Austin Thyroid Osteoporosis & Endocrinology Center

First of all I would like to state that I am hesitant to write negative reviews because my years of working in the service industry have taught me that everyone has bad days. But I am with a number of the other reviewers who wish I could give a zero star (or less) review. I have been using Austin Thyroid and Endocrinology for over 10 years and with the combination of being insulted by the doctor at my last appointment because I happened to gain 10 pounds over the last year (I am just a little overweight and coincidentally they are now selling weight loss products), being made to feel like an idiot for some of my lifestyle choices and looked down upon due to my inability to pay for a lot of extra lab work that my insurance company doesn’t cover, as well as the nursing staff refusing to return my phone calls regarding questions I have about my lab results, I’VE HAD ENOUGH! The doctor that I used to see was wonderful but is no longer with Dr. Scumpia. I guess she had enough too. She was the only reason I kept coming back. I am looking for another place to take my business and I strongly suggest you avoid this place like the plague.

If I could avoid giving even ONE star, I would do it. These people make me feel like a liability.
Dr. Scumpia and the other medical technicians that work here are knowledgeable (though they do schedule you in for a lot of tests — of course they do these tests right there at the office and that means more $$ in their pocket); however, the way the front office is run is a a disservice to the patients.
I can barely get a nurse to call me back. It’s been over a week now and I have left them 5 messages and got one call back. They are cordial when they call back but either short-​staffed or just don’t care to check their voicemail. I have NEVER got a human on the phone except when trying to make an appointment. And those people are quick to transfer you to a voicemail box. This is the shittiest I have EVER been treated by a doctors office.
DO NOT GO HERE

Over the last 5 years, I’ve noticed that without me changing my diet or level of exercise — that I’ve been putting on weight, becoming extremely lethargic, frequent headaches, am extremely cold ALL the time, the texture of my hair changed to be more brittle…
And then my mother told me she has hypothyroidism. That would have been useful to know!
So I make an appointment with Dr. Scumpia.
Worst experience I have ever had with a doctor.
She was rude. Detached, presumptuous, demeaning, and completely unpleasant.
So much so — that even though they drew my blood and tested it — I REFUSED to go back to them to get the results. Even though they called me and told me that my bloodwork came back abnormal. I didn’t give a damn.
The only thing I knew, was I never wanted to interact with this woman again.
My mother is a nurse practitioner, my sister is a doctor, my family is FULL of doctors and surgeons — so I grew up knowing what stellar bedside manner looks like.
And this doc doesn’t have it.
I found another thyroid specialist — you have to wait 4 months to get on his list, but I hear he is the best, friendly, personable and LISTENS to you.
You know — instead of assuming you don’t exercise (which I do…4 times a week) or that I have high cholesterol (tell me more… especially since at the time, I had been a vegan for 12 years…)
Can’t steer people away from her any more strongly than humanly possible.

Absolutely horrible experience. Dr. Scumpia saw me for a maximum of 2 minutes, was not receptive to questions, and then charged me an outrageous amount. On top of that I CAN NOT get in touch with their office because nobody ever picks up the phone or responds to voicemails. The funny thing about it is that they sent me a letter saying they have been trying to get in contact with me (I haven’t gotten a single call) and that I need to book an appointment because my test results showed that I need follow up care for my medical condition. BUT I DONT EVEN KNOW WHAT MY MEDICAL CONDITION IS BECAUSE THEY WONT ANSWER THE PHONE. This practice is an absolutely joke and it upsets me to see the disservice that these people are doing to their patients. Honestly STAY AWAY

Simone scumpia wasn’t as bad as I was expecting attitude wise. She seemed very mission oriented. As she stated, she is there to be a doctor and help diagnose. With that being said I felt that she did nothing for me. She ordered a LOT of tests which I didn’t mind too much considering I was desperate for answers, once we got the results back she stated that I was too healthy for her to help me and that I should consider a sleep study or SSRI. Before I left she gave me copies of my results and sent me on my way. I called that following afternoon for a referral to a clinic in my hometown for a sleep study (not that I think I needed one, but again, I was desperate) Anyways, she never sent a referral and when I went to my PCP with the results we saw that I have low Testosterone and estrogen. I am very frustrated that she stated I was too healthy to help as my hormones have made me a wreck ever since I got off bc. She obviously only wants the big diagnosis to make more money. I would not recommend going here whatsoever. Even if you are desperate. She might be able to get you in the door quickly compared to other endos but there is obviously a reason for it. Also, what kind of physicians office makes you check your own blood pressure?! Never again. Sorry I wasted my time and gas traveling 8 hours a day to make my appointment.

