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Review content:
This is my first time to write a post about my experience with a doctor. With 4 kids, I'm extremely busy and don't usually make time to do something like this; however, I want other women to hear how very impressed I was with Dr. Shelena Lalji of Dr. Shel's Wellness and Medical Spa. Never has a physician spent so much time with me at an initial appointment and shown so much interest in my overall health and lifestyle.
My husband and I moved to Sugar Land not long ago. I hadn't seen a doctor since the birth of my last baby 2 years ago. A friend of mine who had been an OB/Gyn patient of hers back when Dr. Shel was still delivering babies at Kelsey Seibold highly recommended Dr. Shel, so I scheduled a "Well Woman" exam - basic health, pap smear, etc. (Of course, I now know that gynecology is actually a very small part of her current practice. A much larger part is devoted to bioidentical hormore therapy. Since becoming one of her patients, I am now on BHRT for slightly low progesterone, and I feel fabulous!)
There were many times during my first appointment that I was "blown away." To begin with, the facility is absolutely beautiful. When I first walked in, I was greeted by a very nice lady who made me feel like a guest in her home, instead of a doctor's office. (She even served me chilled, mint tea in a crystal stemware!) My wait was very short, maybe 5-10 minutes. Next, a very kind nurse escorted me to an exam room which was just as relaxing and well decorated. I hadn't been there long enough to even take off my shoes when Dr. Shel stuck her head in and said, "I'd really like to spend some time getting to know you. Let's just go into my office so you'll be a lot more comfortable." I couldn't believe it...No awkward, incredibly long, nerve-racking wait wearing only a paper napkin. This was definitely new...
Once in her private office, Dr. Shel asked me about, not only my pregnancies, cycles, etc, but also about any current stressors in my life, my sleep patterns, nutrition and exercise habits, changes in my skin, and subsequent anti-aging issues. This 25-30 minute conversation focused 100% on my health and wellness. When it was time for the actual exam, she performed the quickest, least uncomfortable exam/pap I've ever had. During the check-up, she seemed truly interested in even my slightest concerns, so I took a chance on asking her if she knew anything that could be done for a few small, discolored areas that had popped up on my face during my last pregnancy. (They were really only noticeable to me, but still...who wants a facial flaw?) I was pleasantly surprised to hear that, not only could she could prescribe a very effective product to correct the discoloration, she even stocked it! No trip to the pharmacy. I loved the fact that she knew how to fix the problem, had the specific product in-house, and never pressured me into buying anything... It was my decision to make.
All-in-all, I was treated with the utmost respect, and her staff genuinely seemed pleased to have me there.
One thing you should know is that Dr. Shel is fee-for-service. This was explained to me when I scheduled, so I knew I'd be responsible for paying my bill in its entirety when I checked out. If forking out more than your "usual co-pay" isn't something you can do right now, I strongly suggest you a) set aside some money for a while just to be able to experience this kind of attention and care from a physician and b) remember the old addage, "You get what you pay for." After years of going to "doctor mills" where I was one of too many, I can honestly say that I don't mind paying more upfront if it allows Dr. Shel the ability to take such fine care of me and my overall health.
(BTW, in case you're wondering, I did file a claim with my insurance company using a document Dr. Shel's staff printed out for me. I simply had to mail it in and wait on reimbursement.)
Pros: most attentive, most concerned
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