North Sound Pediatrics

Couldn’t be more disgusted. He was my husband and sister in laws pediatrician so we decided to have him for our son. The first visit his extremely incompetent nurse came in with vaccinations for my son. I explained he had already had them. She goes on to patronize me that they recommend children to have them but it’s my choice. I explained about 5 times to her that he had already had those vaccinations and did not need them again. Strike 1. Dr Shlafer then came in for no more than 2 minutes. Spoke at me, not to me and I didn’t get a single word in. Next visit, jax has an extremely high temperature, fever, had been vomiting and was visibly in pain. Dr Shlafer was the THIRD person to stick things in my distressed 19 month old sons ears and mouth. He determined that he had an infection in both ears and needed antibiotics. My appointment was at 4:40 (I got seen at 5:10) and they closed at 5. The incompetent nurse said she’d send the prescription through to my local Safeway. I drove to Safeway to pick it up and they hadn’t been sent through a prescription. I tried to contact Dr Shlafer with no luck, leaving numerous voice mails with no reply. In the end I made the decision to go to my local out of hours clinic as he was burning up and needed medication. Two doctors visits in one day are not covered by my healthcare so it cost me $ 240 out of pocket in total. Which we cannot afford. I phoned Dr Shlafer the next morning at 9am, explained the situation and politely requested that they reimburse or cancel the visit due to the error the nurse had made the evening before, not to mention the further distress my son endured by having to see ANOTHER doctor and not get home until 9pm and many tears of frustration from us both. She rudely said they will not and Dr Shlafer said for me to go ahead and find another clinic and that he won’t see Jax anymore. I can’t express well enough how sick that makes me. An egotistical, arrogant, selfish man who not only refuses to help a family in need, but cuts ties with long term patients just like that. Because I needed to get medication to my son because of his error. Do not put your child in the hands of this horrendous man.

Dr. Schlafer is an amazing physician. As an RN with years of critical care experience, I can honestly say that Dr. Schlafer is one of the most intelligent and experienced doctors I have ever met (and I have worked with hundreds). He is compassionate and takes the time to get to know his patients. He can always back up why he does something and is truly driven by doing what is best for his patients. His years of experience and passion for taking care of patients AND families are unique attributes that are hard to find. His office is welcoming and his staff is wonderful. Would highly recommend.

Doctor Schlafer is pretty good. He’s a straight shooter, and knows how to put anxious parents at ease when they are worrying about their little ones.
He could do MUCH better in the staff he hires, however. The idiot at the reception desk always seems preoccupied, and never gives us a proper receipt for our account payment. A forty dollar balance keeps reappearing even after it has been paid in full. But the receipts we get never state «paid in full», and she seems at a loss as to how to make it show that… hmmm INK PEN and initials?
Yesterday, an INTERN came in to see our son, not the doctor (at first). I know that interns need to learn, but they need to learn under supervision. I didn’t even like having to answer her questions, and I did not like her examining my son unsupervised.
The person that gave him his 6 month shots needs to get out of the medical field. She jabbed our son so hard in the thighs with the three shots, you could hear her hand slapping his thigh. He was screaming bloody murder! The young guy that gave him his first shots was super skilled and professional… our son didn’t cry one tear. Not sure where that guy is now, but they need him. That one woman will never touch our son again!
We might go find another doctor.

Dr. Shlafer is pretty cool. He has been the doctor to my kids for a few years as we have not had an issue with him. He knows my kids by name and spends a good time with us in the room. The office is run a little different than other pediatric offices but I kind of like that in a way. It is more laid back than what I’m used to.
The front desk is always kind. If you need to get in you will get in and usually same day! I really appreciate that. If you have a concern dr. Shlafer does listen and is not intimidating. Also, you will always have a chance to see the actual doctor, where in other offices I would see a different person many times and usually a nurse. So, why not a five star? Sometimes, the nursing staff is not the most friendly and seem very serious. It would drive me crazy that they didn’t address my kids, not even a hello. So, why a five star? When I decided to talk to dr. Shlafer about it, he welcomed the feedback and I felt heard! I do think he will make these changes so that each visit is a five star for me and my family. Thank you!