Dr. Scumpia’s medical expertise is entirely trumped by a lack of and inept communication skills. I consulted Ms. Scumpia for a second opinion after blood tests results reported several out-​of-​range levels and was met with catty criticism of my choice of previous doctors. Her remarks and insults were shockingly immature and I was immediately skeptical about whether to return. Additionally, she expanded upon her pompous disapproval of my doctor by casually stating if i continued with the doctor’s treatment i’d ruin my brain and heart and end up dying. Her overall attitude, tone and total disinterest in human connection renders her incapable of effective treatment. She attempted to use intimidation by carelessly using terms that leaves her open to litigation such as «banned». She stated the drugs prescribed by my doctor were «banned» and then prescribed the exact same medicine at a different dosage. Scumpia fails to realize her patients may be experts in other industries as I work in litigation and would think a professional such as Scumpia would exercise smarter business practices. After expressing my concerns in returning to see her i received a letter stating she could no longer treat me as a patient.
I urge patients to do their homework and seek out a professional that has a better sense of business and is capable of effectively communicating with their patients. You are seeking a specialist for their expertise and should receive higher quality care than this doctor can provide.

I wish there was an option for 0 or a negative number of stars. This is possibly the worst experience I’ve ever had with a medical professional. Not only my experience with the doctor, but her business as well. I would even go so far as to say that I feel that I was basically scammed by Dr. Scumpia and her office.
In Fall 2013, I went to Dr. Scumpia to get a new prescription for thyroid medication. I was limited on choices as I was on COBRA from out of state. When I arrived at my 7:30am apt, I was informed that I would have to pay a $ 300 «new patient copay» as no one in the office bothered to verify my benefits before my appointment. Of course, they tried calling at 7:30am and could not get anyone on the phone to verify. Small insurance companies do not open that early.
I explained to Dr. Scumpia that I would just like to have my thyroid checked. She insisted on ordering a blood panel for another thyroid disorder that I don’t need monitored at this point in my life. Most doctors like to do this. Not for my benefit, but for their benefit and curiosity as it is very rare.
She also «found» that I had an enlarged thyroid (which is scary) and insisted that I come back for an ultrasound. Overall, she was very cold, not at all personable, and I felt like me being there did not matter to her one bit.
I came back the following week for my [unnecessary] ultrasound. I was unhappy that they were asking for another $ 200 copay after I had given them the $ 300 the week before. They went back and reduced it to $ 150. They are literally making up numbers for copays.
Even the ultrasound tech (who is probably well aware of the money they make off of unnecessary ultrasounds) said that my thyroid is not even remotely enlarged, but on the small side.
I was furious and decided to just wait for my refund. As time went by, I forgot about the refund. Nearly a year later, I called to check on it as I never received a bill saying that I owed more. They then explained that I have had a balance all this time and they NEVER SENT ME A BILL. They even acknowledged that they never sent a bill. Had I not called, it would have gone TO COLLECTIONS WITHOUT ME EVER KNOWING.
I was livid. I contacted my old insurance company to get the EOBs. In addition to the completely unnecessary ultrasound, she ordered an additional $ 400 (AFTER INSURANCE) in blood tests for the condition I did not ask to be tested on.
Her prices are EXORBITANTLY expensive and outrageous. She billed out $ 2,000 for basic blood work and an ultrasound. I wrote them a check for the balance just to make this go away.
I have a hard time believing that anyone has had a positive experience in this office and doesn’t feel like they’re being overcharged for unnecessary tests. Her office let me know that I am due for another appointment and another ultrasound. They found NOTHING on the last one. Why would I agree to doing this again? Disgusting.

