Dr. Richard Neil Footer, MD

I would like to preface my review by acknowledging that Dr. Footer is a competent doctor with good bedside manner. He always treated me with respect and listened to all of my concerns. Unfortunately, I take issue with how is office is run by Marla (office manager, receptionist, and wife of Dr. Footer). I agree with other reviewers that Marla has poor interpersonal skills. That I can deal with. On multiple occasions, she would screen my calls to Dr. Footer, on one occasion providing a diagnosis which turned out to be incorrect. She is not a doctor, and even if she was making a diagnosis over the phone is unacceptable. Since I never carry cash or check with me, they were flexible and allowed me to pay at my next visit. I had to cancel an appointment, and Marla basically accused me of trying to swindle them, while there would be no issue if they just accepted credit card. I am now seeing another OB in a small office (that accepts credit/debit cards) and have learned all of… these visits are completely covered by my insurance. So Marla, who accused me of trying to avoid paying for a service, had been charging me a copay my entire first pregnancy when it should have been covered. I am glad I switched OBs, and that my current doctor's manager runs an honest and patient centered operation.

Dr. Footer has an amazing bedside manner and is easily reached, no matter what time of day. He'll make the time for each and everyone of his patients. He is my doctor and has delivered most of my nieces and nephews and kids that I coach. He is an amazing physician with a heart of GOLD.

Sorry to say, but I would never use this office again. The doctor charges 'complex visit' charges for simple procedures to either make money or simply from lack of knowledge of billing codes (verified with the insurance company). The office manager/billing person Marla lacks basic people skills and when on phone she puts you on hold multiple times during the conversation. When problems arise, they are not really looking to resolve the problem. Dr. Footer can be a good doctor, but Marla can really make the whole experience very unpleasant.

I have never submitted any reviews, but this experience with Dr. Richard N. Footer and his receptionist Marla is just mind blowing... even further considering that I usually research the doctors to go to thoroughly and his reviews were high. I had booked a regular annual check-up visit with the doctor, however when the appointment was over, I received a considerably different charge code and a huge insurance bill â?? all without having it proactively discussed with me. It was a first visit and as part of the regular routine questions the doctor asked whether I had ever had children or planning to have â?? for which I answered that I was considering children. We had some further conversation about it and concluded the visit. When I got my insurance bill, I was surprised to learn that the regular checkup charge was not covered. I called the doctorâ??s office and asked the receptionist for an explanation of the bill and my medical records so I could resolve the issue with the insurance… company â?? after 3 written letters, about 6 calls with the receptionist and 1 office visit, I still have not received neither information. Apparently, Marla had filed the claim for â??preconception counselingâ?? which was not covered with my insurance. I and my husband were highly disturbed by Marlaâ??s unprofessionalism â?? Marla was extremely rude on the phone, did not listen and talked over my husband who was trying to get to some resolution, she even raised her voice on the phone and hung up the calls on two occasions. When we asked to talk with the doctor, she said the doctor was busy. We never got a chance to talk to the doctor directly, because Marla would not enable the touch point. All the bills and reminders that we received from the doctorâ??s office just had writing â??Patient Responsibility - $XXXâ?? without any explanation of the services and not even a date of notice. We have sent numerous letters to the doctorâ??s office requesting information, but all we get back is this one-line bill. I have read couple more reviews where people have had issues with the receptionist Marla, who is apparently the doctorâ??s wife and she is handling all the administrative items (it is a 2-person business). I filed a complaint with American Medical Association (Maryland HMH) and HIPAA (per the law, the doctor cannot deny providing medical records even in the case of unpaid bill â?? and we were trying to get the records to resolve the billing-payment issue with the insurance company). This issue has taken way too much time from me, but I feel it is necessary to write this review to inform so other people would not have this unprofessional experience. Obviously, I will never go back to this doctor again.

Relatively new to the area so did some shopping for an OB. The first one I chose was great but had to drop me after 10 weeks as he no longer delivers. He referred me to another doctor, with whom I had the *worst* experience. After further shopping, I decided to change my insurance plan to open up more options. So glad that I did. I chose Dr. Footer because so many patients had taken the time to review him, and almost all were positive & included the "key words" I was looking for. I was still nervous that I would be disappointed somehow & have to start my search all over again, but my worries were for nothing. I couldn't be more happy and secure with Dr. Footer. He takes his time with each patient, answering every question no matter how silly. He provides literature when a test is available (e.g. for indicators of neural tube defects such as spina bifida), so that I can really make informed decisions during my pregnancy. Very thorough - long consultation if you need one - and has… great relations with the perinatal office where comprehensive sonograms are conducted. He and his wife handle everything - very refreshing as the go-between with staff and doctor can sometimes be an issue in my experience at other offices. As a bonus, I haven't had a visit with Dr. Footer where I didn't laugh. That's something I treasure in an OB because 25 hours of excruciating pain go by easier when you have a doctor that makes you feel comfortable. Excellent doctor. Mrs. Footer is a blessing, too. Looking forward to my next visit!

Dr. Footer delivered my three boys, within the last 5 years. He is knowledgable, patients, compassionate, humorous, understanding, calm, and most importantly, an excellent doctor. I conveyed my concerns and priorities for my pregnancies and deliveries, and he did everything to make sure I was comfortable, my baby was safe, and my desires were fulfilled when possible. He DOES not schedule inductions to just fit his schedule or tell you what to do and when to do it. He gives you options, and respects your opinions and decisions. Can't imagine having a baby with any other doctor. He's enormously respected at Holy Cross Hospital where he delivers. Every second I was at the hospital, whether a false alarm in triage or checked in for 20 hour labor, Dr. Footer was there every step. His office secretary, Marla, is also amazing.

I feel really grateful to have found such a great dr/nurse team. I think they are super professional and caring, and i highly recomend them.

I love his assistant, she is super wonderful and informative, of course helpful.Dr. Footers is caring but busy, hehe.He is gentle and friendly all the time.

Dr Footer is a dream - he is one of the best drs I have ever dealt with!

Dr. Footer is patient, caring and honest. While in labor and after having my son Dr. Footer was there the entire time, besides the nurse he was the only Dr. taking care of me. He's the best. My mother has worked at ----- Hospital for over 30 years and was surprised at the attention Dr. Footer had given me.