Austin Thyroid & Endocrinology

"I recently made and appointment with Dr. scumpia, because from the web site it looks like they had a lot of stuff I was interested in. I originally wanted to go get a body composition dexa scan to see how much fat and muscle content I had. I decided to make an appointment with Dr. scumpia to talk about aging and test to see how I am aging. when I made the appointment I had also had taken my records with me. The nurse reviewed and entered in all my data. Dr. Scumpia, comes in, and I tried to explain why I had come in. She shut me down and started telling me I had more important issues that needed to be addressed vs what I went in for. She may have a good reason but her attitude and mannerisms suck. The next thing I know they were pulling five blood samples out of me. So , I gave her the benefit of doubt, did the blood draws and went back today for a review. She did not go over the results but just handed me a stack of lab results and wanted me to now go get a biopsy of my thyroid. What I do not like is her uncaring attitude. She has yet to try to understand why I came to her in the first place. She does not dialog with you the patient. She does not take the time to explain any of her findings. She types stuff in the computer, hands you paperwork and walks right out the door. No explanations. Fool me once shame on you. For me twice shame on me. There will be a dialog on the next visit. I will say my peace, and she will listen. To be coninued. She may be good at what she does but sucks as a communicator of her expertise. Well I finally got in to get the dexa body scan after my original first visit. It took three weeks to get this appointment. The day I was suppose to go get the scan I got a phone voice mail telling me that the printer was broken and I would not be able to get report but I could come in for the scan. This was a $75 out of pocket expense. I could have canceled appointment and rescheduled but it could be another three weeks to get in or come in do the scan and get the report the next day. I chose this option. I was told they would send me the report in the mail the next day. It is now been over a week and I still have not received the report or a phone call or email telling me why. I tried to call today to get an answer but office staff who answered phone could not help or tell me anything. I ask to speak this time with Dr. Chester who did the scan. They told me she is out till February 20th and there is no one else that could help me. I am beginning to see this whole Austin Thyroid office is very inefficient in what they do and very poor communicators to information back to patient. I would highly recommend that if you are thinking of becoming a patient to this place you do your homework. I would not recommend this place to no one. Surely there has to be a better thyroid doctors facility in Austin, than this place. To be continued. Well I had my third visit today with Doctor Scumpia. It started off tense. I said my peace and she did the same. I think we came to a better understanding. She let me know that she was looking out for the things she thought were important for my health. I in turn let her know that it is important to me the patient to have good communication from her on what she finds. I told her that I am all about keeping myself healthy and it is important to me that there is a good patient / doctor communication for both to understand each others needs. We left it at that , she communicated better today and I listened more intently as to what she had to say. I am hopful going forward that she understands my needs and I understand her in wanted to address the issues in my health that need to be addressed. I hope going forward she continues to explain why she is doing the things she thinks are needed to improve my health and goes into more detail in summary of what she finds and explains it where I can understand it. I want to thank Dr Scumpia for making a more positive effort today in communication. This will break down my wall and hopefully yours where we we can communicate more openly."

"I went in for recommendations for adding hGC to my TRT as a referral from ARC. Feeling fit as a fiddle when I walked in the door. The Doc with blue hair was thorough, did a lot of tests but on the wrap up, left me full of doom. Saying I have a 100% more chance then my peers of having a ❤️ attack/stroke, etc. Really depressing. I was afraid to walk my dog. She had me thinking I might keel over any minute. Started making preparations and what not. Her bedside manner is horrible. She was shaming & disrespectful when speaking and never even addressed what I had went in for. Just test after test. Plus there are 2 different websites/apps to see your records and they are not even updated consistently. Some of what was told to me was not noted in the treatment notes. For a Dr, the Blue hair was a bit off putting, also. Anyway, After seeing the Heart specialist, and he did all his tests, he said it was not that bad, not to worry, stop smoking, take the statin and all should be fine. Also, I had met my deductible. I hope that didn’t have anything to do with all of the additional testing. Additionally, I asked for an email address to send over a release for the VA. I was ignored. Then I received a bill for a missed appointment that I did not make. I didn’t make another appointment because I DO NOT care to see her again. Nor do I recommend anyone else to for that matter."

"Dr Scumpia has always impressed me with the knowledge of endocrinology. I went to her because my ENT couldn’t find the source of my ear pain. She immediately did an Electra sound followed by a biopsy that determined I had thyroid cancer. She acted quickly and I was able to keep half of my thyroid because she caught it early. I have been going to see Dr Scumpia since 2008 and have been cancer free because she makes sure that I get the best tests when I need them and the best care by her and her staff. I am appreciative and happy to have her as my endocrinologist."

"Dr Scumpia forgot to discuss my medicine refill until I reminded her, despite the refill being the purpose of the appointment. She chose instead to focus on weight and weight loss injectable medications that I cannot take. I was disappointed to say the least."

"I’m a new patient of the practice and had my first visit after finding out I may have a thyroid autoimmune disease from my primary care doctor. All of the staff were friendly and efficient. Dr. Scumpia was incredibly knowledgeable and kind. Her approach is rooted in lab work and data, which gives patients confidence in her recommendations. I appreciated her directness in what is and is not important with my diagnosis. Dr. Scumpia will tell you the truth, not just what you want to hear. It was refreshing to speak to a doctor that thinks independently and does not follow the fad of prescribing unnecessary drugs. For the first time since my diagnosis, I feel hopeful. If you value a medical practice that focuses on hard data, the truth, and independent thinking, then this is absolutely the place to go. It may feel different than other doctors you’ve seen, but be open minded and consider that different may be better."