Melvin S. Stern, MD
| Category: | Pediatrician |
| Address: | 6685 Mink Hollow Rd, Highland, MD 20777, USA |
| Phone: | +1 301-854-3444 |
| Site: | countrypediatrics.com |
| Rating: | 4 |
| Working: | 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM Closed Closed |
Location
Photos 1
Reviews 5
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Tim Brassell
DO NOT USE THIS DOCTOR. We have been coming here since my first 2 kids were born (almost 10 years). Unfortunately, they screwed up the billIng and billed my ex wife for services she already paid for. Then they billed for stuff they couldnt even tell us what it was for and for appointments that we never made. When I last took my 2 kids there, they told me my ex had an over due balance and that they would not see my son until it was paid. So I paid. Little did I know, we didnt actually owe that money. Trying to get in touch with the one responsible for billing was impossible and the receptionist became very rude. She went on to tell me how the woman in billing spent "20 hours" looking into my case and that there was nothing more they could do. You would think bringing my kids there that long they would treat you as a valued customer and handle this mistake with consideration. But no. They did refund a small amount because my ex showed them multiple times that she had in fact paid for two of the things they billed us for. The rest of the bill they would not explain and would not refund our money. It was almost $500 so you think they would owe us an explanation but instead they took advantage of the situation since they already had the money. They would not even give me the time of day to discuss what happened. I tried to set up times to meet with dr stern personally to talk about it and they would not make me an appointment. Either they were not relaying to dr stern what happened or he just didnt want to deal with it but either way it was very disappointing and extremely frustrating. Its unfortunate because dr stern was a great doctor but I will never use them again and I would never refer their services to anyone. When it comes to billing and dealing with peoples money and you make a mistake, you should be more than willing to correct it, and they wernt. As a business owner, I would never ignore an issue like that or treat my customer the way they did. They were VERY unprofessional and extremely rude.
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Susan Short
Both of our kids are patients of Dr. Sterns and have been since day 1. We went to him on our neighbors recommendation, and we have never regretted it. He is responsive, thoughtful, and above all, caring about the health and well being of our children. He takes time to answer any and all questions and provides helpful alternatives when a decision needs to be made. He is passionate about health issues and stays current with medical research and changing approaches. He may seem "prickly" at times, but thats usually because he wants to make sure parents are really listening to his concerns or that parents are articulating their own concerns to the best degree for the child. Our kids like visiting him - he is straight-forward with them and helps them navigate tougher waters when necessary (most times much better than we can). We trust his judgment, and we value his opinion, approach and professionalism. His staff is friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable (always great to find, in this day and age of complex insurance navigation). The staffs rhythm is very fluid, which promotes the easy-going environment we have come to like so much. They all know us, and the kids know them, which is important for the kids to realize that doctors offices are there for helpful reasons. The location is perfect for us - right around the corner, with very reasonable hours. The office is on a small road off the beaten path, much preferable to the office complex and bustling environment we see when we visit other medical professionals.
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Jamie Trimble
Well, if your kids get happy to go see their doctor you know there must be a reason. Dr. Stern has been our pediatrician for 7 years. We live 10 miles away and could go to a number of other offices much closer, but we dont! This started when my infant had recurring respiratory problems. After the 3rd hospitalization I realized every time I went to the doctors office we saw someone different (there were 7 or 8 doctors at that office). Each had their own diagnosis and treatment. I was frustrated that there was no continuity, that I had to explain his history every time, and that he seemed to constantly be sick and week. Even if I liked the doctors, I didnt like the growing lack of confidence I was feeling. Dr. Stern was recommended to me by a friend whos son had had similar problems. Dr. Stern was FABULOUS. His treatment was aggressive and his follow ups incredibly thorough. Wow, my son started thriving! Since then, I have appreciated his wisdom, his challenges, and his care. Sometimes I have to wait quite a while in the office, but I know that is because he is offering someone else what they need, and not rushing through so that he can get the next patient in and out. I have called at 4:30 on a Friday afternoon, and he has seen me at 5:15 that same day! He doesnt have to do that, but he does. His rapport with my kids is fantastic and enthusiastic, so much so that my kids know he cares about them.
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Kelly Brassell
Dr. Stern has been my childrens pediatrician since they were born. It was incredibly disappointing to have to discontinue services with him due to the way i was recently treated by his staff and by Dr Stern. Dr Sterns billing system has never been top notch nor has his staff been. They lost record of two of my payments which i provided proof for on several occasions. Before my childrens last visit I attempted once again to get the bill straight where i was treated very poorly by his receptionist Chris. Knowing there was a dispute they made my childrens father make the payment before Dr Stern saw my son. After he made the payment for an amount i was never billed for (including what I had already paid) i immediately called my insurance where i found out that the claims were never submitted. Never once did I receive a phone call telling me there were issues with billing my insurance and my billing statements said "per your insurance". After finding this out I tried to contact Dr. Stern several times to which he never returned my calls. They finally returned the amount i was billed for twice but i was left with paying everything else out of pocket due to their negligence.
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Diane Chandler
Im writing this review because I want to show my true appreciation for Dr. Stern and everyone that works at his office. Ive been bringing my twin boys to him for years (they are now 15) and cant say enough good things about our experience. Dr. Stern is effective, authentic and sincerely cares. He never rushes you through an appointment rather he takes the time needed to thoroughly assess and explain things. And he is there for you when you need him. Ive called after hours before and had no problem taking with Dr. Stern personally about a concern. He is not like so many of the Pediatric offices of today where there is a group of doctors - some of them may or may not get to know you or your child - instead its Dr. Stern himself that you see each time and it makes a big difference having someone that really knows and cares. Its a small office and everyone that works there is both caring and friendly. Thank-you Dr. Stern for all you do - you are the Best!!!