TUSCALOOSA/NORTHPORT PEDIATRICIAN

[destin]

This may be another thread on here and I know I'm getting a late start on this but I need a recommendation for a pediatrician.  I've heard good and bad things about many different doctors around town but i want new opinions. it's been a while since i've gotten feedback.  So to you experienced mothers::  who is a great pediatrician I can trust my daughter with??  Thanks!

[Bethany Cork]

I like Tuscaloosa Pediatrics on Helen Keller Blvd. It's a stone throw away from Big DCH but they also do rotation at Northport DCH.

The practice of 5 or more doctors vary from:
strict old fashioned "Farmers" who's pretty accurate (my sister-in-law preferred him),
to "Allison Cunningham", who's young, sweet and more up on newer practices,
and our choice "Cynthia Walker" who's midway between the two.

They accept our Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, and our co-pay covering sick walk-ins and vacinnation days is $35 a visit.

The only thing I don't like about Tuscaloosa Pediatrics is that on weekends they charge a $10 fee if you call the Nurse Answering Line. However, I do understand that this keeps them from be bogged down with insignificant weekend scares. Only one time was I so concerned about Emmett, that a $10 fee was nothing in comparison with needing to know how to help my boy.

[Casey Scroggins]

We use Dr. Cunningham as our primary and the others at Tuscaloosa Pediatrics for those unscheduled visits. I love that they have a "No appointment needed" clinic for acute illnesses Mon-Fri from 8-10:30. They also offer Saturday clinic hours during the sick seasons and vaccine clinics. They are very progressive too! Dr. Cunningham has always listened to us and our concerns and we are NEVER rushed. We also haven't waited too long. We also like McGiffert who is their newest Ped and she is wonderful too!

[Kristi]

We also go to Bama Pediatrics and see Dr. Bennuri and are very happy there. He is kind and patient and great with the kids.

[Karen]

We see Dr Bennuri too. He was the only pediatrician accepting new patients when we moved here. My only complaint is how long we've had to wait at well child checkups. I can understand a long wait when you drop in with a sick child, but it shouldn't take 45 min after your schedule appt time to get back into the exam room. It has also taken up to 20 min after the doctor has seen the girls to get the nurse in to do shots. I know that they have other patients, but that just seems a bit long to wait for something they know we're going to have done. Maybe I was spoiled with our pediatrician in NC because we were always in and out so quickly there, but other than that the girls love Dr Bennuri. It would just make it easier on us if we didn't have to wait so long!

[Moozle]

We use Dr. Vaughn at Tuscaloosa Pediatrics and we love her - and have had great experiences with the other doctors as well. I too love that they have walk in and Saturday hours for emergencies.

Yes, you do wait quite a while sometimes. BUT, I balance that out with the fact that I NEVER feel rushed. Dr. Vaughn will sit for as long as it takes discussing concerns with me, asking questions, etc. If I'm concerned about something she'll spend time telling me about similar experiences with her own children. So, if they are taking this time with every patient, I imagine that's why they run late a lot. Yes, I won't lie - it's annoying. But I sure do appreciate it when it's my turn in the office.

[Karen]

That's true. I have never felt rushed with Dr Bennuri either, it just seems silly to have to wait so long for the shots when they know ahead of time that we're going to get them!

Moozle said:

Yes, you do wait quite a while sometimes. BUT, I balance that out with the fact that I NEVER feel rushed. Dr. Vaughn will sit for as long as it takes discussing concerns with me, asking questions, etc. If I'm concerned about something she'll spend time telling me about similar experiences with her own children. So, if they are taking this time with every patient, I imagine that's why they run late a lot. Yes, I won't lie - it's annoying. But I sure do appreciate it when it's my turn in the office.

[Moozle]

Oh trust me - I 100% agree. I just try to remind myself of this stuff when I'm sitting in an office fuming over how long I'm waiting. LOL.

Karen said:

That's true. I have never felt rushed with Dr Bennuri either, it just seems silly to have to wait so long for the shots when they know ahead of time that we're going to get them!

Moozle said:

Yes, you do wait quite a while sometimes. BUT, I balance that out with the fact that I NEVER feel rushed. Dr. Vaughn will sit for as long as it takes discussing concerns with me, asking questions, etc. If I'm concerned about something she'll spend time telling me about similar experiences with her own children. So, if they are taking this time with every patient, I imagine that's why they run late a lot. Yes, I won't lie - it's annoying. But I sure do appreciate it when it's my turn in the office.

[Haley Talton]

We use Dr. Roberts with West Alabama and love her. She is in with Dr. Petitt and we do not particularly care for him. If the girls need to see someone and Dr. Roberts isnt in we go to ACA and see Dr. Christianson (sp?). We've never had long waits at the office even with a drop in. She sits and talks with us and made a point to ask me how I was handling two children so close in age and was there to listen about my frustrations with my youngest daughters colic. I hightly recommend her.

[destin]

Thank you all very much for the replies! They are very helpful! I will talk to my husband and go visit w/ these doctors! Again, thank you all very much! :)