Northwestern Medicine Urology Galter Pavilion

Resident doctor Johnathan Aguiar spoke down to us, was texting someone while answering our questions after waiting 12hrs to see a urologist in the ER. He did not answer a single question without a pompous attitude and should not be allowed to talk to or touch patients. He is new to this profession and will cause people harm with this kind of know it all attitude. Truly unfortunate to see such a jaded and rude young doctor.

I called to speak with a knowledgeable professional regarding what may or may not fall in the urology area. During my call I asked to speak with Dr. Krambeck or a knowledgeable professional to ensure this was the right ‘department’ for my issue. Instead of a knowledgeable professional, I got “William”. Don’t know who he is; didn’t clarify himself but wanted to race to take information and schedule an appointment. Then expected me to explain my symptoms to him, when I’m not entirely sure if I have any…hence needing to ensure I was in the right department. He was not helpful whatsoever, but this was a reminder of how Northwestern Medicine / Memorial hospital makes doctors appointments and taking care of one’s health such an uncomfortable process.

Great medical professionals, good staff, but the receptionists at Northwestern Medicine across the board don’t seem to know how to use the phone system. I had a question about the billing for my surgery, so I was transferred over to billing. They did not know the answer to my question, so they transferred me over to financial counseling, which I did not need. They transferred me to Northwestern of DuPage, who had no idea how to help me, who then transferred me to Neurosurgery. At this point, I was fed up. I have a surgery in urology, and nobody can answer my question because I can’t get a hold of anyone.

I filtered the doctors by insurance on NW website and call the one that accepts mine. After reviewing my insurance this office scheduled the appointment in 15 days. When I arrived on the appointment they told me they don't receive BCBS PPO Choice Gold unless I am a firefighter, police officer or Walgreens employee. How should I know this?!? Why the lady scheduled appointment at the first place?! This is not the approach I would like to have out of my doctors office. They don't care about your time and health...Why would I come here ever again?

In 2017, I had a benign prostatic condition that required treatment. I went to Northwestern Urology Department and was told I needed open prostatectomy which entailed an abdominal incision, at least 2 units of blood, hospital stay of 5 days and 1 month off work. I researched and found that the HoLEP procedure was the treatment of choice for my condition, done at Mayo Clinic, Indiana University, Cleveland Clinic and other places in the US. I went to Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN and had the procedure under general anesthesia. No transfusion of blood was needed, the catheter was removed the next morning and I was on my way home by 1 pm, back to work 2 days later, and have had no problems since. I wrote to the Chairman of the Department of Urology to ask why I wasn't told about this procedure