Allegro Pediatrics – Bellevue

While the doctor is great (I have no issues with the MD), the staff is quite disorganized and un-​intelligent. When I called in to ask for medical notes, the call center then said that a staff from the location would call me. When the staff called me, she was confused again, despite me explaining in exact detail what I wanted. After clarification, this staff said that «she’ll let the MD know this.» Then there was silence… why? Because that was it. She didn’t say she would call back or when she’ll call me back… nothing. So, I asked her if she was going to call me back. Yes, she said. This issue was a very simple matter; it only required a pick-​up from me. This didn’t require her speaking with the MD. Just so ignorant. It’s as if they hire high-​school educated people to work there. And her tone was less to be desired. I would definitely NOT recommend Allegro Pediatrics. The perfect world would be the doctor and intelligent staff, but it is not the case here. On another occasion, there was a black staff member who acts like she’s feverishly busy working on something, instead of addressing me and putting on hold her work. This isn’t new; most businesses would place on hold something when a client is present !! Unprofessional.

We started taking our little ones here once we moved to Kenmore but been nothing but horrible experiences. Doctors are hit or miss. After hour nurse line has long wait, and if you leave your number they don’t call you back. Now bad billing practice, we will be looking for another provider.

I have been with pediatric associates for almost 3 years with both of my kids, at Bellevue and Totem Lake. I just didn’t know any better. It seems very convenient with long opening hours even on the weekends, that’s kind of their own good thing I feel. Other than that I felt it was a huge mistake to not switch sooner to another pediatrician!
Things I didn’t like:
— every time a new doctor, because kids get sick not on a planned schedule, you can never have the doctor you like because they are always booked
— scheduling for well child check ups has to be planned very early to be with the doctor of your choice
–nobody ever digs deeper into a history of illnesses, mostly my daughter got antibiotics or inhalers to get her back on her legs fast, but nobody ever looked for the root cause of it! I should have sent to a specialist long time ago to check her ear/​nose/​throat!
— they never have enough time for your kids, doctors maybe spend 2 – 3 minutes with you
— rooms and waiting room are horrible!
— messed up with the vaccines, gave a dose much too soon which was so unnecessary!
— didn’t take symptoms seriously my daughter had (eczema) and laughed at us, suggested using vaseline and charged a full price of a visit which just took 30 seconds! I wouldn’t have come to the office if I wasn’t looking for a stronger treatment or advice! Ridiculous!
My kids always hated going there, too!
I could not recommend this group for anyone!
We now found a lovely family practice in Kirkland, only 3 doctors rotating, also Naturopaths. They schedule at least 30 minutes for each appointment and follow up with you after appointments as well. Costs are the same, covered by insurance! If you are looking for a more personalized care go switch!

STAY AWAY. Unless you have lots of patience and tolerance for a disorganized business practice.
Started with them after my first daughter was born and mostly had great experiences. Doctor Lempe is fantastic.
However, as time went on, either with this new Allegro company who took over or what, I am no longer a fan. I do an alternative schedule for the vaccines, so imagine my disappointment when not on one, but TWO separate visits, their computer is showing that there is a vaccine my daughter is behind on (which is clearly marked in my physical immunization booklet as already administered). So each time the nurse would either rewrite my booklet (to prove to herself it’s valid?) or update something in the computer.
My last visit with my youngest daughter was spent over an hour in the patient room, all for a quick check up, and so very long because of «computer issues». This is an infant, who cannot handle being undressed and uncomfortable in a cold room for so long. Geez.
My latest problem that’s really the clincher is their billing department. Completely ridiculous. Keep sending me bills over and over again, with «updated» information. Insurance is supposed to pay them in full, confirmed it with insurance SEVERAL times, called Allegro and they said OK insurance is pending FINALLY, and yet again I receive a bill and a letter stating please pay. And of course, when I try to call, somebody finally picks up only to hang up. Then I call again, with the option to receive a phone call back. Nothing. And again, calling but on hold and still no callback.

I got in touch with Glenn and Radu, and they resolved my issue within two days. Hope they can improve the process and operations of the billings office and prevent such issues from becoming a customer complaint in the first place.

I would not recommend this office to anyone — the Billing office is inept. I received a bill for charges that insurance should have covered at the time — but the billing office never submitted. Now trying to reconcile this with my insurance years later is impossible. I am surprised that the doctors are not aware the horrible state of the billing department. I fired them, that’s the way I see it anyway — I moved to another provider. When I asked for my records I was given the opportunity to share this experience — which I did — obviously my feedback went unread as It sounds like my interaction is similar to others. BEWARE — if you have a choice I say find another office for your pediatric care.

The doctors in this office are hit and miss. First time I went there for my son’s 18 month checkup. The doctor was extremely in rush, she didn’t seem to have time to listen to me. Nor she had time to go over the procedure at a pace a toddler feels safe. The whole time my baby was scared and crying of being touched by a stranger. So I decided not to go there at all.
However I forgot to schedule the 2 years appointment and ended up looking for a doctor at the last minute. They scheduled it with Dr. Sahs and I’m VERY happy with her. She spent lots of time with my son talking to him and trying to approach him at his acceptable pace. He never cried! She listened to us and provided us with really helpful feedback. I will have her as my newborn’s pediatrician as well.

