Arrowhead Heartstone

Pros

• The experience with Dr. Wood in Orthopedics was amazing.
• Dr. Wood is top-tier.
• The staff were great and friendly.
• Dr Molitor is kind and understanding.
• The nurses, doctors, and general staff at Arrowhead Children's Hospital were amazing.
• Dr Acosta is amazing, described as gentle, patient, and caring.
• The doctor at Phoenix Children's Hospital was very good and nice, and took great care of the patient.
• Phoenix Children's Hospital provides excellent care and attentive service.

Cons

• They had a terrible experience at this practice.
• They waited over an hour past their appointment time while the office was empty, and the doctor seemed rushed and unprepared.
• The doctor was unprofessional, did not review the chart notes, and refused allergy testing.
• They vowed never to return to the practice.
• They described the infant's care as the worst experience of their life, with rough handling and multiple painful blood draws.
• They felt pressured to sign an AMA and were told CPS would be called.
• They found an orthopedic appointment that was never attended because the room was closed and no staff were present.
• They described Dr. Krasi as condescending and dismissive, and said they would not return.
• They felt the ophthalmology visit pushed for surgery as the only option and would not bring their child back.
• They had an absolutely horrible experience when Dr. Schroeder canceled last-minute after possible COVID exposure, with confusing scheduling and a telehealth arrangement.

Review

Across a broad swath of pediatric experiences, the threads that emerge are a mix of heartfelt praise for standout clinicians and wrenching concerns about delays, communication gaps, and encounters that left families feeling disregarded or overwhelmed. Taken together, the voices illustrate a system capable of remarkable kindness and expertise in some moments, while in other moments struggling with time management, thoroughness, and sensitivity to the most vulnerable patients.

One of the most consistently praised figures is Dr. Wood in Orthopedics. In one account, after a son sustained a broken leg, the family sought a pediatric-specific orthopedic specialist and found the care they needed at Phoenix Children's Hospital. The reviewer highlighted simple, efficient paperwork and a staff that was "great and friendly," culminating in a strong endorsement: Dr. Wood is "top tier," and if a child has a broken bone, he is described as the clinician to see. This narrative captures a clinician who inspired confidence through competence and a calm, reassuring bedside manner at a moment of worry for a family.

Another thread through the reflections is the impact of personal, compassionate clinicians beyond a single specialty. One reviewer singled out Dr. Molitor as "very kindly and understanding," noting a positive impression of the doctor's demeanor in a way that felt genuine and memorable. Paired with praise for the broader staff as "very nice" and capable, these accounts reinforce that, for some families, the human connection in care can be transformative - especially when a child is anxious or frightened by a medical setting.

There are also stories that celebrate excellence in other pediatric subspecialties. A family spoke highly of Arrowhead Children's Hospital, recounting that their child with severe asthma was hospitalized and that the experience of the nursing and medical staff was "amazing." The gratitude extended to all the professionals who cared for their child, underscoring the sense of relief and reassurance that can come with knowledgeable, compassionate, team-based pediatric care.

Yet alongside the accolades, the reviews reveal significant disappointments and fears about certain encounters. In one distressing account about ophthalmology, a parent described a visit during which the child's eye wandering was treated with the assertion that surgery would be the only solution, with "eye patches" suggested as an alternative. The reviewer's conclusion - that their child would not return to the facility - speaks to a perceived mismatch between conservative, non-surgical management and the certainty of a surgical solution, highlighting how communication about the range of options can shape a family's trust and willingness to return.

Even more troubling are accounts of negative experiences with specific clinicians and systemic problems within the practice. In a highly critical narrative about Dr. Ifat Krasi, the parent described a long wait in an otherwise empty office, a provider who appeared rushed and unprepared, and a failure to review the child's chart or address allergy testing. The parent felt dismissed, accused of rudeness, and ultimately left feeling that the concerns about their daughter's symptoms were not taken seriously. This representation points to a breakdown in the patient?doctor dynamic, where listening, thorough chart review, and a clear plan of care were not evident, leaving a family with unresolved concerns and a vow to avoid the practice in the future.

The most harrowing episodes concern infant care and the treatment of newborns. One review - the most alarming in tone - describes a three-day-old newborn who faced a sequence of frightening experiences, from rough handling during vitals checks to multiple failed IV attempts, invasive investigations, and a perception that tests were being pursued more aggressively than necessary. The family recounted being told their child required spinal testing and even facing threats of CPS if they left, ultimately transferring care to another hospital where the infant's jaundice and inadequate feeding were addressed with gentleness and appropriate care. This account contrasts a presentation of distress and fear with a subsequent experience at Banner University where staff validated the infant's true needs and observed a much more comforting approach. The emotional weight of this narrative emphasizes the critical importance of gentleness with newborns and clear, compassionate communication with worried parents.

There are also moments of frustration tied to organizational logistics. A report from an orthopedic appointment describes arriving to find a room labeled "closed," waiting for over an hour in a nearly empty office, and leaving without being seen. The reviewer's frustration centers on the perception that scheduling was not matched with actual availability, underscoring how operational hiccups can color a family's overall impression of care and erode trust before any medical interaction even begins.

