Joseph S. Healy, MD

My last colonoscopy was before 2014 before moving to New Bern. I contacted Dr. Healy's office in 2018 to schedule one and they set it for Jan. 3rd, '19. Unfortunately I had shoulder surgery near end of December so had to reschedule. New date was for May 1st, '19. Started prep day before but I had problems keeping the prep down. My husband contacted the office next morning and told them I was very sick from it, so they said it couldn't be performed and someone would call me back later. When I was contacted, I told staff member I also have acid reflux and small ulcer, discovered by my last endoscopy a few years ago. She said she'd relay that info and see what Dr. Healy said. When I was contacted again I was told specifically that Dr. Healy himself wanted to see me to discuss other options. I even asked if I would see him and not someone else and was told 'yes.' They said he could see me August 19th, 3 months later. I scheduled it, then his office contacted me on August 6th to say my appointment was moved up to August 15th and I would be seen by his PA. It was explained Dr. Healy himself wouldn't be able to see me until sometime after January 2020. I said there wasn't much point in seeing the PA to discuss prep options now if he wouldn't even be available to see me or schedule the procedure until next year. The staff person said she'd see if any other alternatives. She called the next day and said Dr. Healy could fit me in in October. I asked if she was sure HE would see me or would I be shuffled again. She couldn't say and went into explaining how busy he is doing scoping procedures at the hospital, which basically answered my question as a 'no' he probably wouldn't be the one I'd see in October either. I pointed out that when a doctor is too busy to actually see his patients, especially after being told by his staff that HE wanted to see them to discuss their medical issues preventing them from having a procedure, but then he shuffles the patient off to someone else, it really makes a patient feel unimportant to the doctor. The staff member acted as if he was doing me a favor having me come in October. Really? A doctor should be seeing patients because he is a health care professional bound by a code of ethics and concern for a patients health and welfare, and not make them feel like they should be grateful he's agreeing to see them at all! When I lived in VA I actually saw my gastroenterologist, my heart doctor, my podiatrist, my urologist, even if just for 5 minutes during a visit. At least I had a face to put with a name before they put me under for any type procedure or put their name on a script bottle. Here, it seems doctors hide behind their PA's and only show their face when you're about to be put to sleep. It's disturbingly offensive!

Dr. Healy is always very professional and personable. I felt comfortable before and after my procedure. His staff was also very attentive. I would highly recommend him.

He was very nice and thorough with my fiance. I was impressed.

I had Dr. Healy as my doctor when he was in Havelock. He is compassionate, thorough, and a great doctor. I was always seen quickly.