Dr. Messina has been my doctor for the last 30+ years. He is the best. Not only does he know everyone at St. John's in Santa Monica, but many of the other doctors all over LA. He takes time with me every time I'm there. Recently, Last year, I was diagnosed with cancer, through my OBGYN. Rocked, I dropped in to see him with no appointment. Not only did he take time with me, he reviewed information about the surgeon suggested. At times, his "bedside manner" can be a little gruff at times, but he's a New Yorker. His assistant knows her stuff. And what she doesn't know, she'll find out for you, as will he, or send you to whoever it is you need to see. Dr. Messina was there for me. I don't know what I'll do when he retires. read more

If I could I would give ZIRO star. This Dr Messina and his assistant tina need to be reported to the proper authorities. No one who treats patients this way should be allowed to continue practicing without serious consequences. I would NOT recommend this Dr to anyone!!!! This doctor and his assistant tina are completely unprofessional. They lie argue with patients and avoid responsibilities for refills or authorizations. Tina has zero manners, is extremely rude, overwhelmed, constantly complains instead of doing her job. This office is chaotic, careless and shows no respect for patients. I do not recommend them to anyone. I believe of every negative reviews patient posted here, because we have been experiencing them too !!!! Honesty I hope other patients report this doctor and his assistant to the proper authorities. read more

In my too-many decades of life, has no Physician and Office Staff earned my trust in their knowledge, care and compassion for what is best for my ACTUAL welfare like Dr. Messina and his office has done. I used to have full coverage through motion, picture health and welfare benefits. When I was injured on the job, it forced me to take Medi-Cal and thus by me taking Medi-Cal I was fortunately, no I was blessed to be assigned to Dr Messina. And from the moment he got all my charts and files and reviewed and got up to speed, fully understanding the nigh-on irresponsibile care i had been receiving for almost 20 years from other doctors. He realized how poorly and over prescribed and just almost incompetently, I had been being treated for far too long by the doctors working at the motion picture health offices. Dr Messina is an old school doctor. He has no problems inviting you into his office and sit down and talk with you and he will take as long as he needs to explain something and he will tell you if he needs two hours it's gonna take two hours. He will not sugarcoat things, he will not give you what you want to hear just to get you out, and to his next patient. He absolutely WILL tell you exactly what is going on, and the truth, unfettered and not sugarcoated. If you need help understanding what he is saying, he will take as long as he needs to explain it to you in words that you can understand. But if you're looking for a "prescription pad" to write what YOU think you need or alternative medicine and doctor with hugs included. That's not him. This man has been doing it for 55 years. You count back 55 years and think about what he went through and what he has seen. I've talked to some of the people that know his background and the man is more than just a doctor. He really is concerned about healing. When he calls me in his office, the first thing I do is take my damn hat off, shake his hand and thank him for the time me made to see me, because he is honoring me with his time and care. Then on top of his abilities, Tina his a one woman office staff/manager/note taker/scheduler/referral coordinator/and honestly, I don't know enough about the medical industry to tell you what else she does, but I guarantee she does 10 more things that I don't even know about. But she somehow manages every single little detail with the utmost precision, efficacy and abject efficiency of any office full of 10 assistants. Whether you're a person of faith or not, all I can say is Dr Messina and Tina and their office might just be the greatest gift Gods ever given me. read more

This is not a real "doctor" as he was incapable of answering medical questions (he looked up my questions on google using his cell phone). He was verbally abusive the entire time (while also apologizing for his continual misconduct). He berated me on how to properly sit in a chair, to what he thought of my appearance, and he berated me on the nature of my medical questions. He boasted on what a great doctor he thought he was because he knew how to interpret a blood marker which was really embarrassing. Alex Messina is incapable of healing (a word he scoffed at me for referencing) himself and his wife of thyroid disease to which he admitted and that is why he will never measure up to what a real doctor should be in this world. read more

Dr Messina has been my Primary Care MD for 25+ years and has always had my best interest in providing medical care & advice. Whether it be my annual physical, managing blood pressure or a recommendation for a specialist, Dr Messina has always provided the best care & advice. I appreciate both Dr Messina and Tina for making my health their priority. Thanks, Walt N read more

Impossible to get a hold of. Waited two months for a physical and I was told the wrong time. They didn't make an exception for this error. Don't waste your time with the mess. read more

