Tidewater Physicians For Women

I’ve been going to this practice for many years just for my favorite doctor… but he died and since then I see a NP. All I need is my annual Pap which the NP is perfect for that. I get my mammogram through my family physician and they don’t like it… they told me so. But I choose to get my annual check up with my favorite family doctor and I am not changing labs. One doctor told me to surgically remove my breast because I got my period early at age 11 and because I did not nurse my two kids… and so I am a statistic. A female doctor = an idiot. Another suggested to use a condom and I said that I’m 56 and I’ve been married thirty years and so I didn’t need one… secure in my relationship… and the comment from the female doctor was, «are you sure about that.» How rude… a total b-​ch. The girls at the front desk used to be extremely rude but a week I visited the office for my annual and noticed new front desk girls that seemed to have good customer service. Overall, I don’t trust the doctors there… but the NP are great for your annual.

I am pregnant with my first child. I went with TPW because the doctors delivered at Sentara Leigh (my preferred hospital). I should’ve known I would have a less than stellar experience, based on my initial phone call. The office staff was, shall we say, less than courteous. I was set up with an appointment and I came to the office 30 minutes early to fill out paperwork. It took me almost an hour to go back into the office. Apparently, there was a couple of emergencies that came up with other patients, so their issues were more important than me. Way to make me feel welcome. Long story short, I was at that office from 1230−430pm that afternoon. Oh, and when I went about paying the balance on my account, the woman that answered the phone was very condescending. Thank god I am now seeing another doctor… I’m just sad that these people made my first ever pregnancy appointment a horrible experience.

I was seen by Dr. Fontaneres and I was highly offended by her remarks. I went in for a follow up 6 month exam. I was asking her about the fibroids that she found in my uterus. Then she found a cyst in my breast. She made a remark about if I had a donor and «does he know.» I am engaged and am getting married. I thought this judgemental and uncalled for. I was told that I need to get a mammogram right away. I had already scheduled one for 2−17−15. I scheduled my own mammogram for 2 – 17 to get an ultra sound digitally. She told me I needed to go to Leigh Memorial because she gets her records easier from them. I decided to get a second opinion. The staff was less than pleasant. Very unprofessional and did not follow through with what they promised. I waited 2 days and never got a return phone call about my mammogram from Dr. Fontaneres office. Her LPN Jen Shipe was very rude over the phone and stated she didn’t tell me that she was going to call me the same day. I took time off from work to go get my medical charts.

Dr. Bertolino is great. She felt like a friend as well as my doctor during my C section. Most doctors just show up, do their thing and let the nurses do the rest, but she talked with me and the staff like friends while I was being prepped. Really calmed my frazzled nerves. It’s rare to find a doctor that can be excellent and professional while being warm, friendly and talking to a patient on the same level.
The ladies at the front desk are always sweet and helpful. The vital-​takers are hit or miss. Some of them are very nice while some seem to dislike their job and can’t be bothered to fake conversation or a smile. One time I had blood drawn was unpleasant. The girl was rough and seemed to be in a hurry. I had a big bruise later.
Overall, I’m happy with TPW.

I’ve been coming here for my yearly exams since I moved to Virginia Beach almost 7 years ago. I really like this newer clean location on Healthy Way off S Plaza Trail right near the Harris Teeter and new Marshalls.
I’ve seen a few of the doctors here due to schedule issues and all have been kind and attentive.
The exam rooms are cold but clean and I have no complaints.