This seems as appropriate a venue as any to sing the praises of Dr. Robert K. Gale, GP…read moreextraordinaire. I think most of us have become so completely given over to the mediocrity that is managed care these days. Even the more highly-recommended doctors from whom I've sought care strike that perfect balance between phoning it in and covering their asses. While those are two disparate-sounding descriptors, it's an accurate way to characterize the position of the patient--and when we don't know what we're missing, we're apt to simply accept it and/or never question it. I don't hold any doctor completely to blame--this is how the insurance industry would have it; but doctors could do more to circumvent the impression. Enter Dr. Gale. My husband tried to convince me for four years to try Dr. Gale after hearing me complain about my NYU-based GP. He'd regale me with tales of being referred to Dr. Gale's excellent derm, or the physical therapist, or some other specialist--all within the same practice. Tired of having to repeat your story over and over again as you move from your GP to a specialist? Try a practice that can keep you within it across a number of therapeutic areas. I thought that, as a woman, I wouldn't appreciate having a male GP; now it doesn't phase me in the least. As practices go, Dr. Gale's is run like a fine-tuned engine. Diana is his gatekeeper, and she'll do her level best to find you an appointment, 99% of the time, the same week--particularly if you're in need. Follow-up appointment slip your mind? You'll get a card and a call from Diana. Need an appointment before work? How early would you like it? Blood test results? You'll get a call from the doctor or a nurse without having to ask for it. To Dr. Gale himself: I've known no other doctor with the tableside manner that he possesses. This is a man who will go the extra mile to make you feel both comfortable and informed. And from what I've observed in his care of other patients, I know him to be infinitely compassionate. Another refreshing thing about Dr. Gale is his sense of the how to address how our lives really are, and what we're capable of taking on. I feel completely free to tell him what I can and cannot do; his ability to advise based on that makes him so beyond an "authority in a white coat". Reviewing a doctor is not like rating a restaurant, or singing the praises of your favorite shoe repair. Most doctors I've known didn't merit my time or this level of praise (and in some cases, quite the opposite). I would want Dr. Gale managing my care, no matter what came my way. In my book, that's high praise indeed.

The worse. This doctor advertised he takes my insurance. When I met him he said nastley "I don't…read moretake your insurance they pay sh*t and I can't live like sh*t" what an unprofessional jerk.

Before finding Dr. Seton, I had spent several frustrating months searching for a hernia repair…read moresurgeon. I was on the phone for countless hours, calling doctors and having them tell me that they didn't accept my apparently exotic insurance. I attended an appointment with one doctor in Murray Hill who absolutely gave me the creeps, and whose waiting room seemed to be a hotbed of misery. I went in for another appointment at a hospital, and felt hopeful because the waiting room was decidedly more cheery and professional, and then I was told at the front desk that they had stopped accepting my insurance three weeks earlier. I went into the hall and cried on the phone to my mom, and started thinking about going outside of my insurance providers. I found Dr. Seton's name through the Lenox Hill physician's list -- it was confirmed that Lenox Hill was a hospital who accepted my insurance, so if I could find a doctor who operated from there, at least my hospital bills could be covered. I spoke with his receptionist, and she let me know that Dr. Seton does not partner with anyone's insurance, but he can be flexible about his fee, and he charged me the same amount that my insurance would be willing to pay to an in network providor. From what I understand about the way that doctors tend to bill, this is totally rare and special. Beyond the matter of billing, Dr. Seton is just a spectacular doctor. He has been performing hernia surgeries for decades, and is a teaching doctor, I think through Lenox Hill. He invented a medical device used in hernia surgeries, and just has an excellent manner in explaining what he is going to do. I was very nervous about the surgery, because it's really a pretty big deal to let someone stick a knife into your body, but his calm, friendly and knowledgable manner completely gained my trust. I felt so happy that I had trusted my instincts and walked out of that first weird doctor's office! Anyhow, Dr. Seton performs various types of hernia surgeries, (though none laproscopic), and I couldn't give him any higher of a recommendation. As well, the staff at Lenox Hill Ambulatory Hospital were INCREDIBLE. They actually made having a surgery into a pleasant experience.

**BEWARE!!! DO NOT SEE THIS DOCTOR IF IT'S FOR WORKER'S COMPENSATION!!!**…read more Dr. Shamash is the worst doctor my mom has ever encountered! I went with her to one of her appointments to understand why she didn't like him. I saw firsthand his complete lack of bedside manner. He was unprofessional, talked over her, didn't listen to her complaints about ongoing pain and discomfort, and dismissed her concerns altogether. My mom had her last appointment with him today, and she found it completely HORRIBLE. She is still experiencing pain in her entire arm from a fall that occurred at the end of January while at work. All this doctor did was prescribe physical therapy and provide a subpar letter stating "light duty," even though there isn't such work available at her job. Dr. Shamash refused to conduct any follow-up X-rays or MRIs to investigate potential injuries to her shoulder beyond the fracture in her elbow. My mom is in her 60s; she is not in her 20s or 40s, where healing might occur within a few weeks. Something is wrong if her hand continues to swell, and her arm remains painful even after three months! She described him as rude, stating that he told her there was nothing more he could do for her and suggested she find another job. IS HE SERIOUS? She even mentioned that he sarcastically asked her if he should prescribe therapy five days a week. How this doctor has high ratings is beyond me. It must be from his colleagues and friends.

