Austin Thyroid & Endocrinology

I wish I had seen these reviews a month ago. My experience with Austin Thyroid and Endocrinology was similar to many of the negative comments on Citysearch. My insurance doesn't cover Dr. Scumpia's services, so I paid $300 ""out of pocket"" for dismissive, insensitive, and careless treatment. She is now holding my ""abnormal"" lab results hostage, requiring that I pay another $100 for an appointment to get these results, as she does not speak to patients over the phone. It took four phone calls and voice mail messages before I could speak to a nurse, who insisted that an appointment is the only way I can get my lab results, even though I explained my hesitation to work with Dr. Scumpia. I do not recommend this doctor or this practice. more

You know, this kind of assembly line thing for robots would be just fine. Humans are usually regarded as a little more complicated. But not Simone. (You dont mind if I call you Simone do you? You do? Too bad. ) I've got lots of friends who are doctors. I respect the profession. But I dont buy the demi-god attitude. My time is just as valuable as theirs. Its assembly line. I think you will find lots of tests ordered right away with little or no explanation. Dr. Scumpia has a new stated policy - no one calls back to discuss your lab... unless... theres lots more tests they can order! I called to discuss some expensive tests. After three days - no call back. I have a new stated policy too - no more visits to Doctors who are way more concerned with my money than my health. more

I'm been seeing endocrinologists for years, and Dr. Scumpia reminds me of the first doctors that I saw who ignored their patients (and neglected to treat them). She has put me in a medically worse-off position in that she insisted on changing medication and levels from my previous doctor. She then refused to let me back on the medication I'd been successfully taking for 5 years (with NO problems, I might add). I am now back to being very hypothyroid and have to find yet another doctor who will treat me. more

I went to Dr. Scumpia for a total of three months in that time she ran lots of test a blood test everytime i went in, two sonagrams (I had good insurance). she gave me too much medicane so that I was a walking zombie. Finally she said there was only one solution to get rid of the Thyroid and take meds the rest of my life--I ran and found a new doctor Dr. Shaw in Round Rock she has listened to my concerns started me out on low dosage sees me very two to three months so far the only test are blood test and my thyroid is doing just fine. more

I too stupidly went to this doctor without checking her out. I have the same complaints: never see the doctor, a different PA every time, no test results are furnished. I went to her initially for thyroid nodules on the advice of my ENT. I went to her again for rapid weight gain. (16 lbs in 9 weeks) She told me to go to a weight loss clinic and refused to do any blood tests etc. I was appalled, as I never had had a weight problem before. I later found out from my neurologist, that the weight gain was from Lyrica that I had been taking for fibromyalgia. I later told them I was leaving the area and wanted my records. The office person said it would cost $25 and take 6 weeks. I just went to my new endocrinologist and they got the records for me at no cost. I later received a certified letter on a Saturday from Dr. Scumpia stating her displeasure that I had changed doctors and to never call her office again for any treatment or medication. What a joke. I never received any treatment from her in my opinion, and she never wrote me one prescription. Also I want to point out that she advertises in every Austin area newspaper with her photo and even in our church bulletin. Pros: Easy parking Cons: Long waits, never see dr., no one listens more

