Dr. Henri F W Merrick, MD

Horrible every appointment takes more than TWO hours the doctor is never there

My experience was horrible. I have children with major issues and although with my initial conversation, I thought it would be promising once I got to the office I waited two hours, then only saw the doctor for a brief moment. I needed referrals that I never received and every time I spoke to someone about it they would tell me they are sending them. I am usually very patient but my children have to many health issues for no responses. If you have a lot going on with your children it might not be the best place to go.

The wait time is awful! She is great with yearly physicals and regular checkups but as far as identifying chronic medical problems and referrals to specialists have not been very good. Time to find another doctor for my kids adapt!

The wait time is always awful. You should never have to wait more than 15 minutes past your appointment time.

Love love love Dr Merrick! I have two kids that see her she is very thorough. The staff has always been very friendly from day 1. There is usually a lengthy wait but you understand why when you see her and she takes her time with you, and I'd rather her take her time then rush people in and out. I would recommend her to anyone.

I'm only giving this place one star b/c it's the bare minimum that can be given. This is a horrible office! It doesn't make sense to make an appointment b/c you end up waiting 2 hrs regardless. Also, it shouldn't take 3 days to have a refil called into a pharmacy. The people at the front desk are unprofessional and rude and the office is dingy! They seem to take a lot of lower income patients, so maybe that's the reason why the feel the can off subpar service, but it's unacceptable. I shouldn't have to make a Dr.'s appointment for a routine refill. It's just another way for the office to get a co-pay & bill the insurance company!

She is always over booked,and if you do have an appointment you will be waiting for a least 3 hours.

We've been with Dr. Merrick for almost 18 years and have seen the slow decline in her staff and the clientel. My children have had some major health issues, and I couldn't ask for a better doctor to see me through difficult times. Trying to get ahold of her is difficult and her staff, well....they just seem rushed and annoyed most days. Af few PA's or RN's seem to care and will take the time to explaine, but overal, the staff is just not good. As for the privious poster, yes, she does have a large Hispanic population and that just reflects the times and the area she services. Dispite the long wait times, Dr. Merrick is knowledgable, caring and diligent if you follow through. Yes, the phone system makes me crazy, but we have chosen to stay with her because of the relationship my kids have with her and how comfortable they are seeing her even now that they are in their teens.

Dr. Merrick is a wonderful doctor, very thorough and caring, however the wait time to see her is a bit outrageous. I have tolerated it as long as I could, because to me, she was worth it, but when my 5-month was sick, and no one would return my calls, that was it. As for the reviewer who commented on her hispanic patients, staff, and outdated phone system, I think that was very judgemental and a little ignorant. Dr. Merrick seems to be the type of Dr. who does not like to turn ANYONE away. And yes, she is old-school, so perhaps her technology is not up to date, but she makes up for it with wisdom, expertise, and compassion. It hurt me to change doctors, but I felt it was for the best for me and my children, because of the distance, long wait times, and unreturned phone calls. She's the best pediatrician I've ever seen, but stretched to thin I'm afraid.

Doctor may be OK but the support staff at the office is the worst in the Columbia area. Go soemwhere else.