Pendleton Family Medicine's Online Review Report Card

Beware of billing practices at this facility. I have been a regular patient for a number of years now, and I can say that until recently charges were straight forward. However, I have now been extorted (obtain something by force, threats or unfair means) after attending a routine follow up office visit for a severe sinus infection. I had previously been seen on 12/31/2022. I returned on 01/09/2023, as my symptoms seemed prolonged. I wasn’t told about any additional charges for having my ears examined. To me, it was a routine visit. I’m assuming that anyone reading this post who has visited their doctor for cold symptoms have been subject to cultures, swabs or other items poked and prodded without accruing additional costs. And I wasn’t going there on the day in question for any medical procedures. In all honesty, at the end of the visit, the NP was the one that made the suggestion to me about taking a closer look at my ear. To my surprise, Pendleton Family Medicine decided to send me a bill for $115.26. Rather than billing me for a standard office visit (which would have only resulted in a out of pocket co-pay) they chose to submit a billing request to my insurance for a “procedure”, without explaining that additional costs would be associated and most like not covered by insurance. Thanks Pendleton Family Medicne for being a Transparent and Ethical place to seek medical treatment….. Oh wait, that’s not who they are. On the bright side, at least my Primary Care Provider has always been amazing. Unfortunately, on the day in question she was not available. When I called to seek relief from the bill I was told that there is no way for the attending provider to know the billing practices, which makes me nervous to attend future appointments. I understand that the NP might not know the exact charge, but they should be knowledgeable enough to explain that additional costs will be included outside of the standard visit for certain events. Fortunately for me, I have a livable wage job with secondary health expense options to pay for unexpected costs. However, not everyone is as lucky as me and these costs could really cause undo hardship. It’s just sad that this is the culture of healthcare. And my story is pale in comparison to others who are far less fortunate than me and might require more expensive procedures. Patients should know if they will be incurring a cost when visiting their doctor.

Great experience and professional service. Would definitely recommend.

This office has a few good women providers that people love (hence the 5-star ratings), but these practitioners generally aren't accepting new patients. I asked for several of these individuals but was assigned to the new doctor, Dr. Johnson. He has trouble communicating with women and maybe he should only be assigned men. During my last appointment he made me so angry that I asked to see a different provider hoping I could find a better fit. I was told he "had to release me" (basically give me permission) to see another provider in that office. It was beyond frustrating and I was never offered a new physician. At what point did the patient lose the ability to pick their own doctors?? Now doctors "cherry-pick" patients, but as everyone ages, we need more experienced doctors who understand health issues of older folks. Plus it's even harder to get in to see doctors when they only work 4-day weeks. At this writing, Harrison Family Medicine isn't accepting new patients since they lost one of their star doctors recently and the other doctors have to absorb those patients. This continues to be is a real problem in Pendleton - finding good doctors. We could use another physician's clinic or even several solo practitioners. I'm going to have to seek medical care in Walla Walla or Hermiston.

The staff is professional and caring. I appreciate being seen in a timely manner.

Pendleton Family Medicine is a great place to come as a patient. They are prompt, work hard and have friendly staff. They have always answered my questions to my understanding. Their MAs are very friendly and personable. My Provider is a great, she understands my health concerns and questions! A great place to go!

Horrible place wouldnt recomend for anyone if your trying to get a new doctor

best md I ever had. nurses are terrific too.

Phone is off during business hours

Highly unsatisfied with this business. They refused to see me and would only give me an appointment 3 months out because I have never went to this doctor office before. I think this is a ridiculous and unprofessional way to run a doctors office.

First available new patient appointment is 6 weeks out. I expected 3-4 weeks, but 6 weeks? I have the option to go to urgent care between now and then, which of course is a higher cost to me.