Dr. Joseph Henry Avery III, MD

Very thorough - a doctor that cares about his patients and not treat them like a medical assembly line. He's honest and only give you what you need.

He is one of best doctor I have had in over 10 + years! As well as is trained team at Medstar Clinton Maryland. Even when Doctor Avary was in DC Capitol Hill area office.

Dr. Avery is an excellent doctor. He get's right to the point. Be up front with what's going on with you and things will move faster.

I have been seeing Dr. Avery for 20+ years. The reason I continue to go to him is because he is thorough. He explains everything to me in laymen terms. There has not been one time I have left his office without totally understanding what was going on with me medically. Sure, there have been time when he had admonish me for being overweight but I know in the end it is my fault that I overindulge and gain the weight. For every symptom I have, he has some literature he shares with me to give me a better understand of my medical problem. I will continue my services with him as my primary care physician and would highly recommend his services. He is patient, interactive with the patient, allows you to ask questions, he doesn't rush you through the exam and is very concerned about your health and well being.

Great Doctor, caring, prompt service, professional staff.

I sure do miss Dr. Avery; wish he was here in TX! Have not found a doctor here that even comes close to how gentle, caring, professional and not to mention the courteous staff that makes a complete office.

Here are some examples of what I have encountered: 1. The office does not accept credit cards for co-payments under $20.00 and my co-payment amount is $15.00. They do not make this information readily available at all, but instead tell you at time of payment. On one occasion, the receptionist told me that I had to go down the block to an ATM to take out money (neglecting to look at the fact that I came into the office because of pains in my leg). I returned 2 minutes after my scheduled appointment because I had to run and get cash to pay, then was placed at the back of the line for waiting patients and was not seen for another hour, while watching the patients scheduled after me being seen first (even after repeated complaints). 2. The doctor has by far the worst bedside manner I have ever seen from a doctor, and that says a lot since my mother worked for a local health care system while I grew up and I have known many doctors. He comes into the office with a grimace on his… face, often walking into exam rooms without knocking, then proceeds to make you feel bad about even coming into the office (usually demining you for wanting to see him). 3. I have been misdiagnosed on multiple occasions. One example included the doctor telling me that boils I had growing were no problem and that there was no need to pop them even though I told him it hurt a lot. When I went to a specialist for a second opinion, instantly he popped them and told me it was dangerous not to. This is not the only example however. 4. Finally, the most recent experience is a clear violation of HIPPA policies and is what is finally driving me to go without a PCP for a while and just wait for a new one (as well as to finally send this email) - I recently injured my ankle and after a week of no improvement and increasing amounts of pain, I went to see the doctor. He provided 2 referrals - one for physical therapy and one for an x-ray to ensure the problem was not just with my tendons. He specifically told me to not begin physical therapy until he reviewed the x-rays. After not hearing from the office for 4 days, I called to ask the status of his review. The receptionist then proceeded to tell me that I was wrong and that they had never received any x-rays (and apparently she had no idea they had even requested them). So, she told me that I had to call the radiology clinic and figure out what happened. After I called over, the radiology clinic provided the date and time listed on the time stamp for when they were faxed to the office. I called the office back to only get yelled at again by the receptionist and told her that the x-rays were being re-faxed. She said the doctor would review them and call me back that day. So, three days later, I called the office back and ask about the status of the review. The receptionist had no idea the doctor had been asked to review the x-rays and presented him the records that morning and would call me back. I never received a call back and I called the office back in the afternoon only to receive a message that it closes at 2:00 PM. It has now been over a full week since I took time off to see the doctor initially because the pain was getting unbearable, and due to the incompetency and the blatant disregard of patient records through losing my x-rays, my ankle is hurting more and more, but I am afraid to start physical therapy until a doctor tells me that I am ok to do so.

He didnt listen to me and my concerns. He made his own opinion of me and my lifestyle from former patients. Although he did spend time explaining my blood test results when I asked him for more info on one issue he went on and on about what he thought the issue was instead of listenig to me and my family history. Overall he rude and short with patients.Im seeking a second opinion and will not be going back!

Very smart fellow. Easy to talk to. Cares about his patients. Tells you what you need to be told in a firm but nice way.

Very unprofessional...very short with me, and talks down to me. Doesnt listen to anything. Very defensive, long wait times to be seen.