AVOID THIS MEDICAL CLINIC AT ALL COSTS! The medical staff and assistants are extremely rude and unhelpful. The context of my experience is this: My mom’s family physician recently retired and her medical records automatically went to Dr. Krol-Szpakowski. My mom decided to find her own family doctor – as the location for her is not convenient since she does not drive. In addition, she heard bad reviews about the clinic – and I understand why now, after my recent experience. Her new family doctor sent a request to Dr. Krol-Szpakowski to have her medical records. My mom called me disappointed because she said in order to have medical records she needs to pay Dr. Krol-Szpakowski $150. My mom who was recently diagnosed with cancer and who also lost her spouse to cancer in the last year, has been displaced from her home due to a fire and lives on a limited income cannot afford $150. This is a major expense for her. I called and discussed the situation to one of the staff. She said that she will discuss the matter with the doctor, and that they will get back to me. I called a week later, as I did not hear a response – however the lines were busy, and I could not leave a message on the days the voicemail came on. I was able to successfully get through a week later. I had to explain the situation again, and the medical staff on the phone stated that in order for my mom to receive her records she needs to pay $150. I asked how did they came to the figure of $150, and she said based on the pages. Then I asked, how many pages were there? I was put on hold and a different medical staff came on the phone. I tried to explain this situation to this staff member (whom did not want to share her name with me), and she said that she does not care and does not sympathize with my mother’s situation. If my mom wants her medical records sent to her new doctor she needs to pay $150, end of story. I asked where is the figure $150 from – the medical staff said that there are 400 pages, and that it’s a whole day process to copy 400 pages, organize them and have the doctor reviewed. I questioned their justification for the fee. Medical clinics have feeders where papers can be scanned and printed, fast and efficiently. In addition, the doctor is not my mom’s family doctor – so there is nothing to review. My mom already sees her assigned specialists so the doctor does not need to review this. Nevertheless, in a situation like this I wanted to come to an agreement – for example, cost per copy of page reduced, etc. The medical staff constantly interrupted me, was very rude and yelled at me during the call. And lastly, she hung up on me. Even though, there was a difference between us - I did not call her any names. I was respectful during the call and wanted to come to an agreement. The medical staff refused to listen. I called back again and the medical staff said that I was being inappropriate and not to call back there again, and hung up again Over the last year, I have been at several medical clinics as both of my parents were diagnosed with cancer and had to receive different treatments. All my experiences with the medical staff were positive, as many of them were always caring and sympathetic. With my recent experience with the medical staff from Dr.Krol-Szpakowski, I am in shock how staff can talk to the patients, be so rude and have no empathy. I cannot comment on the Dr.Krol-Szpakowski herself as I have no dealt with her but in order for a medical clinic to be professional and maintain their integrity – both the staff and GP must have compassionate care and respect.

She's got to be one of the worst doctors in Hamilton. She's not knowledgeable (you'd get better care through WebMD). She argues with patients about sending referrals or doing anything that requires any amount of paperwork. She puts all her effort into discouraging her patients from taking any action towards their health. She spends MINUTES trying to convince me that whatever I'm asking for isn't worth it, that I won't get what I'm asking for even if she tries, that it's not needed, saying anything and everything to try to make me give up. She's unbelievably lazy. All she seems to be good for is immigration related things, which is great, I have no problem with that. But she resists doing ANY work. She's rude, condescending, purposely reinforces a sense of hopelessness in her patients, ignores any concerns about quality of life (she doesn't respond to it and just keeps trying to convince me it's not worth the paperwork), she scoffs and smirks when you ask for anything that requires paperwork which makes me feel foolish for a completely reasonable request. I truly think Dr. Krol has no empathy for her patients and no desire to help them. I think she only cares about the money while actually TREATING patients is an annoyance to her. I say this not out of hate but out of concern for my fellow human beings: DON'T GO TO HER UNLESS YOU HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE!!!!!

I went to see Dr. Krol for my immigration physical and exam and I must say that the experience was great - the staff was friendly, genuine, and answered all of my questions. They also provided a comfortable environment and made me feel at ease from being a little nervous to have blood work done, seeing as I hate needles. Moreover, Dr. Krol was very sincere, created small talk, and was very prompt and on time for my scheduled appointment. I definitely recommend this office to other patients who are looking for caring healthcare workers and an experience that stands out from the rest. Furthermore, pending my immigration paperwork, I, myself would love to be a patient of Dr. Krol's and staff in the future.

UPDATE: was just told I need to find a new doctor because she did not like my review. Also said she was not going to help me find said new doctor but she'd give me a month To find one "to be nice" nothing about this docor is nice. Everyone working for her however is super nice. The doctor herself is nothing but attitude. The worst doctor went there on the 24th of April to switch medication. I got told we'll be in touch. It's now the 25th of May she has not been in touch. She doesn't care if your meds aren't working. She makes you feel like you're the problem. Wish I never met this doctor. And good luck getting a new one because she's affiliated with everyone around here.

I highly recommend this clinic for the immigration medical. I called on Monday afternoon and got an appointment on Wednesday. Jenna and Vivian are very fast, friendly and professional. They took only half hour for my urine, blood test & eye exam. Got my picture taken and uploaded in no time. Dr. Krol is so nice and explained me everything. They have the facility to submit eMedical so everything was uploaded right away. The clinic is neat and clean. The X-ray place is only a 3 minutes away by drive and 10 minute walk, everything was done in an hour.

