Dr. Katherine Van Kessel
Bellevue,
WA Gender: F
Specialty: Gynecologist (OBGYN)
Webpage:
Hospital:
Answers Email: N
Online Appt. Scheduling: Y
Accepting New Patients:
Phone Number: 425-454-3366
Range: 1-5 (5 is best) * Helpfulness & Knowledge only
The following ratings and comments have not been substantiated by RateMDs.com.
Date
Comments
8/4/09
4
3
2
3
I went to this doctor during my second pregnancy and was not much impressed with her service. She tries to be nice but is way too busy and doesn't really provide much care. I would say a mediocre experience compared to my previous provider who unfortunatelly retired. Late in my pregnancy when I was past due date she would not call me back to discuss the options but rather delegated this to her nurse. This I think is not an acceptable solution particularly when you deal with a petite patient who had a big baby before. Her nurse at that time (Emily) was fabulous though, so I have to mention that!
Wow, I'm shocked at the poor reviews. I don't dispute their experience of course but do feel I should share mine. I've had two pregnancies and deliveries with her plus one miscarriage. Both deliveries were easy, peaceful just wonderful. She was laid back and reassuring and it really was fantastic. I know what people mean about the wait but she's recently started job sharing with another doctor, Dr. Otto who I also like so maybe the wait time has decreased? I don't know, I'm not pregnant although I was there last week for a yearly check up and went in right at my appointment time at the Issaquah office. I had easy pregnancies and deliveries and maybe that makes a difference but if I was crazy enough to have more kids ;-) I would wholeheartedly go back to her.
Insurance: Blue Cross / Blue Shield
She has been the worst doctor I've ever seen. Just because of her lack of knowledge my son was born 3 months early and stayed in the special care unit for 2 months. I visited Vankessel on a regular basis and was never able to see her without waiting in the lobby at least 1.5 hours, even though I was always on time. When my leaking and bleeding started I visited her several times and was told to stay at home and because there was nothing wrong. Then I went to ER and learned that I had bladder infection. Unfortunately, it was too late and my baby was born. I'll always keep in mind that reading some reviews about the doctors before seeing them the best thing that I can do to protect myself from **** doctors.
AVOID this doctor if you want to have a medical provider to guide you and be there for you throughout your pregnancy. You will likely never get to speak with her, except for brief, rushed appointments you receive at the office. The doctor always seems extremely busy with patients that are obviously more important and in worse shape than you. First, to call the office, there is usually a line of 5-6 calls ahead of you, so prepare to wait. However the staff is otherwise very nice. You will likely spend most of your pregnancy talking to one of the nurses at the office instead of your doctor, and even though the nurses are great, it is not their job and responsibility to provide you with the level of attention and guidance you would need, especially if this is your first pregnancy. The doctor is cold, hurried, and can't be depended upon to guide you and be there for you and your complications during pregnancy.
Insurance: Blue Cross / Blue Shield
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