Holy Name Breast Center 718 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ 07666

"I've always felt that I received good care here, excepting for two visits. I felt that the breast doctor really lacked compassion and patient rapport. I switched to another doctor for my biopsy (Dr. Chun?), and he was great. My latest issue is why I will go for follow up care at another hospital. The front desk employees are a poor choice for interacting with women who are facing a cancer diagnosis, screening for possible cancer, or just a regular patient using the service. They are not professional, and one in particular has the emotional regulation of a toddler. I had a mishap with one of my imaging scrips coming through from my gyn, despite pre-reg assuring me that both were there. I was told by the front desk that I would need to make an appt with the breast doctor that I did not want to see again. Although her P.A. was great, I know that I do not need to make an appointment to get a scrip for imaging, that can be written by my PCP or my GYN. I feel that they were trying to fill her schedule. One of the nurses overheard, and kindly advised me that I could ask for them to try to get in touch with my PCP, who is in the Holy Name system, so I could have the imaging that I was scheduled for. They did not call or message my doctor, instead calling an office of someone I've never even heard of. Fine. It's a mishap, which happens, and I understand that my time slot had passed and they couldn't fit me in. It's not their fault I took the whole day off work. Upsetting to me, because I was worried about a lump with discharge, but ultimately no major problem. The problem is when I tried to explain to the employee at the front that when I am scheduled to come back, what do I do if the scrip is not there again? Can I have my PCP email me one, and then show it to them on my phone? Or do I need a paper scrip from a pad? This woman could not seem to understand what I was saying and became frustrated. Fine. But slamming down the papers on the counter at me (like a toddler would do) is not professional behavior. I am not intimidated by infantile aggression, but her inability to control emotion when dealing with a vulnerable population of patients is concerning. The women coming here for care are in need of a quiet, calm environment, with staff that acts in a caring manner. I have seen that all the techs and nurses are 100% professional and compassionate. But the front desk needs retraining or anger management courses."

"*EDIT- LATER IN THE DAY, after sending this same review to the hospital main email* It's the end of the day and I just got a phone call from the breast center, they gave me a new appointment within a reasonable time frame thank goodness! This is a good hospital, I go here for everything. I'm really glad my issue was able to be resolved. At my first mammogram a year ago they found some suspicious things and told me to come back in six months. I went back in six months they said "you're okay for now but come back in six months." I was supposed to go today but because I am very sick, I cannot go- they told me to stay home. When rescheduling, they gave me an appointment for March! That is 6 months away. I told the girl on the phone that I'm supposed to have an appointment every six months as per doctor's orders, and she said that they were too booked up for me. She said I could call back another day to see if anything opens up- (but they never answer the phone!). Why is it that in following the doctor's orders, I'm being tossed around like this? I've been calling them since Wednesday and left numerous messages and have not received a single phone call back. My second phone call to them today, I finally got someone on the phone and this happens. I am incredibly upset & frustrated. I understand there are many women that need to get a mammogram done, but if it's doctor's orders that someone should have one every six months, they should be allowed to have one. It's not my fault that whoever does their schedule doesn't think to make room for cases like mine. This is ridiculous!!!!"

"I would love to volunteer my time and teach the long term patients that are not terminally ill how to design their own."

"The annual appointment, which is typically scheduled three months in advance, is a pleasant experience for me because of my unwavering trust in the exceptional skills of my doctor, Dr. Clarkin. The wait is completely worthwhile. The nurse, Dora, is absolutely amazing — she exhibits a high level of professionalism and efficiency. I am also deeply appreciative of my ultrasound technologist, Christine, who not only possesses remarkable skills and a gentle touch but also demonstrates patience and compassion. Her presence made the entire experience more comfortable. In fact, every staff member at the center exudes friendliness and kindness. Moreover, I must emphasize that this breast center is not only the largest but also the cleanest I have ever encountered. I do have one suggestion to further improve the quality of service. It would be fantastic if the hospital could implement a system similar to "My Chart" that would grant me easy access to my medical records. Such an enhancement would significantly elevate the convenience and efficiency of managing my healthcare."

"I’ve been going here annually for my breast exam. I received a letter in May to call & make my annual appointment. I called in May, left a message, no one called me back. I called again in June, again left a message and no one called me back. So I decided to leave a third message because it’s a pain to go get images to take to another place. I call a third time, the system again makes me leave a message & I leave a message… it’s been a week no one called me back to make the appointment. IDK what’s going on but this is the worst ever!!!"