I went to see Doctor Messina 2 weeks ago and was a bit in a state of losing my other insurance due to high cost and needed to see a doctor right away for a very painful (sausage) vinger, Tina the secretary was extremely helpful and told me to come in right away. Doctor Messina really calmed me down did a diagnosis and had me make a appointment with my rheumatologist right away, he is a very pleasant doctor, very knowledgeable, very calm and to the point. I read some of the reviews here, so unnecessary to talk down. Why not call the office and ask to be seen and talk it out face to face. Thank you Doctor Messina and Tina for your care. Yelp is a dangerous platform it has put many small business out of business already just due to some unfairness and entitlement of customers. read more

I was assigned to another provider but couldn't get into see them. I got terribly sick over the weekend and Dr. Messina had previously referred me to a specialist, so I reached out to see if he could help. He was able to see me within an hour and prescribed me antibiotics that made me feel better that very day and cured me within a week. I'm terribly grateful for their kindness and professionalism in taking the time to see me when I wasn't previously scheduled. read more

I just saw Dr Messina for a physical and my first visit and in my 64 years he is the most thorough most knowledgeable and most thoughtful physician I have ever seen and I've had the most amazing and the best healthcare in the US! His office manager and right hand went out of her way to help me as I had a tight deadline for some very time sensitive documents and care. She is an Angel and you can tell cares very deeply about his patients. I've seen some reviews for Dr Messina and it may be to his direct and completely transparent approach which I found refreshing and focused on my healthcare and not on practice profitability. In an age of corporate medicine and healthcare they are truly unique and a real gift to me and my situation It was a real pleasure to get him as my primary care physician. read more

Never go there! They are very dangerous people . Dr Messina is loosing his mind, don t know what he is doing , never remember anything , ask you many time the same question ! his secretary is totally running the business , seeing patient even if she is not a nurse . She will never let you talk to the doctor and is totally overwhelmed. She does not send referral to patient , does not send referral to the department concerned . Even if the doc says it is urgent she never mentions it which means that from today I have an appointment to the ophthalmologist with a suspicious discoloration of the retina in MARCH !! Same for the cardiologist . They should be closed read more

Will not be coming back to Dr Messina horrible bedside manner and actually got in an argument with him about my ear infection. Was first and last time I read other bad reviews and should have paid attention. Bad experience too nad read more

He is a good doctor that gets to the point right a way, I had a lingering cough that was not going away and the urgent care Dr. told me it will be fine on its own, I am glad I did not follow the urgent care Dr. advice and immediately today visited Dr Alex, It turned out I needed medication! Thank you Dr. Also thanks to Tina, she is expert on Blood pressure check and like my previous visits always a great help read more

Dr. Messina is a very caring physician with immense knowledge in internal medicine. He is very thorough and will get you on the right track to great health. read more

Needed a doctor with a hospital affiliation and chose this doctor and can say the negative reviews are spot on. He's argumentitive, and lacks key skill for someone in his profession...he doesn't LISTEN to his patients. In fact, he can hear you, but it goes in one ear and out the other. I have never experienced anything like this before with a medical professional. I was accused of not following his directions even though I had gone out of my way to do so. Being patronized IS NOT what I go to the Doctor for. Having to change primary care physicians just added to the complication of my situation and getting down to the remedy. I see he gets positive reviews so there must be a good side, but that was not my experience. read more

Never had a better PCP. Reason? WISDOM ( i.e. Prodigious experience, plus keeps up with all advances.) Only been with him for two years. But already diagnosed several ailments long before specialists and routinely before confirmation from tests and MRI's. You'd have to consult an Oracle to get a better, quicker diagnosis, and he ALWAYS follows up with as long a private consultation as it takes for you to FULLY understand. Rating? Unequivocally, 10 out of 10! read more

If you're looking for warm and fuzzy treatment visit a quilting circle but if you're looking for professional medical care and treatment go to one of the best...Dr. Messina and his most able and capable assistant, Tina. I've visited my share of doctors over these 90 years of living and he has been consistently accurate in his diagnosis and treatment. On at least three occasions he has literally saved my life. I haven't always liked what he has had to tell me nor have I found it easy to follow his findings and recommendations but I've never visited him to be coddled nor pampered rather I've chosen him to discover what ails me, directed me to the necessary care to cure me and send me on my way mended...Dr. Messina has never disappointed me in any of those measures. God bless two of the finest healthcare professionals! read more

