Inova Richardson – Family Practice

I made an appointment to get my blood test done at 730 AM, but the lady to do it did not arrive until about 830. Although that lady ended up in the ER, they could have arranged for a substitute ahead of schedule to accommodate for this. It all boils down to planning, and I wasn’t too happy waiting for that long.
Other than that, once the process got rolling, the service is great and everybody is quite friendly. Dr. Kwan is a fantastic Doctor, and tries to get to know you a bit deeper than most contemporary physicians.
The place is pretty no-​frills, don’t expect super modern décor, but this is a doctor’s office, not a fashionable institute. You go in and get your procedure/​check-​up done and you’re out in no time.

This review is specific to Louise Kwan. I have been going to her since 1993. Just received a bill from my wellness exam which is supposed to be covered 100%. There is lab work that my insurance company is questioning — Dr. Kwan ordered — I certainly did not request specific lab work — assumed (obviously incorrectly) that Kwan would ordered lab work within guidelines of what insurance covered for wellness exam. As part of my wellness exam — Kwan has always asked me a series of questions — weight — this time she questioned how I manage to maintain a consistent weight, my height — my height has not changed in 25 years, how do I sleep? She asked the standard questions she always does at a wellness exam. Rarely do I see Dr. Kwan for anything other my wellness exam one a year. I received a bill from Texas Health Group Physicians which a charge for $ 148. Have been advised that this is separate and apart from my wellness exam and that this is charge for consulting Dr. Kwan about «sleeplessness.» She asked the question as part of wellness exam as she always does. I was not advised that this question would come under «other billing» and since I was not tested for sleep apnea I have been that I am responsible for this charge. Furthermore, I was advised by «Lisa» that I signed paperwork that allows Dr. Kwan to perform any other exams that she feels necessary and per the paperwork and my signature, I am totally responsible should my medical insurance not cover and that it is not necessary to disclose to me that these «other» exams are being performed. I would think that if your visit is for a wellness exam — and a subsequent exam then becomes an exam for «sleeplessness» and that testing for sleep apnea needs to be performed — Dr. Kwan would have taken time to state that she was now leaving wellness exam and going forward an exam regarding sleep issues and advise that there would be an «up-​charge.» There was no testing down regarding any sleep issues — just a simple question was asked. Furthermore, I am unable to get Texas Health Group to provide me an explanation as to the lab charge that was done for $ 80 and that my medical insurance company is refusing to pay. It is unfortunate that a relationship that I have had with what I assumed was a trusted medical provider come to an end after 25 years. Word to the wise — question, question, question what you will and won’t be charged for. I am surprised there was not a charge for my weigh-​in, discussion of my height (under the guise of osteoporosis), and the questions Dr. Kwan asked regarding my consistent weight (under the guise of weight management). I would give Dr. Kwan and her office staff a –5 Stars if possible. Dr. Kwan further took time out of my wellness exam/​sleep exam to discuss her personal life with me — she discussed an upcoming trip and a visit to her grandchild — I wonder what billing this comes under.

This review is specific to my experience with Dr. Louise Kwan and her assistant, Steven.
INOVA Richardson isn’t a fancy place, and I’ll admit that if it had a slightly more modern look and feel I might have given it a 5. However, that’s not what I go there for, so on to my experience…
I saw Dr. Kwan for some spots on my leg, as I did not currently have a PCP and I wanted her opinion on whether I should see a dermatologist. She gave me her professional opinion and then a referral to a specialist, per my request. While I was there, she and her assistant took the time to get to know me — not just asking about my medical history, but also asking (non-​prodding) questions about my personal life, my stress levels, etc. It was kind and made me feel like I was more than just a file and a name.
I went back another time for just a routine physical and I found the same thing to be true — Steven was very friendly, and then Dr. Kwan again sat and spoke with me like she genuinely cared about my well-​being. She asked me about my experience with the dermatologist she had referred me to — made sure I felt like they were thorough and gave me quality service. The exam itself was quick, and then I left to go get lab work (the women in the lab were kind and amusing themselves).
Not sure what more I could ask for. Doctors are busy people, but she never made me feel rushed or like she didn’t have time to adequately address my needs. I’d recommend Dr. Kwan to anyone.

After searching for a new PCP since my former physician was no longer in my insurance area, I found Dr. Lalita Gupta. I was having severe pain in my leg and knee; so much so that I could barely walk and it was evident I was in much pain. After being «greeted» at the receptionist desk by one of the most impersonal people I have ever encountered (I believe her name was Tina), I filled out all the paperwork, paid, etc., and waited to be called back. The nurse was very pleasant and took down all my information. When Dr. Gupta walked in, I explained again what was going on. Never once did she even ask to look at my leg or knee. She just asked questions and sent me for x-​rays. When I returned to the room, she told me that I had some arthritis but not enough to warrant the type of pain I was having. I had explained to her that I could not sleep more than 2 – 3 hours a night, could barely walk (I had borrowed a cane to get around) and driving was excruciating. Her only suggestion was that I find someone who could give me shots. Needing a referral, she gave me a card and told me someone would be calling me. So… I would be going home to another sleepless night, no medication whatsoever, and I had to come up with «someone» who could give me shots! I felt that she couldn’t care less about my pain. I will not be returning to her nor would I ever recommend her to anyone.

The positive to this place (and the premise for my 5 stars) is Sharon. I’ve been a chronic allergy sufferer for years, since a small child. Sharon did my testing when I was 9, and now, at 32, I am beyond fortunate to be in her capable care again. I cannot say enough good things about this woman. She is extremely knowledgeable about all things allergy-​related. She’s understanding, patient, and kind. The whole process for testing allergies isn’t a pleasant one, but the end result is worth it.
If you’re suffering from allergies — and we know Texas is famous for it — call them and tell them you want to be tested with Sharon. In the medical profession, it seems like the emphasis has moved more towards quantity versus quality; but Sharon still retains and operates the values that the medical field was founded on — caring and patient concerns.

I saw Dr. Wood for a suspected metabolic problem. Both times I was in his office I found his bedside manner to be in need of improvement since he was either being sarcastic or cruel; I couldn’t tell, but neither is appropriate in a clinical setting. His staff were nice for the most part, but I got the feeling the doctor himself did not take my concerns seriously and he was quick to refer me to a specialist, who wouldn’t accept my appointment since I did not have a diagnosis. This was after Dr. Wood said that he would refer me to said specialist if he himself could not reach a diagnosis. I pointed out to him that these types of specialists generally refuse to see patients without a diagnosis, and he waved that concern away.
I’m beyond annoyed and certainly will continue looking for a medical practice that treats me with dignity and takes my concerns seriously.