If I could give a negative zero I would. You’re first visit is okay, and only if you already know what’s going on with you. All others after that are horrible.
I was referred to Dr. Scumpia for thyroid disease. The first thing she did was feel my neck and said «it needs to come out». That’s it. No test suggested, nothing! I requested a biopsy first and she reluctantly agreed. After my biopsy I went back and she said my thyroid was all calcified and it needed to come out. At this point I’m sleeping 16+ hours a day, can’t catch my breath and had gained 60 lbs in a year. So I agreed.
After that, I never saw her again. I would see her PA for a year and a half who never once got my thyroid levels straight. I left once I found out I was pregnant. I refuse to put my unborn babies in her hands; NO WAY!

I had to start going here because of my insurance. Horrible ! Worst place I have ever been to! I would rather pay out of pocket than use my insurance and go back there!

I’ll save you all some time: find a new doctor. This place sucks.
Been going here a few years now, but only because I need the medication. I should find a new doctor…
This is how your typical experience with Scumpia will be: you’ll see her one time when you are a brand new patient. After that you’ll never see her again. Your doctor will be the nurse/​aid/​whatever she is. When you show up, they’ll make you check your own blood pressure. The machine sucks too, it’s completely inaccurate, probably because it’s so old. You will be bombarded with advertisement bs for drugs and speciality food. I come every 6 weeks and I ALWAYS see a drug rep either coming or going with their little plastic boxes of swag.
You’ll be asked the same questions, every time. You will feel unimportant. You will wait at least thirty minutes, no matter what time your appointment is scheduled. They will take your blood every time you come. Perhaps they’re starting a blood bank for people with thyroid problems.
Also, exactly like all the other reviews, Scumpia is a factory that must make TONS of cash. Her staff are dismissive and never even really look up. Even here seems like a robot and like they hate their jobs.
I think Scumpia watched too much House. As I sit in the waiting room, 20 mins after my scheduled appointment, I again realize I need to find another doctor.

After about 3 weeks of inexplicable exhaustion, dizziness, and confusion, I was worried something abnormal may be going on with my hormones. I lead a pretty healthy, normal life– I’m in my mid 20’s, eat well, my weight is right on the money for my height, never been pregnant, no genetic problems. Missing so much work over these bouts of who-​knows-​what was driving me crazy, so I decided to make an appointment with Austin Thyroid & Endocrinology to help me get to the bottom of things.
I was really hoping to leave this place with a bit of insight, recommendations, possible answers, maybe some comforting reassurance– you know, the stuff you uh, go to a doctor for? Unfortunately, I left with a massive chip on my shoulder and a bad taste in my mouth. Allow me to break down my incredible appointment!
To start with, you are handed a bunch of paperwork as usual– no surprise there, cool. Upon completion of said paperwork, I hand it to the front desk woman who says (without looking up at me) «okay, now go take your blood pressure and heart rate and let us know what it is,» pointing absently towards a corner of THE WAITING ROOM. What is this, HEB Pharmacy? (don’t get me wrong, I love my HEB.) But seriously, you’re in this fancy-​schmancy waiting area that looks like a ballroom from a hotel that hosts business functions & weddings on weekends, yet you have to sit in a little automated plastic booth and take your vitals in front of everyone and their grandmother? Is that really such a time consuming service to provide in person in private?
Then you get more paperwork, which you are told to finish and take back to the room with you when you are done. My name is called, I say «oop, hang on!» as I gather my things, then my name is yelled. Jeez. I scramble to collect my paperwork and stupid pen-with-a-plastic-spoon-attached-so-heathens-like-myself-won’t-walk-off-with-it and scurry to the back. They take my weight & height like normal, all good there. Then I go to the tiny room.
The nurse/​assistant girl has apparently not read any of the sheets of information which I’ve just spent 20 minutes filling out and begins to ask me literally the exact same questions. Not only that, but she keeps repeating my answers & medical history back to me incorrectly– ie: «so, you’re not experiencing any unusual tiredness?» «That, actually, is a big part of why I’m here today…» «Oh, okay.» «So how many milligrams of [medication I recently started] are you on? You left that blank.» «Sorry, it’s somewhat new and I need to check with my primary doctor; I forgot how many milligrams.» «Okay, so can I just say liiiike 25 milligrams?» «Uh… if that sounds normal, then I guess?» [YOU ARE THE NURSE HERE NOT ME.]
Then some other nurse bursts in and says, «are you okay? what is taking so long in here?» and my nurse proceeds to say «I’m kinda having trouble…» Then they have about a 3 minute long «no, use this drop-​down menu here, not that… no, you can put that additional info here… no, not there… ugh, here, just do this,» etc etc. Talk about awkward. I don’t give a rat’s ass if these two women aren’t fond of one another or what the deal was. This person did not even know how to operate the computer system they have in place for documenting my health concerns, and watching the more experienced nurse try to troubleshoot the whole thing for her was extremely uncomfortable. This, combined with her incorrectly repeating several of my answers (which I gave both written and verbally) while filling things out had me on high alert. What the heck is going on here?
The more experienced nurse apologizes and leaves. Then my nurse apologizes and leaves. Five minutes later (yay, timeliness! maybe this can redeem the nurse fiasco) the real doctor comes in. I kept an eye on my cell phone clock– this woman spent less than five minutes with me, told me to discontinue the medication that the nurse guessed the milligrams for, brushed off the few questions I tried to cram in and said «I will see you next week. Let them know if needles make you pass out and they’ll let you lay down to get your blood drawn,» then briskly leaves.
While I wait for them to direct me where to go for the blood draw, I take a look around this back area and notice floor to ceiling shelves stocked full of boxes of what look like special-​K fad diet snack packs for diabetics and big logo posters for the brand plastered to everything. I was extremely uncomfortable allowing ANY of these people to take my blood, so I opted out and asked to have my copay back. As we (my mother was with me for support) attempt to voice our concerns regarding the whole experience, the clerk says «one moment, let me take this call» and answers the phone.
We left and will be filing a chargeback for our copay. Then my mom bought me Chipotle for lunch! Moms rule. This place blows. I’ve since received 4 calls asking what the problem was. YOU TELL ME, Dr Scumpia! What IS the problem?!