Amidst the mixed bag of experiences, there are also highly praising encounters with clinicians who arrived from other institutions and impressed families with their demeanor and approach. One patient highlighted Dr. Acosta as "AMAZING," noting a gentle, patient, caring presence and an aura described as "beautiful white." This portrayal captures a clinician who left a lasting, positive impression, sufficient to prompt a commitment to follow the doctor across institutions - a testament to the personal impact a clinician can have when empathy and expertise intersect.

Even in moments of praise, there are cautions about communication and expectations around urgent care needs. A visit to the emergency department was described as efficient and reassuring: a high-fever scenario resolved by attentive staff, with a doctor who was kind and thorough and a sense of relief about not having to wait long. This account affirms that, in high-stakes moments, practical efficiency and clear communication from the team can convert a frightening situation into a manageable experience, reinforcing confidence in the hospital when a child is acutely ill.

Finally, a recurring thread concerns canceled or mismanaged appointments, and the emotional toll of disrupted care. A family recounted a "horrible experience" with Dr. Schroeder canceling at short notice after weeks of anticipation, with shifting guidance about COVID exposure, telehealth feasibility, and in-person visits. The situation was described as confusing, with a parking-lot telehealth arrangement that felt impersonal and inadequate, ultimately leaving the family frustrated and doubting the consistency of the care plan. This story highlights the fragility of coordinated care when communication breaks down and policy changes outpace a family's ability to adapt.

Taken together, the collection of experiences paints a nuanced portrait: Phoenix Children's Hospital and its affiliated departments are capable of delivering exceptional, compassionate, and technically proficient pediatric care through some clinicians who truly connect with families and exemplify patient-centered practice. At the same time, the records reveal real concerns about wait times, thoroughness of chart reviews, respectful communication, and the sensitivity required when treating infants and anxious families. The overarching message is clear: when clinicians combine expert medical judgment with careful listening and strong operational discipline, families feel seen, relieved, and grateful. When those elements falter - whether in the form of miscommunication, rushed interactions, or procedural missteps - the impact is lasting and often prompts families to seek care elsewhere or demand changes in how care is delivered.

This part of Glendale, Arizona offers a variety of amenities and services that may be appealing to seniors looking for a convenient and vibrant community. With multiple dining options ranging from pub fare at Heroes Pub and Grub to Italian cuisine at Babbo Italian Eatery, there is something for every palate. Nearby pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens provide easy access to medications and health supplies. Quality healthcare facilities like HonorHealth Medical Group and Arrowhead Hospital are within close proximity for medical needs. Residents can also enjoy the outdoors at parks like Foothills Park and Thunderbird Park, while finding spiritual fulfillment at places of worship such as St Thomas More Parish. For entertainment, seniors can catch a movie at AMC Arrowhead 14 or explore local cafes like Starbucks for social gatherings. Ultimately, this area of Glendale offers a well-rounded living experience with a mix of dining, healthcare, recreational opportunities, and cultural outlets for senior residents to enjoy.

Restaurants

• Heroes Pub and Grub (0.2 miles)
• Zipps Sports Grill (0.4 miles)
• Babbo Italian Eatery (1.2 miles)
• Macayo's Mexican Table (1.3 miles)
• Oregano's Pizza Bistro (1.6 miles)
• Bruster's Ice Cream (1.6 miles)
• Whataburger (2.5 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.3 miles)
• Walgreens (0.8 miles)
• Walgreens (1.2 miles)
• Walgreens (1.7 miles)
• Walgreens (3.2 miles)
• Walgreens (3.3 miles)
• Walgreens (3.5 miles)

Physicians

• Kevin Turner (0.4 miles)
• Paseo Family Physicians (0.4 miles)
• HonorHealth Medical Group - West Union Hills - Primary Care (0.6 miles)
• SimonMed Imaging (0.6 miles)
• Arrowhead Hospital - Bryan Ficarra, DO (0.8 miles)
• Arrowhead Endoscopy & Pain Management Center (0.8 miles)
• Phoenix Neurology & Sleep Medicine (1.3 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.4 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (1.3 miles)
• Starbucks (2.9 miles)
• Starbucks (3.3 miles)
• Starbucks (4.2 miles)
• Starbucks (4.2 miles)
• Starbucks (4.2 miles)

Parks

• Foothills Park (0.4 miles)
• Thunderbird Park (2.4 miles)
• Fletcher Heights Park (2.9 miles)
• Mountain Ridge Park (4 miles)
• Conocido Park (4 miles)
• Paseo Highlands Park (4.2 miles)
• Green Belt (4.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Thomas More Parish (0.5 miles)
• The Church At Arrowhead (2.4 miles)
• Phoenix Arizona Temple (3 miles)
• Pure Heart Christian Fellowship (3.6 miles)
• CCV Childrens Building (3.7 miles)
• Christ's Church of the Valley (3.8 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Arrowhead 14 (2.4 miles)
• Arrowhead Fountains 18 (3.4 miles)
• AMC Deer Valley 30 (3.8 miles)