Professionals for Women’s Health

I realize this is a harsh rating. But I have given it much thought, and have had one bad experience after the other. I am expecting my first baby, and am looking for a very personal and memorable experience. My first visit with Liza Canowitz CNM, was absolutely perfect. However, nearly every single interaction with every other staff person, has been less than desirable. From the receptionists being rude and snarky, to the lab technicians providing me with false information, and the icing on the cake, was Dr. Hackett’s unacceptable, arrogant behavior and forceful way of making his opinions the main point of focus, during my 1^st ultrasound! Needless to say, I will not be back. This is only my opinion, but I would strongly advise anyone who is looking for that extra special touch, to avoid this practice.

I’m very angry with PWH – and ended up in the ER this xmas eve until 1am because of a insane PWH policy.
1^st: I have had GREAT, AMAZING DOC care at Jasonway – but, if you read through many of the reviews on Unilocal for PWH, you will read that many patients experience curt or condescending staff – often from those who answer the phones. In the 4 years I have been at PWH, the only issue i ever had is one or two staff members who answer the phone and seem to delight in being short, condescending and using power-​over tactics to make you feel frazzled. We have all experienced medical office staff who are condescending – there is absolutely no room for this type of person at a OB/​GYN office. women are so vulnerable when going to an ob/​gyn and there is no room for anything but professional, trained front staff. But the REAL problem is that PWH gives these individuals full discretion to FIRE you as a patient and they do not question this. I’m 46, have high antibodies and tumor marker from auto immune disease and this condition has given me some gyn issues. I have had excellent treatment with my Dr. there. I am always kind to the medical professionals there and most of the women at the front desk are professional as are nurses and docs there. But there are a few women who answer phones who are rude and one who i have had difficulty with being consistently condescending was able to get me banned from ever being seen or even contacting my doctor again – and i didn’t even know about it until my OB-​GYN emergency came up: A few weeks ago, i had my annual and my doc gave me a new medication. The week of Christmas, i began to bleed and had tremendous, sharp pain. I thought i was bleeding vaginally. I called the day before Christmas eve to tell them what was going on so they could let my doc know. I was put on hold then an office official came on and told me I’d been banned. PWH refused to see me and told me i could not even communicate the bleeding issue to my doctor. I was told the office manager might be able to get back to me when she returned next week to discuss me being banned from communicating with my doctor – but no guarantees. The specifics of my ‘mistreatment’ to the staff who got me banned?: the day of my annual, i learned that my child wasn’t going to be in her after school program and I’d have to pick her up and take her with me to my appointment. I called the office as a courtesy to explain the extra stop and let them know i was on my way but might be a few minutes late. I got the same curt woman i always get on the phone. She asked how late are you going to be. I told her i didn’t have an exact time but i was en route and factors such as traffic might be a factor. I told her i wouldn’t be more than 15 minutes late and i might not even be late at all – i was just calling as a courtesy. She said: if you’re more than 15 minutes late well have to reschedule you. her tone was so rude. i had just told her i was not going to be 15 minutes late and that my call was really just a courtesy. this staffer wrote me up for saying i told her ‘if i had a crystal ball i would know how late i was going to be.’ I NEVER SAID THIS. I had to plug my dead phone in at their office so i could get the pwh fax number to my auto immune doc and they could fax my blood tests over. i was a few minutes EARLY for my appointment when i plugged my phone in to the outlet in the waiting room. I got wrote up for this too! They said I ‘made the staff wait for me to charge my phone’. I told them exactly what i was doing: i needed to get my reg doc pwh’s fax number asap so they could fax bloodwork. Xmas eve of this week, i realized i was not bleeding vaginally, i was bleeding from my eurtheria. I had bright red blood in urine and severe, piercing pain. Because it was xmas eve and I was banned from calling PWH, I had to go to OSU emergency hospital with my special needs child at 10pm at night. i was in excruciating pain and we were there until 1am. The abandonment and humiliation and inconvenience by PWH will have me speaking to a lawyer. That they give the power to ban you from their practice to staff like this is insane. your 4 year relationship poof-​gone because a less than friendly phone staffer doesn’t like you. If you constructively complain– or ask if they will listen to how phone staff speak to patients-​you are discounted. The young staff member who was condescending won. and her treatment of patients was reinforced. I loved PWH and was abandoned at the worst time – and not even informed of it until an emergency came up. I feel this issue should be looked at from a legal, ethical standpoint. i love my doctor there and feel so grateful for her help over the years – but to be fired by front staff and not even be told this until an emergency came up after a new medication was given – and be barred to even alert the doctor who gave me that medication for her medical input I feel is negligent.