My dad had horrible melanoma tumors on his arm, and Dr. Messina was contracted to coordinate surgery with the various disciplines. Every visit was hell The clerk at the front desk was rude and Dr Messina tops it all when it comes to rudeness He treated my dad like an idiot. While in the examination room, my dad was smiling, and Dr. Messina pointed his finger at him and said see just a imbecile just smiling away. My dad had to come to the cancer clinic for treatment every three weeks and I tried to avoid Dr. Messina's office because he always wanted to see my dad for trivial things and a question that to this day. My dad completed cancer treatment early. I wanted to take them to Pismo beach so he can see the beach for the last time. Dr. Messina saw us pass by the pharmacy . He called us over and he wanted to see my dad. It was late in the afternoon when we finished the un schedule appointment. When we arrived in Pismo, it was dark and my dad couldn't see the beach or the waves. Dr. Messina did not really need to see us. I still question the need to see in the office His job was to coordinate service. This happened around 2011, and it seems like it was just yesterday It was a horrible experience. I cant put it out of my head. read more

Dr. Alex Messina is one of the most caring doctors I've ever met. My cholesterol has been high for sometime and he made sure I got the best care and medicine that I needed. When the insurance didn't cover my medicine, he called the owner of the pharmacy himself. I got the medicine within the hour!! That's because Dr.Messina went the extra miles and he cares!! And he has a great sense of humor that makes the visits pleasant. - Nila.W read more

Simply what they deserve! Outdated practice and front desk person not a nice service. Instruments are too old. Rude doctor with no people skills. If you work with patients you should be nice to them, they are the ones paying for your services. read more

THANK YOU Dr. Messina, for saving my life . Your insistence for having my colonoscopy early . I was diagnosed with Colon cancer . I had my surgery and adjuvant therapy and now CANCER FREE.. I can't thank you enough . God bless you. read more

Dr. Messina and his amazing assistant Tina are by far one of the best caretakers on the Westside. I am so lucky to be under their care and guidance and seriously would not go anywhere else! Dr. Messina gives it to you straight with no B.S. and that's how I prefer it. read more

Response to Dr. Messina, A receptionist is not a medical assistant for one. Secondly, my ER doctor contacted your line himself. Thirdly, it sounds like your "medical assistant" RECEPTIONIST and yourself are just completely unorganized to the point that you're having your own patients fall through the cracks. Fourth, so your response is "I'm the problem" yet all the reviews on not just your yelp but google and every other platform to give feedback on your services has had the same if not WORSE experience than mine; in short, you're the common denominator. Maybe rather than blame the world, you might want to use this time to self reflect on your decorum towards your own patients. You lack ethics and the way you speak to women is absolutely deplorable. I've contacted the medical board as stated and they're investigating you as I'm not the only one who made a complain :) I have nothing to gain from your experience and everything to lose considering you neglected my care for a month in a crucial time wherein I was in and out of urgent cares and ER's etc. My condition needed a competent doctor and you failed to even do as little as contact me back. You have contradicted yourself so many times over the phone and even in this response it's unfathomable the true delusion you live in. Rather than apologize, take accountability and provide actual care, your little ego attacked me and wouldn't let me speak that I said "Why're you being so rude" multiple times and why do you think you can speak to people that way is beyond me. As I stated to you on the phone, thank you for your service and I'm happy to confirm that it's no longer needed. To anyone else who have had a similar experience, REPORT HIM TO THE MEDICAL BOARD. This person shouldn't have a license and be practicing. Beware of this incompetent doctor. I've been trying to reach his office for a month and I would get a "I don't have access to the schedule but we will call you back". I've been hospitalized and was in and out of the ER. This doctor and receptionist have been the rudest and unprofessional people I've ever encountered. He made misogynistic remarks, screamed at me through the phone, won't allow you to talk and I'm currently on hold with the medical board as we speak. This is absolutely unacceptable and as you see, this is how he conducts himself to a majority of his patients. The reviews from others SPEAK FOR ITSELF. This man deserves to lose his license for absolute medical neglect. I came to him for a referral and he deemed it was urgent as well yet failed to give me the paperwork for it and blames his incompetence on me. He only gave me paperwork to do blood work that's it although he claims he gave me the referral. Then, his receptionist said she "mailed it" to my address, yet I didn't receive it. So two different stories (Dr gave me the proper paperwork during the visit or was it mailed by your receptionist. Which is it?)... and I've been trying to reach out to them for a month. Not only was I trying to reach out to them, EVEN MY ER DOCTOR TRIED TO CALL HIM. After speaking to the medical board my next call will be to remove him as my primary. I will not be harassed by a sexist doctor who can't even pick up the phone and do his job properly. I welcome you to response to this the way you have tried to intimidate every other reviewer that showed your conduct so that I can include it in my email to have your license taken. read more

