Tampa Cardiovascular Associates

This one star rating is for an appointment my 92 year old mother had today in the Wesley Chapel office for an Echocardiogram. First, the front desk staff person didn't even acknowledge that we signed in until I noticed others were being called to window for insurance confirmation etc. When I asked if we were signed in okay I was told abruptly "yes, she's all set" this is not the biggest deal but it caused my mother to wonder what was going on. Simply courtesy of acknowledging would be nice. Secondly and more importantly was the medical assistant or imaging technician that performed her Echo. He permitted me to be present and I'm glad because he told her to get on the table for the imaging without assisting her up. She is 92 years old about 4'8" and somewhat frail. I pulled out the step stool from under the table and helped her onto the table. Next, he tells her that she can keep her t-shirt and cardigan on as he is able to do the echo without removing these clothes. He then proceeded to lift her shirt up above her bra as she laid on her side and squirt a gel onto her chest for the echocardiogram. When the imaging was complete he told her that she could get up now. Again, he didn't attempt to assist her at all so I stood up pulled out the step stool and supported her getting up and off the table. He handed her a rough paper towel and told her to use this to wipe of the gel and not to worry as it is water based. She looked at me in embarrassment as her shirt became soaked with the gel and she couldn't get cleaned up easily. I again assisted her by reaching under he t-shirt to wipe up the gel. Where is the patient respect and dignity in this process? I have been a medical social worker and have never seen something so dismissive of a patients self worth. Not to mention, he was immediately on his cell phone while I was helping her out. She told me he pressed very hard on her chest bone and that it hurt quite a bit. I was so upset but didn't want to cause a problem in the office. Also, I think others should know what to expect and perhaps the office management (if there is any) should review patient treatment protocol with this technician. Patients should always be treated with dignity and respect. Alicia Mendoza, PhD, LCSW

If you're looking to be in the waiting room for 2+ hours in a room full of patients waiting for the same doctor to be seen, this will be the place. They're booking patients for the same exact time and doctor and having them in the waiting area 2+ hours past their scheduled appointment. They had 1 receptionist in a room of 20+ people. I ended up canceling my appointment and walking out. This office is unprofessional.

Dr. Sawar is too busy to provide adequate care. I have been a patient of his for approximately 5 years and have decided to seek out a doctor that has time and provides helpful input. Expect to wait a minimum of 45 minutes before being seen and then little to no options or even information about your condition. The last time I was talked into an ultrasound he forgot I was there next appointment to receive the results. After being reminded, and him then finding my results, he said "you have blood clots in your leg". That was it. He said keep taking your medicine.

I was charged twice, and they still haven't refunded my money -- even though my EOB from my insurance clearly shows that my copay is $0! They said they ALWAYS charge the patient first and wait for the EOB later. That's just not fair. Why not follow the breakdown? And another thing: my appointment with Dr. Hadi lasted less than five minutes. I didn't even get a chance to explain my situation. He simply said, "Go do the exams." Clearly, just another way to charge me more.

Had echogram this morning. Gus was pleasant, patient and friendly. Really great place for any heart concerns.