Wow! Just, wow! Maybe over my lifetime I've just had bad luck with doctors, but Dr Berk shines above the rest. Firstly, I went in and was actually listened to rather than having the Dr wait for me to stop talking. He never interrupted me and let me interrupt him, when I did so accidentally. I regularly feel Dr's don't listen to me. Sure, their training is in medicine and they are the experts, but I am certainly the expert at what I am experiencing. If I feel regularly shut down as a man, I can only imagine how women are made to feel with most doctors. So this first off was an excellent sign. Secondly, he was friendly, upbeat and polite. That's not necessary but a nice touch. On to the checkup. He was methodical. He told me exactly what he was doing. When I told him I thought my BP was a little high on his machine, rather than ignoring me he did a second check to ensure it was correct. He was knowledgeable about my ailments, my medications and I didn't get the feeling he was just trying to rush me out the door to increase his turnover cash. This guy is aces in my books and I changed my primary care physician to him today. I'm angry I didn't find a doctor like him sooner. I've only seen him once and his businessman paraphernalia is a little disconcerting. I like money too but it makes me uneasy. I had to sign a form saying I am responsible for the full final cost. Most doctors I've seen will charge a high amount for the insurance and "forgive" the rest. Gotta say that makes me uneasy as well. We'll see how it goes going forward in terms of how badly it hits my wallet and I will update. read more

Don't me mislead by these great comments before me. I chose this doctor based on Yelp and was extremely disappointed: 1. Doctor was not easily reached and did not respond on timely manner. 2. Doctor did do keep confidential information privet. 3. Doctor came up with unprofessional excuses to cover up his and his stuff bad practice. 4. The web based patient center never works. I do not recommend him and his clinic to anyone, I never seen something unprofessional like this in my life! read more

I can't believe I found a doctor as great as Dr. Berk so easily. I made my decision based on Yelp reviews after ZocDocs reviews lead me astray on my last doctor's visit. Yelpers are the best! Dr. Berk's staff was super helpful and even chipper, but not annoyingly so. The new patient forms weren't unduly long and didn't require me to sign over my first born child. There are computers set up in the spacious lobby where you enter your symptoms, which is nice because it gets rid of the prelude conversations that you normally repeat to 2 nurses, a physician's assistant, and the doctor. I didn't mind the computer system at all. The waiting area, as I said, was spacious. The light was nice, and there was a glug-glug with really cold water, which made this sickly gal quite happy. There was one girl waiting and one couple who came in after me who were seen before I was, and they seemed to go in and out quickly. I was called back (after paying my co-pay), and I talked to Mary, a sweet doctor's assistant who I thought was very good. She did all of the temp taking, etc.... Within 5 pages of my book of her leaving, Dr. Berk appeared. Dr. Berk is the kind of doctor you imagine when you are little. The kind of doctor you envision you will have after the mean pediatrician who gives you shots flees the scene. He is kind, inquisitive, is aware you are sick and don't want to talk a bunch, and had great information about why I was sick, the neighborhood, and how I was going to get well. He did not rush me, and I felt like I could ask as many questions as needed. He rides his bike to work. Need I say more?! He's like Mr. Rogers but not creepy. With the paperwork, the computer quiz about my illness, a little bit of waiting, and my actual visit, it took 45 minutes, which I think is fantastic. The office is conveniently located to just about any subway line you could want, so I suggest you hustle over and see Dr. Charles Berk if you're feeling under the weather. read more

The best thing about Dr. Berk is that he offers a really cool plan for people without health care, called DocOnomical, in which you pay $350 a year, and get to visit the doctor as much as you need for a $25 office visit fee each time. It doesn't cover emergency coverage or any extras, but is a good substitute if you want to be able to get things checked out (since one visit without insurance would probably be $350). His program is on the web at www.doconomical.com. I happen to have health coverage, however I just moved to New York, and Dr. Berk's office was one of the few places that would accept my apparently exotic insurance. The waiting time in the lobby was pretty long, like 45 minutes, though I will say that the receptionist was really friendly, especially compared to some of the receptionists in this town, and the wait room was spacious and they have a lot of good magazines. Once I got into the private room I waited maybe another 15 minutes. They have a computer program which asks you all of the medical history and current health status questions which would usually be covered in a printed form, or asked directly by a nurse. It was a little bit impersonal sitting there alone typing in a neon lit room at the doctor office, but I guess if it makes him able to help more people, it's cool. Once I saw him Dr. Berk was friendly and helpful in answering my questions and gave me a reasonable amount of attention. At a later point, I called the office on the phone with worries about pandemic flu, and he answered the phone himself and was really generous with his time-- he answered my questions and assauged my fears and recommended a dose of bad television, which I appreciated. And he didn't charge me a thing for the advice, which was great. read more

