Avoid AHF -- A Disappointing and Unprofessional Experience…read more
If you value your time, health, and respectful care, avoid AHF at all costs. I'm writing this review after taking several days to calm down and reflect so I can give an honest and fair assessment. My goal is to help future patients make an informed decision before trusting their healthcare to this organization.
1. Appointment Experience: No Empathy, No Flexibility
I had an appointment with Dr. Josiah Strawser at AHF Westside HCC on Wilshire Blvd (Beverly Hills) at 8:40 AM. Despite leaving early from Orange County, I was delayed by heavy morning traffic and arrived approximately 35 minutes late.
Upon arrival, the receptionist was polite and said she would try to fit me in or see if I could be seen after any cancellations. I patiently waited another 35 minutes in the lobby -- only to be told I would not be seen at all and had to reschedule.
The office manager, Pedro, came out and coldly stated it was "company policy" that anyone more than 15 minutes late is automatically denied care, regardless of the circumstances. After driving 2.5 hours, I was turned away without even a brief consultation. This rigid and uncaring approach demonstrates zero compassion or understanding for patients. Healthcare should be about helping people, not hiding behind inflexible corporate policies. Ironically, AHF's mission claims to provide "care and respect for all." My experience proved the opposite.
2. Lack of Care and Respect for Patients
Dr. Strawser's refusal to see me -- even for a short visit -- shows a lack of empathy and professionalism. Let's be honest: most patients aren't seen by their doctor exactly on time, and visits rarely last more than 5-10 minutes. The claim that there was "no time" to see me felt like a poor excuse. I left feeling like a number, not a patient. My health, time, and well-being were clearly not important to them. Sadly, I've also witnessed other patients -- especially those with lower income or on assistance programs -- being treated with similar disregard. Every patient, regardless of insurance type, deserves respect, dignity, and fair treatment.
3. Concerning Billing Practices
This isn't my first negative experience with AHF. About six months ago, I had a telehealth appointment that was conducted by a nurse over the phone. However, my insurance statement later showed charges as if I had been seen by a doctor -- plus additional services I never received. It took multiple calls to get the billing corrected. This raises serious concerns about potential fraudulent billing practices that could affect other patients who might not even notice such discrepancies.
4. Poor Location and Parking
On top of everything else, this location does not offer free parking. The parking garage charges $2 per 15 minutes, and by the end of a typical visit, you could easily pay $15-$28 just to park. It's an unreasonable cost and adds unnecessary frustration to an already poor experience.
Final Thoughts
AHF has shown me that it prioritizes profit and policy over patient care. There was no flexibility, compassion, or accountability in how I was treated.
If you want respectful treatment, quality care, and honest billing, look elsewhere.
* If you have private insurance, seek care from an independent specialist or private practice.
* If you rely on public healthcare, county clinics tend to have better oversight and accountability than AHF.
AHF's lack of empathy, questionable billing, and dismissive attitude toward patients make it clear: this is not an organization that puts patients first.