I have been Dr. Messina's patient since approximately 2000. He is absolutely wonderful: a skilled diagnostician; compassionate; no nonsense; and, he works fast and carefully. Oh, and funny! No matter how sick I am, I always leave his office with a smile on my face from laughing. In the 20 years that I have been seeing Dr. Messina, I have had medical insurance, I have lost my medical insurance--multiple times. Not once did he turn me away; instead, offered me affordable payment plans when I had no coverage. Tina, his long-time assistant, is friendly and responsive. Dr. Messina typically has openings on the days I call to book an appointment. Accordingly, I can avoid ending up at the local Urgent Care. I echo another reviewer's sentiments: Dr. Messina is the best internist on the Westside. Why else would I choose to be his patient for 2 decades now. read more

Best doctor in the west side, I've been his patient for over 20 years, First time I came , he knew exactly what was wrong with me and treat it me correctly, very courteous, sweet and not rude as other contributors have said , totally rec read more

Alex Messina, MD - Internal Medicine Near Me - Santa Monica, California

I rarely write Yelp reviews but I feel compelled to write one right now .. I am in awe of how great of a doctor Dr Alex Messina is !!!!! I have been to several doctors and been misdiagnosed, dr Messina figured out my diagnosis RIGHT AWAY !!! I guess experience speaks loud volumes . His office manager Tina , God bless this woman , she facilitated getting all my tests approved on my insurance and I am SO GRATEFUL to these two angels in my life . THANK YOU Dr Messina and Tina . I really appreciate all you have done to improve my quality of life . read more

I don't tend to post reviews although Dr. Messina has a special place in my heart. When COVID initially started I switched my primary care physician to Dr. Messina. I haven't had the chance to meet him in person until 2 weeks ago and I can have enough good things to say about this doctor. He's sympathetic and gives every patient the personalized care they need in order to feel well with themself again. He is incredibly knowledgeable and knows the right steps to take. In addition, Tina was an absolute star with regard to giving my situation the attention it needs. She immediately processed my authorization because she understood the urgency of my case. She's kept an open line of communication with me throughout this whole process. A large thank you to Dr. Messina and the team! read more

I hesitated to write this review. Everything here is the truth with no exaggeration. People deserve to know. Dr. Messina argues with you. If you enjoy arguing with your physician, by all means. Side note, Tina is very kind. Dr. will have you call pharmacy to call HIM to fill a prescription. Waited 3 weeks for a referral to a specialist and it was never submitted. I called to ask what happened and was told I should be more on top of why it wasn't submitted. Turns out they thought they didn't have my insurance card on file, never called me to request it, so they just brushed it under the rug. In the end, they did have the card and didn't realize it. Doctor had a 10 min argument over the phone about it when he simply could've apologized and moved on. He needs to have the last word. At one point was prescribed the wrong medication and was laughed at when I informed him of my adverse reaction "haha that's how you know it's working". It was a severe allergic reaction. Not a nice guy. Not caring. Condescending and rude. Acts as if he's doing you a favor. read more

I have been trying not to write this review for a few months but the truth is, everybody deserves to know what they will be dealing with as patients and I simply wish I read some of the reviews before choosing this doctor. The only positive thing about Dr Messina is his assistant. She was always very helpful and nice but since I switched the PCP in March and I mailed a request, I have been waiting for my medical record to be sent to my new PCP. I am still waiting. So now about Dr Messina. First of all, he is obnoxious, rude, never lets you talk, thinks he knows everything and repeats over and over the same things. It is a complete waste of time to deal with him. The worst part was when I contracted the corona virus in the middle of March. I knew I had it since my husband was in contact with someone who was diagnosed. So I was scared, I wanted to see my PCP and I was able to talk to him on the phone. So when I told him all my symptoms (which were the full palette of corona) he said I didn't have corona virus since my fever was not high enough and I was coughing because my husband was smoking!!!!!! Really?????!!!! My husband probably told him he was smoking so am I supposed to know that? Isn't this a doctors-patient secret? And even if I did know, did he say he was smoking inside? Who does that anyway??? And I am coughing because of this. Right! He wanted to give me antibiotics. Antibiotics for a virus infection! Right. Everyone knows that antibiotics are useless for virus infections. I told him I did not want any antibiotics, I just wanted someone to listen to my lungs. He started yelling at me and hung up the phone. This was so rude, epic I would say. I switched my PCP the same day and I am so happy with my new doctor. I am not going to be rude like him and I won`t say what I really think about Dr Messina but I will only say I wish I never knew him. read more

