Very relaxed and caring; very knowledgeable and diligent. He solved my problems and his support staff was excellent.

Amazing doctor. I was initially referred to Dr. Mendiola by my OB Dr. Green back in 2010. By the time I made an appt I was having serious issues. In a flash, he diagnosed the problem and I was on my way to healing. He was very personable and very respectful. Both procedures I've had with him were pleasant and both times, he followed up. He was very thorough. read more

DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME! I called 4 days ago & left a message for someone to call me back in the hopes of scheduling an appointment. No one has called me yet. So this afternoon I called the office again, and a woman answered the phone with, "Doctor's office!". I began to tell her "I had called Friday, and I was....." when she immediately cut me off and said, "Hold on". And so I did. For four minutes. Until she disconnected the call. I tried calling back several times, only to get their voicemail. First impressions are everything, & if this is how their staff handles incoming calls, how is everything else handled? I wish I had read the other reviews first. read more

Great listener, adept at diagnosing problems. Best GI I've dealt with in 40 years of having to deal with GI problems stemming from parasites and subsequent IBS issues. read more

#1 This doctor charges more than 200% of what any other doctor in the city charges. An endoscopy is around $2,700 average. If you go to Mendiola it will be $5,500. Mendiola owns a portion of the hospital the service is in. You will be billed by the hospital, the doctor, doctors you never met, and the anesthesiologist after the treatment. Be warned, if you want to spend $5,500 for a treatment that takes 15 minutes, then you have met the right doctor. #2 Mendiola is exteremly late in calling you with results. If you have a treatment and would like to find out weeks after the treatment, you have met the right doctor. Essentially, this doctor charges somewhere in the range of $20,000 per hour for his work and has very poor customer service. read more

Again, this is just for the office management: After leaving several messages and calling just about every hour before lunch on Monday in hopes of getting someone other than the automated voice machine, I finally decided to give my regular doctor's office a call and have them try their luck at it. Surprise surprise when they got the answering machine as well!! I thought it was hopeless, but by the middle of the afternoon I got a call back from Mendiola's office with an appointment for next Wed. Hmmm..Wednesday...I guess I'll just have to hope my stomach can hold out until then. And then I received another phone call saying that there had been a new opening for this Thursday! I'LL TAKE IT!! Phew...maybe there is some hope to get an appointment. after all, but man what an ordeal you have to go through just to see this doctor! And isn't it ironic that I only got a call back after I had my doctor help me! That's not very good sign. I'm just going to cross my fingers and hope that Dr. Mendiola will be able to solve my stomach problems! Then this will all be worth it. Until then... read more

Dr. Mendiola is a great doctor!!!! Had to see a Gastroenterologist and was referred by my doctor of internal medicine. Nicest guy in the world!!!! So smart, humble, and yet so capable. Makes sure you understand the whole process of what will take place, and makes you as comfortable as you can about what you need done and why. Graduated from Stanford (I won't hold that against him because they do have an excellent medical program, but its all about CAL). The final selling point, his office is in the same space as 3 other Gastro doctors and I overheard all the staff talking about how all of them see Dr. Mendiola and that they would not change. read more

I had to come to Dr. Mendiola for an issue I was having.. I've had 0 experience going to a GI (gastroenterologist) before so I didn't know what to expect. I'm happy to say he's probably the best doctor I've ever been to! It was easy to make an appointment. I had to leave a message but someone called me back within 3-4 hours and I had a office visit 2 days later. I had a procedure 2 days after -- and then final results 2 business days after that! It is extremely easy to talk to him and he asks thorough (but not invasive) questions to get a clear idea of what is happening. He is extremely knowledgeable and explains things in a thorough manner but in a way that is easy to understand (especially since science and medical jargon usually go over my head!). He definitely cares about his patients and I can tell he cares about his staff alot as well. read more

my GP/Internist recommended Dr. Mendiola. he seemed nice. i patiently explained to his staff that i am self-pay, so for my upper and lower GI EXAM i required a fixed-price quote, which i would pay ahead of time. we scheduled an EXAM for three weeks time. i watied over two weeks, and four days before the operation, i called to get my quote. they told me, "sorry, we can't give you a fixed-price quote, as we don't know what we'll find". isn't that the REASON for an EXAM? i cancelled and have no plans of going back, even if no other doctor gives me a fixed-price quote. what a palaver. read more