Wouldn’t take me asa new patient because I called and cancelled my first appointment with less than 48 hours notice??? Looks like I’ll find a more realistic and modern day physician, with a front office that is polite and understands that some people don’t sit around at the same office every day and actually have unexpected business trips that come up. What poor customer service — glad I didn’t waste my time.

The actual care I received from them was decent – the physician who originally did my pap smear was eh, but Dr. Soder took very good care of me during my time there, as I did end up diagnosed with a gynecological issue while with this practice. However, I am extremely disappointed in leaving them. I didn’t leave by choice; with changes in the health care industry, finding affordable insurance meant I have very limited options in physician who will accept my insurance. I was forced to switch physicians. Because of the condition I referenced above, my new physician wanted my medical records right away. Imagine my surprise when I received a letter telling me that I needed to pay $ 34.14 to get those records. I asked the receptionist if this was disclosed up front, as I didn’t remember it being a disclosure I signed, and she couldn’t answer me. Why in the world wouldn’t they include this charge in the visit? It feels terrible to be strong-​armed into paying for my own records so I can be treated elsewhere. I’ve been told this is a Ohio state permissible fee. I have no doubt that’s true. But it isn’t kind or fair. Very disappointed.

My wife had a Leep procedure done and was forced to leave town 2 days later. She developed some side effects that could surely be cured with some simple antibiotics. Instead of prescribing a handful of antibiotics to get her through the next few days, they insisted on her going to an urgent care in the city where she traveled to. The exam would be invasive and uncomfortable with a doctor she would not know. Multiple call to the office but their policy seems to be a bit strict and very inconvenient.
It’s just antibiotics!

I recently relocated to the area and was looking for a great OB-​GYN. Professionals for Women’s Health will be my first and last stop!
My last 2 doctors have been kind of terrible, to be perfectly honest. They’ve done unnecessary and invasive testing and biopsies, convinced me something is TERRIBLY wrong with me, forgotten to refill my prescription when I’ve asked numerous times, etc. You name it, they probably did it. So I was a bit wary of coming to a new doctor.
After checking with my insurance and reading some reviews, both on Unilocal and on healthgrades, I decided to visit Dr. Soder at Professionals for Women’s Health.
First, scheduling the appointment is really easy. I scheduled it online, then realized it conflicted with my schedule. I called and was able to fix it immediately, no problem. I had a question before my appointment and was able to send a message through the online system and have it answered promptly. Love that convenience and ease of use!
The office itself is very conveniently located, and I really loved that there was ample parking (something I’ve come to appreciate in Columbus!) I walked in and had to fill out some paperwork, then was taken back for my appointment. There was a bit of a wait, but only because I was done with my paperwork early. I was taken back for my 1:30 appointment at 1:28.
I had my weight and height taken by a nurse who not only did the basics, but spoke with me about the issues I was concerned about and my history. Even before I met with the doctor, I was reassured and calmed down. I was admittedly pretty nervous for this appointment, based on my past experiences, and I shouldn’t have been. I would rate Professionals for Women’s Health 5 stars for my experience with my nurse alone!
When I met with the doctor, I was first taken to a «consultation room,» which was so cool! You have time to meet with the doctor and talk to her before you’re in an exam room, which made it a lot less stressful. Dr. Soder confirmed all of the concerns I had with my previous doctors, responded to my worries, and quickly told me that she didn’t need to do a full exam on me until March — what a relief! She did a quick pelvic exam, refilled my prescription, and sent me on my way! Although I felt like the appointment was efficient, Dr. Soder also took the time to listen and respond to all of my concerns. I know that, if I had more to talk about (and believe me, I always have a ton of questions) she would have answered them completely, thoroughly, and compassionately. I loved how knowledgeable she is and I felt truly comfortable during my appointment.
While I’m not exactly looking forward to my next appointment, I am relieved to know that I have a doctor and a practice I can count on. Based on my first visit, I can see myself being with Professionals for Women’s Health for as long as I’m in the area!

I neglected to read all the prior reviews, but just did and noticed the comment on the mammogram. I had a personal experience which I think shows the quality of staff with PWH. My family has a high risk factor for breast cancer… I’ve had both grandmothers and an aunt battle and survive. My physicians says I should not be worried at my age since those were situations of later in life cases, but to be diligent and ensure my health is always a top priority, she has me go for a mammogram 1x a year and has for 2 years now… I’m 35. The last time, I neglected to bring my script, so OhioHealth called the office and within 10 mins they had my script over to OhioHealth and I was able to resume with my visit. A lot of offices would have you reschedule based on either them taking hours to complete the task or possibly, not even get to it till a day or so later. This office is always top notch and treats each patient as if they are a family member to them. I highly recomment them and will continue to do so.

