Brittany -
We transferred to Reading Pediatrics during the pandemic when my daughter turned 1yr old... we barely made it to 2yrs old when I started getting frustrated with this place and questioning why we ever transferred here. We were at the Wyomissing office and was passed around through various pediatricians for her shots and check-ups. Some were good, some were awful but never the same ones (no names that I could remember there.) The people at the front desk never really talked to us and seemed like they had better things to do. I also couldn't schedule an appointment online which was annoying. As a last ditch effort, we tried the Exeter office. We received the same treatment: different pediatricians everytime, most seemed like they either didn't like children or didn't want to be there, and annoyed people at the front desk.
Then, it happened... Dr. Sophia walked into our life.
When we met Dr. Sophia, she came into the room, greeted me, and started gently talking to my daughter like a real person. She asked my daughter all sorts of questions about the stuffed animal she had, the animal's name, if it liked going to the doctor, ect.
When it came time for the check-up, she was respectful, patient, and playful. My daughter was laughing and smiling throughout. We requested to have her as our main pediatrician and have had NO issues since. Even during sick visits when Dr. Sophia wasn't available, we started getting people like Dr. Lilly or Dr. Lauren (both extremely knowledgeable and caring).
I understand the frustrations that other people have voiced; however, there are other pros about this place to consider before jumping ship or turning away:
1. When you call, a person will either answer or call you back within an hour. This is unheard of in this day and age. We have never had a moment where we were not able to talk to someone quickly (at the Wyomissing or Exeter office.)
2. The night nurse hotline. As a first time mom, I've had moments where I was unsure if we needed to go to urgent care or if whatever was happening could wait until morning. If you call at any point after hours (yes, even at 2am) you'll either immediately speak with a triage nurse or one will call you within 15min. We've had various time where our daughter has given us a scare in the middle of the night and the advice or suggestions these nurses have given us worked every time! The operator can also put you in the schedule for a next day sick appt so you and your child can make it through the night with real, medical advice (not Dr. Google) and knowing you'll see the doc first thing the next day. When you're worried and sleep-deprived, the relief of this is priceless.
3. Overall, they've made a serious comeback with the front desk people, pediatricians, and the online patient portal.
My daughter is 3yrs old now. We are so glad we stayed with Reading Pediatrics!
Brittany -