MIchael Townsend's Online Review Report Card

Provider listens to concerns, however, is quick to refer to multiple specialists instead of trying to treat the issue as a PCP. I was referred to a urologist, psychologist, gynecologist, and GI specialist within only 2 visits.This was for what I considered to be minor inquiries and something a PCP should be able to address. Please research other patient reviews and concerns on various platforms prior to choosing this doctor as your PCP.

I’ve had recurring issues with communication with this practice since I started going here. I went to the ER on 08/08 and I was advised to schedule a follow up appointment. Each time I called last week I was told they are busy and to try calling back because they didn’t have any immediate openings and they will need to make an arrangement. I tried again today, with the same results. I emphasized the urgency and I attempted to speak with someone on the clinical care team, they were dismissive and transferred me to the front desk which sent me straight to voicemail. Also, three or so weeks ago I went for a physical and I was supposed to get a call back about labs, and that never happened. Also, if you do not show up 15 minutes prior to your SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT TIME, they refuse to see you. The nurse practitioner I see when I am there is very personable and thorough.

Very nice man, however, he’s just a data analyst. He orders lots of bloodwork and goes over it. Anything else he farms out to a “Specialist”. He doesn’t really treat patients at all. He’s just a middle man for specialist referrals.

Doctor Townsend , well let's start this way , a good man was a very good doctor (2 years ago) has become lacking . He trys to overcome his shortfalls from growing too big by hiring P.A.'s but I would rather use a gas station attendant on Ridgewood ave to address my medical needs than the P.A.'s Townsend has working for him . Just Awful . In medicine above all other fields being truthfull is paramount , this staff does not meet that essential criteria . Shame I believe Dr Townsend was Once a very good well rounded practitioner of his craft he has allowed his growth to make him barely average at best. Unless there are changes I will be forced to find another M.D.

I was quite a taken back by the receptionist on the telephone when I called to make an appointment. My insurance company assigned Dr. Townsend as my primary care physician. I was not very happy that the insurance company changed my primary care doctor, but I check Dr. Townsend's health grade and it was good, so I decided that I would go ahead and try his practice as my primary care. Well, first the receptionist that answered the phone was quite curt. I explained that the insurance company had assigned Dr. Townsend as my new physician, her reply to me was that Dr. Townsend is not taking any new patients until April. I thought for a minute, ( since I am pretty healthy, I think I can wait till then for a visit), so I asked if I could make an appointment for a time when the Doctor will except new patients. Her very sharp reply to me was, yes if you call back when we are not busy! If this is how this Doctor and his staff take care of their patients, I in no way shape or form want this Doctor to be my physician. I immediately hung up the phone, called my insurance company, filed a complaint and switched primary care physicians.

Doctor takes time with the patient explains very well and answer all questions

Being new to the area, finding new doctors is a challenge, especially during 2020. So glad I looked at the healthgrades instead of google to select a doctor. Dr. Townsend is knowledgeable, always values your time, and listens to and addresses my concerns. He is willing to work with with me to improve my health instead of just prescribing a pill.

My mother has been a patient of Dr. Townsend for 5+ years. She ended up with covid and was throwing up non stop, could barley move with aches and pains, had fever, no taste or smell, all the works. The worst she ever felt. She thought she was going to die. She truly feared for her life. She called Dr. Townsend in tears and asked for medication to help with nausea or anything to help. We encouraged her to ask for Zofran to help w nausea, as she could not keep down any food or water. When she called, he said she needed to come in. She was in no shape to come it. Physically impossible for her to do so. She asked for him to call it in and he said he couldn’t and repeated that she should just come in and if she couldn’t, there’s nothing he could do. Ultimately she felt like she was in the verge of death and Dr. Townsend would not do anything to help her. I highly advise that you find a different doctor.

Please believe these reviews!!! The most unprofessional, unorganized laziness I've seen. This is just ridiculous. Never again!!

Very thorough, knowledgeable, values my time, allows me to ask questions, encourages me to be involved in improving my health. When I moved, my last PCP of 40 years told me I would have a hard time finding a doctor because I like to be involved in my healthcare...found him!!