Vanderbilt Rheumatology Franklin

Years ago when I first saw Dr Steigelfest I may have given him 4 stars but not now. After 6 years I went back to see him regarding my fibromyalgia per my PCP’s recommendation. I had been having major flares and was miserable. I work full-​time and can not take pain killers or muscle relaxers for relief. So since it had been so long and since I was having other strange symptoms, I took the time to document the symptoms and questions that I had. I gave it to the nurse when she was checking me in. I waited in the room approximately 15 mins for the Dr which on average is not bad. He came in and I asked me why I was there. Hmmm first strike. So when I alluded to the list that I provided to the nurse he said «oh yes» glanced at it for 2 seconds and then laid it down on the counter. Strike 2. He was not at all how I remembered him 6 years ago — he seemed very rushed very uninterested. Offered nothing besides pharmaceuticals & a gluten free diet. I clearly stated I would not be taking narcotics or anti-​depressants for fibro — so he recommended gluten free diet for 4 weeks. Then he said «do you have any questions» to which I responded «yes I gave you a whole list of them». He looked down answered a few questions and seemed annoyed for having to do so. Strike 3. Then upon leaving another patient recommends checking out a study that Vandy was doing on fibro — not Dr not nurse, but another patient. When I called the number about the study — no one called back. I did the gluten free diet for 4 weeks. It was actually not bad but unfortunately did nothing to help the fibro. I did not go back for my follow-​up — I want a Dr that takes the time to really listen. Moving on. This is one of the reasons why I have switched from Vanderbilt Dr’s to Heritage Medical Dr’s.

I changed Rheumy doctors since my old one moved out of the area. I started to see Dr. Eli Stiegelfest here in the Cool Springs office. I USED to see a Dr. who was nowhere near as thorough as Dr. Stiegelfest, and this Dr. actually listens! Plus the advice I have been given so far has been better too. Very happy I had to change because it’s been for the better!
I never have any trouble getting appointments myself but I am flexible & I make them way in advance so I always get what works for me.
As to what a previous reviewer said about having to wait more than 10 minutes… OMG, where has this person been living, under a rock? ALL doctor offices have some sort of a wait & MANY are 10 – 30 minute waits if not MORE and YES on a regular basis! Yes my time is valuable too but good grief, this person must be cosseted all the time! It has NOTHING to do with how you are valued as a patient & more to do with the state of healthcare in this day and age. Not very many Rheumy’s, a ton of patients in the area, so there’s high demand. The docs do what they can but sorry they can’t get to you as quickly as U need them to, Princess!
Back to a realistic review:
The staff are really nice so that makes for a more enjoyable visit. The only drawback I can see is, checking in and out is annoying. There’s always a line & to be honest it’s not that easy for me to stand due to my RA so I don’t like when they have lines & they aren’t moving people in & out quick enough. The staff up front are great with the exception of 1 lady. I hate to say anything mean but bless her heart it takes her FOREVER to check u in or out. I try to avoid her window because of that. The other ladies can move 3 – 4 people thru their window whereas she will still be working on getting that 1 person dealt with. AND it’s not hard what she does. So I won’t be ugly & call out which one it is but if u go, you’ll quickly see which one it is. She is very nice so I wish she would get moved to the back office instead of the front windows.
Anyway that is the only thing I have to say negative about the office and to their credit, they have addressed this issue once. They’ve recently hired more staff in the front but honestly they actually need 3 – 4 checkin/​out staff at the windows at all times if u ask me! But, I won’t not go here just because of that since it has nothing to do with my medical care. Compared to other offices, this is minor.
I like the Dr’s there, the others I have heard good reports on as well from other patients so don’t think u have to worry about which doc to get in to.
Also they do have a very helpful perk that my old Centennial Dr. did not have. Vandy has their own «myhealth website» that u can access to read your lab work or send a msg. to the Dr. or office, see when your next appointments are & such. I REALLY love this feature because I am more of a techy person so I like having access to info. like this.

Dr may be brilliant and talented, however, if an appointment cannot be kept (on time) it all seems null. My time is valuable also, to not keep an appointment is rude, no matter who you are or what you do!!! To require me to wait says a lot about how I’m valued as a patient. I can see 10 minutes or so, or longer occasionally, however, over 30 minutes on a regular bases– not acceptable.

Having a chronic condition that requires twice a year visits to a rheumatologist sucks. Buuuut, on a positive note, I am always the youngest one in the waiting room by at least 20 years. :)
I have been going to Vanderbilt Rheumatology for over 7 years now. They are located in Cool Springs on Mallory Ln. I see Dr. Eli Steigelfest and Julie Barnes NP. The waiting room is very big and the office staff is always nice and patient. I feel like Dr. Steigelfest and Julie Barnes both are easy to talk to and take the time to answer all my questions. The only complaint I have is that it is very difficult to get an appointment with Dr. Steigelfest sometimes. He books up pretty quickly. However, when you can’t get in to see him you can usually get in to see Julie, which is fine with me.
Tip: If you have to do labs, ask for Cindy to take your blood if you have hard veins to locate. She’s the only one who can find mine on the first try and not leave bruises on me. :)