★★★★★
Always a positive experience at Northtowns Cardiology and today was no exception. From check-in with Danielle to a physical exam with Amy and an extremely informative consultation with Dr. Ribbeck, I walked out of their office with a plan. A good plan!
In addition, the professional look and feel to NC is stellar. Their high standards are well noted and appreciated by me.
Don't hesitate to consider Northtowns Cardiology should the need arise for you or a loved one. Their top-notch care, professional courtesy and kindness truly sets them apart.
★★★★★
I see a team of doctors across WNY. I always think of cardio as the quarterback on my team. My QB is Dr. Kumar. I've been going to NC since being diagnosed with AFib a few years ago. I can't say enough wonderful things about the entire staff and Dr. Kumar at Northtowns Cardio. I see a review where someone is complaining about the staff and I wonder if they are talking about the same place I visit? The office and waiting room runs like a finely oiled machine. Waiting time has always been minimal for me. Communication is 10 of 10. Prescription changes, new prescriptions, appointments...etc.. The staff ALWAYS responds quickly. I love the patient portal. My questions are answered most times in minutes. If you have a heart you should take it to Northtown Cardiology. My heart and I highly recommend!
★
This practice's treatment of patients is shocking, unprofessional, and unacceptable. I've read many of the reviews on both Yelp and Google, and it's clear that this office consistently fails to respect or properly serve the very people who fund its existence -- the patients and insurance providers.
I've been a patient here for years, mainly for blood pressure monitoring. At my last visit, I was told I didn't need to return for 18 months. A bit later, I began receiving calls and voicemails telling me to complete a non-fasting blood panel -- no urgency, no explanation, just "get it done." As a business owner and parent, my time is limited, but I still scheduled an appointment at Quest Diagnostics. I missed that appointment due to work and rescheduled. Before I could complete the new one, I received a letter from Northtown Cardiology dismissing me as a patient for not completing my labs "in a timely manner" and "not returning their calls."
It was honestly laughable. They never requested a callback, and there was no medical urgency stated. I accepted it and moved on -- but I have since referred several family members to this practice and have witnessed firsthand the mistreatment they've received. Patients have faced delays in care due to the staff's mishandling of insurance paperwork and even been misdiagnosed on claims, only to be told to "wait" months while the office corrected its own mistakes. No patient experiencing a cardiac scare should ever be told to "be patient" for two months because of clerical errors. That is negligence, plain and simple.
The pattern of arrogance and lack of empathy starts at the top. The owner, Dennis C., seems to believe he holds more authority or importance than the very patients who keep his doors open. His public responses to reviews are proof of this -- dismissive, condescending, and emotionally immature. Instead of accountability, he blames patients, boasts about "dodging bullets," and even tells former patients "I give you 0 stars." It's unprofessional, unethical, and disgraceful for someone in healthcare.
There are many outstanding cardiologists in the Buffalo-Niagara area -- this office is not one of them. If you value being treated with dignity, respect, and competence, look elsewhere. I highly recommend Dr. Frederick Albrecht on Grand Island. I was originally his patient when he practiced on Maple Rd before he moved. I made the mistake of switching for convenience, but the level of care, professionalism, and compassion he and his team provide is unmatched and worth every extra mile.
To anyone considering this practice: read the reviews, trust your gut, and know your rights as a patient. No one deserves to be dismissed, belittled, or left waiting for care because of an office's ego or incompetence. Choose a provider who values people over profit -- and unfortunately, that is not what you'll find here.
★
I would never recommend Northtowns Cardiology to anyone seeking a competent, respectful cardiology experience. My doctor was polite enough, but seemed rushed, not very curious, and largely unconcerned with my issue. The bigger problem is the office itself: poorly run, disorganized, and staffed by rude individuals; which is clearly shown by how they respond to Google reviews.
My primary care physician ordered me to wear a 3-day heart monitor. The adhesive irritated my skin, so I returned it after one day. I paid a copay when I picked it up, then was billed again by mail after dropping it off. When I called billing in June to ask why, the woman on the phone said (in an incredibly snarky tone), "Well obviously you need to pay for the doctor to read the report." There was no appointment with the doctor when I returned the monitor, no call from the doctor, no explanation of results -- nothing until my next annual physical, when my primary care PA went over them with me.
I paid the bogus charge just to end the hassle. Months later, I received another bill for the exact same charge. This office will bill you for every minuscule thing they can, nickel and dime you to the fullest extent, provide little to no communication, and serve you a poor attitude when you question them. If you have ANY other option, take it.
Edit: See below the immature response from the child in charge of responding to reviews. Tell me you didn't read what I said without TELLING me you didn't read what I said. An apology for double billing me for NOTHING would be nice! Try graduating kindergarten and taking accountability. Sheesh.