Nice man and relatively attentive. Went in for antibiotics and physical. Haven't been back because I refuse to pay 100 so they can have a computer booking system. So, you have 100 patients and each pays 100 bucks and we all have to keep paying for your software? Sorry. That's extortion. read more

Dr. Berk is personable, knowledgeable, and has always seen me on relative short notice. I've never had to wait more than 10 minutes for him. Great asset to the neighborhood! read more

After my fiancee went to him, I changed GPs so I could also see Dr. Berk. His staff is fantastic, the office is clean and nice, and he's a competent, affable doctor. I never feel like I'm being rushed so he can move on to another patient. He really cares about your health and wellbeing. read more

I love Dr. Berk! I happen to find him as I was looking for a site that allowed you to make appointments online. The entire staff is really nice and really caring. Before I go, I fill out a questionnaire describing what I'm going in for. The wait time has never been long for me and I usually arrive a few minutes early. The office is comfortable and Dr. Berk is ALWAYS concerned and helpful. He spends the time necessary to explain everything and really cares about every patient! read more

I found Dr. Berk via a quick search on my insurance website. Everything is so modern. You can view your medical records, make appointments and fill out your symptoms on line! The staff is friendly and the wait area is filled with magazines, tissues and sanitizer. What I love most about Dr. Berk's office is that they always try to accommodate you the same day if you fall ill. Dr. Berk is so friendly and welcoming and is always willing to take the time to answer your questions thoroughly. Last year he implemented a yearly fee that allows him to hire more staff to serve patients better. I don't mind since it's rare you find a doctor quite like Dr. Berk. I recommend him to my colleagues all the time. read more

A friend (and long-time patient) recommended Dr. Berk when we moved into the neighborhood and I'm so glad she did. He's been able to see both myself and my husband quickly when we're sick, and every visit he's calm, competent, knowledgeable, and perhaps most importantly, caring. He actually listens and I've never felt rushed. Recently I've dealt with a persistent case of strep throat, and while it's been incredibly frustrating, he's managed my care really well, even calling another one of my Doctors to make sure I was ok to take a particular medicine. (I feel like no doctor does that these days -- most times it's up to me to liaise between doctors, which can be overwhelming.) I also love the online tool his office uses -- you can email him questions (I've always gotten prompt responses) and look up your medical records. All Doctor's offices should have this these days, super helpful. I'm grateful to have found such a great Doctor so close by. read more

Dr. Berk's office has come to my rescue several times. Not that I've had anything serious to deal with, but the occasional aches and pains of a body about to enter its fourth decade need some attention occasionally. I've found Dr. Berk to be pleasant and direct. But also willing to answer in-depth questions if asked. His practice also offers low-income options, which I appreciate. And the staff is always courteous and congenial. read more

I went to Dr. Berk with a chronic cough that I had had for 4 months (am also pregnant), he told me it was acid reflux and that was that. He mentioned that it might be allergies (even though I'm not allergic to anything) and although I mentioned I didn't have heartburn or feel any acid reflux, he said that's what it was. It wasn't until 3 weeks later at my son's pediatrician that I was tested for Pertussis (whopping cough) as she was alarmed that I was coughing/gagging the way I was. I am visiting a pulmonologist to take some tests for Bronchitis/Pneumonia this week, but I just wanted to post that I was VERY disappointed that these ailments weren't even a consideration when I went to see Dr. Berk. Moral? Trust your gut when you think the diagnosis isn't right and go to another doctor. read more

If I could give them zero stars, I would. i went back there 3 times and every time it was horrible. These people made it feel necessary for me to write a review for the first time after all these years because people of BK Heights should stay away. Modern office? It was a nightmare from the early 90's. I felt like I was getting sick by breathing the air. It was small and disorganized. And everything that the staff was saying on the phone/to patients would echo through the room and I felt unsafe about privacy of the patients who were calling as well as myself. I arrived on time, and after waiting for 45 minutes, a nurse called me to weigh and take my blood pressure. She had one of the worst attitude I had seen in my years of living in New York. When I washed my hands while she was gone to get a bp equipment because my hands felt filthy from the magazines in the waiting room, she spat out "what do you think you're doing?" as if I was a criminal. Being a nurse myself, I tried to empathize and think that she's just having a rough day. I told myself, some doctors with rough nurses can be nice, too, and I should be fine. Wrong. Then after yet another 15 minutes confined in the room that made me claustrophobic, Dr. Berk walked in with his vacant intern. Then he told the intern to take my history and left again. When he finally heard my symptoms, he started making face's like "that's strange" and eventually I was convinced that this doctor did not believe me. He then told me that I should just go to another doctor. Maybe it's because he knew that he probably won't make much money out of me. Maybe it was that they were all having bad dayS. Regardless, Dr. Berk along with his staff were unprofessional, and I will not be going back. read more