Tina and Dr. Messina are caring healthcare professionals who take the time to listen to patients. They are organized and serious about ensuring that the patient receives the care they need...when they need it! read more

We really appreciate and are grateful for such an excellent doctor that straight forward and to the point when it comes to his patients health. One of a kind, it is almost impossible to find such a fine doctor these days; my wife and I feel like family. Tina is a total sweetheart, she is detail and she takes the time to address each and everyone one of patients needs. She goes beyond, and she does it with love. This is the most perfect doctors office in Santa Monica. I was experiencing blood clotting, went the hospital and they did not address my issue or symptoms. We had a visit to Mr. Wonderful(Dr. Messina), he ordered a full work, I had every test possible and got proper medication; Tina made everything possible same day, and she personally set all my appointments with specialist, we love he and her; they saved my life literally. Thank you Doc, and thank you Tina Ronnie & Rose:) Best doctor ever! read more

Alex Messina, MD - Assurance - Internal Medicine Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Worst Dr. ever. I went in for hernia issues and all he could talk about was how he believe that I had colon cancer without even checking me out. He was miss reading my charts. Also there are DEA stickers on the windows in a big DEA Book on his desk. He told me that marijuana causes early dementia. It is 2022 we know that not to be true. If I could give lower than one star I would. Worst Dr. ever. It was more interested in making fun of me because I had my hair up in a bun and he kept telling me that I'm not Japanese I should not wear my hair that way. Very very unprofessional and bad doctor read more

Very rude Doctor. Third time here and every single time he makes me feel so bad and terrible. he doesn't treat his patients well. First time I met him, he really made me feel bad and he interrupted me couple of times and didn't let me explain my issue. He kept saying shhhh you don't need to say more.stop talking !! Last time I visited him for infection and after writing me a prescription he told me "blame your bf" like wtf?! I wasn't sure if he knows that intercourse is not the only way you get infection!!!! I tried to ask him a question right when he picked up his prescription book and he stopped me saying " shhhh I can't chew gum and walk at the same time" uhmmm okay rude. And plus you're a doctor you're supposed to multi task but whatever. At least be polite about it. He is so old and impatient and his behavior and words make you uncomfortable. Stay away if you can. He is so negative and he will never listen to you like a real doctor is supposed to listen. read more

Regarding the review of Alberto V. of 04/30/2020. The office has been closed for the past two months because of the Coronavirus and only open to see special patients. I have known Dr. Messina and Tina for the past four years as a premedical student. He is a great teacher. He and Tina are none of the things you say. They are both kind and caring and not rude as you state. I believe you have posted your review to the wrong medical office. You are doing this doctor an injustice with libelous statements. read more

horrible experience both with the doctor and his front desk . Rude and unprofessional. Avoid this place . Total waste of time!

Sometimes you read one-star reviews and think the customer, or in this case patient, must have just been disgruntled and things couldn't have been that bad. BELIEVE THE NEGATIVE REVIEWS! By far THE WORST doctor I have ever come across. I came in because I had a terrible flu. You could tell by the way I looked and sounded that I was really sick. Once inside the exam room he confirms with me that I'm a massage therapist, which I am. Then asks me if I wear gloves when I work. I said no because I don't. And keep in mind, I'm not here because I have any kind of skin disorder or anything even remotely related to my job. He then goes on to say he wants to pour alcohol on my hands to show me all the little cuts I have that put me at risk for contracting HIV and Hepatitis C. I made him stop. I was very firm because I just wanted to get some antibiotics and go home to bed. Being that he had the magic prescription pad that could get them for me, I was calm and cordial. Had I wanted nothing from him I really would have spoken my mind. This man was so out of place trying to give me advice, unsolicited advice, in my profession. Which I have done for over a decade with no problems. I think it is very difficult to get HIV and Hep C through massaging someone anyways, unless there are actual open wounds. And again, I wasn't being seen for anything related to my hands, skin or job anyways! Dr, Messina was rude and uncaring. I was right there in front of him. totally sick and miserable with the flu and bronchitis, and it was completely inappropriate to want to start pouring alcohol on my hands and advising me about my job. And every time I made him stop he just shrugged his shoulders and looked at me like I was turning down million dollar advice. I don't know who is writing these five star reviews about this guy, but I don't believe them for a second! Even after I told him how sick I felt and that I didn't want to discuss anything but my current illness, he still went on to ask if i wanted to schedule a mammogram. WFT!? Yeah like I'd ever come back here, much less let this jerk anywhere near my breasts! I am thankful they did get me in on the same day and he did give me my prescription. But that's it. I changed doctors immediately after this first visit (I'm on an HMO plan.) read more