When I was pregnant (a little over a year ago) I had my thyroid levels come back slightly ""off"" during a routine screening at my OB. My OB sent me to Dr. Scumpia for further testing. The woman at the lobby desk was not very friendly- so I was not impressed from the beginning. Then the nurse took me back to a room- and did the preliminary questions and all, and she was friendly enough. I then waited for about 25 minutes in the room, I told myself it was worth it, because I was seeing a thyroid SPECIALIST, who would hopefully give me some answers. Wrong. Dr. Scumpia finally comes in- is NOT friendly at all, and already seems like she wants me out of her hair. She asks me a couple questions that the nurse had already asked- and then completely dismissed EVERY concern I had! She told me that thyroid levels often change slightly, due to the hormones produced during pregnancy- and that it was nothing to worry about. She wasn't even going to do lab work...until I told her I really would like to get another lab done, because I have a family history of thyroid issues- and have had problems with suspected hypoglycemia all my life. Then she hesitantly agreed to run a test, but made sure to tell me again that she ""wasn't worried at all about the results."" So, that was it- and she sent me to the lab. The woman in the lab was equally cold and after making no conversation with me, I checked out and left. The other thing that was really unprofessional, was that I never even received my lab RESULTS! I had totally forgotten about it, but I don't think it should be my job to call them and ask for my results. After my child was born, I was never able to breastfeed adequately, and after doing extensive research on my own- I have found that thyroid problems can cause inadequate milk supply....ugh. Yeah, ""nothing to be concerned about""....needless to say, I am now in the process of finding a GOOD endocrinologist. Pros: The nurse was friendly enough Cons: Dr. Scumpia more

Family has beeen going to office for three years. Our primary care doctor warned us against this office but we did not listen. Have only seen the doctor twice, but we were fine with this because the PAs were thorough. However, in the last year several things have caused us to change doctors: (1) charges for emergency medical exam (this was for a reg office visit and only saw the PA - however ins was charged $415 for emerg visit??) (2) pressure by staff for scheduling an ultracound that primary care physician and ourselves felt was unnecessary - felt it was just another method to bill ins co; (3) they will not give you normal lab results that have been paid for by co-pay and ins company. Wanted info for my primary care doctor appt and for my records; however, could only get results if I made another appt. ($$) Supposedly, if you do not hear from them, we're suppose to assume that everything is OK. The last time I followed this premise in a different office, I found out 6 months later at my followup that I had cancer. We finally decided that we had enough.... Pros: Initially doctor was very knowledgeable Cons: rude office staff; rarely see doctor more

If I could give this place negative stars I would, I have been coming here for about 4 yrs now and I've probably seen Dr. Scumpia for about 5 min at the most! During the most recent 60 sec encounter I had just had my baby and was supposed to meet with a nutritionist during the visit. Instead in rushes Scumpia who babbled on about no longer having a nutritionist, that I should go on the South Beach Diet and the -poof- she was gone again before I could even say a word! Now I'm out of Synthroid and they denied my prescription refill request. No doubt because they haven't gotten any $$$ from me in the past 6 mons. The drive is too long and the service is poor so I won't be going back....ever. My advice to those needing an Endocrinologist is to keep looking! Pros: nothing comes to mind Cons: lack of physician oversight, customer service more

In three yrs only seen Dr 2 times she was cold and very rude thinks she Gods gift to the world more like a dog Pros: bad doctor more

I got a little annoyed when I called to make my appointment that I had to hold for so long before the receptionist even answered. When she did answer, it was, ""Please hold."" Again! Of course, I optimistically deduced the office must be really busy and maybe from high demand. Now, I have stumbled on here and am not looking forward to yet another frightening experience with a doctor. I'm particularly nervous with this specialty as I know very little. Pros: She's a specialist, not an ENT. Cons: Close to my home more

I have been going to this office for years for my thyroid,I would not recommend this Dr. to anyone! You never get to see the Dr. in the first place.I have been complainning that I dont feel good.STILL DONT FEEL GOOD!Thay keep telling me everything is ok! I will not be going back Pros: Nice office! Cons: never see the Dr.thay don listen to how you feel!!! more

I have been going to this place for about 4 years. In that time, the service has gone from good to horrible. Yesterday I was charged 118$ copay at the desk and I have insurance. I then had a PA who refused (this is the second time this has happened) to humor my interest in switching to Armour Thyroid. She ordered a series of labs, but didn't order a T3 test, despite my telling her that I have never been relieved of my hypothyroid symptoms in the 12 years I've been taking synthroid. I was told ""Scumpia will not prescribe armour to patients"" I haven't seen Scumpia in about a year, and the wait is ridiculous. Anybody who knows of a good dr that will prescribe Armour in Austin, please email me. I am completely done with Austin Thyroid and Endocrinology. more

