Alvarado Women's Group

If you have not paid your deductible on your insurance, please don't show your insurance. Pay in cash.\r \r In May 2009 I called various doctor's offices to get a quote on how much it would cost to get a yearly exam/pap smear. One of the calls I made was to Alvarado Women's Group, also know as Dr. Brown and Dr. Wittgrove's office. I told the receptionist that my insurance coverage wasn't the best, so give me a quote as if I had no insurance. She told me that if there were no extra tests ordered that it would be $150. to $200. Remember, that was considering if I had no insurance. I was pleased with that price and that is why I chose that office. It was a yearly exam/pap smear with no problems and no extra tests. When I received my bill I was astounded by the charges. The doctor's total in charges were $581.00! I was ordered to pay $265.70 I spoke with the billing manager of Dr. Brown's office. To paraphrase her, if I had paid in cash it would've been the original price quoted, but since I had insurance...then she spoke in jargon that only someone in billing or a lawyer could understand. The bottom line was there was no excuse. Pros: Quiet waiting room Cons: If you show insurance, they overcharge more

Dr. Brown happened to be the doctor on call the night I went to the ER when I was 'very early' pregnant...and I am forever grateful that she was on call that night. I was able to communicate very well with her from the beginning. When I was upset, she knew what to say to help me out. Dr. Brown is a genuine person who will do everything in her power to take care of me, and presumably all of her other patients. Her nurse, Debbie, is also a fantastic resource. Dr. Brown was my OB/GYN through two wonderful pregnancies and helped ensure that both myself and the babies were healthy as can be. She is very hands on (which I like), a great resource when other issues came up (also a plus), and always seems to be available to answer questions. She's wonder-woman in my book.\r I highly recommend Dr. Brown! I know that there are two other doctors at the practice, but I only saw Dr. Brown for my pregnancies and other well-woman checks. more