Dr. Thomas Scheele Backer, MD

If you're looking for a cardiac care provider who is thorough, communicative, and supported by a reliable administrative team, I would not recommend Dr. Backer’s office based on my experience. During my short time with them, I encountered significant issues with their administrative staff. On one occasion, they canceled my appointment due to their own lack of follow-up, but the blame was shifted to the insurance company. On another occasion, they failed to coordinate a records transfer, again placing the blame elsewhere—this time on another doctor on my healthcare team. After personally investigating my records and contacting the insurance company, it was clear that the real issue stemmed from Dr. Backer’s office failing to follow through. They offered no apology for these oversights, which was disappointing. Communication issues extended beyond administration. My expectation for a cardiologist is clear, thorough explanations for diagnostic tests and results, especially in critical… situations. However, I found Dr. Backer’s explanations to be brief and incomplete. For instance, after my cardiac catheterization, I was informed that one artery was completely blocked but had bypassed itself—fair enough. However, there was also an artery that was 70% blocked, and no intervention or recommended action was explained to me. To this day, I have no idea why that artery wasn’t addressed, and I’ve had to seek a second opinion to better understand my condition. Even now, I’m struggling to obtain my catheterization video from their office, as they’ve been unhelpful in facilitating the transfer of records to my new cardiologist. If you’re looking for a warm, attentive, and integrative approach to cardiac care, this is not the place. Recommendations in my case were minimal, boiled down to medicinal solutions with brief, surface-level advice like “don’t eat carbs” and “do some consistent exercise.” There was no discussion of long-term effects, no attention to peripheral interventions, or a holistic view of my health. Cardiac issues naturally bring anxiety and a need for thoughtful, compassionate care. Unfortunately, this office did not provide that level of care or attention. Based on my experience, I cannot recommend Dr. Backer’s office to those who value thorough communication and proactive, patient-centered care.

Compassion is a virtue. The front staff doesn’tcare about patient safety and patient care! I was there for a stress test, and i was late 10 mins and one staff member just went off and said they couldn’t see me. Even they knew i was recently in the hospital with a heart condition. This person totally lost human compassion and didn’t care she deals with patient with a heart condition. When i requested to speak with the practice manager her answer was oh she is aware and we will not make any exceptions. Office was pretty much empty. Dr. Backer please , teach your staff to be compassionate. Thanks and Regards,

I needed to be cleared for a colonoscopy. So, the Doc ordered a Cardiac Calcification Scoring Scan (not covered by insurance). I paid for it and had it done. To get the results I had to come back to the office (not necessary). Then he said he wanted me to do a treadmill stress test. I have end stage arthritis in my knees. I told him I could not do it. He said, yes you can. Really? I pressed him on this and he told me if he decides that I cannot complete the test he will do the medication induced stress test. But, he will NOT do that until I prove to him that I cannot run the treadmill. He would not budge. He did not care if I was risking more damage to my knees. So, I did not get cleared, paid for a scan that was not needed. My colonoscopy was needed because of a positive Cologaurd test. Now, because of him, the GI Doc can't do a medically necessary test. I will never see him again. Two things are going on. He thinks he's God and he does everything he can to generate… revenue, at the patient's expense.

Dr. backer is aloof with no personality. I was to have a Thallium stress test and his office called the day before and said it was not approved by the insurance carrier. We called the carrier and they said that could easily be approved if the doctor, PA or nurse would answer three questions which would take three minutes. We called Dr. Backers office and the doctor did not have three minutes and would not allow his PA or nurse to speak to them. I’ve been a medical professional for 35:years and have never seen such unprofessional conduct. More of a God like syndrome. Off to another cardiologist and wait weeks for the test I badly need. Thanks for nothing Dr. Backer.

Extremely bad experience with the front desk/scheduling admin and office manager - avoid them

Dr. Backer's staff very rude! Everytime I call to schedule an appointment they are all very unfriendly and rude. Dr. Backer is an excellent physician.... wish he had the same time of staffing.

Great Doctor, I would highly recommend. He has enormous experience. He and his organization saved my life.

I have been a patient of Dr. Backer for over 3 years and find him to be an excellent doctor. Both Dr. Backer and his staff are friendly and efficient. Dr. Backer has a great bedside manner and spends as much time as needed to make you comfortable and to answer your questions. He is very professional and knowledgeable. Once I read an article which created some concerns for me about a medication I am taking. I left a message with a staff member as to my concerns and several days went by and I had not received a response. I thought possibly the staff member didnt give him my message. When Dr. Backer did call me back I could see why it took him some time to respond to me. He had done a through research of the subject matter and was able to completely satisfy my concerns. I feel completely satisfied intrusting my cardiovascular medical care with Dr. Backer.

I have found the care from Dr. Backer and his staff to be exceptional: very polite, professional and trustworthy. Dr. Backer is great about taking the time to explain things to me and my spouse and he supported us in making some tough personal choices about my care. I highly recommend him!

Dr. Backer has been my cardiologist since 1999, when I faced triple by pass surgery. He discovered the problem and guided me through the surgical, recovery and after care.He has kept me heart-healthy for 12 years. A knowledgeable, caring and competent professional with a great office staff.