Altamonte Pediatric Associates

I am not the person to complain, in fact this is my first time commenting on any business anywhere in the United States. I had horrible experience with the Altamonte Pediatrics, I took my baby there from 0 to 9 months and every time there was something that made me very uncomfortable. After all the visits I had with them, I am sure that all they want is to make money they do not care about your baby. Every time we came for an appointment (on time!) we would be seen at least 40 minutes after; and out of 6 visits we had there I every time specifically requested one particular doctor (Dr Harris) and I was always told that that’s who I was going to get - only 2 times that happened – all the rest of the times I was told he was either off or not in the office or what not. The reception staff is absolutely incapable of dealing with any kinds of spending accounts – we have a reimbursement account and they would ask for payment and make me sign papers that I am obligated to pay when it was absolutely not necessary – they would get their payment a week later but meanwhile they will be calling making me feel like I am delinquent with the payment. Besides reception staff is not friendly at all – I always felt that they wanted to close their little window as soon as possible to minimize interactions with people. Even the lady on the way out always seemed so unhappy each time I requested to have my baby seen by a specific doctor, she would have this facial expression that I am just another one of those crazy moms who thinks one doctor is better than the other, she seemed to have an opinion when I wanted to split the shots or to do them a week or two later. Shots is the other big issue I had – I believe in shots but I also believe that I don’t have to defend myself each time I want to split 4 shots a week apart because my baby has a fever or a runny nose! Over there I always felt like I had to fight a battle, I hated this. The last drop was when I requested a sick appointment as my baby was running a fever of almost 104, and arrived on time. My poor baby felt so weak and they only saw her an hour and twenty minutes later!!! The practice only had another 2 kids waiting to be seen but the staff had another payment paper for me to sign and since I was not agreeing to all the charges I believe they decided it’s ok to punish my poor baby for the fact that I was not agreeing with everything they charge. Later when we were seen the nurse (by the way the nurses are at least friendly there, can’t say anything negative about them) took her temperature with the forehead thermometer and it read 96,8. I couldn’t believe my eyes! So when the doctor arrived he was acting like I am overly worried since what my baby has is not technically a fever. I asked him to touch her, she was burning and exhausted by then, had no strength to cry even, he agreed she felt warm and asked me if I wanted to use a rectal thermometer I said yes. The one they brought in ended up not working, but it only took them about 1-2 minutes of my screaming baby to figure it out, then they went to get another one. Finally the other one confirmed I was right and that’s when the doctor (dr. Zissman) diagnosed the baby with roseola. By the end of this visit I was crying cause I felt so helpless and mistreated. I want to also say that I never saw any of the female doctors, except for Stacey Farmer (she seemed caring and nice) but I’ve seen all of their male staff. Would never never go back there. I switched to the Longwood Pediatrics and Dr Jag and I am very happy. So my review is for all the moms (and dads) out there that think all of the pediatricians are the same and they won’t get treated better anywhere else – you will, just avoid the Altamonte Pediatrics if you can.

I have been using this pediatrician for about 8 years. The PA's are great as well as the nurses and most doctors. Dr. Zissman however was very rude and frankly I felt he didn't care about my child. He told me on my last visit that he didn't have time to read my child's chart and history right then and there to decide on a medication, because he had other patients waiting. I would have to come back. Should't he have read the file before he even walked into the room? Isn't my child a patient too? I will be looking for a new office.

I have all my children with them and have been using them for 14 years. With a son that is confined to a wheelchair because of cerbal palsy, I have to trust the doctors 1000%. They always go the extra mile with their patients and love them all. Dr. Z was my husbands pediatrician and is the most wonderful man. The office does charge $15 for after hour calls. This fee is the fee they incur everytime someone calls in and has the doctor or nurse paged. They are open 6 days a week and have offices in Apopka, Lake Mary, and Altamonte. So you can always get an appointment that day. Love them and would recommend them to anyone.

Just thought anyone considering using this office ought to know that they charge you $30.00 to call into their office with any problems you are having with your children. My daughter has been misdiagnosed there and I just do not think that the well being of your child is this offices main concern. I have been charged a total of $90.00 for three calls I made for advice when my daughter was ill.