Dr. Astrid R Von Walter, MD

I saw her a few years ago and I had gained a bit of weight due to a prescription I was prescribed. After the exam, she pulled me into her office and lectured me about my weight, giving me pamphlets I didn’t want. It was embarrassing and condescending. I went for an annual checkup, not to be lectured about my weight. I’ve never had any other ob/gyn do this. If it was from a regular physician, I’d understand. But now I’m hesitant to go to any ob/gyn because of her.

I was advised to have an emergency procedure within 7 days of my consultation. I was told by the practice administrator that I would have to pay a deposit before surgery which is now 4 days away. There was some negotiating of what I needed to pay in order to have the procedure. Unfortunately this has not come during the most appropriate time, so I told her what I could pay to keep the surgery date. Well as of now it looks like what was once an emergency cannot be done until I pay no less than the amount quoted. Kathy was very uncaring, and rude about my financials. It felt like a used car sales pitch, I'll do/did this for you so this amount I'm asking should work for you. I hope, Kathy, you can place yourself in my shoes and see if you would accept such bad treatment. Taking into account that it is an emergency, yet another bill along with your attitude and behavior is very disappointing and stressful. During our conversation i felt projected as as customer and a patient that expects… caring and compassion from all staff during a time when they are vulnerable. We need to know you really care and unfortunately your choice of words and attitude did not come across as such. You were not doing me any favors. I did not ask for the procedure, it is an emergency.I am a patient not a customer.

Recommend 100%. The office staff is welcoming, friendly and very professional. Short waiting times, flexible appts and clean practice. I see Dr. Gonzalez and I only have positive things to say about her. She is lovely, she takes the time to seat down with you and cover the pros and cons of the procedures or symptoms. She is not the type of doctor that is rushing through the appt. I had surgery done with her and she was wonderful, even provided a private personal tel number for us to call if we needed help after surgery. It called my attention that on surgery day at Shady Grove Hospital, everybody in the prep and recovery room spoke highly of her. I feel blessed to have Dr. Gonzalez as my GYN and hope she stays in this area for a long time.

I cannot rate accurate diagnosis yet because we are still running test,however Dr. Gonzales was extremely knowledgeable. Follow up after visit pending, I just saw her today. I must say I was very impressed and I like her way of doing business. :)