Gastroenterology Associates of Central Virginia

Though the nurses that treat the patients in the lower level unit are wonderful, those that work in the office section and answer patient phone calls seem to have no ability to answer the questions you ask and refuse to let you speak with the doctor, even if they have to call back later.nThe doctor I saw seems to do the bare minimum to help and support those that are entrusted to their care. This doctor may know what she is doing as far as procedures go, but has shown absolutely no ability to communicate the reasoning behind anything prescribed or ordered. She was even negligent in reading my chart, only telling me that she was in fact doing two procedures as I was being wheeled into the exam room!nI hope you reconsider being sent elsewhere for your gastroenterology needs.

I wish I could leave a better review. I was the sickest I’ve ever been in my life when I went to two appointments and instead of my provider taking time with me, she would talk to me for less than 5 minutes and not even ask if I had questions. I was treated as an inconvenience at this office. The same thing happened when I wanted to schedule a CT scan in my hometown (because I live out of town) and the scheduling woman had a fit and acted like I was ridiculous for not wanting to drive over an hour for a CT scan I could get in my hometown. Not to mention when I would message my provider additional questions, she would not reply. Eventually, I had to go back to the ER. Even though I waited at the Centra ER for 6+ hours because of covid, their care for me was still far better than I ever received at Lynchburg GI. There were a few nice people at the GI office, including the lady who did my bloodwork and the front desk worker, but overall, I will never go back here. I know people who have seen other providers and had good experiences, but unfortunately that was not the case for me.

Was asked when my last colonoscopy was FOUR times on the call to set up my appointment (referred by GP for possible liver biopsy). Asked again about colonoscopy upon check in, and again by nurse taking vitals. Finally met with Dr. Hou who NEVER examined me or asked about my symptoms. Within two minutes he scheduled me for a colonoscopy. Dr. Hou even tried to get me to call my oncologist from the exam room to cancel my appointment so Hou could do the colonoscopy first. I declined. At my appt the oncologist said there was NO NEED for a colonoscopy at this point and scheduled a biopsy. Terrible experience and I'll never return to this office. If I ever need a colonoscopy I'll drive to Roanoke.

Rude phone staff and the Dr didn't listen to our concerns.

First class medical care, staff was great, nice facility. Dr. Richards takes time to explain and to listen. Thank you to everyone!