Heartland Foot & Ankle Associates PC

Worst experience with a doctor in my life. I had an appointment today in hopes that
Dr. Lockwood could help me with the excruciating pain I’ve been having in my feet. I arrived 15 minutes early because I was unable to print the new patient forms from home and I wanted to have enough time to fill these forms out and still be ready for my appointment. The front desk lady gave me attitude and said «well write quickly cause you need to be ready with these papers by 1:30 cause you need to be put in a room by then, no later». Ten minutes later at 1:25 my name is called and I’m led into a treatment room. As soon as I sat down the staff member brought me over a list of possible treatment costs, what my insurance would cover and what my total cost would be for today’s office visit, out of pocket, before I even talked to Dr. Lockwood. I was told that my minimum out of pocket that needed to be paid today was between $ 250.00-$ 350.00. And they wanted me to pay this amount right then, before I even knew if Dr. Lockwood could even diagnose me and before I had any idea what treatment, if any, I would need. I explained that I would not be able to pay that much money all at once. I asked if I could set up a payment schedule, so I could get out of my daily, excruciating pain and take a few weeks to pay off the treatment fees. I was told no, that fees are required upfront, in full. At this point I had tears in my eyes. This doctors staff knew I am in bad pain and we’re unwilling to help me get out of pain. I was asked if I wanted to reschedule the appointment in a few weeks when I could bring payment in full with me. And keep in mind this quote was only for the first visit and for diagnostic test to diagnose my foot problem, there would be more up front, out of pocket, paid immediately fees if I wanted to get treatment to fix my feet and get out of pain. I said I was unsure as to when I would have the first visit money upfront so I was escorted back to the front desk and told to call back to reschedule appointment when I could pay… that was that, I was effectively dismissed. I was treated subhuman today by Heartland foot & ankle. I will tell everyone I know about this horrible experience and tell everyone to avoid Dr. Lockwood office all costs. Doctors are supposed to be kind and caring an help people, especially those in lots of pain. No one should ever be treated this poorly by a doctor that they need help from, it’s just wrong.

3 star rating because front desk receptionist was not the best. Learn to smile, girl! I know it’s a Saturday, but you can cheer up a bit. Also, 3 stars because I know my insurance covers the office… but the office doesn’t work with insurance for any of the treatments… what? So, all treatments are out of pocket. EXPENSIVE! And I felt as though I was being given a marketing ploy into buying orthopedic materials or orthopedic shoes.
The office is clean. Dr. Lockwood is polite and personable. I don’t think I’ll be back… not because I didn’t like the doctor, but because I can’t afford those prices. I’ll look into someone that does work with insurance. Isn’t that why we have insurance?