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Dr. Ellen Palen, MD

Dr. Ellen Palen, MD

Family Medicine*
25+ years of experience

Dr. Ellen Palen, MD is a family medicine physician in Midlothian, VA and has over 25 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine in 1998. She is affiliated with medical facilities Chippenham Hospital and Johnston-Willis Hospital. She is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

3.9 Star Rating
Based on 24 reviews 3.9 Star Rating (24 reviews)

Practice

2367 Colony Crossing Pl Midlothian, VA 23112
Telehealth available
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(804) 406-9834.

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Dr. Palen's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Palen

3.9
24 ratings, 10 with a written review
5 star
67%
67%
4 star
0%
0%
3 star
4%
4%
2 star
13%
13%
1 star
17%
17%

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Dr. Palen has been my PCP for over 18 years. She is compassionate, knowledgeable and always willing to take the time that is needed in order to find the right treatment. You won’t find a doctor that cares more about the well being of her patients. Sometimes it is hard to get in to see her because of her popularity, but if I really need to be seen she makes it happen or speaks to me on the phone. She will not order needless tests and always involves me in the discussion of needed treatment options.
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
CarolA. – May 20, 2021
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I have been seeing DR. Palen for 18 years. Not only has she consistently given me good health care through a variety of illnesses, but she has always treated me as a whole person. She understands that what affects one spouse affects the other, so she treats each of us and both of us. This is crucial to me as a lesbian, because it is very hard to get providers to see anybody as a whole person much less someone in a same-sex relationship. But all people's relationships affect their health. Dr. Palen is compassionate, caring, and deeply interested in her patients. I know she cares about our well-being. It isn't just a job for her.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Donna Ladelle McWhorter – May 19, 2021
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Dr. Palen has been my PCP for 19 years. Her compassion, advocacy, and willingness to take the time to listen have carried me through herniated disks, torn tendons, blood clots, and everything in between. She always ensures that I understand the implications of a diagnosis and walks through treatment options so that I can make informed health decisions. As a bonus, she seems to know the entire Richmond medical community, so referrals are actually meaningful. I recommend her to everyone I know.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
SP – May 06, 2021
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Dr. Palen used to be wonderful when I first started seeing her back in 2011. As time went on she became very closed minded and wouldn't perform certain tests because she said insurance wouldn't cover it, even if I was willing to pay out of pocket. She has very limited knowledge of hormonal health but she was quick to say I may be depressed. I wasn't depressed, my hormones were just out of whack and now I feel so much better since seeing another doctor.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
What could be improved
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Jan 15, 2021
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Wow. Dr. Palen was my primary care doctor for years. While I enjoy her personality, I do NOT enjoy how she dropped the ball on my diagnosis. After many calls for help I was referred to a rheumatologist and instantly...I mean INSTANTLY diagnosed! I chose at that point to go to a concierge doctor where I wouldn't fall through the cracks. Fast forward a few years. My rhuematological disease went into remission so I went back to the practice where Dr. Palen is. In the short time back, they have sent my prescribed meds to the wrong pharmacy TWICE and just now Dr. Palen was extremely rude and unapologetic as I called the after hours number [at 6pm.!] where she was on call. STAY AWAY from this practice! Friendly does NOT mean competent!
What went well
  • Staff friendliness
What could be improved
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Rachel Henkle – Jul 30, 2020
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Dr. Palen is the best, I've met many doctors in my 67 years, but Dr. Palen is right at the top of the list of the best. She takes the time to really know you. You'll not find a better Doc.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
7 others found this helpful
Helpful
Herb – Jan 03, 2020
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She is the best. Awesome all the way around. Always hard to get in to see the doctor sometimes but when I've needed to get in, it has happened.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
6 others found this helpful
Helpful
annemoss in Richmond, VA – Aug 24, 2018
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She is very knowledgeable, and has a good bedside manner. I personally have had problems with her listening to me and accepting the fact that I am not going to take any more Staten drugs as they have made my muscles weak and have suffered a lot of pain well taking it. The office is difficult to deal with when it comes to getting my RX Refills/new prescriptions needed every year. Too many phone calls back and forth between myself and the doctors office, the doctors assistant, and the drugstore.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Apr 21, 2018
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Dr. Palen is the best primary care doctor I have seen. She takes time with her patients, explains things and really listens to your concerns. I recommend her to everyone!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
6 others found this helpful
Helpful
dre95 in Midlothian, VA – Jul 11, 2016
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Too often she focuses on herself, rather than hearing what the patient is saying. Medical care is compromised. She can become aggressive in her interactions.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
5 others found this helpful
Helpful
Kill Devil Hills, NC – Feb 20, 2016
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About Me

biography

Dr. Ellen Palen, MD is a family medicine physician in Midlothian, VA and has over 25 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine in 1998. She is affiliated with medical facilities...read more

  • Family Medicine

*Healthgrades does not verify qualifications for medical specialties. Please verify your provider's specialty and qualifications directly with your provider and applicable medical board.

  • Chesterfield Family Practice|chesterfield Family Practice Residency Program

    Residency Hospital, 2001

  • Cjw Medical Center|cjw Medical Center Chippenham Hospital

    Internship Hospital, 1999

  • Virginia Commonwealth University School Of Medicine

    Medical School, 1998
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Family Medicine®
- 
Family Practice
For detailed information about any of the below board actions, please search for the provider's records on the linked state licensing board or the Federation of State Medical Boards. To learn more about the difference between these sources, please refer to our FAQs.
Healthgrades has not received any data indicating a board action exists for this provider.

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Locations

Practice

Virginia Family Physicians P C.2367 Colony Crossing Pl Midlothian, VA 23112
1
  • Call
  • Fax
  • Hours
    • Mon: 8:00am - 5:00pm
    • Tue: 8:00am - 5:00pm
    • Wed: 8:00am - 5:00pm
    • Thu: 8:00am - 5:00pm
    • Fri: 8:00am - 5:00pm
  • Directions
(804) 323-1264
See all Family Doctors in Midlothian, VA