Alger Pediatrics PC

I called this office and tried to get an appointment (we are moving to the area and I have an infant). We are fully insured and it’s on a short suspense for the move and when my son will need his next well baby. The SUPER rude receptionist informed me that I can’t even make an appointment there until they have received my son’s record snail-​mailed from his current pediatrician. She then asked me if we vaccinate — yes, of course — and then proceeded to lecture me on how important vaccines are. Yes, I know. Hence the reason why I just told you we vaccinate on a normal schedule. I asked if she could make an exception to their rule for appointments since it was so short notice, and she said, «No, because people always try and do what you’re doing and then they don’t show up.» Because having my current ped snail mail you my son’s record obligates me to keep my appointment with your office? GTFO — I’m going to Spectrum.

We love this practice. All three of our kids go there. All the physicians are excellent and friendly. They have early AM walk in availability for existing patients — no appointment needed. That’s crucial when you have small kids and you never know what they’ll wake up with!

I was referred to this place by a few friends since we just moved to Grand Rapids from Chicago. My daughter had a horrible rash that we thought may be chicken pox, so I checked out their website that said they had walk-​in hours every monday-​friday from 7:30– 8:30 am. After being up all night with a sick baby, I woke her up at 7, packed her up in the car, and made the drive down to have her seen. We arrived right before 7:30am and with 1 person in the waiting room, The receptionist cut me off at «We’re new to town and haven’t been here before.» She denied care since they weren’t taking new patients and looked at me like I was an idiot for even trying to have my daughter seen. I looked at the almost empty waiting room, knowing it was a walk-​in basis and said «Please, we are fully insured and I just need to get her seen.» and she just said «No new patients» and just stared at me blankly…
I’m sure the doctors are great, but perhaps try and hire a receptionist who treats people with respect? That’s the face of your business.

I love this place. It’s old school-​style pediatricians. No shuffling your kid around from one doctor to another, no insane scheduling, and no trouble getting through to a nurse… you call with a question, and you talk directly to a nurse.
Our daughter went to Dr. Whalen for the first 18 months, before we moved, and I will miss her. She was so nice, very practical, and extremely encouraging, especially in those first few visits, as a new mom, when I was exhausted and had no clue what I was doing.
Another huge plus, is that she was very encouraging about breastfeeding. I’ve heard all kinds of my friends say that their pediatricians have told them what not to eat, what might be bothering the baby, suggesting formula as a supplement… Dr. Whalen NEVER did that. If my daughter wasn’t feeling well, or had weird diapers or whatever, she said it was NOT my breastmilk. And I know a lot of mothers really struggle with that, but I trusted in my pediatrician and everything worked out beautifully.
The only thing that I ever ran into at Alger is that their office is closed during lunch. Which is great, as a business practice and I totally agree with it… but it wasn’t always convenient.
love this place. love.