I had a fabulous experience today with Abby Nelson at Professionals for Women’s Health. Before we even began my annual exam, she sat down to get to know me and ask if I had any questions. She quickly earned my trust and I felt immediately relaxed. I would definitely recommend her!

I am surprised by all the negative reviews.
To PWH’s defense, the fax number that you send an order for a mammogram to OhioHealth is 533‑1111, so she’s totally wrong about that. There’s a lady at OhioHealth who tells you to fax it to some 566 number because she’s too lazy to get up and get the orders off the 533 – 111 fax, and they call my work all the time requesting me to refax orders that I already sent and got confirmation on. When that lady isn’t there I never get the calls.
No doctor’s office continues to see people who don’t pay their bills. Sorry but what did you expect? They were right to discharge you for not paying on time. They have to pay their staff and their bills, too. Don’t complain because you failed to do what you were supposed to.
3 days to fax records? Most offices have a 7 – 10 BUSINESS DAY policy on faxing or completing paperwork. Do you realize you’re not the only person and not their only task to do complete?
And finally– Almost no GYN will accept a woman who is halfway through their pregnancy because you are a risk and a liability. I’d be interested to know why you were switching to a new GYN from your original one anyways. Likely discharged for noncompliance or unrealistic expectations.
On to MY review– I came here when I first moved to Columbus for a routine exam and testing. They scheduled me around MY schedule and saw me in the evening at 6:30 PM. Not many offices have evening hours! They were kind and professional, saw me quickly, the exam and testing were quick and painless and I was on my way.
I would happily see this office again, they are very good and I was pleased with my care. It is however, a doctor’s office, not a party where you get whatever you want and they are human beings just like you are. I love this office and will continue to go back.

This is a great practice to have a baby with! All the midwives were extremely helpful in coaching me through my pregnancy, appointments were always kept on time, all my concerns and questions were discussed in length, family was always welcome to participate in sonograms and visits, and I was always made to feel like I was THE MOST important patient of the day.
I most appreciated how easy it was to schedule an appointment and that I was able to select the office location where I wanted to be seen. I also loved their web-​based patient portal to view any/​all test results, appointment dictations, and appointment reminders.

I had to find a new doctor because apparently mine was too busy to return my calls and emails to schedule an appointment, so I was pleasantly surprised when I found PWH. The very first time I called there was no wait time and the lady on the phone was really nice. She was able to get me in for an appointment with 2 weeks of my call whereas at my other doctors office it would have been 2 months.
And then when I needed to change my appointment because I was now pregnant instead of just needing an annual exam, they were really friendly and helpful and were able to get me in the day after my original appointment.
At my first pregnancy appointment, the staff continued to be really friendly and helpful all the way through. Even the front desk associates were really friendly, unlike at my previous doctors office where they kinda treated you like just a number instead of a person.
The nurse that I saw was very thorough and went over alot of information with me and addressed all of my questions, it was nice especially since this is my first pregnancy.
They have an awesome online system where you can schedule appointments, check your test results, billing and ask questions. I love it, it’s so convenient!
I’ll be sticking with PWH for my whole pregnancy, so far they’ve made it pretty easy.

I tried to switch to a doctor in this office mid-​pregnancy. The receptionist refused to let me make an appointment saying that I should have been with them from the beginning.
Dr. Wurst might be outstanding (from what I hear) however the rest of the staff isn’t. I am very glad I never became a patient of theirs. I would never want to be treated like just another person walking through their doors. I only gave one star because none wasn’t an option.

I felt like just another number/​paycheck at Professionals for Women’s Health. They seem to lack any empathy or even just common courtesy. I left the office in tears multiple times. The receptionists are curt and seem to lack any critical thinking skills. The medical assistants are like robots and many cannot be bothered to even smile. The nurse practitioners are mediocre. One nurse practitioner berated me for gaining too much weight and when I brought this up to one of the doctors he laughed and said she was being too strict and I shouldn’t have listened to her. The doctors are okay; during the 35 weeks I went to PWH, I saw different doctors every time. Additionally, my appointments with the doctors were always rushed and impersonal… a minute or two tops. Overall, this place really lacks the personal touch one would expect as a first-​time mom.
Additionally, I felt I was nickeled and dimed by PWH. They charged me over a dollar a page to fax my records to my new OBGYN. They also took days to respond to my request for records. In my opinion such a delay is inexcusable. I was nearly full term and could only be seen by my new OBGYN once PWH faxed over my records. I called multiple times inquiring about my records to no avail and I had to enlist the help of family members to harass PWH in order to finally get my records. What a headache! I am not even exaggerating when I say that virtually every experience I had with PWH was unpleasant and anxiety-​provoking. I wish I would have done more research before selecting this practice at the beginning of my pregnancy and am incredibly grateful that I finally switched practices due to work relocation and will never have to interact with this INEPT office ever again!

