UnityPoint Clinic Internal Medicine - Mills Civic 6010 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266

"Dr. Howard has been hands down the best doctor I’ve ever had in my life. Caring, attentive, intuitive and so easy to talk to. I was in a car accident when I was 17 and have experienced chronic pain for half my life now, and have never had anyone take me seriously. It took my previous physician years and years to actually listen to me long enough to take an xray of my back to find I have degenerative disc disease— I wasn’t just standing weird or wearing the wrong shoes. I don’t have a lot of trust left. Finding Dr Howard felt like a godsend, because now I have debilitating pain in my neck and chronic headaches that deeply affect my quality of life. I thought maybe I’d finally found someone who could help me. Unfortunately, as wonderful of a physician as she is, her care team can’t be bothered. On several occasions now I’ve had to call them to follow up on a medication refill request (a controlled substance, which has its own process I know— but that’s a physixal signature from the doctor after the request is received.) I’ve been told it takes 48 hours— when I send it in 48 hours in advance, I’m told it’s too early. I’m also treated with what feels like skepticism, or even judgement. What my doctor and I discuss is between my doctor and I— it’s not up to the care team to pass judgement. It’s also their job to make sure your patient doesn’t experience withdrawal symptoms if they run out, and have not started to taper off of it (I’d love to never take this again but unfortunately my pain overrules that desire for the moment.) My husband has stepped in for me bc I’m an educator and have 0 free time to chase this situation around; today he called, was placed on hold for 17 minutes, was disconnected and got the “we’re closed” message. Its quite unsettling to be perfectly honest, especially when they gatekeep the messages I try to send to Dr. Howard. The prospect of having to find another primary care physician makes me want to cry. But I can’t put up with this. I just want to feel like I can trust those who I put my literal life and well being in the hands of, and it feels like the absolutely can’t be bothered. Or at this point, it feels a bit retaliatory because I speak up and advocate for myself. Do better."

"Great clinic with caring providers and staff. Very professional all around."

"Dr. Howard is my rock. I have many different conditions and she is patient, caring and kind every time I see her. I trust her to no end. :)"

"I am newer to Iowa and having to find a new PCP after having the same doctor for 10+ years was intimidating. I am SO happy with the care I received from Megan Lukes ARNP. She really listened to my concerns, and has been very quick to reply to all my questions/concerns since my appointment. I had some testing done that I was anxious about, and she provided me with the results and assured me that everything was fine within 12 hours. Excellent, kind care. I could not recommend her more."

"I recently switched providers to Dr Knoblauch at this clinic. I have seen her twice in the past 3 months. She is very thorough, truly listens & is a compassionate doctor. I recommend her."