I went to Dr. Mendiola because I am a chronic Hepatitis B patient. He was very thorough and patient with all of my questions (some of which were for my mom who also has Hep B). He is a Stanford graduate, and I could tell he knew his stuff AND he was friendly. Definitely visit him for GI or Hep B problems. read more

Dr. Mendiola seriously put my life in danger after failing to alert me to the contraindications I had to Humira. He authorized me to start taking Humira despite the fact that I did not clear my blood test, which is an essential prerequisite to starting Humira. The consequences of not passing your blood test are potentially FATAL, which I was horrified to learn after I had already started taking the drug. When I confronted Mendiola with this fact, he eschewed all blame, as he pathetically stammered over the phone. Shortly after this incident, my health went into a downward spiral and Dr. Mendiola is currently under investigation by the California Medical Board for possible malpractice. I STRONGLY RECOMMEND that anybody with serious gastro-related problems LOOK ELSEWHERE and do not consider Dr. Mendiola for even a second. read more

Dr. Mendiola is one of my favorite doctors to date and I wish more of my doctors were like him. He's extremely well informed about how the body works, and he is full of good advice on diet and lifestyle changes instead of just pumping out pills. I also really enjoy the fact that I don't feel rushed in his office, which is rare not to find these days. Go see him, you won't regret it! Thanks Dr. Mendiola! read more

Dr. Aristotle Mendiola is a very good doctor. Nice and attentive to his patients. He is always taking his time checking up his patients. In 2014, I went to his office coz my bottom was bleeding and he told me that he needs to do a colonoscopy. He said it would be ok since I was already 46then. On my follow up appointment he diagnosed me with a stage1colon cancer. It was removed by a very good specialist through his recommendation.and he is making sure that he sees me for another colonoscopy in a timely manner. I'm so thankful up to now that I've met him. I highly recommend this doctor. read more

I needed an upper GI scope in a hurry. They got me in a few days for the consult, I was able to schedule the scope for the very next day. All was okay (whew!) The Dr was very kind, thorough and intelligent. He is the "err on the side of caution" sort, and follow-up was fast & detailed. I actually left the scope with a print out giving some preliminary test results - it just could not have been done better! read more

Keeping in mind that I've only had one appointment with the man, Dr. Mendiola is one of the very best G/I doctors I have had over my 10 years (and several doctors-worth) experience. The rating given is a reflection on the DOCTOR himself, not the facilities. I arrived as a new patient and was bowled over by how thorough and kind he was. He really wanted to make sure that I understood what was going on inside me, in a way no other doctor did. ALSO: I brought over 140 pages of records from my previous doctor, and was told by the previous office that the new office staff would likely only copy the last year's worth of information; HOWEVER: Dr. Mendiola asked if he could keep and read the entire book of records, stating that he wanted to know everything before arranging to continue the treatment that has kept me healthy for several years. WARNING: The building in which his office is located is very old and shabby. Another woman and I shared an elevator from the first floor to the 3rd and 4th floors. It rode shakily up to the second floor and opened to no one. Not thinking too much of it, chalking it up to someone who pressed the button, then walked away, the doors closed and attempted a climb to the third floor. The elevator then overshot the 3rd floor, headed to the 4th, then FELL back down the the second, where it opened again...? ALSO: it took me a couple days of phone tag with his assistant, Tony (a very nice young man), partially because the phone number shows up as blocked. Beware that it may take a few days to schedule an appointment since no one but the specific doctor's assistant can seem to schedule anything, not the office staff. read more

