Dr. Jude T. Waterbury

My rating of this medical practice might seem negative. The medical care I have received from Dr. Waterbury is just fine. I take issue with one of the front office staff. I will call her Ms. M. Ms. M probably thinks she runs a tight ship concerning patient appointments, patient check in, etc. My limited perception of how they conduct business is somewhat negative. Case in point. I had an scheduled 8:15 AM appointment the next business day, which I was not going to be able to keep. A simple phone call to the office to reschedule would have taken care of the issue. But, they only accept patient phone calls at specific times each day. I phoned at 8:00 AM, 24 plus hours before the scheduled appointment. They do not take calls before 9:00 AM. I then thought of leaving an email at 12:30 PM. Now I was in violation of the office 24 hour rule. I then phoned at 12:40 PM, but they were not accepting calls yet. I phoned again at 3:15, only to be told by Ms. M that if I did not keep the scheduled appointment, I would incur a $ 50 missed appointment charge as they would now not be able to «fill» that time slot. I mentioned I was seen by Dr. Waterbury the week before, questioning the need to be seen again so soon. Ms. M stuck to her guns and politely laid down the law. Sometimes, in the continuum of any business, the actions of the staff are just as critical as the professional who’s name is on the door. I will now be looking for a new doctor, not for Dr. Waterbury’s actions, but because of the office policies.

This is the worst practice I’ve ever visited. They have an office on 2382 Maritime Dr ste 100 Elk Grove, CA 95 758 — the office staff is condescending and they do not show compassion toward their patients. Both doctor Frei and Waterbury have limited availability, expect them to cancel or reschedule with you. They don’t understand how hard it is for some of us to get off work, but be careful if you cancel on them… it’s a 50 dollar fee. The highest rescheduling fee I’ve ever seen. The reason why it is so high is to cover their overhead expenses as they continue to have patients leave their practice. My wife and two daughters went to this practice as well and they were all disappointed. Dr. Frei wouldn’t do back to back visits so we had to take one of the kids at 10 and the other at 1130, taking us from our work. Dr. Waterbury never focused on the reason I was there. I had an ear infection and he spent 45 minutes talking to me about my sleep… he doesn’t listen to patient concerns. After my 2^nd visit I knew it was time to go to another doctor, but when I cancelled I was told they would charge me 50 dollars. He is terrible but they still got me going, for a cancellation fee.

I have been going to Circle of Life Medicine in Elk Grove for over 9 years. At the time it was Dr. Frei and Dr. Karnani (Karnani was my doctor until she relocated to the bay area about 6 years ago). I was then being seen by Jennifer Carmichael who was the Physicians Practitioner for Dr. Frie. About 3 years ago and after Jennifer Carmichael left to be a «mommy» I started being seen and treated by Dr. Jude T Waterbury. I have absolutely NOTHING negative to say about Dr. Waterbury. He has an excellent bedside manor, listens intensely, spends the time necessary to better understand and get to know his patients. I find him respectful and carrying as well as knowledgeable and personable. The last two times I called, I was given an appointment that same day with with less than a 10 minute wait time. Bottom-​Line I give him two thumbs up! Keep up the GREAT work Dr. Waterbury and Circle of Life Medicine Staff!!!

FIRED!
Dr. Waterbury is the worst doctor I have ever had. After a year with him, I fired him. He is very uncarring, cold, impatient, and plain nasty to his patients. His office is a dump. The staff have to be called multiple times to do anything. Once I gave up, went in, and stood at the counter till what was promised for over a month was given to me.
Stay away from this doctor and office!