Desert Shores Pediatrics, PC

Melanie Rolon

I drove 35 miles to just get here and wouldn't change it. Dr. Lora Van Tassel is the best pediatrician I have ever met. I always recommend her to everyone that needs a doctor for their kids. I love that she doesn't forget you, she is passionate about her work, she is humble, she hears you and your children, she connects with them and every doubt that you have, she will listen and help you out. She is the best!

Vineeth Manohar

Dr Cheri Nason and Dr Ciminello are the best we've seen

S

Update: After coming here for 7 years we are leaving for a different pediatrician. We still love Dr C, but even he has gotten more snappy over the years. The front office staff has gotten gradually worse - with every person being more rude and condescending than the last. I’m just tired of it. On top of that they are still requiring masks when they aren’t being used in the community AT ALL. AND they don’t offer any kind of telehealth or telephonic visits. Which is frustrating for simple things like a stomach bug or swimmer’s ear. Prior review: Dr Ciminello is AMAZING. The office is great about scheduling appointments, they even have weekend sick visits. Dr. Nason’s judgement (she was our primary for about a year) was pretty off and that resulted in a few issues but she’s a good person. The only reason I’m not giving 5 stars is because of the flu shot barriers. I’d rather get my kids the nasal and when I asked the office about it they said “it has to be discussed with the doctor first” which I get, since there are extra exclusions for the nasal version. When I asked if they just go by the standard exclusions list (age above 2, no chronic illness etc etc) she said “you have to discuss it with the provider and then they will decide if they will do the shot”. So... I should have to make an appointment and if they decide that “my child will get the shot” (and therefore my child will leave with nothing) then I’ve completely wasted my time for the day... My husband and I work A LOT and I legitimately don’t have time to play games. They just need to coach their staff better or create a policy where “if there aren’t any contraindications then it’s usually fine” rather than making it sound like it’s up to whatever the provider thinks.

Claire Ryan

***UPDATE BELOW The majority of the staff at Desert Shores Pediatrics are professional and helpful. We have only had good experiences with the providers. The billing department is a different story. Not only are they lazy and refuse to check on claims (and told ME to do it!!) they are also rude about it. I have a background in medical billing and they try to tell me certain things are not the responsibility of the medical biller when I'm fully aware of what they are.. Why is it that I have to be the one to call my insurance company to check the status of a claim? Maybe it's just because I have a work ethic and help my patients that I expect the bare minimum effort from someone else??? Somehow I don't think it's ethical that they're threatening to send our account to collections before our insurance has even finished processing the appeal (THAT I HAD TO DO MYSELF.) I wish they would send me to collections so I there would be legal repercussions. UPDATE: Greg from billing was very helpful and understanding when I called to update them on our claim issue. The professionalism and kindness is much appreciated.