My 70 year old father who has managed to avoid doctors most of his life experienced a big health scare this year and we are so thankful we were introduced to Dr. Messina through his dermatologist. Dr. Messina is a very caring doctor and has continued to make sure my father is taken care of in all the times he's seen him. As many reviews have noted he is not the most gentle and can come across a bit rude if you aren't aware of his personality but his heart is genuine and he truly cares for his patients. When Dr. Messina saw my father after his three week stay in saint john's he made sure he was seen by all the necessary doctors and made a point to monitor his condition closely. He was also the one that identified the source of my fathers anemia (GI bleeding) post-discharge and had him rehospitalized to finally resolve that lingering issue which we are so beyond grateful for. Dr. Messina is aggressive in a good way and will be your advocate. He's not the typical doctor that comes in for less than 10 mins and leaves- he will spend a good amount of time with you if necessary to help problem solve and even make phone calls for you if needed. Tina the nurse/receptionist is also great and they make a great team. Our hope is that Dr. Messina continues to practice for many more years as I don't know if there's another doctor my dad will actually trust and like! One thing for sure though my father will continue to drive 25+ miles to see Dr. Messina as he is definitely worth it. read more

Dr Messina and his Nurse could not have been more kind or truly concerned about my wellbeing. I was treated like family The best Dr visit I have ever had. read more

I had a trip to the E.R. one night and during their CT scan they found something that alarmed them and recommended I see my doctor right away to possibly get an MRI. I just changed my doctors and despite being a new patient 2 days in I was able to be seen the very next afternoon once the receptionist Tina understood how serious my CT scan findings were. I came in to the room and saw several different types of people in the small room; one older Italian couple, two young Hispanic women with a baby, and one older black couple. Everyone seemed to be taken care of. I saw the doctor fairly fast and once I told him I had papers from the E.R. with "incidental findings" he showed me to his office right away. You can tell from your first encounter with the man he's definitely on the ball and doesn't show his age. He's faster than most people honestly. He looked at my papers and immediately told me I had nothing to worry about and that it definitely wasn't the C word without me even suggesting it. We then discussed my health and age and he said he would get my MRI request marked as urgent for my insurance. I can see how he isn't for everyone. He tells you exactly how it is and he will not waste time sugarcoating anything for you. He's very obviously an honest man that will tell you how he sees it. For me, he called me stingy for not getting my girlfriend of 2 years an engagement ring yet which I thought was funny. Even his receptionist is intelligent and quick witted and they seem to get along great which brings a positive atmosphere. read more

Tina was great! Alex was horrible. Cant call him a doctor. Never checked my vitals. Threw me a script said next and that was it. No checking up with me. Never say "your jerking me off" again! Too unprofessional to be a doctor. Going somewhere else!! Still sick need a new primary care doctor! When he asked questions, he would cut me off and say i dont wanna hear it! Never ever ever again!!!. Do better Alex john ! Downloaded yelp just for this piece of $\÷€; read more

Dr Messina was assigned to me by my new insurance . I did read the reviews here before going to my first appointment which was more of an emergency but I hate emergency rooms and when they heard my situation they agreed to see me that day after the last scheduled patient . Both Dr Messina and his assistant were very warm and caring . He is VERY Italian ! I realize now that people who wrote bad reviews here don't understand the Italian culture and temperament but I am surrounded by Italians in my every day life so Dr Messina literally felt like family to me even though I've never seen him before and I was guarded because I saw some of the reviews here . He was warm and truly caring and he was very sweet with my 5 year old son that I had to bring with me since it was a quickly scheduled appointment. Hope you find this review helpful ! read more