there's a parking lot or if I need to park on Springfield Ave, which can be tricky with young children.
Your last paragraph is somewhat helpful, I just wish you would have avoided the sarcasm in the first two.
I'd like to avoid a Dr. who feels the need to throw a prescription my way with every sniffle, ache or pain, and I'd like one who is willing to give a referral to a specialist, like a chiropractor or a dermatologist, rather than insisting he treat me himself. |
spw784
Citizen
Username: Spw784
Post Number: 343
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 8:15 pm: |
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Shh - There is a parking lot for Orenberg (Jacobsen & Wallen , too), but its a little odd shaped.
I approach his building from Millburn Avenue, turning left, towards D & D, just after D& D is the parking lot entrance. There are 2 parallel parking spaces in the front of the MD office, then the lot wraps around the back of the D & D building, where there are about 8 more 90 degree angle parking slots. You could park on Springfield Ave or the side street (I don't know the name of it), but I've never had a problem finding a space. The building looks like a low-slung, brick motel, with a bright orange front door. There are no names on the outside of the building to indicate it is an MD office. The office staff, when giving directions, told me initially, to watch for the orange door!
The waiting area is clean, just dated... vinyl padded chairs, ... there are plenty of magazines, and a corner with a huge bin of kids toys.
Privateline me if you have any questions. I've been seeing Orenberg for about 4-5 years now... since before he was in Maplewood (he had been one of the doctors at the CareStation in West Orange.. saw him there, and liked him, so when he left to join a regular practice, I followed) |
Laur
Citizen
Username: Laur
Post Number: 24
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 8:27 pm: |
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I've had less-than-pleasant experiences with Frankel and Nalit too. Neither has good bedside manner, not even close. I had a bad experience, in which I was sick with 102 and a horrible cough for about five days, before they decided to do something about it (i.e. give me an antibiotic), and when I would call in from the sickbed with my updates, they never seemed to remember who I was or what I had. |
shh
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 584
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 8:31 pm: |
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Thanks SPW...
Your comments are helpful. One other question if I may? How are the office hours? Our current MD is difficult to make appointments with and on more than one occasion my huband needed to take off work due to not being able to get an emergency appt.
Thanks! |
Seagull
Citizen
Username: Seagull
Post Number: 25
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 12:18 pm: |
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We use Dr. Samantha Pozner from Springfield Family Practice and are very satisfied. Everyone in the office is very helpful- especially when dealing with referrals.
I'm not sure of the office hours off hand, but I know that my husband has gotten appointments for 4pm- if that helps!
Her hospital affiliation is with Overlook.
Here's the office info:
105 Morris Avenue
Springfield, NJ 07081
(973) 376-7788
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xavier67
Citizen
Username: Xavier67
Post Number: 221
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 1:04 pm: |
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Thank you, everyone, for your helpful posts. I feel healthier just thinking about all the nice doctors in the area I could be seeing! |
gtonne
Citizen
Username: Gtonne
Post Number: 3
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 4:15 pm: |
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Just want to add another recommendation for Dr. Doubek, Dr. Pozner, and Dr. Snyder at Springfield Family practice. They are all easy to communicate with and are very thorough. They are also very attentive in the evenings and weekends if you have a problem and need to reach them. My wife and I have both had excellent experiences with them. They always find a way to squeeze you in if you need to see them right away. |
spw784
Citizen
Username: Spw784
Post Number: 348
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - 12:34 am: |
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Shh .. The office hours seem to be 8-5, M-F (likely only until 3 pm on Fridays), with a few nights of 7pm - ? , as well. I think each of the MDs in the practice is in the office for one night a week. They'll get you in if an emergency. I usually try to get a 4 pm or later appointment so I don't have to leave work early. |
shh
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 591
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - 10:07 am: |
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Thanks SPW. Now to get myself to actually make an appointment! (Wait, I have the phone, I have the number...what the hay, I'll do it now!) |
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