Columbia Medical Practice

I have been a member of this medical group since 2005 and it is only out of laziness that I have not found a new PCP. I rarely go to the doctor, but I do suffer from allergies and asthma, so I have been to this practice probably about one time per year since 2005. Every time I have an appointment I wait for long periods of time (one time up to 90 mins) to be seen by the doctor. Don't be fooled if the nurse or nurse's assistant weighs you and shows you to a room in a timely manner...you will sit in the examination room for at least 15 minutes. Then the doctor will see you for less than 5 minutes and seem not to know what is wrong with you, even if you are simply suffering from basic allergies and asthma. On one occasion, I did have an appointment for another medical issue and Dr. Bensinger had to look up the symptoms in a book and then misdiagnosed me. Luckily, I had already researched the symptoms and was able to tell her what the problem was. I have never been happy with this office. I would not recommend it to anyone. more

Just made Peter Cheng my primary physician based on the recommendation of a friend. I found the office staff accommodating and friendly, and the whole process of becoming a new pt there was fairly simple. Dr Cheng listened to my concerns and was willing to discuss them, which is somewhat rare these days. I'm happy I chose CMP for my PCP. more

I was a patient with Patuxent Medical Group when it was changed over to Columbia Medical Practice. Since my doctor wasn't leaving and just the name of the medical office was changing, I decided to stay. I regret it more and more every time I have to go see my family doctor. The staff (nurses and receptionists) are horrible. They could care less about the patients. For me, bedside manners includes the doctors, their staff and nurses. Overall, Columbia Medical Practice staff and nurses have NO BEDSIDE MANNERS what so ever. I DREAD having to go see my doctor because I don't want to face the horrible service I receive from the moment I pick up the phone to make the appointment. The receptionists have no personality and have an "I don't care attitude" if you dare have a question or concern. Let me give you a few examples. I called for an appointment because I wasn't feeling good. The receptionist told me that I couldn't make an appointment, that I should just call the morning off and TRY to get in to see the doctor. EXCUSE ME? I told her that I work full time and that I don't have the convienance of telliing my boss that I MIGHT have to take a certain today off depending on if my doctor can see me or not. Isn't that the purpose of MAKING AN APPOINTMENT, so I can set time aside to go see my doctor and make sure my workload is covered? The receptionist had no problem making an appointment when I grilled into her. A few months ago, my husband had a horrible pain in his foot. He had not done anything physical to think that it was broken. I called the doctor to make an appointment. The receptionist basically told me that they couldn't do anything for him and to just take him to the ER. Why would I force my husband to sit in an emergency room for 6-8 hours waiting to be seen by an unknown doctor? No thanks. I want to see my family doctor, who KNOWS my medical history. And waiting in a doctor's office for an hour is better then in an ER for an ungodly amount of time. I was so angry, I ripped into the receptionist. Aren't you guys there to take care of us if we are sick? She quickly made the appointment for me. I was so angry and frustrated, he ended up going to Patient First in Laurel. Turns out, he didn't have a broken foot. He had a bacterial infection, something I'm sure our DOCTOR could have easily taken care of, rather then an emergency room. STAY AWAY FROM COLUMBIA MEDICAL PRACTICE. I am in the process of finding a new doctor for my entire family. If anyone can refer a terrific doctor's office (including nurses and staff), please let me know. more