Sadly, this well meaning fella doesn't know what he's doing when it comes to serious health problems. I found out I had psoriasis many months after seeing Dr Burke. He didn't run the proper tests, and gave me drugs that made me worse. Such a shame that guys like this are in business. He really dropped the ball with my case. All he did was look at me and scratch his head and refuse to do an extensive blood analysis for fear of "damaging his rep"... Really???? read more

This morning was my first time at Dr.Berk's office. I met with Rachael Geyer, a Nurse Practitioner. She was amazing! So genuine and thorough. She listened to my concerns and answered all my questions. I could tell she was giving me her undivided attention, which I don't typically experience at busy doctors' offices. I haven't met Dr. Berk yet, but I can highly recommend his Nurse Practitioner, Rachael. Also, the front office staff was very welcoming and helpful. :) NOTE: The listed address is incorrect. The office is on the 3rd floor, not 6th. read more

Spent 20 minutes filling out new patient forms only to spend most of my visit answering the same questions. He told me he was uncomfortable diagnosing me, suggested that I call a colleague of his, which I did after leaving, and the other doctor had no idea why Dr. Berk would have suggested his name. I called back Dr.Berk's office back and left a message with his staff who returned my call with no helpful follow up information. After another call to his office and email I finally got a short email from Dr. Berk saying there was nothing he could do or suggest: my insurance wouldn't cover the visits. Before I left that first visit he did give me a test for something I didn't originally want as I was pretty sure I had already had thyroids tested. I agreed at the moment as he seemed to think it was important--maybe to make me feel like I hadn't totally wasted my time. Luckily that was something the insurance did partially cover. read more

No problem with Dr. Berk but the young lady who answers the phones from time to time should NOT be working in a doctors office. She's is not friendly, and comes off very condescending. I really hate calling or going to see him when she's there. I called for the doctor to call in a prescription for an asthma pump on Friday morning; called back early afternoon and was told that the doctor isn't seeing patients today. I did not ask to be seen; I asked for the doctor to OK the prescription which clearly does not require him to see me, when asked if the doctor is in she did not answer instead she said he's not seeing patients today. I'll leave it there. Currently looking for a more personable PCP/PCP office. After all, it is my health. read more

Dr Berk is a fantastic physician. I have been going here for about ten years and have seen Dr Berk from everything from routine check ups, flu shots, vaccinations and appointment needs prior to out of country travel. He's very thorough and knowledgeable. He listens and provides vital patient education. He offers useful referrals out where applicable. I feel I receive prompt attention and quality care. He's committed to excellence and truly cares about keeping his clients healthy and well. He provides an electronic newsletter. It's great to see he was an earlier adopter of technology to help his clients in his practice. He makes scheduling easy. He started many years ago giving clients access to their electronic medical records which is helpful. Dr Berk and his staff are great and very accommodating. read more

I just had my first physical with Dr. Berk. I am SO relieved to have finally found a doctor that I really like after 16 years of searching in NYC. His office is very old school and comfortable. His reception staff was very friendly and courteous. I only waited 5 minutes to be seen. Dr. Berk sat with me and discussed my medical history in a very relaxing and conversational manner. He gave me a thorough exam without ordering a bunch of unnecessary tests. I felt good and positive leaving his office. I won't be going anywhere else from now on for my primary care. read more

The next my visit to this doctor was awesome. The best atmosphere I have even seen, the doctor was very accurate and very polite. I try to visit doctors as rare, as it is possible, but my choice would be dotor Berk next times. read more

Dr Berk is amazing! My husband and I recently had a son whose first appointment was with Dr Berk despite him not being our primary care physician (our primary pediatrician was not available). He took the time to listen to all of our concerns and addressed each one with incredible patience given we were nervous new parents. A few days later our son was unfortunately admitted to the emergency room due to low blood sugar and dehydration. After the appointment the emergency room doctor contacted Dr Berk to inform him of the visit and status of our son. We scheduled an appointment to see Dr Berk the next day however due to a severe storm we were unable to be seen so Dr Berk reached out to a visiting nurse service to check the status of our son. The visiting nurse staff did not respond so Dr Berk made the effort to come to our home to weigh our son and ensure he was stable. What dedication! The next day, after the home visit, Dr Berk called to check in again! We are incredibly grateful and appreciative of Dr Berk's care and highly recommend him. read more