I’ve lived in Columbus for several years now, but I still don’t have any regular doctors here. That’s because when I first moved down here, sometimes I’d go back home to go to my appointments, and then later I started using the Ohio State Medical centers since I was a student living on campus, and then I went on my family’s insurance after I graduated. I finally got a full time job that paid benefits so I was on my own (different) insurance, which caused me to shift my doctors again. Every time I have to find someone new!
But it was about that time of year to go to the gynecologist. Not my favorite, that’s for sure. So I looked into my plan coverage (for Aetna) and Professionals for Women’s Health took my insurance. And they sounded so… professional! I called to schedule an appointment as a new patient and they got me in for a visit in the morning in the next week and a half or so. So far so good!
They also told me that since I was a new patient that I should go online and print off their new patient registration forms. Then I could fill them out in advance and bring them to the office to avoid a lot of paperwork at once. That was pretty nice.
I think the location of this place is pretty easy. It’s off of Bethel Rd. I just took 315 and got off at Bethel and Jasonway Ave. is near a CVS and past the big shopping center that has a K-​Mart. Once you turn on Jasonway it’s on the right — hard to miss! It’s a big building that just looks like doctors offices.
Parking was a breeze because they had their own lot. I remember that there was sort of a big hill coming in and out of the driveway. I went inside and walked up to the front desk and they asked for my name and everything to check me in. I gave them my pre-​filled out paperwork and they gave me a few additional sheets to fill out. I went and had a seat in the waiting area that had quite a few patients also waiting. But I passed the time with my paperwork. I ended up finishing it before they called my name, and then some. The wait was pretty long, probably around half an hour. They looked like they were somewhat busy. I wasn’t in a hurry and I was missing work so I didn’t mind.
When they did finally call my name they took me into the back and a very friendly nurse measured my height and weighed me. Then she led me into the office where the doctor would see me. She told me to take off my clothes and put on one of those silly gowns. But, she said that I could keep my shirt on and just pull my bra out of the way for the breast exam. So I was wearing that gown as a skirt or something. I hate those things.
I waited around for about 10 more minutes and the doctor came in. Her name was Dr. Ann Wurst and she was so cool! Super friendly, talked to me the whole time, and she had a great sense of humor, too. This was only the second time I’d been to a female gynecologist and I’m not really used to it. But she was super cool.
The thing about Dr. Wurst was, is that she walks in and she’s dressed in normal street clothes! She had on nice pants and a nice blouse and these gold bracelets with charms on her wrists. She didn’t look like a doctor. I was half afraid this random woman had walked in and wanted to examine me, but once she started talking about the procedure, you could tell she knew what she was doing. She was quite gentle and very quick — the whole exam lasted less than 5 minutes! I also noticed that when we were in there, there wasn’t a nurse in there with her. Usually when I go to the gynecologist the nurse stays in the room, but I think that must be when I go to male doctors.
Another sort of weird thing. But I can’t say for sure, because I didn’t see. I couldn’t really see what she was doing down at that end. Ladies, you know the part of the exam where they use their fingers and press on your tummy? Not to be gross, but you’ve all been there, done that. I don’t think she was wearing any gloves. Before the exam she washed her hands and put hand sanitizer on them, but I don’t remember seeing or hearing her put gloves on. I suppose it doesn’t matter, but that kind of freaked me out a bit. I would think that that would be more of a problem on her end. Let’s not talk about that anymore.
The exam was really quick and painless. And when she was done we finished up our conversation a bit and then she left the room so I could get dressed. I did, and when I walked out of the office I was a little bit confused as to what direction to go. But I walked down the hallway and there was a section of the front desk that was inside the back where the doctor’s offices are. I stopped there and I had to pay a co-​pay of $ 10 or $ 15 or something. They gave me a receipt and I was good to go!
It was all over with. I hate going to the gynecologist, but this trip was really quick (well, the exam part was, anyway) and easy and painless. If your insurance allows it, I would recommend coming to this practice. And Dr. Wurst is great (if you can get past the possible no glove thing!).