I did not go to this office I actually went to the Clifton office. Staff was great friendly and…read moremade you feel comfortable. Dr. Shamash came in very professional and listened to what my problem was made sure that he only did surgery only if he really needed to. I would recommend him to anyone, he is a great doctor that cares about his patients. He answered all my questions and made me feel at ease with all procedures that were going to happen. If i could give him 10 stars I would.

Dr. Hao Zhang provided excellent care. He is a knowledgeable doctor, with broad insight into pain…read moreissues'. The location is clean and comfortable.

They used to be good however now they do not answer the phone or replay to voicemails. I have been…read morenotified by two different medical providers that they have been unable to contact them for needed medical forms and prescriptions despite multiple attempts to contact them. I now have been trying for 2 days and no response from them.

Great attentive care and service to his patients and community. Dr. Bioh is the man!!read more

Came here for travel vaccines. Dr. Bioh was very sweet and attentive but asked rather leading…read morequestions in the standard list of questions (e.g., You don't smoke, right)? Nonetheless, he was interested in our well being and getting us the vaccines we needed. The receptionist was really nice, too.

Dr. Ahmed's office comprises 2 highly competent nurses, Dr. Racquel Volkowitz, and himself…read more Now, I've never actually seen Dr. Ahmed, only Dr. Volkowitz, who is a PA, and the nurses. The nurses are extremely compassionate, and when I needed blood drawn for my physical, one was willing to hold my hand while the other drew my blood. Dr. Volkowitz is my new general physician, and she always makes me feel comfortable. I don't usually have to wait longer than about 10 minutes before she's ready to see me. The office also takes GHI insurance.

I'll preface this by saying that I was never able to actually see the doctor because of…read morecomplications with her "front desk staff." The woman that I spoke with was *very* difficult to deal with. When I reached out to her, explaining that this was a referral from another doctor. Her English was definitely not the best and she made no attempt to slow down her words. When she got to the membership fee, I was told that it was $500, to which I told her was too much. She then said "well, we can work with people. How about $400? Or $300?" The $500 sounds like a racket as it is but to haggle with you over a membership fee that a doctor SHOULD NOT BE CHARGING FOR IN THE FIRST PLACE reeked of sketch. Regardless, I trust the doctor that recommended Dr. Gilbert implicitly so I said that I'd be willing to pay the $300. The woman then told me to call my insurance to make sure that their office accepts my insurance. At that point, I asked her if I should be doing all of her work for her. "Isn't it YOUR job to make sure that you take my insurance?" Only then did she say she would try and call but she's "very busy and do not have all day to spend on the phone with insurance companies." She called back the next day to tell me that she couldn't get in touch with my insurance and that I'd have to do it myself. I don't care if Dr. Gilbert can cure cancer, HIV and dementia, the impression I get from her hired help is that she's a snake oil salesman hiding behind a membership fee. I'm not looking for a gym. I'm looking for a doctor. I looked elsewhere and so should you.

I have not seen Dr. Gilbert, but I was scheduled to have my first appointment in about a week and a…read morehalf. I was very excited about the prospect of switching over to her as my PCP, given the positive reviews here and the recommendation of a good friend. Unfortunately, her office just called to notify me about a $200 yearly membership fee, that would be due at the time of my first appointment. I've had this appointment for months, but they only gave me 10 days notice about a charge, not covered by insurance, to see a doctor who, despite the positive reviews, I'm not sure I'll like. It's like being surprised with a $200 copay that negates the point of having insurance. So disappointing... I'm sure she's a wonderful physician and me having to cancel my appointment is my loss, but new and current patients should be warned (with more than 10 days) that this office is charging everyone this fee going forward. This office should also not be listed on my insurance as in-network, because this yearly fee betrays the spirit of that.

The doctor himself always seems a little clueless to me. I had to get stitches while I was out of…read moretown and came back to have them removed. He left a tiny little bit of stitch under my skin and I had to come back for another painful appointment to have him dig around and remove it. He also had to try 4 times for me to have a successful EKG at my physical because the sticky pads kept falling off. I keep going back because his nurse during the day is awesome. She is always friendly and attentive and makes me feel safe even when I doubt him sometimes. They have a nice waiting room with fruit, water, coffee and tea and lots of good magazines (which is helpful when I often have to wait 30-45 minutes even when I am early or on time). I usually have no problem getting last minute appointments.

HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION !…read more Excellent physician, great compassion. Someone, apparently a moron or an unscrupulous competitor or disgruntled former employee, wrote 1-Star review of Dr. Sawlani. He has been my primary care physician for 5 years and more. During that time, I have seen him regularly for small complaints, and even a sudden episode of life-threatening high blood pressure. Throughout, both his diagnosis and office manner have been of the very highest caliber. That rare combination of absolute competence and an open, sympathetic way.