Arrowhead Heartstone in Glendale, AZ

Pros

• Dr Wood is top tier in Orthopedics at Phoenix Children's Hospital.
• The staff are great and friendly.
• Molitor is very kind and understanding.
• Arrowhead Children's Hospital nurses, doctors, and staff are amazing.
• Dr Acosta is amazing, gentle, and caring.
• The Phoenix Children's Hospital emergency department doctor was very good and nice, and the staff made families feel comfortable.
• The first PHC appointment was amazing, with short wait times, friendly staff, and Dr Law clearly explaining the procedure.
• Phoenix Children's Hospital is regarded as one of the best for heart surgery, with patients doing well after procedures.
• The Arrowhead facility is stunning, with welcoming and kind staff.
• DNP Lesser in ENT is a gem who listens to every concern; assistants are sweet and have good bedside manner.

Cons

• The patient described the visit as terrible due to Dr. Ifat Krasi being rushed, unprofessional, and failing to review chart notes or answer questions.
• They waited over an hour past the appointment time in an otherwise empty office.
• The infant was treated roughly during vitals checks, causing distress, with multiple painful IV attempts that could have harmed her.
• The staff refused to examine or adequately address parental concerns, leaving the child with no further treatment.
• An invasive spinal tap was proposed for the infant without adequate consideration for the baby's comfort or necessity.
• The billing department was described as horribly incompetent, with bills sent a year late, misfiled accounts, double billing, and poor responsiveness.
• The telehealth arrangements and appointment logistics were confusing and misleading, including a last-minute cancellation due to Covid exposure.

Review

Arrowhead Heartstone in Glendale is best suited for families seeking preeminent pediatric specialty care delivered in a modern, child-centric hospital setting. The reviews consistently point to a care environment that prioritizes children's needs: skilled orthopedic care, attentive pediatric teams, and a spectrum of subspecialties from cardiology to ENT. Specific clinicians are repeatedly praised for their competence and bedside manner - Dr Wood in orthopedics and Dr Acosta among them - along with nursing and support staff described as warm, patient, and genuinely engaged with kids. An open-house experience underscored a campus designed with families in mind, presenting easy access to multiple pediatric services under one roof. For families chasing top-tier pediatric outcomes, Arrowhead Heartstone presents a compelling core advantage.

That said, families evaluating this community must weigh a clear caveat: it is not a senior-living or adult-focused option. The collective feedback centers on pediatric care, with a mix of administrative realities that can complic visits. Several reviewers recount long waits, occasional gaps in coverage at front desks, and scheduling hiccups that leave families waiting beyond appointment times. There are also troubling anecdotes about misaddresses and miscommunications that created unnecessary friction for families arriving for care. These administrative and logistical fragilities can add stress to already anxious moments, particularly when time-sensitive pediatric concerns are involved. For seniors or families seeking a stable, everyday care environment outside a pediatric framework, alternatives will likely serve better.

When weighing the positives against the negatives, the decisive offset comes from clinical excellence and the breadth of pediatric expertise. The strongest takeaway is that high-caliber medical care exists here: a track record of successful heart surgery conversations, robust cardiovascular and orthopedics departments, and clinicians who explain procedures clearly and patiently. In practice, a family facing a complex pediatric issue may rate the clinical outcomes as worth navigating occasional administrative rough edges. The consistently cited compassionate care from nurses, the effectiveness of emergency services, and the ability to connect with specialists in one system collectively bolster the decision to prioritize medical quality over cosmetic conveniences in the moment.

Still, the most troubling threads in the feedback cannot be ignored. Billing and administrative experiences appear recurrently problematic - delayed or disputed charges, sudden billing disputes, and even claims of misrepresentation. One family described billing confusion that persisted for months, with collections and account mixups that strained finances and trust. Cancellations, last-minute telehealth pivots, and a few accounts of misaddressed visits hint at a system that can feel opaque to families trying to coordinate care around a child's needs. For a parent juggling appointments, tests, and transport, these administrative issues can eclipse even strong clinical care if left unaddressed. Such patterns argue for clear communication channels and proactive advocacy when these services are necessary.

For families contemplating assisted living decisions for an elderly member, Arrowhead Heartstone's pediatric focus signals a mismatch with the typical needs of seniors - memory care, routine daily living assistance, and adult-care case management. In that context, alternatives dedicated to adult and geriatric care with transparent billing, predictable scheduling, and senior-focused programming should be prioritized. If a mixed family situation exists - child requiring specialized medical attention alongside an older family member needing daily living support - Arrowhead Heartstone may serve as a hub for pediatric care while separate, senior-focused facilities handle the non-pediatric needs. In short, the setting excels for pediatric medicine but falls short as a solo solution for senior living.

The practical path forward is clear. For families pursuing robust pediatric outcomes, visit with a specific care team in mind, verify appointment and billing expectations, and request a patient advocate to navigate complex pathways. Ask about wait times for the exact subspecialties needed, the process for handling infant procedures and pain management, and the steps taken to prevent scheduling gaps. If senior living is the primary goal, actively compare adult-focused communities - especially those with memory care and transparent billing - alongside any pediatric center being considered for the child's care. Arrowhead Heartstone should be a primary consideration for families prioritizing pediatric excellence, but not the sole choice when elder-care arrangements must stand alongside.

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)