My primary doctor referred me to Blevins, but they couldn't fit me in for 6 weeks so I settled on Dr. Scumpia. I was very impressed with the facility and waiting room and the fact that they had an ultrasonographer and lab on site. Dr. Scumpia took one look at my ultrasound results and said that she was fairly certain I had thyroid cancer. It was a pretty cold diagnosis, but I am not overly sensitive person so it didnt bother me too much. She did not want to corroborate the ultrasound results with a needle biopsy instead she pushed for me to have my thyroid out as soon as possible. I got my thyroid removed two weeks later. I ended up having two surgeries with the surgeon she recommended, before I got smart and went to MD Anderson. The final straw that sent me to MD Anderson was related to her staff. They did not communicate effectively with each other and failed to communicate to me that Dr. Scumpia cancelled a procedure that required me to go on a low-iodine diet. I was on a low iodine diet which is a super restrictive diet that is a huge pain in the butt for two weeks. When I showed up for the procedure, it had been cancelled and they were not apologetic. more

I had a total thyroidectomy on Dr. Scumpia's recommendation. I was told I had cancer and the only remedy was the surgery. Well after the surgery(which was done by the most wonderful doctor, Dr Jeff Zapalac ) Dr. Scumpia said basically oops we made a mistake, you did not have cancer. No type of apology, no empathy, just matter of factly. Pros: Nice waiting room. Cons: Not into her patients and their needs. more

I've been to Dr Scumpia's office a few times now and have not experienced any of the kinds of things described in these reviews. Nor have I witnessed any hint of such things in the office. I have met with the Dr herself each time and have been pleased with the interactions. Pros: In-house lab & diagnotic services Cons: Office is very far north more

I think this woman needs to go back to Eastern Europe of she thinks her patients are OH SO LUCKY that she deigns to spend any time with them. Pros: It doesn't take long to realize this place is terrible. Cons: Too many to list. more

I agree with everyone. I have 30 years medical experience and I have never had such poor care. Pros: Takes my insurance Cons: Never saw the doctor, poor care more

I wish I had read these reviews instead of her nice ad in the womens magazine. This practice is way overbooked. I always had to leave a message and rarely talked directly on the phone to anyone; just too much phone tag. I have to agree I never saw Dr. Sumpia and would not know her if I did; I don't think she was ever there. My appointments were with Dr. Dubois- the Diabetes specialist. She had me on medication that I swear she had personal stock in and was very reluctant to take me off of it even though it was not lowering my A1C number. I always had to wait at least an hour before seeing the doctor. Pros: Lab onsight Cons: too many patients; pratice too large more

Both the doctors at this location are great but you rarely see them. It's PA central at this office and no help at all because of it. They never seem to study a chart before you come in. I left this place for Dr Blevins. HE IS THE BEST and you see him at your appointments and he does have a good bedside manner! Pros: if you ever get to see Dr Dubois and Scumpia that would be a huge pro but this is rare so no pros I guess Cons: long waits, system always down, never see Dr Dubois or Scumpia more

I initially had an appointment with another doctor in the office who had been highly recommended to address episodic hypoglycemia. It had already been clear that I had hypoglycemia so the goal was to find out why. Two days before I had my appointment, the office called and said the doctor was leaving the practice, but I could see Dr. Scumpia. I did not see Dr. Scumpia. I saw a PA. I don't believe that is ethical to say you have an appointment with a doctor only to be seen by a PA who wanted to run a glucose tolerance test to ""confirm"" hypoglycemia. When I asked her what else it would tell us she admitted that it wouldn't tell us the cause and the treatment would just be eating correctly. I went to see a physician to help untangle a difficult diagnosis because I also have a degenerative neurological disease. What I got was an over simplistic and redundant diagnosis. A PA has two years of education. I would never recommend this practice. Pros: on site lab Cons: is there really a doctor and why wasn't I told that I wouldn't see her even though I was referred to her? more