Severe Decline in Patient Care and Ethics Since Dr. Duboe's Retirement…read more
I have been a loyal patient of North West Associates for Women's Healthcare for many years, specifically because of the outstanding care provided by Dr. Duboe. He was truly an exceptional OBGYN, and I continued seeing him even after moving far from Hoffman Estates. However, since Dr. Duboe's retirement in June, the practice has experienced a catastrophic decline in quality, professionalism, and patient ethics. I strongly advise new and current patients to beware, especially when seeing Dr. Baddour.
I Needed an urgent appointment in October. While the staff was initially quick to get me in, choosing to see Dr. Baddour was a grave mistake. The doctor was extremely rushed and dismissive. After a quick examination and taking a simple sample for testing, he stated I would receive results in 7 days.
After 7 days, 10 days, and even two weeks, received no call and no results posted to the patient portal. Called repeatedly, leaving multiple messages on the nurses' line and sending portal messages, with absolutely no response for several days. This lack of communication for an urgent medical issue was unacceptable.
When the nurse finally called back, she falsely claimed results take 14 days, contradicting the doctor. She then scheduled a follow-up appointment to "discuss results."
Follow-Up Appointment (Ethical and Professional Violations)
My second appointment was unsettling and deeply unprofessional.
The receptionists were rude and cold, which was a stark change from previous years. When I politely corrected the mispronunciation of my name, the receptionist immediately mispronounced it again without apology.
While waiting for the doctor, the staff played political commentary (specifically endorsing Trump and discussing sensitive topics like "kicking rapists out of the country") loudly on the radio. Patient rooms should be a neutral, non-political space focused purely on care. This was unprofessional and made me extremely uncomfortable.
Dr. Baddour was once again rushed. Then, the unthinkable happened: he proceeded to lie, claiming he had performed a surgical procedure on me (removing the issue I was having) during the first visit. He insisted it happened and attempted to gaslight me into believing I simply "didn't remember" the surgery. I explicitly knew no such procedure took place. I immediately ended the appointment and left.
Billing and Collections Issues (Aggressive and Unethical)
Days later, saw a claim submitted to my insurance indicating that Dr. Baddour had performed a surgical excision using local anesthetic--a procedure that never occurred.
While actively disputing this fraudulent claim with my insurance, I was told that the practice sent the bill to collections after only 14 days of non-payment. This is an aggressive, unacceptable, and unethical billing practice that severely damages a patient's financial standing and ability to seek care elsewhere.
Conclusion and Warning
I was a perfect patient: always respectful, always on time, and always paid my bills promptly. I am truly saddened and feel betrayed by the practice's decision to treat a long-standing patient this way.
Since Dr. Duboe left, the quality of care, professionalism, communication, and ethical integrity of North West Associates for Women's Healthcare has plummeted. The attempted gaslighting regarding a fabricated surgery and the rapid move to collections are major red flags. I highly recommend others seek care elsewhere.
