Dr. Earl Rodney Hornbake, MD

Dr Hornbake made a wrong diagnosis and refused to change his mind as my symptoms were worsening. I had no choice but to go see another doctor who treated me with the right medicine.

This Doctor has the rudest staff. They made my 76 year old mother cry because she was late (20 minutes) in getting my father, who has dementia, and is difficult to move, to his appointment. The receptionist had zero empathy or compassion, and would not even ask the doctor if he could be seen. My mom is not a cryer, nor is she rude. She is quite nice. This behavior was totally unacceptable, and inconceivably mean and unhelpful to a lady in distress. I would not recommend this doctor's office at all.

We have so many complaints but here are a few. Recently, we called and left a message requesting an emergency appt. when my husband was sick and feared he might have pneumonia. Receptionist returned call only to tell him the Dr. was not in the office that day and wouldn't be back until Friday. He asked to see another Dr. and was told he had to see Dr. Hornbake and to call back on Friday. I called back and spoke to another Dr. inthe practice's receptionist who explained they couldn't give us an appt because Dr. Hornbake was in fact, in the office. She connected me with Dr. Hornbakes office mgr who gave us an appt.for that same day and claimed that neither she nor the other receptionist there spoke with my husband that day and they were the only ones there. So did a ghost receptionist call us back and deny us an appt.? The other receptionist later admitted speaking with my husband but completely denied refusing him an appt. There were other times we were refused appts when Dr. Hornbake… was available. Several times when the call went to their voice mail and I left a message early in the day, explaining I was sick and wanted to see the Dr. as soon as possible, they simply never called back. Today I called there to ask about having blood work done to check for diabetes and was told she would call me back after speaking with the Dr. and simply never bothered to call me back. I waited all day for the call. There is a disturbing, general lack of concern there. one time I had to insist on a prescription for pain pills when I sprained my lower back and could barely walk. I have only used pain pills a hanful of times in the past, after surgeries, so no reason for him to suspect abuse. Even still, he made me come in to the office in tears I was in such pain and gave me a prescription for 5 pills of the lowest dose. How embarrassing to bring that to the pharmacist. He always seems uninterested in hearing our concerns or sypmtoms and refuses to prescribe any type of medical testing. Only reason we are still going there is because we are on a long wait list for a Doctor who actually seems to care about the well being of his patiens and runs a professional practice.

I've been going to Dr Hornbake for awhile now. I brought my husband in to see him about a year ago. My husband has some serious health issues. Dr Hornbake became his primary care doctor knowing this and has been great with him. He's been attentive, caring and he's on top of all his medical issues and the complications that go along with them. On more than one occasion due to his knowledge and immediate treatment my husband has been spared from trips to the hospital or emergency clinic. His follow-up is second to none and my husband looks forward to his regular visits. He's also very aware of the demands on the caregiver and has taken time to talk to me when I needed it. The location in Essex isn't great for handicap parking (one space)and it is on a hill but overall it's minor considering all the positives and the peace of mind we both have with this doctor.

Initially, I found Dr Hornbake to be attentive; however, as health complications developed he was oddly hands-off. My grasp of health situation had been welcomed until a new series of episodes occurred. At this juncture, he refused to make an appointment and relied instead on the local emergency clinic to handle and keep him informed. He appeared to be threatened by my involvement in developing a plan of care.Please choose this doctor as long as you are well. Once you try to partner with him, he takes it as a challenge - then watch out. You no longer can get his attention and woe to those who don't know better. He is not collaborative. Finally, the office is NOT handicap accessible. Only 1 handicapped parking space near the office on the crest of a steep hill and the parking spot is ALWAYS occupied. The office itself has zero accommodation for handicapped persons: doorways, hallways and exam rooms not widened; thresholds not flat; no exterior door automatic mechanisms.

he is the best, smartest and most caring provider i have ever met. Made a visit to a nursing to do a work up on my late mother in law's dementia after a simple request.SMART and great sense of humor, great teacher too.

Over the years I have had a number of physicians, but none were better than Dr. Rodney Hornbake. His physical exams are thorough. He takes the time to carefully explain your condition, possible complications and alternative treatments (he is a born teacher). The waiting time is short because he does not over-schedule his patients. The office staff is courteous and efficient.