Dr. Denise Rivers, DO

She probably saved my husband’s life. She consulted with his PCP to order the correct tests. Got us an appt the next day. Got us the next steps the day after the appt. Got us an appt with the next specialist two days after that. She personally got on the phone and got us the procedures scheduled. She diagnosed him with something very rare that usually doesn’t get diagnosed until it’s too late. We completely appreciate her knowledge and tenacity and thoroughness.

Arrived at 1:55 for 2:15 appt. Only one other patient in waiting room. Called to the back at 2:55, lady came in and took my vitals. Waiting in small room until 3:45, she never came in. When I left, she was sitting at a desk looking down at something (phone, chart,etc.?) When I exited through the waiting room, no other patients there. Felt as there was no respect for my time. Seemed very inconsiderate. By reviews, seems others have had similar problems.

If you like to waste your time, then Doctor Rivers is for you. waited two hours the first appointment. Sat in a little room for two hours the second appointment. Went outside the room wondering what was going on and there was nobody there. Not one person. No more Dr. rivers for me, she just doesn't care about your time. Also, it was an hour drive to see her.

My sister was hospitalized recently and Nephrology (Dr. Rivers) was consulted to see her. I was not present when this consult occurred-----however, it was her nurse, Stephanie Burgett, APRN who conducted and documented the physical exam at the hospital. We made an appointment with Dr. Rivers one week after discharge---as instructed. When we showed up for the appt., Dr. Rivers was not there. We were seen by her nurse, Ms. Burgett. Ms. Burgett was unable to answer several of my questions and she merely looked at my sisters' ankles--after I asked her to do this. She kept slipping her shoes on and off---very unprofessional behavior. I have absolutely no confidence in Ms. Burgett's practice. Furthermore, my sister should have been seen by the Nephrologist----not her nurse. I would strongly discourage anyone from utilizing Dr. Rivers' practice.

She is the best!! She takes any amount of time you need, but with that, you will have long wait times to see her. She sees patients at multiple locations and does telemedicine also. Her staff are excellent too. Dr. Rivers is very knowledgeable, thorough and explains things to the point they make sense. So whether you are new to needing a Nephrologist for the first time or if you are needing a new Nephrologist. I trust her with my post transplant care. I highly recommend Dr. Rivers.

No professional service I can report. She simply did not show up for two (2) appointments at the Lenoir City location. July 20th, 10:45 - no show. Waited for 1.25 hours. Nobody came out of the secured door to the clinic with any information. Sat there with no contact from anyone. Two patients entered that I noticed. Oct 26th - figured it could not happen again but it did. After about 20 minutes, tech took me into the clinic for standard weight, blood pressure, review of medications, etc. I made it to a patient intake room this time, but nobody showed up after an hour. Heard a few voices in the hallway; gentleman's voice in the room adjacent to mine. Everything then went silent. Read my Kindle; took a few mini-naps to pass the time. Went back to the clinic check in desk to find out what was going on. She had no clue. She did not know if Dr. Rivers was in the clinic. Egregious errors in patient service or lack thereof. Cannot believe this happened once let alone twice.

Dr. Rivers is in short, the best doctor I have ever had and I have had quite a few in the past 30 years. For 10 years as my nephrologist, she has shown herself to be extremely knowledgeable, proactive, honest and kind. Never dumbing down information, she explains in a way that is easy to understand. Many other doctors (maybe from being overworked) simply want the patient in and out in 5 minutes. She takes the time to thoroughly explain all angles of the problem and give honest answers.

There may be a wait time before you get into her office, but it is worth it as Dr. Rivers listens carefully to her patients and seems very good at what she does.

Dr. Rivers is extremely knowledgeable and has always taken care of my Mother's health care needs. We always leave her office with a sense of comfort that the situation is being taken care of. I appreciate her ability to explain things to us so we can understand. I believe she cares a lot about her patients and the time she spends with us proves that to me.