Rheumatology

I just had one of the most unprofessional and disgusting phone calls I’ve ever experienced from Albany Med Rheumatology’s scheduling department. A receptionist who identified herself as Tameekia (not sure of the spelling) called me today regarding a referral that my doctor submitted back in May 2025. It is now September 2025, and instead of calling to actually schedule me, she asked if I was “still interested” in an appointment for next year. When I asked her for the first available appointment date, I was shocked to hear that the soonest they could see me would be September 2026 — more than a year away. Not only was this delay unacceptable, but her tone was rude, condescending, and unprofessional. When I calmly asked her to check her attitude, she hung up the phone on me. I even had to

Dr. Ngo has been the only doctor to listen to me and run a huge panel of labs (no less then 17). He also doesn't go just based solely on labs either (however my one early panel detected it along with my symptoms and I got my DX after 12 years). At first I thought he was rather gruff but he wants to listen and get to the point right away which I respect. I have messaged through the portal and it does take him awhile to get back in touch but he has called me on a Sunday night, messaged in the middle of the night - so gone above and beyond! He is one person, never had an issue with any of the staff either.

I find Dr. Ngo to be great in-person, sadly, he is nearly impossible to see nor is he clear in communications through myChart. Alb Med needs to hire more rheumatologists, the two that are at this clinic are overbooked and patients are not getting adequate care. Getting an appointment even scheduled takes multiple followups from the patient, they will not call you back. I'm having issues with my treatment and was scheduled for a follow-up 8 months in the future, yet we had both agreed at the appointment for a 3-4 months follow-up. Alb Med please address this.

When Dr Pedero ran this practice its wonderful with Dr Bari and Dr Bhatt. During pandemic they left practice under Dr Ngo. If I could give NO STARS rating to him I would. He Never calls back. He kept ordering infusions for me I did not need. Never gives blood test results I called every month for 2 years for an appt with no call backs. That practice awful. The only one great is the Secretary Alexandra. Shame on ALBANY MED

I have never had a medical professional show,ask,and spend that much time with me. Was a different approach and appointment I've ever had,and there have been too many to count. Cannot thank and be more grateful to this office. Much love to being human and caring