I adore this man. For all of August, I was horribly ill and my GP couldn't figure out what was wrong with me--nor could a whole host of blood work and tests. My doctor referred me to Dr. Mendiola, who couldn't see me for a whole week, which in my condition, might as well have been a year. Then I got a call back saying there was a cancellation the following morning, and that since my case was so severe, he'd bump me up to the top of the wait list, so I got in to see him the next day. For anyone who has ever tried to get into see a new specialist on a whim, you know how lightning-fast landing a 24-hour appointment is. So I had my consult with Dr. Mendiola, who was charming, informative and had quite the sense of humor (colon jokes never get old!). He scheduled me for a scope the next week, and went through the process step-by-step in advance so I wouldn't be scared. Other than that nasty stuff you have to drink the night before, the process went so smoothly--Dr. Mendiola was actually early, and I got out of there an hour before scheduled. It was painless and not bad at all like I expected. All looked good on the surface, but he decided to do some tissue biopsies to make sure, and sure enough, there was something wrong with me which couldn't be seen on the initial pictures. So now I have a diagnosis, some meds and a great new GI doctor who will no doubt get me through this little blip in my medical record! read more

This review is solely for their office management. Nobody ever answers the phone or returns calls. This guy might be a great doctor, but I'll probably never find out. read more

Ari the GI doc rocks! A few years ago, I was in the hospital with a nasty case of idiosyncratic pancreatitis. Ari and the crew were top notch and the follow-up was superb. You probably won't see him unless something is going on with your insides, but rest assured if you are referred to him, you are in good hands! read more

I agree 100% with Patrick H. Went to Dr. Mendiola, got test results back. By week two post-labwork, having not heard anything, I called and left a message. Nothing. Week three, again. Nothing. A month later I finally got someone on the phone. That day I got a rambling voicemail from Dr. Mendiola, telling me my results and apologizing it took so long. The next day I got a new symptom, after hours. Called the emergency line and spoke with the Nurse Practitioner who told me she'd call Dr. Mendiola. She ended up being the middle man, and going between us. I never spoke directly to Dr. Mendiola. He essentially told me to go to the emergency room - specifically the one he was affiliated with. I mentioned to the Nurse Practitioner that I was an hour away from that hospital. She insisted I had to go to that one. So we went. Two hours, and $250 later, I was told it was just cramps and I could take ibuprofen. The ER doctor told me that I essentially was told to go to the ER because it was after hours and Dr. Mendiola was just "covering his ass." Great. Bottom line: Dr. Mendiola may be knowledgeable about what he does, but you'll likely never know because the communication is terrible. read more

Horrible office staff. They're infamous for NEVER answering the phone. One wonders if they have any concept of customer service. Good luck getting through to anyone in that entire office for an appointment with any of their doctors. Also like many doctors theses days the entire office of gastroenterologists seems to be in the pocket of drug companies - always antsy to get you started on prescription drugs that one has to take for a lifetime. Lots of drug company paraphernalia in the offices - pens, posters, cups, ads everywhere!. While I was waiting in the office waiting room FOUR different Rx co representatives came in to "consult" with the doctors and peddle their drugs. I'd say there's a conflict of interest with such relationships between Rx companies and most western doctors. Western meds are designed to treat you forever but never cure you because cures don't make money for stockholders but addiction to "treatments" do. If this isn't a conflict with the Hippocratic oath I don't know what is. You decide... read more

I switched to Dr. Mendiola after my unsuccessful experience with the previous digestive doctor. Dr. Mendiola was very resourceful. He understands what the patients are going through and gave very constructive suggestion. I was surprised how long he talked to me; he wasn't just one of those doc who make you wait for half an hour and try to get rid of you after 5 minutes of talk. read more

I can't go back, I thought he was the best Doctor. But after numerous tests and he promising to work with me with my Insurance, I am so disappointed. I'm suffering because I get the medication I need. Now it has been over a month. I'm back to where I started. The office is incompetent. Says he doesn't get messages. BS! Must be to busy for my good Insurance. read more

