I've been seeing Dr. Russell for over 5 yrs and the care and service is still A-1! I was extremely sick and off balance for years. Dr. Russell was able to identify the issues and devise a working plan which I've adhered to and have regained a quality of life. Dr. Russell and the staff are kind, helpful and knowledgeable. My insurance only covers a small portion of the bill but the care is worth the out of pocket.

Submitted Jan. 20, 2018

I have been a patient of Dr. Russell's for over 15 years. I suffered all my life with digestive issues and Dr. Russell was the first doctor, including allergist, to tell me she thought I was allergic to Gluten - and it turned out I was - it changed my life for the better! I have various health issues and she address each one instead of the nurse telling me, "If you have more than one issue you will have to make another appointment!" She spends time with me and I never feel rushed. I have never been in an office before where the staff is so caring, helpful, and compassionate. I have never been in an office before where you did not have to "Sign in" and a staff that would let you know if the doctor happened to be running behind. I would highly recommend Dr. Russell - she is a gifted, caring and unique physician.

Submitted April 20, 2015

I have used Dr. Russell for about 10 years. My medical needs are a little complicated and she has been very attentive and helpful. She has gone out of her way to contact other doctors, even my pharmacist with whom she had a long conversation about drug side effects in my case, to provide the best care. I have read all the comments that are on this site as of 5/26/2015 and I'd like to make a few comments of my own.

True she does not take health insurance, but this is the wave of the future if you want the best care. It was a difficult decision for her, but she tells me it has allowed her to spend more time with her patients. In addition, she is able to recommend things that are not covered by insurance. Most doctors average 15 minutes with you and then prescribe some medication that all other doctors prescribe. When dealing with insurance companies it is wise to stick to the main stream, but it is not always in the best interests of the patient. I'll give a specific, personal example.

I suffer from metabolic syndrome with all its attendant difficulties. One of which is severe and wide spectrum allergies. I've been dealing with this for over 20 years without relief. She referred me to an allergist who uses a non-FDA approved therapy. (It is however, the only therapy accepted by the British Health Service.) Insurance won't pay for it. After a year of taking custom antigens I was completely cured of almost all my allergies. A lawyer at my insurance company, after denying my claim, asked for the name of my allergist because her daughter suffered from severe allergies and no physician had been able to provide relief. But, insurance paid for all the attempts. That's how the system works.

Dr. Russell is well connected. She was for some years president of the Missouri State Board of Healing Arts. When I had a stroke, I had a lot of personal attention at North Kansas City hospital because her reputation carries so much weight. If you need immediate attention, go to the ER. You will not be able to see your doctor, any doctor, on short notice. Not these days. When I really needed Dr Russell she was there for me.

Another time, when I felt I didn't get acceptable care from a specialist, she intervened, had all my charges reversed and made sure I got to a specialist who is tops in his field. I also got profuse apologies from the offending practice. (It turned out I was assigned to a new, rather inexperienced doctor in that practice. Their bad.)

I have never waited more than a few minutes for a scheduled appointment and the staff has always been friendly, attentive and helpful. How often does a nurse call you up and ask how you are doing on your new medication?

Dr. Russell does not practice assembly line medicine, she specializes in personal attention and is willing to consider other than the standard protocols which in my case moved me from miserable to content with my health. I pay for it out of pocket. It's worth it to me.

The nature of health care in the US does not encourage personal attention or anything other than mainstream protocols and drives up prices well beyond that of any other country. Dr. Russell is a welcome relief from that experience and I could not recommend her more highly.

Submitted March 26, 2015

FINALLY! a doctor who "gets it!" I was treated like an intelligent human being, and offered the testing I knew had to be out there! Blending traditional medicine with a holistic approach is brilliant! I highly recommend her if you want a doctor who is capable of thinking outside of the box.

Submitted March 24, 2015

Was hoping and praying for some answers as I have seem multiple other doctors/specialists and still don't have a diagnosis. I spent three hours in Dr. Russell's office... Most of it was spent waiting to see her. After having to go through my detailed history two times (once with her med tech and once with her), Dr. Russell basically asked me what my thoughts and ideas were and never really did have any ideas. I brought all of my previous lab tests with me. She wanted to repeat some of the same tests at her labs. I asked if she could please outsource her suggested labs to a lab that my insurance covered but she would not (said other labs don't do that testing, which is not true). Her recommended tests were going to cost me over $2000 out of pocket and then I was going to have to pay her over $200 to come back for her to give met results. Unbelievable!! The one thing that bothered me the most was that she never assessed me. Never placed her hands on me...no listening to heart and lung sounds, no palpating lymph nodes or looking in eyes and ears. As a very experienced nurse, this concerned me greatly and spoke volumes as to what kind of practitioner she truly is. She also stood up to dismiss me from my consultation without ever asking me if I had any questions or concerns. I had to stop her and ask if I could ask her a question. I could honestly go on and on, but I won't. And, I've never written a bad review (or a review period) but I just don't want other people to feel the same way as I did and be taken advantage financially like she does. It is truly very sad and I would never, ever recommend her to anyone!

Submitted Oct. 21, 2014

Do Not go to this woman is you have depression, anxiety or any mental illness... she will through herbs at you and has a DO/Psychiatrist who mis-diagnosed me and I spent weeks on the wrong drugs that made me worse. Thank god i left and found some real help!!!

Submitted Jan. 29, 2012

My symptoms were complicated, and other Drs had just ordered loads of expensive tests, with no solution coming from them. But Dr Russell helped me because she listened and used her knowledge in ways no other Dr had done for me. I feel so much better. And no it didn't happened over night, I didn't have those expectations. but I am so pleased with the way my health is headed now. Her staff is wonderful,they compliment her office. I have been able to replace some prescriptions (that had some pretty horrific side effects) with supplements with no side effects. It's sort of like a light switch was turned on the way my life and health has changed.

Submitted March 30, 2011

Dr. Russell is very attentive and responded to my needs for treatment. She was able to resolve my issues completely without slamming me with lots of drugs. I can't say enough about her, she is one of the best things that have ever happened to me. I am back to work and can function again, finally. Thank you, Dr. Russell!

Submitted Nov. 29, 2010

It took 5 Dr. visits, 2 hospital visits over a 3 year period before being diagnosed w/Fibro&Fatigue. Dr. Russell has treated me approx. 1 1/2 yrs and I am feeling much better. She is thorough, competent, listens and is available on short notice when needed. She is not of the mindset "one pill fits all". She orders blood work, etc. to stay abreast of my progress. I have referred others to Dr. Russell and they thanked me for doing so as they began feeling better. Dr. Russell gave me my life back.

Submitted Jan. 13, 2010

Very helpful and compassion care that I have never found elsewhere in the healthcare community. I am disabled and have numerous and complicated health problems. Without Dr. Russell and her staff I don't know where I would be. I give her my highest recommendation.

Submitted Dec. 10, 2007