COALITIONS FOR ATHENS AREA PHYSIC

He is a condescending and arrogant health care provider. Spends more time finding fault with others rather than communicating with his patients.

Easy to talk to and actually listen

Took good care of me

Dr. David Gaines is one of the kindest and most caring people I have ever met. He remembers you, your family, and spends probably more time than he should with each patient. He also is just a darn good MD, thinking outside the box to solve problems. I highly recommend him!!

While Dr Gaines and his NP are good in person, I have had little success in getting return phone calls for very major and minor medical issues. Apparently, the stated policy of returning your call in 24 hours, is optional on their part. Hence, if you are actually sick, and need responses from your Dr, don’t count on this practice Responding, ever. Also, when I asked for a referral for PT for my osteoporosis (I was in PT for osteoporosis for in Atlanta, before I moved back to Athens), his response was he would not know how to write a referral for that. I was asking for a referral. My CTs and MRIs show it the breaks in my ribs, and other bones. In addition, I have also consistently had problems with this office providing referrals to my gastroenterologist, who has been my specialist for more than 35 years. I don’t understand their issues, but I would be cautious in trusting my family, particularly if there are pre-existing conditions, to this practice.

Best doctor there is. The nicest man you will meet. Takes up time with you and don’t rush. Great doctor!!

Not what you expect from modern medicine. This is one of the few Doctors that has remembered my name without looking at the chart first. Then he ask how I'm doing, from there he ask about family life. I went through a divorce, had a November visit. Reminded me that this could be a difficult time, to call him if I needed to talk to someone? I believed him... probably because he always ask about my granddaughter by name. He is just a down to earth great guy. All this family knowledge isn't just so he can be a friendly doctor and get great reviews. He knew about my divorce and asked me a series of depression questions. He learned about my younger brother's death from a heart attack. He asked me a lot of heart health questions. Recommended the low dose aspirin afterwards. He's friendly but he takes his craft seriously and his concern is to his patient's health. I was excited when I found out he was on my new insurance plan. I would have just paid the difference if he wasn't.

Dr. Gaines always takes the time to listen to me. Plus he listens to me as well. I have been very pleased with him in the last 5 years I have been seeing him.

I went for an annual well exam (preventative medicine) as a new patient. I had moved and sought a new doctor and not many practices accept new patients in this geographic area. I was charged a counseling exam fee, not covered as preventative medicine, because in answering questions typical of a wellness exam, I said I have some low level anxiety periodically. That was it. They then charged me a fee for a counseling session. The whole exam took under ten minutes. They did not do blood work or anything. Barely looked at me. I was so dissatisfied before the bill that I vowed to not return and drive 45 mins to my old doctor next year. After seeing how they commit fraud, I am posting this warning to others. There is a reason you can get in quickly here. It was the nurse practitioner whom I saw. I do not know if she personally lied or if this is their standard in fraudulent billing. Be warned. Look outside of the area if you cannot get in somewhere more reputable.

Been seeing Dr. Gaines since he opened in Mars Hill Road. Up until the break he took to go to St Mary's hospital. Sadly, due to MY employer, I am force to go to the other hospital here in town, but my entire family sees him. Including my new teen children. EXCEPTIONAL bed side manners. Because to him, you matter!

The most caring doctor we have ever dealt with. Through, listens and does not make you feel like a number. Suburb repor with patience. Love this man!

Dr Gaines is the best family practice doctor around. I have been going to him since he opened his private practice. I knew him from when he worked at St Mary's Hospital. When I found out he was opening his own practice, I could hardly wait! He takes as much time as you need with him, remembers everything about you as both a patient and a person, and makes you feel important. He is kind, dedicated, compassionate, and really cares about you. My entire family uses him. He is THE BEST around Athens.

Dr. Farmer was our hospitalist at St. Mary's, and treated my mother while she was there. He provided excellent care for her, spending considerably more time with us, asking questions and reviewing her medical history and list of medications, than her own general practitioner does. His bedside manner was friendly and he answered any question we asked patiently and thoroughly. We sincerely wish he could be Mom's doctor outside of the hospital! I highly recommend Dr. Farmer and St. Mary's hospital

I have been going to Dr. Gaines for over 10 years (with a break in the middle while he was not with a private practice). My wife and kids use him as their primary physician as well. He makes me not dread a check-up or any other procedure at his office. He is personable, pleasant, and knowledgeable. He has always been great with my kids - he speaks to them directly rather than treating them like objects. I would absolutely recommend him to anybody looking for a family physician.

He's a jerk. He don't listen and he don't care about anybody. He needs to retire now and help people by not being a dr and let other people treat patients. Let the Drs. who care about people do it. He don't. Not at all.