Hillside Family Medicine Clinic

“I called to book a physical and over the phone was directed to the website where I could book an appointment. I was excited to find a private doctor outside of large medical networks. I booked the option given which was new patient and went to my appointment. During my appointment I asked what was going on to which I explained some of my medical history and what brought me to their office. The doctor was very kind, ordered labs done in house. I received my labs but no follow up from the doctor as to what the labs meant. I assumed I was expected to book another appointment to go over that. A month or so later I was mailed a large bill that did not coincide with a physical. When I called to ask about the billing, I was told my appointment was a new patient, not a physical and they don't bill for physicals on the first appointment. Would have been nice to know before I booked but this wasn't explained to me as I was directed to schedule online. I was also told that what was discussed during my appointment was not covered under a physical. Again, no one stopped me and said, this is not covered as a physical, if you'd like to discuss more in depth we can book a separate appointment. Instead I was hit with a large bill. When I called to ask about a payment plan, I was told I would have 2 weeks to pay the amount in full or be sent to collections. Even though it would not have been past 3 months if I split the bill over 2 months, rather than 2 weeks. I tried to work out a solution but was repeatedly told it was basically my fault for not knowing their office policies. I then received an additional bill for labs and saw where the billed my insurance company for nearly $3000 in labs. None of which was discussed with me prior to ordering them. They have lost a potential long term patient as well as any referrals. The billing and coding from this office is unethical and they know it. They will leave a response to the review taking no responsibility for their actions most assured as they have done in previous reviews. Having now witnessed this first hand, I wish I had read reviews prior to stepping foot in this office. It also seems that anyone who questions their bills, gets a dismissal letter rather than having any decency or customer service to work and resolve the issue.”

“I had a very disappointing experience with this practice and feel it’s important to share what happened. I was charged $300 for a COVID test that was suggested during a visit, not something I originally came in for. At no point was the cost explained to us, and had we known, we would have declined the test. When the bill came through, I simply wanted to understand why it was so high and whether it was billed correctly. For two weeks, I tried to speak with the doctor directly to have a reasonable conversation, but was repeatedly redirected to the office manager, who was dismissive and unhelpful. I was made to feel like I was doing something wrong just by asking questions about my bill. I finally came into the office in person to speak with the doctor. I was told I had to pay the balance before being seen, so I paid the $300 just to be able to have that conversation. While sitting in the exam room for a completely separate appointment, the office manager came in, told me they would refund the payment, and then dismissed me from the practice and asked me to leave. I was never given the opportunity to actually speak with the doctor or have my concerns heard. The entire experience felt incredibly unfair and honestly demeaning. I wasn’t refusing to pay or being difficult—I simply wanted clarity on a charge that was never explained to me in the first place. Patients should be able to ask questions about their medical bills without being made to feel like a problem or being dismissed entirely. I left feeling unheard, disrespected, and completely blindsided by how the situation was handled. I would strongly encourage this practice to improve communication around costs and to treat patients with more understanding and respect when concerns are raised.”

“I started out liking Dr. Dhaliwal because he does take his time at each visit. You never feel rushed. The office also has a very peaceful ambience and I really liked how you can get your labwork and other minor procedures done in office. Right away one thing I noticed is that he's always trying to get you to come in for frequent visits. He requires visits at least every 6 months and insurance only covers once per year. I've never had to come in more than annually for any other Dr. He did state this outright on my first visit though so I gave it a try. More often than not he would come up with reasons for me to come in for a 3 month appointment instead of 6 months. I've never been to the Dr. so much in one year when I'm young and healthy. What made me consider leaving the practice though was because I noticed at multiple visits a condescending tone if I expressed concerns over medication side effects or showed any hesitancy at all about a new medication suggestion. It felt to me like this is a Dr. who doesn't like to be questioned. I think it's important to be able to have good communication with your Dr. and discuss risks and benefits openly. One particular time I told him I didn't take the new medicine he prescribed because when I got it filled I saw that it can cause your blood pressure to drop and I already have low blood pressure. His response to me was "What happens is, sometimes people go on the internet and then they get confused." I had not gone on the internet, I read the RX insert, as everyone should, in order to be informed of potential adverse effects. I was absolutely not confused. There was no room for discussion with him about my concerns. He just kind of shrugged me off and said, "but if you don't want to take it, that's your choice". The last straw for me was when I called before vacation because I noticed I was going to run out of a medication before I got back. I needed 3 tablets called in to make it to my next scheduled appointment (which was the day after getting back from vacation). The receptionist called me back to inform me that he wouldn't be able to call them in because I need to have my labwork checked before he orders more. I told her to let him know that I already have an appointment scheduled to do that labwork I only need 3 tablets to get me through until that appointment and if I miss 3 days of the medicine it will throw the labwork off. She didn't even check back with the Dr. but just reiterated that it wouldn't be possible. 3 tablets of a non-controlled substance is not an unreasonable request. I didn't feel like the Dr. cared about me or my concerns at all. I immediately scheduled an appointment with a new Dr. and won't be going back there again. If you're looking for a Dr. that you will feel comfortable addressing questions or concerns with, this is not the place to go. Update to response below: I did not request to have meds sent out of state. I requested an order sent to a local pharmacy the day before leaving for my trip to ensure I had enough until I returned. It was a HARD NO for a response. Unacceptable.”

“I've been going to Hillside Family clinic for a few years now. The staff and doctor are always friendly and always make you feel welcome and cared for. I have and will continue to recommend this clinic to my family and friends!!!”