First Physicians Group 5350 University Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34243

"It’s unfortunate but this practice (specifically the GI / ColoRectal / General Surgery) will do everything in their power to milk every penny from your insurance company. I was referred to Dr Holl by another physical that was retiring. He assured me this practice is the best. My referral was sent to them (even though my insurance does not require a referral, the doctors in this office require a referral - how silly… are we back in the 1980s HMO world??) and after waiting 2 days I called the office. I was then rudely told that that their office reviews every referral and then “when they are ready they will call me”. Fast forward 1 weeks and I get a call back saying they are ready to schedule me. During the scheduling call I’m asked if I had a recent colonoscopy and that I’ll need to send those results. If I don’t have a current one (5 years) then they wanted my PCP to order one and once that’s done they will schedule me for an appointment. This is where things get weird… my condition has nothing to do with my insides. Not trying to give you too many details, but a similar example would be your doctor telling you they need an x-ray of your head when you broke your finger…. Then I’m told I’ll have to see a GI doctor prior to seeing the surgeon…. This practice is a great example of why healthcare is so expensive in the United States!!!! 1.) They require a referral when insurance does not require it (that means you have to schedule an appointment with your PCP - pay for that visit and typically wait a week to see your PCP). 2.) You end up waiting a week or more for them to call you to schedule the appointment. 3.) They require an expensive procedure (colonoscopy) just to see the specialist (waste of money and it takes 2-3 months to get one done). 4.) They require you to see a GI doctor (let’s be honest most GI doctors are scheduled out months) which is such a crazy thing. GI doctors complain they are so busy but they are the ones that also decided that you must see them before you can the surgeon. 5.) Finally you see the correct specialist…. That works out to the following: -4 Doctor Appointments -1 potentially medically unnecessary test -Deductible & Co-Payments for multiple unnecessary doctor appointments and colonoscopy (doctor charge, facility charge, nurse for sedation, etc) -Delay in seeing the correct specialist (1-6 months). TL;DR: This practice has designed their workflows around profits and outdated workflows. Dear leadership at First Physician Group - DO BETTER!"

"C ant reach anyone there....and no call backs...trying to be a new patient and establish with a new Doctor but to no avail...feel bad for the Doctors because staff up front don't do their work...forget calling even for an appointment because you can't reach anyone... surprised they are even still there..."

"The doctor and the nurses are Great! But unfortunately we, as patients, need to deal with front desk first. Well , so many of these people do not know a simple respectful way to speak to patients. Cutting me off in the middle of the sentence, not trying to help to figure out the situation. Unfortunately, so many great doctors, and so many absolutely uneducated front desk workers."

"Best place to health care. Dr. Carlos Rodriquez give a preferential attention to patients. No waiting lines. Smile faces Good services No delays on treatments or surgical procedures. Quick registration with Sarasota Memorial Hospital. No surcharges on billing or high co-pays."

"Awful experience and it was only a phone call. Stephanie answered and I said I’d like to become a new patient as long as they took my insurance, which I was pretty sure they did, I just wanted to confirm that they did. She then hastily said while cutting me off mid-sentence, “We aren’t taking new patients.” In return, I said thanks and hung up on her. Let me just say: myself and many others are calling to get HELP for an issue resulting in a lot of pain that impedes on living daily life. This is the only medical group in a 20 mile radius that takes my insurance, and then I call just to be treated like that? I’m calling so I can get help and you, in turn, would get my business; and that’s how you treat your potential clients? I’m staying far away from this location. Didn’t even have the decency to let me finish speaking before rudely answering me. I mean I guess they answered, other doctors offices I’ve called this week don’t even pick up OR call you back."