Care Network

Pros

• The facility and its care team are wonderful, with physicians who are positive, responsive, and follow up as needed.
• Dr. Balguri is caring, kind, and professional with an excellent bedside manner.
• Dr. Speake is respectful, informative, and has an amazing bedside manner.
• Mrs. Ellis has been a longtime, caring physician who truly knows her patients.
• Dr. Balguri is highly regarded for thorough explanations, punctual appointments, and friendly staff.
• The nurse practitioner Isaac's is very nice and knowledgeable, and the lab technician is painless and quick.
• The office staff are friendly, competent, and swift.
• Dr. Speake and his staff are widely praised for compassionate care and supportive service.
• Dr. Travis Walling is an awesome doctor who really cares about his patients.
• Dr. Dudding is a sweetheart who provides utmost care.

Cons

• Dr. Isaacs would not see the reviewer or prescribe pain medication after the ER instructed getting them from the PCP, claiming she was no longer in charge of their care because the patient planned to switch doctors, and the office manager refused to fit them in.
• The reviewer says two doctors were very rude and did not listen to what was being said.
• Dr. Thao Phuong Nguyen is described as rude with no bedside manner, and the receptionist is blamed for delays in obtaining a work release.
• Travis Walling, a nurse practitioner, is called an idiot; he allegedly could not diagnose pneumonia, was denied a future appointment with a real doctor, and the clinic is accused of caring only about patients who can afford nicer cars.
• A reviewer claims the clinic does not care about patients and treats them like "dollar signs."
• One reviewer describes waiting an hour and a half for a work release, with the receptionist saying she was busy while others arrived, and the release was not provided.
• There is frustration with Medicaid-related process issues, including conflicting instructions about being assigned first to secure a spot.

Review

The reviews paint a picture of a large medical facility that hosts a mix of standout clinicians, supportive staff, and the daily realities of running a busy practice. Many patients sing the praises of the care team as a whole, noting a culture of responsiveness, accessibility, and genuine concern. A common thread is the sense that the facility houses physicians who take the time to listen, explain, and follow up, which many patients describe as both comforting and reassuring. Several long-standing relationships emerge, with patients recounting years of trust and ongoing collaboration with their primary care providers.

Among the most consistently praised clinicians is Dr. Balguri, who many patients describe as caring, kind, and thoroughly professional. One first-time visit left a strong impression: a doctor who took time to explain things, demonstrated patience with numerous questions, and appeared to have a solid command of the patient's medical history. The overall staff during that visit was described as exceptionally friendly, and the patient noted that prescriptions were promptly called in and filled, even before leaving the office. The impression was so positive that the patient pressed for a future appointment with him for their husband as well, encapsulating a high level of trust and confidence.

Another longstanding favorite is Dr. Speake (often spelled Speake or Speak in various reviews). Long-term patients express deep appreciation for his availability, responsiveness, and the way he treats them with respect. Comments highlight his thorough approach, willingness to answer questions, and a bedside manner that many would characterize as compassionate and patient-centered. A notable example is a family story in which Dr. Speake cared for a parent with multiple health issues, including Alzheimer's, with consistent care and per-question clarity. For many, Dr. Speake and his staff embody the ideal of "taking time" in medical care, making patients feel seen and heard.

The clinic also features affectionate tributes to Mrs Ellis (Dr. Ellis), with a patient recounting a 16-year relationship built on trust, familiarity, and an understanding of both medical history and disabilities. The sentiment is that she's "the greatest" and "the loveliest," someone who knows their story well and has been a steady, dependable presence through the years. The warmth of this ongoing relationship is highlighted as a significant factor in the patient's willingness to remain with her practice long into the future.

Yet not every review is uniformly positive, and a few patients report challenging experiences that stand in contrast to the otherwise favorable tone. One patient describes a difficult interaction with Dr. Isaac's (a nurse practitioner), specifically around pain management after an emergency department visit advised obtaining medications from a PCP. The patient felt disregarded and implied that care decisions shifted away from them due to a draped sense of not continuing care with the patient. The same review mentions a lack of timely scheduling and a sense that the office did not accommodate the patient's needs, underscoring how frustrations can arise when communication about medications and follow-up feels inconsistent.

There are also strong endorsements of other clinicians, such as Dr. Dudding and Dr. Ede, who receive praise for kindness, competence, and attentive care. A patient described Dr. Ede as "awesome" and noted timely communication about test results as a key positive factor. The broader message is that many clinicians in the practice are capable and empathetic, contributing to a generally favorable view of the medical team's dedication to quality care.

