Dougals Barstow's Online Review Report Card

Dr. Barstow solved an ongoing, miserable allergy/coughing problem I have had for many years! He is bright, intense, concerned, interested, interesting, enthusiastic and in one visit was able to identify the issue. Testing on the second visit confirmed his diagnosis; how lucky I am to have been referred to him by another top Austin physician! A+++ and thanks

Dr. Douglas Barstow reviewed his notes and to correct my complaint about including more than just cedar fever in my allergy shots. Therefore my rating of him has greatly improved an I would like to remove my recent earlier rating.

I came in to get cedar fever allergy treatment. I was very clear in talking to Dr. Barstow's office when describing that I only wanted to be treated for cedar as I am not bothered by other allergens and do not want to excite my overactive immune system. I stated this to the appointment desk, to in-take nurse, and several times to Dr. Barstow. They coaxed me into having the whole panel of skin tests anyway. After the skin tests were complete, I repeated that I only wanted to get cedar allergy treatment. Since I only wanted the cedar treatment, they said I could get drops (every day for 6 months around cedar seaon) or shots once a week to be ready for cedar season. Since they did not schedule enough time for my appointment and were a bit late in taking me, I had to leave before making a decision. They said to call them back with what I decide, shots or drops. I went with the shots since it seemed like better long term allergy coverage and the once a week time commitment was doable. I even wrote on my shot consent for that the shots were to be for cedar fever just to make sure they didn't give me everything. When I came in for my first shot, the nurse told me that I had to come in 2 or 3 times a week to be ready for cedar season, something that doesn't work in my schedule. The doctor had also ordered allergy shot medicine for all of the multiple other things their fallable skin tests says I am violently allergic to. They wanted to pump two shots in me 2 to 3 times a week for 6 months to cover all of this stuff. Dr. Barstow was defensive instead of apologetic about his mistake. He only stated that he didn't have it in his notes that I only wanted cedar treatment and suggested I just one shot 2 to 3 times a week out of the vial that was marked trees, grass, and mold since that will cover cedar fever too. I was extremely disappointed with the doctor's ability to take good notes, following my request, and be understanding of where I was coming from. His office as a whole did a terrible job in explaining how they treat cedar fever and did not provide enough information to make an informed decision about whether to go with shots or drops. I have switched to a different allergist.

I have gone to Dr. Barstow for many years, and he is so intelligent, knowledgeable about his field and others, and helpful at every turn in dealing with his patients. He is kiind, and explains the answers to every question better than any doctor, at any practice.

I am one of Dr. Barstow's long-term patients, and I like him a lot. If you also take shots at his office, however, you better not be one nanosecond late to the "shot window." If you are RUNNING into the building, they will shut the door in your face. (Once they even closed before the appointed time.) It's super frustrating to make the effort to get there and have the door closed on you. To me, this is one area where their customer service is poor.

I was very impressed with Dr Barstow and his diagnosis and solution to my allergy issues. He was very thorough and did an excellent interview.