Extremely caring and helpful physician. I am grateful for his insightful care for the last 10+ years.

i saw Dr. Birken back when he was fairly new. After not having a regular Doctor for many years, due to changing insurance plans, I went back to him and paid the $200 annual fee. While the Doctor himself is personable, I would describe the staff as curt. My last interaction was the worst. I thought I would be moving out of state, so I did not pay the annual fee. After the debris flow, I postponed my move by a few months. When I called to see if he would renew my prescription anyway, I was told by a staff person, that incredulously, I hadn't been a patient for over two years! It had only been a few months. I wrote him a letter to see what he might have to say about the discrepancy, but I never received a response. My next Doctor told me I did not really need the prescription. read more

I have been seeing Dr. Birken for almost 20 years. He is an excellent doctor. He really takes the time to listen and treat me not only for symptoms but to take everything into consideration. He is smart, compassionate and funny. After so many years I feel like I'm seeing a friend when I go in for an appointment. I trust Dr. Birken and know he will always take excellent care of me. His entire staff is friendly and caring. I feel very fortunate to have high quality medical care from such a great doctor! read more

Just tried making a new patient appt. on 9/15/22 and the man who answered the phone was unhelpful and extremely rude. He told me I'd have to pay a $400 concierge fee before meeting any of the doctors at the practice and that it would take two months for a new patient opening. When I told him that wouldn't work for me as I needed to be seen right away, he then said he had a cancellation in two weeks (wait what?), and went on to say that most doctors take 6 months to get into. He was very off-putting and when I told him so, he told me to have a wonderful day and hung up on me. Don't go here is you want to be treated respectfully by the front desk staff. He needs to be fired. read more

Dr. Birken is one of the best doctors around. He's brilliant and kind at the same time. He truly cares about his patients. He always wants you to be happy and comfortable. If he isn't there, his partners are all so awesome. This is truly the nicest, smartest group of doctors who generally care about their patients! Thank you Dr. Birken for all you do. It is noticed and appreciated! I am so happy that you are here in the Santa Barbara/Goleta area! read more

A great doctor. He's engaged (he listens carefully) and extremely responsive (I recently had a medical emergency, and Dr. Birken saw me immediately, got on the phone to get me into Pueblo Radiology on a rush basis and got me added to the surgeon's schedule within minutes of receiving the lab results). My wife and I couldn't be happier. read more

Great Doctor, honest, forthright, compassionate. I have never had to wait more than 5 minutes to get into see him. He is awesome.

My frustration is not towards Dr. Birken himself because I did not even get the opportunity to meet him. Today was my scheduled appointment to be established in the office. I am currently having a couple personal medical issues. I called and made my appointment 2 1/2 weeks ago. The lady on the phone was incredibly nice asked for my insurance and my group number. I gave her all the information she needed and within two days I received a package at my house and which had all of all of my welcome information in it. I was told to bring all of my stuff to my appointment including my insurance card, my ID, a $200 annual fee in which I was more than open to pay for and my paperwork completed. I also spoke to somebody this past Friday in regards to my appointment. Upon arrival I gave all of my information and paperwork to the front desk administrator. They knew who my insurance was prior to this appointment. I privately purchased the insurance myself. The office knew I did not have Obamacare. And yet this morning they decided to tell me that my group number was not accepted in the office because apparently with the Obamacare, my particular group is continuously being denied when the insurance is submitted. Again I have had this appointment for weeks now. I am having complications in which I need a doctor and last minute could not see the doctor. The front desk lady proceeded to tell me even though my insurance isn't coveredca, I would have a hard time finding a doctor in town. My frustration is specifically fuming because for weeks now this office has had my insurance information and never once said a word. So now I'm still in discomfort, without a doctor, and back to the drawing board in search of a doctor. This extremely unprofessional on his staff's part and this should have been taken care of right from the beginning. read more

Can't rate since I have not seen Dr. Birken. However, they charge a $200 administrative fee for new patients, which was a new concept for me, but apparently other docs in the area do it(his partner Svedlow is a concierge doc who charges 2000). I wanted to see if the office could arrange a meet and greet before I forked over the 200 and my business but they declined. read more

Dr. Birken is a caring, compassionate and knowledgable Doctor . I have no reservations in recommending him . I feel it's worth it to pay the $200 annual administrative fee as I do not have to wait very long to get an appointment when I need to see him. read more

Very down to earth guy, well worth the annual fee. Its almost impossible to find an independent doctor who does not charge extra otherwise your stuck with an HMO. Been seeing him for years read more