Marguerite Welding, ARNP

I made an appointment to see Dr Azar but instead I was shuffled off to this Nurse Practitioner. I was there for the doctor to clear me for knee surgery. She suggested that I was in need of a respirator. When I ask why, she stated that I am not getting enough rest due to my breathing being obstructed. I never told her that I had sleep issues. When I stated, with all due respect, I would like to see the doctor. She stated that I had to see her first before I could see the doctor which would not be today. At that time, she started lecturing me and making wild statements. This is her report that she gave me on a note pad, Lung Function Test. F-up Appt. Dr Azar Dr Romero Fischmann. Home Sleep Test. Thumb Ring. O2 - 94, HR - 75, BP - 126-84. Then today I received a bill for $75.00 co-pay, and they charged my insurance $392.72. All in all, I still did not receive my clearance for surgery, as she told me that she would not sign off. In 66 years, I have never been played like I was with her.

I have been dealing with her for over 10 years. I have never had such a caring and concerned healthcare worker. She explains things in a way you can understand and is not condescending.

Stay away from her. The office tries to shuffle you off to her. She is unprofessional!

She needs to learn to speak to patients as if we were adults. She is useless when it comes to diagnosis, care and treatment. She states you're an inactive patient between appointments. I refused to see her when my appointment was with Dr. Azar due to my previous experiences dealing with her as a health professional. The doctor had refilled my prescription, my appointment with his was scheduled for the following day. He was not available for our appointment and was told I would have to see her. I asked to reschedule my appointment to see the doctor. Marguerite called my pharmacy to cancel my refill and was left without medication for the treatment of my COPD. I never encountered such a vindictive clinical healthcare "professional."

Her medical advice is the same every time, and it's presented on a 3rd grade level. Her attitude comes off as sweet and caring; however, she is the gatekeeper away from Dr. Azar, who knows what he's doing and is a lifesaver. Whenever I see her and not Dr. Azar, I end up remaining ill or become sicker, sometimes to the point of hospitalization. I now avoid her by clearly stating, while making my appointment with Dr. Azar, that I will not see Marguerite. If you want poor advice and a lecture, by all means, make your appointment with her.