Fairfax Radiological Consultants

I came in for an annual mammogram. The Radiology tech, noticed I had a bone density scan scheduled for the next day and asked me if I wanted to combine appointments. She spoke with her colleague and I was able to get both procedures done the same day. Both technicians were very professional and considerate. The front office staff was very nice and professional. All my forms were pre printed and everything was explained well.

I went there for the third time today — not sure why I didn’t select a different place to begin with. I guess, it was a matter of convenience and I just hoped that things would be better this time.
My situation: We are international expats, however, do have a domestic plan with Aetna. It is a PPO plan that covers absolutely everything. Our company though, doesn’t manage to give us the actual Aetna card that American patients receive, but we get a card from the company that has the Aetna sign on it but not the Aetna Insurance #. There is a phone number on there though, that doctor’s offices usually call if they aren’t sure how to deal with the card. Now, the DC Metro area is a very international one. I don’t normally have problems with this situation since doctor’s offices are used to deal with international people. Not here apparently. At least, they just don’t care.
First time I went, had to pay out of pocket. Got reimbursed of course. Second time, the lady at the front desk actually DID bother to call the number on the insurance card, verified that I actually was a customer with Aetna and did have the PPO plan. However, two weeks later, I receive an invoice. Called the insurance, they tell me that Fairfax Radiology had never billed them. Great. Today, third visit, for an ultrasound. Lady at the front desk tells me that she has a note in her computer that I will need to pay upfront. I told her that 1) I do have insurance, I’m with Aetna, I have a PPO plan, this is my card, explain I’m an expat, please call the number of the customer service if you must (not that I had explained that at my last visit and the front desk lady actually accepted it!)… 2) that the lady from the scheduling department told me that they will make me sign a waiver so that I will be billed in case my insurance doesn’t pay.
So why would have have to pay upfront now?!
Lady at front desk tells me, they don’t work with my insurance. My husband and I: «So you don’t work with Aenta?» She: «Yes, we do work with Aetna, but not with international customers.» WHAT?! That’s ridiculous to begin with.
Then I pay via credit card and when she hands me the receipt she says — clearly audible for other patients: «Here is your receipt. I doubt that your insurance will cover for it, though.»
Excuse me?! How do you know that my insurance doesn’t cover for an ultrasound. You didn’t even bother to call them. And if you would know anything about Aetna and their PPO plan, then you would know that YES, MY INSURANCE DOES COVER FOR AN ULTRASOUND ORDERED BY MY OB!
It doesn’t get any more ignorant than that. I felt humiliated by this lady, pretending in front of other patients that I didn’t have insurance coverage and that she thinks that I won’t even be reimbursed. How dare you treat people like complete trash!??
This was already a stressful situation since I’m 34 weeks pregnant and told by my OB that I needed this ultrasound to make sure that the baby is growing right (since I’m showing too little in her opinion). The last thing I have to deal with is rude and arrogant front desk staff that make you look like a complete idiot and absolutely worthless.
You care to know about the other two times I was here? I went there for my 20 week ultrasound. Big deal for any mother carrying their first baby. The nurse was totally blunt, did not try to make this anything special (why would she, that’s not what she’s paid for, right?!). Told me flat out that it was a girl. I asked, how certain she was. She made it very clear that this was a stupid question and she can SEE it RIGHT THERE! Okay! Thank you! I don’t think this question is that illegitimate, believe it or not, I have heard of actual «errors» in regards to that specific matter. But, yes, nurse, I’m a moron, excuse me that I am not an expert in your field of expertise.
That 20 week ultrasound was supposed to take place on another date actually. That day though, I had to rush to the doctor in the morning, before I came to Fairfax Radiology. So my husband called up front to make sure it is ok that we arrive 10 mins. late. They said, it was fine. So we drive 20 miles to Herndon, are 10 mins. late, only to be told that they can’t see us. Well, why not say so in the first place?! Why make us race out there? Again, thanks for nothing.
You lost a «customer» today (yes, because you don’t even treat people like «patients») and I will gladly share my experience.