Went here for all the great reviews, big mistake. This doctor is very much out of touch and it felt like taking my children to see my grandpa. When I expressed concerns about my daughter’s behavior and looking for some help he gave me a look like I was stupid and blew the whole thing off. She also failed a hearing test and the way he tested her hearing was singing some song while sitting by the ear, real scientific. I would only take your child here if you have zero actual concerns about them. Otherwise I doubt you’ll get any real medical advice.

Dr. Schlafer came highly recommend to me and I had no problems with him and only minor problems with his office until I brought my daughter in respiratory distress in. She collapsed in the waiting room and I was unable yo get her up as I also had her infant brother in a baby carrier on me and she was totally unresponsive. It was really scary as a mom to have that happen and not one single staff member helped me carry her (eventually another mom did). None of the staff even asked if she was alright. She ended up with tons of breathing treatments at the children’s er due to scary low o2 stats. Furthermore, when I finally did see dr Schlafer after a very long wait for such a sick kid he suggested I go down the street with my two babies who weren’t walking and no stroller to get a chest xray as he didn’t have the machine and then come back with my two non walkers and no stroller. That’s when I decided the care was insufficient and left for children’s where the care was excellent! Don’t waste your time here

We have been long time patients of Dr. Shlafer for over 16 years, have a new found appreciation for him every time we talk with family friends about their experiences. The personal service, dedication, and persistence we get from Dr. Shlafer is unparalleled, and far above the norm. This is why we recommend him to anyone that will listen.
With four kids, we have seen our share of medical issues and emergencies. Dr. Shlafer is humble, yet confident, and he is always laser focused on the best interest of his patient. He won’t always tell you what you want to hear, but instead he will provide you with a balanced, researched, and heart felt medical opinion. He will be your best advocate in your biggest times of need.
He has amassed a wealth of knowledge and first hand experiences throughout his career, yet he is always willing to admit if something is outside of his scope. Dr. Shlafer maintains a strong network of the best doctors in the Northwest, and will never leave a patient hanging when in need. If he can’t help, he will get you to the front of the line with someone who can.
Personally, we look to Dr. Shlafer as a friend and an extension of our family. Our children look forward to visiting Dr. Shlafer, and love his great sense of humor. After over 16 years we still hear new jokes every time we visit, and no one can get a smile out of a sick kid like he can.
Sincerely,
Catherine and Jesse Thompson (and the whole family!)

Dr. Shlafer has been our pediatrician since the birth of my daughters who are now 20 and 17. The youngest was born 6 weeks premature and doctor came by to see her in the hospital every day on his way home. His dedication and compassion for his patients goes above and beyond other experiences you may have had with other doctors. I have also received excellent service and care from the staff at North Sound. I am writing this tonight from Texas. We are here visiting colleges and had a medical emergency. Guess who was available to help us? It doesn’t matter what the problem, Dr. Shlafer always knows what to do. As a busy working mom, I have put my complete trust in this doctor for the past 20 years and he comes with my highest recommendation.

I’m so glad we moved back to the area & my 2 ½ year old has Dr Schlafer again as her Dr. Amazing Dr & amazing staffs. It’s always such an awesome experience coming to this office.

My kids have been seeing Dr. Shlafer since birth (they are now 14 & 11). We LOVE him! He has always been a calm, dedicated doctor. He’s at the forefront of what’s new in pediatric healthcare. He’s never hesitated to send us to a specialist when needed. My kids have never been afraid to «go to the doctor». I have recommended him over and over again.

Dr. Shlafer is an AMAZING doctor. He genuinely cares for each of his patients. He seeks to find the cause of a health issue rather than use medication to cover the symptoms. His staff and nurses are great too! The waiting area is clean and I’ve rarely had to wait for any significant amount of time anyway. My kids also LOVE going to the doctors, even when they’re sick, it’s always been a good experience for them.

Lobby is crowded and not clean. Doc no longer accepted our insurance but never bothered to send us a letter or notify us when we scheduled the appointment (kids have been going there for 8 yrs). The doctor and receptionist offered no apology. Apparently taking time off work and taking my son out of school for an appointment that he NEEDED to participate in sports, was of no concern to them. Very disappointing.