Brian F Sweeney Md Apc Facg — Doctor in Anchorage

ALL reviews about Brian F Sweeney Md Apc Facg

• Madeline

  Added 2014.02.13

  I highly encourage anyone who wants a doctor-patient relationship based on respect and trust to go elsewhere. Dr. Sweeney has abrupt manner when dealing with patient. No bedside manner to speak of. He delayed correct diagnosis and time returned to work by not following up post procedure I had. (EGD). I needed follow up procedure that was no ordered. This prolonged time away from work. I had EGD done but an less invasive procedure (UGI barium swallow) was better first attempt. He did not follow up with care after my procedure. Really just left me hanging so to speak. He also would not (adamently refused) to fill out simple paperwork to allow me to receive short-term insurance while finding out what was wrong with me. All that was required was to say when I was treated, what outcome and what prognosis was for me. He never would fill out papers for my insurance to help while I got better. He said that I should focus on my medical health and leave finances out of it. I am supporting disabled son alone and how I can make it if I am seriously ill is high on my importance level. (along with my health). Most single parents worry what will happen to their family if they get too sick to work. Dr. Sweeney is unconcerned with this issue. Most importantly, he discussed serious financial matters immediately following my EGD. Despite, having signed pre-admit papers stating I would not make any important decisions for 24-hrs post procedure (egd=scope throat). Dr. Sweeney had a nurse go get me from out of my car trying to go home and come back in the post-op room at Alaska Digestive Center to discuss paperwork needed for my insurance company. Despite, my son objections stating I was unable to make decisions while on anesthetics he just gave me. He insisted despite me being confused. He also would not approve getting a pelvic CT scan done when he ordered an abdominal CT for unknown andominal pain. The imaging staff called to let him know I thought he ordered it and was hurting in entire abdomen. I ended up needing a pelvic CT done as well. So, he further prevented my correct diagnosis and time away from work. My new gastroenterologist is wonderful and gave me medicine to treat my horrible abdominal spasms. Dr. Sweeny refused to give me anything to help me. Needing pain medicine for pain does not make you a drug-seeker or bad person. I needed Donnatal not pain medicine anyway. But, Dr. Sweeney would not do anything to help me. He only begrudgingly gave me 10 anti-nausea pills despite letting him know from beginning how terribly ill I was. I have wonderful doctors now who are treating what was discovered. And, they showed care and compassion while doing so. Again, I highly encourage anyone who wants a doctor-patient relationship based on respect and trust to go elsewhere. My appointment was at 8:30am... It is now 9:23am and I still haven't been seen by the doctor... I would give Four stars with one deducted for the surprise bill (explained at the end. I liked Dr Sweeny. His office staff was nice. He answers questions. He was more of a talker, but I prefer to know what is going on, what the plan is, what we are going to put in my body next. I am not sure I can validate his listening skills as I am so tired of talking about my GI problems and all the symptoms and side effects of the latest medications... there is only so many times I want to go into detail. What I can address is the cost. I have good insurance. Small individual and family deductibles, 80/20 on specialists. I usually end up billed under $20 for specialist so you can imagine my surprise when I received a bill for all three of the visits in June/July/August and it was almost $500 after run through insurance. Admittedly my new insurance year had started and there for have not met my deductible. Having heart palpitations yet? I understand, now that you have calmed down and have doubt setting in let me give you a little bit of a break down. We will pretend that I have met my deductible with this math. His initial first visit is $413. 108 over "what is usual and customary" meaning you insurance will only pay/look at $305 and form there the math is the will only pay 80% sooo your bill is $413 and insurance will only cover $244. bottom line? when over and done you are left with the balance of $169. Good news is that your first visit (deductible met, and 80/20 coverage) cost $169 but all others will run around $56. I am use to paying $17, and will look else where because of this. First because of price but really? How do you justify over $400 dollars when I brought all doctors records, filled all paper work out and you are an electronic office?? So while after all the math is done it doesn't seem like a big deal. It would have been more palatable billed from their end on time. Bottom line, I don't like unpleasant surprises, and a $400 bill at Christmas time?? Unpleasant. Not happy. Dr. Sweeney & his staff are efficient and very caring & compassionate. I would recommend him to anyone. Absolutely terrible, this Dr continued to bill even after all monies were paid. Keep receipts for this purpose or they will try to continue to miss bill