I was referred to Dr. Mendiola by a doctor I respect greatly. Dr. Mendiola reviewed my records and discussed my options in great detail that provided comfort. Scheduling a procedure was efficient. The staff was helpful. Follow up has been flawless. After 4 months with a problem that another gastroenterologist dismissed as likely "stress," I no longer have stomach pain. Grateful. read more

WORLD-CLASS DOCTOR!!! Wonderful clinician, wonderful bedside manner. THE OFFICE STAFF--UGH!! THEY DO NOT RETURN CALLS. FINALLY!, after multiple messages, I got ahold of someone named Kim, who could not be helpful enough (thank you, Kim). Clearly, management is not (!) doing their job. Sent another friend, there, who gave up after leaving NINE!!!!! messages to make an appt. My heart goes out to Dr. Mendiola--the office management does not reflect his superlativeness!!!!!!!!!! and also puts him in a position of liability if the office is so non-responsive and doesn't return calls. read more

Trying as best he can, to be caring and thorough within the context of maximum productivity and throughput. Sweet guy.

I visited Dr. Mendiola a couple of years ago based on the recommendation of my primary care physician (who actually really didn't know much about him). I visited him three times and I can honestly say I never felt I was in good or competent hands. He said things like, "We'll do some stool tests but if they come back negative, I don't really know what our next steps will be." and "I just take Gaviscon before a meal, so I'd recommend you try that." Wow -- this is what I'm paying for? Advice the internet could give me?? I suspected I had SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth) so I asked him if he'd order a breath test for me. He did, I took it, and he told me the results were normal. I've since showed the test to two other doctors who were stunned that Mendiola thought it was normal. Take your business elsewhere. This doctor clearly has no clue what to do for you if you present symptoms that aren't straight out of a textbook. read more

If your guts hurt, there is only one place to go. Dr. Mendiola performed a upper GI endoscopy on me and was brillant. I was nervous about the procedure, and he talked me through the entire process beforehand...at no time did I feel rushed, he made it seem like he had all the time in the world to spend. The staff was the most professional I have ran into in many years...hope you never have to see him, but if you do, no worries. read more

This doctor is wonderful, pleasant, courtious, friendly and an all around good guy. I had to have a colonoscopy at the age of 25 and was so freaked out. I was so happy to discover the doctor was YOUNG AND SMART. It made the procedure so much easier to know he graduated from an accredited school, has great nurses working with him and understands everything there is to about his specialty. He takes the time to speak with you before and after the procedure. He doesn't brush you off and will even speak with your spouse/significant other if you request. He took his time and made the whole experience as pleasant as a colonoscopy could possibly be. I might fly back in 5 years to just have this done by him again. He was that good. read more

Not only is he extremely knowledgeable but also one of the kindest most compassionate specialists in the city. I have been seeing him for a few years now and my opinion is the same as the first time I met him. I would give him 10 stars for knowledge and 25 stars for how he handles patience as if they were precious metals. The Best In His Field by far. read more

Dr. Mendiola is the best GI doctor. Not only is he kind and caring but he is also brilliant. Both my son and I go to him. My son is a teenager and feels very comfortable talking to Dr. Mendiola. You wont be disappointed! read more

Hands down, the best doc I've seen in a very long time. He is caring, patient, knowledgable and smart. He has a calm yet confident demeanor that helped me to relax during my appointment. He answered all my questions without rushing - a rarity nowadays! I highly recommend Dr Mendiola. read more

He is the greatest doc ever. Calm kind and thorough. Explains everything. He's the best!!!!!