However, there are clear criticisms of certain experiences, particularly with some practitioners. One review singles out Dr. Travis Walling, a nurse practitioner, with strongly negative language and an explicit recommendation to avoid the clinic based on a pneumonia misdiagnosis that allegedly led to hospitalization. The patient contests the clinician's ability to diagnose and feels the clinic did not advocate effectively for appropriate care thereafter. Another patient recounts a negative encounter with Dr. Thao Phuong Nguyen, describing the physician as rude and lacking bedside manner, while also noting a mismatch in expectations around getting a work release and the receptionist's responsiveness. These reviews highlight how patient experiences can diverge sharply depending on the provider and interaction style.

The patient experience at this facility also reflects broader operational realities. Several reviews mention wait times and scheduling challenges, including a case where a patient reported a long wait for a work release in the lobby, followed by a phone call that felt incongruent with the prompt attention expected. There are also comments about Medicaid-related processes, with patients seeking clarity on eligibility and appointment access, illustrating how administrative hurdles can color perceptions of care quality. Yet even within these more negative narratives, there are glimpses of positive operational moments, such as a nurse or lab technician delivering a quick, painless blood draw, or a receptionist who makes an effort to rearrange appointments despite a busy schedule.

Beyond individual providers, the reviews collectively emphasize a culture of compassion and service across various roles. Patients speak highly of the surgical and home health teams, acknowledging nurses, CNAs, and home health professionals who are described as caring, attentive, and capable. One reviewer highlights a gluten-free lifestyle managed with the help of a service dog, pointing to a supportive environment that accommodates complex medical needs and lifestyle requirements. Another mentions a family of staff members who work cohesively - from the receptionist to the doctor - to create an experience that feels friendly, competent, and efficient.

In summary, the collection of reviews paints a nuanced portrait of a busy medical community with many strong advocates. It celebrates clinicians who listen, explain, and deliver care with empathy, while also acknowledging moments of frustration tied to miscommunications, wait times, and certain interpersonal dynamics. The overall sentiment for the facility is one of genuine appreciation for dedicated professionals who consistently strive to provide high-quality care, along with a candid reminder that, in any large practice, patient experiences can vary depending on the provider, the staff involved, and the particular circumstances of care.

This part of Fort Smith, Arkansas, is a convenient and accessible area for senior living. There are several physicians and medical facilities within a short distance, including Mercy Medical Group and St Edward Mercy Health System. Pharmacies like Walmart Pharmacy and Coleman Pharmacy are nearby for easy access to medications. In terms of dining options, there are various restaurants such as Burger King, La Huerta Mexican Restaurant, and Starbucks for both quick bites and sit-down meals. Additionally, transportation services like U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer provide accessibility for travel needs. Overall, this neighborhood offers a blend of healthcare services, dining options, and transportation convenience suitable for seniors looking for a comfortable living environment.

Physicians

• Vikki L. Sutterfield, MD (0.1 miles)
• Smile Help Dental (0.5 miles)
• Dr Russell Branum (0.5 miles)
• Dr. Lance Daniel, O.D. (0.5 miles)
• Mercy Medical Group (0.5 miles)
• Mercy Sleep Center - Fort Smith (0.5 miles)
• Center For Sight (0.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Baptist Health Foot And Ankle Clinicfort Smith Fort Smith (0.6 miles)
• St Edward Mercy Health System (1.7 miles)
• St Edward Mercy Medical Center (1.8 miles)
• The Women's Center (2.5 miles)
• Samir Patel, MD (2.6 miles)
• Sparks ICU (2.7 miles)
• Baptist Health-Fort Smith (2.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walmart Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• Coleman Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• Midland Drug (2 miles)
• Harp's Food Stores (2.1 miles)
• National Family Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• Anderson's Discount Pharmacy (2.6 miles)

Restaurants

• Confectionately Yours (0.7 miles)
• Burger King (0.7 miles)
• Braum's (0.7 miles)
• La Huerta Mexican Restaurant (0.8 miles)
• Sonic Drive-In (0.8 miles)
• Taco Bueno (0.9 miles)
• McDonald's (0.9 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.1 miles)
• Dewey's Cafe (1.4 miles)
• Panera Bread (1.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• Southern Baptist Convention (1.3 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (2.6 miles)