Dr. Scumpia is a serious piece of work. I made the *gasp* huge mistake of actually questioning her during one of my two appointments. Her eyeballs almost melted. Is this really the way to interact with patients, Dr. Scumpia?
I completely get why this clinic does such aggressive marketing/​advertising. They’ve had to rely on an assembly line of new patients who, like me, after one or two appointments, move on. Serious waste of my time, energy and money.
Run…do not walk… from this clinic. Take it from a seasoned RN who has been both a patient and a nurse in a clinic… find a different endocrinologist.

I was nervous to go here based on online reviews but I had a good experience. I was seen fairly quickly and met with Dr. Scumpia. The appointment took less than an hour. Everyone was professional and courteous. All around a positive experience.

Dr. Scumpia and this practice is awful. I went there for a 2^nd opinion and ended up needing a 3^rd opinion. I have type 1 diabetes and now Hashimoto’s disease as well. She confirmed my Hashimoto’s diagnosis but then told me that there was nothing I could do about it. Research and my 3^rd opinion strongly disagree and show that my life could be in danger with no treatment. I like a straight forward doc but she was borderline rude. To ice the cake, I cancelled my follow-​up appointment and received a certified letter that stated I could not be treated by the practice because I was not following her orders and did not respond to calls, messages, letters, and e-​mails that I never received. She may be able to help someone with type 2 and no other issues but beyond that, I don’t trust anyone at this practice.

The founder of this medical practice is Dr. Simon Scumpia (see reviews for this person specifically). While her website boasts her credentials her practice is questionable. i ‘ve seen this shop referred to as a factory (even as a hack-​shop). I feel lucky that I was able to question the prescribed treatment.
I realize now how important it is to «research» before just jumping in with someone. i learned this invaluable lesson because my experience with this office (and hence my participation with Unilocal). in many ways i feel like this office «raped» my insurance company having rushed me through all kinds of tests and office visits where i was repeatedly told by scumpia that i would die if i didn’t do what she prescribed — which was to kill my thyroid. when she told me that she would drop me as a patient if i went to a naturapath i knew it was time to find someone i could trust.