Sand Point Internists

I have to say that I absolutely LOVE Dr. Cooper. However, due to the experiences I’ve had trying to get in to see her, I ill no longer be using her as my doctor. That makes me sad.
A few months back, I was extremely sick and was told there was no way anyone in the office could see me for at least 2 weeks. Really? They don’t leave openings in the schedule for acutely sick people? Fine, I went to urgent care.
Today, I called to schedule an appointment and was immediately put on hold. I waited for ten minutes and then hung up. I figured they forgot about me. So I called back. The woman who answered the phone started to put me on hold immediately and I said, «but I was just on hold for 10 minutes». Her answer was «I’m with a patient!». And she put me back on hold.
I was stunned. She could have said «I’m so sorry that you waited so long, but we are really busy at the front desk». Or something other than making me feel like I was intruding on her time.
So I waited for 8 more minutes on hold. I finally hung up again and decided that I am done with Sand Point Internists.
RUDE RUDE RUDE.

I was genuinely surprised to see R.S.‘s review and experience with Sandpoint Internists because I have been a patient at this office of at least ten years and have only had tremendous care. I have the highest regard for both the medical and non-​medical staff. My original doctor, Gurinder Sahi left the practice, so I have been seeing his replacement, Mark Lacambra since he arrived. I was very pleased with the care I received from Dr. Sahi and so far, my experience with Dr. Lacambra has been at least equal to Dr. Sahi.
Like everyone, my interactions at Sandpoint Internists have been both planned (e.g. annual physical) and unplanned (e.g. broken nose). At the times when the appointment is planned, things pretty much run like clockwork. I can’t ever remember an unreasonable wait (see my review of the Gene Juarez Academy) and the actual physical has always been professional, routine and informative. (Even when I’m having my prostate examined. Oy, getting older sucks!) I’ve never felt rushed or like the doctor is either cutting corners or padding my bill. There is a high emphasis placed on preventative medicine and the advice I receive is both appropriate for my age as well as my lifestyle.
Yes, I need to exercise more.
At times when my visit has been unplanned, things also run remarkably smoothly although a certain amount of waiting is to be expected, when the staff has essentially created an appointment slot for you out of thin air. The staff has never once turned me away when I felt it imperative to get in to see a doctor – any doctor on staff. At those times, I’ve seen a few other doctors including Dr. Emily Cooper who I also like very much, but who is now at Sandpoint Internists’ other location by U. Village. (Another doctor I can recommend at that location is Dr. Joan Olson, who has been my wife’s primary care physician for at least a dozen years and who my wife trusts completely.)
Sandpoint Internists is affiliated with Northwest Hospital, which I understand is now part of UW Medicine. The building the practice is housed in has anything you need on a routine visit: a radiology department, labs, a physical therapy facility, etc. If your medical needs require more sophisticated care or diagnostics, Northwest Hospital is less than a mile away as are other high quality medical providers such as Via Radiology. The only downside is that the building management charges for parking, which I think is a rip-​off, this isn’t Capital Hill after all. Still, that’s on the building management, not on Sandpoint Internists.

There have been a three seperate instances now where I have been disappointed with my doctor and his staff. Today was the last straw and I think I should do msyelf a favor and find a new doctor. Dr. Lacambra is very nice in person and very patient when you are face to face with him. I really liked him each time I’ve seen him in office which is why I have continued however my issues have been trying to get a hold of someone when you call in. His nurse is horrible!!! They do not return phone calls in a timely manner even when you tell them it’s urgent! When the nurse finally called back on Friday at 4:30 she was incredibly cold and rude and offered no empathy or help. She proceeded to tell me it was my fault and I should have called sooner! Uh yea I tried! For people who are supposed to be in the business of caring and helping people it sure doesn’t feel like that was a priority to them. Even after I told her how she was coming off on the phone she was unapologetic and continued on with her cold and condescending attitude. I will NOT be coming back here again!