I initially began as a patient with Dr. Truong but later switched to Dr. Makhani in Encinitas,…read moreencouraged by friends who praised her HRT care. Unfortunately, my experiences with both providers have been consistently disappointing.
With Dr. Truong, I often felt rushed and that she was distant. During my annual exam, she seemed more focused on the clock than on me, and I left feeling unheard.
After switching to Dr. Makhani, I requested an order for a pelvic exam and ultrasound to monitor ongoing ovarian cysts, as well as to investigate a recent increase in migraines around my periods. Despite this legitimate concern, the office refused to order the exam. I had to go through my primary doctor, who had no issue sending the order immediately.
Communication and support in Dr. Makhani's office have been poor. When I asked the front desk, including Nicole, for guidance on a location for my annual exam, no recommendations were offered. I ended up going to Perlman Clinic, where a female physician conducted a thorough, supportive exam that felt far more attentive and resourceful than my experience with Dr. Makhani's office.
Even after preparing for a focused hormone consultation--including completing my annual exam, blood work, and Pap smear in advance--Dr. Makhani did not have my results. Despite texts from Nicole confirming they had received everything, Dr. Makhani tried to place blame on me rather than acknowledging the oversight. She promised to follow up regarding my blood work but never did.
The situation worsened with new lab orders. The day before a critical blood draw, I called the office urgently because Quest Lab had no instructions from them--no fasting details, no clarification about which tests were to be run, including ferritin/iron tests I specifically requested. Despite multiple attempts to reach both the staff and the doctor, I received vague responses, resulting in wasted time and missed opportunities to complete testing during the first day of my cycle. A friend of mine reported a nearly identical experience, suggesting this is not an isolated issue.
After five years of appointments with this office, I feel both Dr. Truong and Dr. Makhani treated me more like a number than a patient. Communication is inconsistent, follow-through is lacking, and even important health concerns--like monitoring ovarian cysts--were dismissed. Even my daughter did not feel comfortable there.
At this point, I am starting over to find a gynecologist and HRT specialist who listens, communicates clearly, and follows through.