Took my wife there for a first meting work up. She liked him quite a bit and this comes from somone who puts docs in the to be avoided category.. He came to the waiting room door to see her into his office and after the workup, he came to the door again to see her out of the office. Spectacular. And he was on time for an afternoon appointment. More to come after the follow ups. read more

Perhaps Dr. Mendiola is a skilled professional, but his anonymous office assistant never returned 3 voicemail messages to schedule an appointment. The phone tree system is bad, and the office staff I spoke with are rude. If this physician is as good as other writers say he is, he will pay more attention to his office staff, and ensure that they respond with greater courtesy and professionalism. read more

yes, this GI doc rocks...literally! just ask him about his prized collection of electric and acoustic guitars and see his face light up like a 5 year-old at christmastime. :) back to our regularly scheduled programming...doc mendiola is ultra-smart, caring, and really knows his...er, stuff. as other yelpers have said, his bedside manner is unequalled and - unlike that bad seafood you just ate - he never rushes you. doc mendiola...he's one cool cat! read more

Dr Mendiola is not a great doctor. When I was sick, his only advice was to eat a lot of Fiber One cereal. It made me incredibly sick, resulting in a trip to the emergency room. read more

I love him SO much!!! Dr Mendiola has been my GI doc for a number of years. He is without a doubt the nicest, most respectful, and compassionate doctor I have EVER been to. The office staff treats you well, and gets me in when I have flare-ups requiring treatment. I used to go to UCSF and it was one nightmare after another just to see an arrogant GI doc who showed little or no interest. Wish they could clone Dr Mendiola!!! He is SUCH a nice person. read more

TOTALLY recommend Dr. Mendiola if you are having gastro-intestinal "issues." Have been to him a couple of times over the past 10 years. The first was for a colonoscopy (before I was 50 -- I have an aunt who died of colon cancer). Had to go back last year when -- never having had "gas" or any stomach / digestion problems in my life, I was suddenly doubled over in pain for hours -- 1st time i thappened, I ended up in ER. After a lot of tests that came up (blessedly) normal, the problem has subsided. But it was 3-5 hours a night in pretty severe paid for a few weeks there. Stress-related? (at 60, for the first time? Well, that's what living with Trump is doing to us, eh?!) Believe me, Dr. Mendioa is exactly the person you want to see: excellent education/training, wonderful calm, soothing manner (which helps when you're talking about poop and other "eeshy" things) calm, caring. I didn't (as it turns out, thank god!) have anything "serious" -- but I did call about something and he was very responsive -- and that was much appreciated & reassuring. read more

I have consulted with Dr. Mendiola twice now, on recommendation from a friend that saw him for treatment. I had some pretty serious gastro issues, lost 13 LBS, lost 3% body fat in a matter of two weeks. Not the healthy way to do that. After suffering for too long, I finally saw Dr. Mendiola who gave great guidance. He is not big on drugs. He is data driven, so facts are important to being treated. He is also very common sensible, suggesting using methods to allow the body to heal naturally. Cut out all of the things that cause problems and replace them with things that will return your body to normal through healthy food / drink intake. To be honest, it takes will power to follow Dr. Mendiola's advice after being used to excess. But, I am feeling much better and finally getting my life back. If you need help with gastro issues, Dr. Mendiola should be on your list. read more

I am a newly retired registered nurse who lives in SF. I had to switch from practioners in the east bay where I had worked to new practioners in the city. My husband had a recent onset of severe GI problems that needed attention and we did not know any practioners here in the city. So... our GP referred us to Dr. Mendiola. He saw us in the office the next day as an urgent appointment. Dr. Mendiloa was everything we expected in a physician that truly cares for the well-being and concerns of a patient. He allowed me to be present with my husband during his interview and examination and included me in the discussion of his condition and treatment. Dr. Mendiola was attentive, concerned and knowledgeable of not only his current medical situation but how it interelated with other medical and surgical problems my husband has endured. His patience, instruction and follow-up care was exceptional. He scheduled an EGD ( EsophogoGastroDuodenscopy ) for the next day which went wonderful. After the procedure he met me and my husband in the post procedure room and in deatil told and showed us what he found. He described in detail how we should follow up. By the next Tuesday he phoned our home to give us the results of biopsies and to see how my husband was feeling. This is a doctor who really cares. We have a much better understanding of this current medical problem and how to help prevent future flare-ups thanks to Dr. Mendiola's expert instruction and care. Thank you so much Dr. Mendiola. I wish YELP would let me give you 10 stars. Dan B. and Kevin D. read more