Kathleen A. Heffernan, MD, FACOG

Reviews 3

A

A Private User

***AN SMG MEDICAL MALPRACTICE NIGHTMARE*** I **was** a patient of Dr. Kathleen Heffernans for over 10 years until 2012, when during a routine Pap smear, she spontaneously decided to perform a cervical biopsy for some unknown reason. While I was on the table protesting, and questioning the necessity of this in-office operation, it was too late. The procedure was completed without my consent. Over the course of the next few days, I started to hemorrhage badly. Part of this frightening, and highly unpleasant experience occurred over the weekend, and I subsequently called the attending SMG "on call" OBGYN - Dr. Laura a. Zimmerman, who is also a Summit Medical Board member. Despite my complete, and concise articulation indicating the severity of the bleeding, she discouraged me from seeking treatment at the hospital, and said I should, quote, "lay with my feet up", and contact the office on the following Monday instead. It doesnt take a medical degree to know that this "advice" was nonsensical, and ***nearly cost me my life***. Five (5) days later, following this completely unnecessary procedure, I nearly bled-out in Summit Medicals Warren Office, and had to be rushed by ambulance to Overlook Hospital for an emergency D&C. Following this 2nd operation, the excessive bleeding still did not completely subside, and it necessitated me to pay $500.00 out-of-pocket for an intrauterine implant (IUD), that insurance does not cover, as it is classified as "birth control", and non-essential, to try to stem / regulate the uncontrolled bleeding. My hemorrhaging was directly, and solely attributable to a ***rushed***, negligent doctor, whose license to practice medicine should be suspended. Furthermore, to literally add "insult-to-injury", three weeks following the operation, I received a combined hospital / surgery bill totaling over $8,000.00 from Summit Medical and Overlook Hospital, whereas they charged-off their negligence onto me - the patient. I can simply state, if you value your health, you should look elsewhere than Summit Medical Group, as a medical practice / treatment facility. They are an incompetent bunch, on so many levels, and in so many varied disciplines, who do not take responsibility for their actions, and pass their negligence onto the patient in the form of billing for ***unnecessary*** and ***deadly*** services rendered. Moreover, their neither respect, nor regard the Hippocratic oaths they have taken: "Practice two things in your dealings with disease: either help or do not harm the patient." Lastly, this unfortunate, and very personal experience of mine, hit the local "airwaves" through Doctors gossiping to their equally indiscreet wives within the community I shared. In the "world" of Summit Medical, privacy and HIPPA laws dont exist. Finally, my good advice to all who should read this, predicated on vast experience, is - stay away from Dr. Heffernan, and Summit Medical Group as a whole, if you value your good health, your privacy, and your life in general.

AL

Allie Durett

I thought she was okay when I first met her, she was brisk and fine with the initial exam. However, I was recently about to leave for three months, so I went to pick up my routine 3 months of birth control and when I went to get it, only a month was there. I called the office to ask why and they told me I needed an appoint for more, which was never told to me before I contacted them. Now with teo days before my departure, I am scrabbling to find any place that will admister the meducation I need because the doctor that is on call is not authorized to admister refills. I refuse to ever return to Dr. Heffernan with this, I am appalled.

ME

Meg Horster

I found Dr. Heffernan to be clear, concise and very knowledgeable. I will go to her again with utmost confidence that I am in the best possible care.