Laurie A. Tarnell, MD

Dr. Tarnell is wonderful, the best!

She is smart and kind which is what I look for in a PCP.

I went to Dr. Laurie Tarnell because my old PCP retired. Maybe it was because I was new to her and we didn't have any sort of relationship, but I found her "bedside manner" to be rigid and humorless. I could tell she was very courteous, knowledgeable and dedicated to her profession, and maybe things would have felt more at ease with time, but she was not a good fit for me. And more importantly, she is NOT the doctor for you if you need long term treatment for Lyme disease or its after-effects.

I have been a patient of Dr. Tarnell for >30 years. She has consistently given me her undivided attention and her dedication is evident. I trust her implicitly and she always proves to be correct in her assessment and diagnosis. If you are having emotional issues, she is very compassionate. I also like that she will offer holistic solutions and not just write a prescription. I have always been able to see her the same day I call with maybe a few exceptions and then it is the next day. The lab is easy to get in and out of. If you need a chest xray, it is done quickly and read quickly so that she tells you the result before you leave. I think Brenda is great as are the other women at the front desk. Being on the desk is exhausting and they always remain pleasant. I like that you always get a live person when calling now instead of voice mail. In this practice, you can also be seen on the weekends as there is always as on call. I feel very fortunate to be a patient at DMA.

Great manner with patients. Spends plenty of time. Really knows her field. Lucky to have her as a primary care.

She is such an amazing and caring doctor. Takes the time to listen.

No question about it...She is the best doctor atDMA. I have been a patient of hers for 15 years, and eventhough I have moved to Florida, I fly back to Massachusetts to forappointments. Brenda, her wonderful secretary, always does her best to get me appoinent, that will coincide with my travelPlans.

I always have a wait with Dr. Tarnell, but that is because she spends all the time needed with me and probably all patients. She is worth the wait! The office is very busy and so is the front desk staff (that is a good sign of a good doctor)and unlike the other comments, I think Brenda is the nicest, most efficient secretary I have met. I always enjoy talking with her at my visits. I would highly recommend Dr. Tarnell and Dedham Medical

Dr. Tarnell is a wonderful person. She is very caring and tried to make you feel at ease. The biggest issue is getting by the woman they have chosen as her secretary, Brenda. She is as dumb as a box of rocks...on a good day! She is also very rude and unprofessional. She constantly cuts you off after asking a question. She doesn't ask you to hold, she tells you to without waiting for a response. She has confused so many messages between myself and Dr Tarnell. I have sat in the waiting room and heard her loudly repeat a callers name and then state the reason they are calling. If I call and have a medical issue that might be embarrassing the last thing I want to fear is that she is screaming it out for the whole waiting room to hear. The wait is always ridiculous. I usually get there expecting to wait at least an hour in the waiting room and then a good 20 minutes in an actual patient room. Maybe Dr. Tarnell is overworked, I'm not sure, but I don't think it should be expected… of each patient to constantly have to wait like this. There was a time recently when they ran so behind schedule that I had to get up and leave the patient room because I needed to pick my son up from school...3 hours after the original appt but I waited almost 2 before needing to leave! I completely agree with the previous poster about the office staff and have had the same experience with her with cancellations and being called in early only to wait past the original appt time. I am beyond frustrated with this office and am currently searching here by reading others reviews. That is why I am posting here...so I can maybe help someone from subjecting themselves to the torture that is Brenda!!!

Love the care provided by Dr Tarnell! However, you have to get pass the secretary to get an appointment. There have been struggles with getting an annual appointment. The norm has become to have it rescheduled at least once if not twice. Once an annual appointment was even canceled without any notice, and when I showed up, I was told that the letter must not have been sent out. A same day appointment was made, and the secretary called to move up the time. I made it to the office early and ended up waiting past the time of the originally scheduled time. In retrospect, I should've kept the first time slot. As for Dr Tarnell, she listens to you, provides great care, and has excellent bedside manner. She always takes time to ask if you have any questions and provides you with her undivided attention during your visit. If you want great care and don't mind dealing with potential scheduling difficulties, I'd definitely recommend Dr Tarnell.