Okay, so to update, I decided to try to stick it out. I really liked our primary doctor.
However, the school nurse faxed them forms and was told that my child isn’t a patient there anymore. Which is brand new information to me.
The school nurse is going to give me suggestions for a new paediatrician.

I appreciate that Pediatric Associates followed up with me after my last review, and walked me through some of the challenges they are facing. Here’s hoping a competent online billing vendor comes their way soon, and that they have the chance to ramp up their staff.

Have been going here with 2 kids for the past 3 years. Each time I go (not very often thankfully i have healthy kids) I tell myself not to go again then a kid gets sick and its easiest to go back. They always have some Dr. available but that’s probably because they are not the best. Very good Dr’s always seem to be booked. The last visit Dr David, H. was horrible I felt she was so disinterested and was very curt and unpleasant. Not looking for «nice» but interested and pleasant would be nice. I feel its all about the money, get you in and out and see as many kids as possible to make the numbers. Not going back have already looked in to and done the paperwork for a new office. Front office staff were always pleasant.

Note: there is no nurse to pick up the phone untill 7 am which is not as the other reviewer said.

We’ve been very happy with Dr. Gustafson at Pediatric Associates in Bellevue. He’s patient and knowledgeable. He always make sure to answer our questions thoughtfully and seems up to date on the latest research. I’ve had good experiences with the front desk, scheduling and nurse’s line. I’d recommend this place and especially Dr. Gustafson.

I’ve gone to this location three times for checkups and follow ups on an emergency situation. I would say the medical staff seems just fine. The three doctors we saw (extra two because primary doctor was on leave) were all good. One was especially patient with my badly behaved kids and another gave us very good information about our concerns.
The only problem we had was that, although I talked to her for a while, asking if we had a copay or if they wanted us to schedule another appointment for a flu shot (rather than adding it on to that day’s visit) the woman at the reception counter did NOT actually check us in. We sat for half an hour past our appointment time and finally asked the second check-​in lady what was going on. She didn’t tell us anything but whispered to the first check-​in lady who then got up and went into the back. When the doctor finally saw us she told us they had not known we were there for our appointment.

I have been taking my child to this clinic since she was born. They have more than 10 pediatricians and they are open all 7 days. Saturday and Sunday is only for emergency but its such a relief to take our kids when all other clinics are closed. They have nurses during night to pick up calls.
The place is recently renovated. Each room has a theme with different animal pictures. They also give stickers to kids after their appointment. Simple trick that always make kids happy.

This group is a money making machine. They want to see 100 people per hour so they can make as much money as they can. Poor care. I don’t understand how doctors can ethically run a place in such a manner. They are supposed to provide care and basically they see you and run out of the room for the next patient.
Getting a Sat appointment is very difficult. I called at 9 and was on the phone until 930 and still no one answered the phone. So we decided to just show up in the Bellevue office. Of course, the front desk was rude and wasn’t very cooperative. We were not there because we had nothing better to do; we were there because our child was sick They couldn’t care less about my daughter, they were more concerned that we did not call in. There are ways to get the point across without being rude.
After diagnosing my daughter, the Dr couldn’t advise us medically at all.
You can find better care at an urgent care clinic than you can at at this place.

Today is the last time we will ever visit PA. We have gone here for the last 20 years. Today we were late for our appointment and even called to let them know, we drive from south so got stuck in traffic. They told me once I got there that they cannot see me and would have to reschedule. We were only going for medication refill and the appointment would have taken no more than 5 minutes. The wait times are often ridiculous and the one time we are late there is no consideration.
Dr. Ack was our doctor forever but since she has left the service is no longer worth the drive.
Completely disappointed.

This has a declining experience.
1) Doctors are hit and miss. Some are very unpleasant and impatient when children are busy. We had only one doctor we really liked. But see 2)
2) The doctors we liked we rarely see more than 1 time. It is nearly impossible to get the same doctor in a row.
3) They charged us an arm and a leg when they had a ‘complex’ issue (which takes more than the 3 – 5 minutes you get) and when disputing the charge they didn’t give me any space (although the billing lady sounded a bit embarrassed).
We switched to my own (non pediatric) PCP and he’s giving us lots of time (30m on a visit) normal billing, and excellent service…

We have received excellent care so far in the past 9 months with Dr Gustafson. He’s patient and never seems rushed when seeing our little one. The front desk and billing has been great so far and they even have same day weekend appointments for more urgent care.

I love this office! I am a new mother and Dr. Ruth Crosby is Great! She is very knowledgeable and friendly. You can tell right off the bat that she loves her job. She helps my family be very at ease with answering all of our questions and keeping our baby healthy. I will be doing tons of recommendations!

I have taken both of my children here for years. Thank you pediatric associates for always being top-​notch in the following ways:
–Cheerful appointment desk, always got me in the same day with sick kids
–Weekend appointments are available, which allowed me to avoid emergency room visits on the weekend and take them in to people that now their medical history.
–taking the time to get to know my kids, and refer out if necessary
–taking the time to answer both children and parent questions
–A nursing line which calls were returned quickly for questions
Thank you also to Dr. Lampe for all the A+ care that you have always given. you are wonderful.
Old fashioned care in a modern way.