My wife underwent a breast biopsy last week. She was happy with the procedure, care etc given by the Dr and especially the nurses who helped with the procedure– they were apparently extra gentle and nice, thanks for that, but the post coordination was horrible. We were made to run pilar to post to get her reports and that really took a toll on my wife as biopsies are not a simple thing for most. The Herndon imaging Center office staff was SO CALLOUS and UN-​EMPATHETIC that the lady literally shooed me away saying ‘if we have the report we will call you’… and this was on Friday. On Sunday we went online and saw that the report was sitting there since Thursday!!!
Couldn’t she have just taken a look at the system before dismissing me???
No one bothered to called us to inform this and to top it, they were so rude to dismiss me in such a callous way. We went through 4 unnecessary days of agonising wait to know the outcome — but by Gods grace, she is alright. I am hoping this is the last time we are having to deal with them — especially that lady who picked up the phone that day. She shouldn’t be in a medical profession. Maybe it’s a simple thing for her but it’s a BIG thing for a patient– especially a biopsy with a high degree of suspicion.

The clinical staff are very professional and caring and explained each step of my mammogram and sonogram, MRI and biopsy. They were all incredible caring and kind, they made an uncomfortable procedure tolerable. They hold your hand during the biopsy procedure, I just can’t tell you how much that means to someone who is scared to begin with. I would highly recommend them to any woman in need of medical care.

Though the radiology techs and radiologists are good at what they do, the office staff is inept and rude. I have come for a few separate occasions and have consistently encountered unhelpful and unpleasant receptionists. Their job is to be friendly and to help patients. Too bad this is the closest place for me.

It’s no fun having an x-​ray, but it was as enjoyable as it could be with such a kind staff.

Had to get a biopsy done but rescheduled several times due to personal reasons. Mary was so accommodating and worked with me each time. Once I came in for the biopsy, the biopsy tech and assistant Yvonne and Carolyn were absolutely amazing. They put me at ease by walking me through the whole process before and while they were performing it. Carolyn was so sweet and even gave me a hug because I’m sure she knew how nervous I was. I’ve been there twice so far and each time has been a pleasant and good experience. My sister who was waiting in the waiting area even asked the lady at the front desk to check on me several times which she did. That put my sister at ease also, knowing what part of the procedure I was at and how much longer it might take.
Great team and great experience!

We were having complications with our second pregnancy, and needed Ultrasounds every few weeks. My first visit to the Herndon location was very pleasant and professional.
However, our second visit there. Arghhh. So after the first visit we learned that the practice adds a 15 minute «paperwork» buffer to your time. (i.e. a 9:00 appointment is actually for 9:15). I’m OK with that, but please… tell me this. I actually build in a 15 minute buffer, too. Which basically means 30 min of waiting. And when you are as busy as I am… let me tell you, that 30 minutes is a commodity. Plus, once you’ve visited the first time… they give you a pre-​printed form that you verify and sign. takes about 2 minutes.
So the second visit. Due to traffic, we were running late. I called the scheduling office and asked how late we can be without worry of losing our appointment. The scheduling department is ALWAYS super nice and totally helpful. After discovering we would be about 10 minutes late, she told us to go in as planned. So we did. We arrived 15 minutes late (and remember… they add in a 15 minute «paperwork» buffer). The gal at the front told us to sit. We waited over an hour. Finally I went to the window and asked what was going on. She said, «You were late… you lost your slot. We’ll probably be able to see you some time today.» So not only did she NOT tell us this to begin with… she never indicated there was any issue with us being late… she also never committed to me ACTUALLY being seen. Somehow this woman seemed to think that both my husband and myself had all day to sit and wait for her graciousness to decide there was time to be seen. I’m sending the practice an invoice for my hour wait, just FYI. Maybe when they see what unprofessional behaviors cost their clients… they will take them a bit more serious. Why on EARTH would anyone think I have a day to waste sitting in the waiting room.
I left right then. I will NEVER visit that office again. There are a few concepts common to ALL businesses. 1) Communication with the client, 2) respect for the client’s time, and 3) the expectation that an unhappy client will make sure others know of their poor experience. The Herndon office failed at all 3 of these.

Zero stars. Horrible, Horrible ! I took my 8O something mother for an MRI. Aside from a nice intro technician (dedra?), everyone else was rude. No warning or explanation of MRI procedure, a loud, banging, terrible procedure for over one hour, and no preparation at all. It was like a torture scene from a movie. How about a little bedside manner people? Do your research people and find another place for your procedure.

Visited this office a few times. Most of the staff is very pleasant. One of the docs I saw could have had slightly better bedside manner, but overall very good. The waiting room and changing room was very comfortable, and the services were provided with excellent care.