Dr Margaret Krol is rude, disrespectful, unwilling to do paperwork, doesn't listen and will lie to your face. She has ignored mental health issues brought to her attention saying "you didn't bring it up the last time you were here" and she simply WILL NOT sign paperwork or make referrals. Not only that but when we asked her to fax out for files when we moved to her practice, she did so and then lied to our face about whether she had it or not. We know this because our old physician has her signature on the delivery of the files.

Dr.Krol is very experienced and knowledgeable doctor/practitioner. She is fair and listens to her patients. Ive been going to her for 22yrs and most of my family have been going to her for their entire lives to date. She doesn't push meds (which I like)... again, very seasoned and with wealth of time on the job. A doctor that is truly there for her patients. Wait times in the office are very quick as she has adjusted and made changes to her clinic operations. Best family doctor I've had and have recommended many to her.

Worst doctor she’s rude and her the girls in the office all have attitudes except the Asian girl with long hair she’s very nice and does her best also the nurse is sweet too. But oh boy the doctor (krol whatever).. they need to check how she even became a doctor with that attitude and lack of understanding of her patients. She’s such a bully please find yourself another doctor and use walk in clinic till you get one that’s what I’m doing now I couldn’t stand how they treated me especially being BLACK

I've had quite a few doctors over the years. Overall my wife and I have had very good experiences at this office and our baby is always very well taken care of. The nurse practitioner that works at the office is really great, especially with children. Sadly, there are not a lot of options out there for doctors. I struggled for years to find a doctor in Hamilton, as the demand is high and the one I did get before Dr. Krol was truly terrible. I think this office is okay for general medical needs.

Totally not understanding these negative reviews. Myself, my wife and two daughters all switched to Dr. Krol recently. We have had some appointments already. She is attentive, asks the right questions and is very understanding of mental health situations, contrary to some other reviews. Her staff is pleasant and we don't have to wait for appointments very long. Her health team is very good as well. I don't get the sense that she is 'moody' as someone else said. I would recommend her to anyone.

Amazing service. Fast and efficient. Great for Immigration medical exams. I walked in without an appointment because they never picked up the phone so I went to do it in person. Best decision ever. They took me in right when I got there without an appointment. It didn't take me more than 15 minutes to get everything done. If their phone line is busy I recommend going in person to make an appointment! You might be able to get your appointment in that exact moment you go. Amazing service!!

Poor everything. It is unfortunate that I had to visit this place. Did not have good experience. Staff is extremely rude. The doctor was okay still but staff handles lot of things. Please find some other place. I did not like the way my samples were taken care. I went for my medical assessment and they put samples without my name on in same tray with other person's sample. What if they were swapped by mistake!! I was stressed the whole time.

Dr. Krol is an excellent experienced and down to earth doctor. I have been with this doctor for over 10 years and have never had a bad experience. She takes time for her patients and loves her patience. Although English not my first language, she takes the time to listen and understsand me. She is not quick to push unnecessary medication. I appreciate this. I highly recommend her practice.

This doctor is the worst doctor I've ever met. She doesn't care about your health whatsoever and being in her office is very uncomfortable. She comes and makes you feel like it's your fault that you're sick and I leave her office with more questions than answers. An advice, if you suffer from any mental illness just avoid her, because she doesn't care!!

I visit this clinic today, i must say, my experience was bad. Doctor took too long to get my blood test and she did it in four trials. After first trial, she excused that, i have bruise arm. After that she tried on my second arm in a rough way that was so painful. I will not recommend this clinic to anybody.

Worst family doctor ever.... Never called for check ups or to ask how her patient is doing... Father died, called to notify them, she didnt even contact me to ask any questions or anything on her patient... Only does the bare minimum, and charges you for lifting a finger or any paper work....

Staff is rude, disrespectful and careless. Reports are full of typos even if you hand them your identity documents. And they plainly refuse to correct it, like straight no. Had to go through a lot because of their mistake. Would never recommend to anybody.

Went there for my immigration medical. The doctor and her assistant were very pleasant, the appointment started right on time and lasted no longer than 15 minutes. She quickly checked everything while making casual conversation. Would recommend to anyone

Krol is disrespectful and rude. She refuses to do any paperwork, including applications for ODSP or transferring medical records to a new doctor. She has no sympathy or empathy for her patients with chronic pain or mental health issues.

I called and asked I am looking to book appointment for my mother. She hung up the phone saying at this time we are very busy and we donot have any appointments avaiable. It was very rude.

Everytime I need a Prescription, Dr. Krol doesn't take care of it for me. It's been 3 days now, that I need a Prescription for my Health. I'm going to try once again tomorrow.

A great lady doctor went to her for immigration papers , she was very precise and on time with the paper work, I recommend her highly. Thank you doctor krol

Wonderful staff, very very polite and helpful, I gave a 4 star because the office needs redecorating and cleaning but the staff make up for that experience.

The doctor is very good and friendly. But every time I go there, the waiting time goes by an hour or more. But I don't know what they can do to improve it.

Dr. Krol has been my doctor since I arrived in Hamilton in 2003. Every experience has been a positive one and I wouldn't hesitate to refer people to her.

The WORST doctor I have ever seen. Unfortunately her nurse is amazing. But man, Dr. Krol is quite wretched with a horrible bedside manner.

Very efficient and friendly staff, super helpful with everything I needed, thank you!

Staff is really rude and disrespectful. I Wouldn’t go there again that’s for sure.

Always seen quickly and I’m always helped really quickly and effectively

I highly recommended this office, very friendly and professional.

Very rude and poor experience

Very warm and welcoming staff

Would not trade doctors