Lifetime Medical Center PC, MD

Lifetime Medical Center PC, MD
Alana Kent, MD 572 Maddox Dr Ste 217 Ellijay, GA 30540
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Consumer Feedback

(14 Reviews)
Service
5 star average for Service
Environment
5 star average for Environment
Expertise
5 star average for Expertise
Staff
5 star average for Staff
Recommended
4.5 star average for Recommended
Value
3.5 star average for Value
It took over 2 months to get an appointment at the practice, I was in search of a General Practitioner, and Dr. Kent was referred to me by another physician. When I finally got an appointment, it was to be with the Nurse Practitioner, which a did not have a problem with, at all. When I booked the appointment I did ask if I would get to at least meet Dr. Kent, and was told yes, though the exam, etc., would be conducted by staff.

Arrived to appointment, everyone was friendly, almost no wait time (there was only 1 other person in the waiting room, and he was only there a moment, as well). Overall I was really happy with the visit, except for not getting to meet the doctor. To be clear, I am totally fine with being seen by a NP, but on a FIRST visit to a NEW practice, I wanted to meet the person I was signing on to be my GP.

Once I arrived home, I realized I was not informed on how the process would work for a test that had been ordered. By then it was close to 5pm, so after listening to a long automated menu I had to leave a message. I jokingly expressed how I hate automated menus (I really hate automated menus, hate automated menus, did I mention I hate automated menus? lol), I said, then asked for a return call on how the test process would work.

I got a call the next morning, from the receptionist. I thanked her, then politely mentioned it was a bit off putting to not at least get a hello from the doctor herself, seeing as it had been my first visit and I was planning on making her my GP. I then thanked her for her call and expressed my sincere appreciation, how I thought everybody that I met was great, and said goodbye.

Moments later I got a rude call from Lee Kent, the office manager, who I understand is also her husband. He proceeded to tell me how Dr. Kent's time is valuable, and she's very busy, and doesn't have time to greet every patient. I responded that I understand, EVERYONE is busy these days, but as a new patient a simple "hello, welcome to the practice" would have been nice. At that point he just started yelling, and I interrupted his rant to say it really wasn't necessary for him to have called to rudely reiterate the policy the receptionist had already politely explained, and that his call was just pissing me off. I then said goodbye, have a nice day, and hung up (as he was still yelling). I can only imagine what anyone within earshot must have been thinking.

Today I got a certified letter stating, word for word, omitting name and date (this is obviously a form letter- they must send out a lot of them).

==================

"Dear Ms. _________

I find it necessary to inform you that I will no longer be able to provide medical care to you. This notice will become effective on _____________, or 30 days from the receipt of this letter, allowing you ample time to select a physician of your choice from the many competent practitioners in the area. If you should require urgent or emergency care at any time, please proceed to your nearest emergency facility.

Since your medical condition(s) may require continued attention, I suggest that you place yourself under the care of another physician with the expertise necessary without delay. You may want to call the local county medical society or the local hospital's physician referral service for assistance in locating a new physician. With your written authorization, I will make a copy of your medical records available to your new physician.

If you have insurance with a designated PCP you need to contact them immediately to assign you another PCP.

Sincerely,

__________________________________
Alana M. Kent, MD"

=================

I cannot comment on whether Dr. Kent is a good doctor or not, since I never had the chance to meet her. As I mentioned before, all the staff I met were friendly. The nurse practitioner I saw had only been there a month, and still seemed to be getting the hang of things (he even came right out and said so). He did forget to give me the information on the procedure for the ordered test- how I was to receive it, etc.- and also misinterpreted some of what I told him about my medical history in the notes (on a report on the patient medical website), but he was friendly and we all need time to settle in, so I give him a break for that. I can only imagine how he'd be treated by the office manager if he were to make a perceived "mistake" on a billing code or something. No wonder he seemed skittish, darting out of the exam room to ask questions.

Given my experience for simply expressing my thought that a hello from the doctor would have been nice on a FIRST visit to the practice, I unfortunately cannot recommend this office. Imagine if, as a patient, you were to question a diagnosis, or desire a second opinion? Would you be verbally attacked or intimidated by the office manager?
by Robin xxx.xxx.99.220
October 26, 2022
Dr. Kent cares! She is a great listener and never rushes her patients. Try her, you'll like her.
by Joan Dahlberg xxx.xxx.113.177
December 02, 2015
Dr. Kent is caring, and takes time to explain medical needs.. Her staff is helpful and takes time to answer all questions.
by barbara xxx.xxx.226.28
October 03, 2014
Was this doctor friendly?
Extremely Friendly
Does this doctor use current and safe equipment?
Yes; the equipment is very advanced!
Was this doctor's staff friendly?
Yes, they went above and beyond
Did you leave the office feeling satisfied with your visit?
Completely!
Did you feel that your waiting time was acceptable?
Absolutely
by Anonymous xxx.xxx.127.165
May 10, 2014
Was this provider sympathetic to your situation?
Yes! They went above and beyond to make me feel special and respected
Does this provider treat their staff well?
Very! I've never seen an employer treat their staff better
Does this provider adhere to the customer is always right policy?
Absolutely, the customer is always right here
Is this provider willing to pursue advice from other providers when necessary?
Absolutely! They aren't arrogant at all and are more than willing to pursue advice when necessary
Are you going to visit this provider again?
Without a doubt!
by Sue xxx.xxx.223.170
August 12, 2013
Did you feel safe in this provider's care?
Yes
Did you feel like this provider's office was understaffed?
No, they were fully staffed
Was this provider's office too cold?
No, it was fine
Does this provider offer any coupons, discounts or promotions?
Not that I have seen
Did this provider ever take personal phone calls while in the appointment room with you?
No, they've never taken personal calls with me
by joann xxx.xxx.110.192
November 19, 2012
Did this provider answer all of your questions?
Yes
Was this provider's staff friendly?
Yes
Was this provider's office easy to locate?
Fairly Easy
Are you going to visit this provider again?
Without a doubt!
Did this provider rush your appointment?
No, I was able to ask as many questions as I wanted
by Anonymous xxx.xxx.123.166
March 29, 2012
Did this provider seem well-trained and experienced?
Yes, they seemed very qualified
Is this provider easy to reach in an emergency?
Somewhat, they eventually called me back
Did this provider leave you unattended for an extended period of time?
I was left alone for a while, but it wasn't too long
by Anonymous
February 16, 2012
Did a staff member acknowledge or greet you when you entered?
Immediately! They gave me a friendly greeting as soon as I walked in
Did this provider seem well-trained and experienced?
Absolutely, they were an expert!
Is this provider easy to reach in an emergency?
Absolutely! I can always count on them
Was this provider's office too loud?
Not at all, it was very peaceful and quiet
Were you able to get answers to simple questions from this provider without scheduling an appointment?
Absolutely! I'm always able to get my questions answered over the phone right away!
by Anonymous
December 16, 2011
They really go above and beyond to make me feel special. I've never been anywhere that seems to care more about their clients than here. The restrooms at this office were spotless. It smelled amazing in there and looked immaculate. You could tell they really made an effort to accommodate people with all different needs. Everyone in my community knows that they are the absolute best in the field. They always have an immediate answer for me when I call with a question. They would never try to get me to make an appointment unless I really needed one. I have been going to do Dr. Kent for years and she knows me by my name and talks to me and my family when she sees us out in public. I love her and so does my family.
by Tonya Boyd
October 27, 2011
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