Horrible experience!!!!. I went with my mom to see Dr. Berk a whole ago and never went back again. His assistant told me that because my mom had very tiny veins she would try just once to draw her blood because she didn't want to hurt her. That is not the explanation that I was expecting to receive. What kind of training had this person. I commented the situation to Dr. Berk and he defended the technician !!!!!!. That never happened before and after that day in any other places. Horrible!!!!!!!. I also sent messages that were never answered!!!! read more

One advantage to Charles Berk is that he isn't overly aggressive. Another is that he shares his decision making process with you. Often in medicine, things are not clear cut (get a prostate test or not). He tells you why and how. Also, I don't feel he's coopted by drug companies, and when he's skeptical of a treatment, he'll tell you why. read more

I've only ever had a positive experience at Dr. Berk's office. He's always been respectful and correct in his diagnosis, including bronchitis, and has treated the symptoms appropriately too. I have never had to wait very long to see him either and he takes time to explain any medication he's suggesting. The staff are polite and helpful too. Not sure if there's been a recent slip in standards, but based on my experience I would recommend Dr. Berk. read more

Excellent experience, hassle free, website is a great convenience! The office even accepts my GHI insurance for city employees.

Dr. Berk is the best primary care doc I've ever had. He's approachable, informed, personable, and always take the time to follow-up by phone or email after appointments. As an added bonus, Dr. Berk's staff is courteous and professional giving the entire office a warm aura. One complaint: in my experience appointments rarely start on time; grab the first one (8am i think) to ensure making it back to work on time! read more

*Zero Stars* If you are looking for a typical impersonal "revolving door" physicians practice, then Dr. Berk is for you....and I use the term practice lightly. It's more like pharaceutical vending machine with two drug options, strong or weak. I have met with Dr. Berk three separate times and for the 2nd and 3rd visits I had to remind of him of what my previous visits were intended for. For some reason he didn't feel like he needed to check his records, if indeed he actually keeps them. The third visit was the worst and last one for me. You may as well just ask him to give you an antibiotic for just about anything you are ailing from, as he had no time to consider or even discuss options outside of that. He even seemed bothered to explain to me what side effects I might encounter with the particular prescription he scribbled out for me, which by the way, were pretty significant detrimental effects, which caused me to ultimately decline the meds. Please, I know the Heights must have a practice that can atleast offer educated assements for paying customers. Oh by the way, your annual fees are due to Dr. Berk ASAP. For what? I have no idea. read more

Dr.Berk good doctor,good person.The staff, now that's another story.Their civil but they can be so RUDE 98% percent of the time,on the phone or face to face.I visit one day to see if the doctor could see me for my regular 3 month visit.Mind you with just one patient waiting she said that he has to many patients and this is not the first time.Some of the staff try to talk now to you but they catch themselves after a -excuse me-(verbelly)from me.And I only been going to this office for less them a year and Igoing to speak to the Doctor about this and it is necessary for me to go seek medial help else where,but again the Docto is good and kind. read more

You never know how good a doctor truly is until you get sick. I am a healthy 26 year old and when I visited Dr. Berk for my physical - all went just fine. I was neither upset nor overly impressed with him or his staff. About 6 months down the road, I came down with what I suppose was the flu - or something bad enough to warrant a visit to the doctor. Dr. Berk listened to my symptoms, had me cough and exhale and inhale deeply a few times, took a micro-second's peak into my mouth (I had white patches on my tonsils) and ears and decided that Advil would be the only cure to my ailment. So I took his word even though I was highly skeptical and headed home to rest my aching body and head. A couple of days later, I started coughing worse than a chronic smoker on menthols so I called the Doctor and he had me go in for chest xrays. It was a Friday afternoon and per the x-ray office's advice, I called Dr. Berk a couple of hours after the visit to make sure that he received the results and would be able to prescribe medication, if necessary, before he closed down for the weekend. I was forwarded to a message center when I called and the nice lady told me she would page Dr. Berk and have him call me back. About ten minutes later, I get a call from Berk, "Hi this is Dr. Berk. I'm calling you back because you asked me too" (really?!!!?!) So I gently replied that I wanted to know the results of my chest x-ray and proceeded to tell him how my symptoms had worsened. He coldly replied that my x-rays came back negative and that if I needed something, he would prescribe Codeine for me. Codein for what? "Well, that should help give you some rest." I was appalled. So I struggled it out with Nyquil and Theraflu and ultimately felt better within the next couple of days but my flu symptoms were then replaced by shooting pains in my ears. Again, I called the Doctor and then made my way to his office. He looked at his charts and seemed surprised with himself that he hadn't prescribed any antibiotics the first time I went to see him. He asked me if he had - I guess to double check himself. He took a look in my ears and told me my ears looked "nasty" and then prescribed some Augmentin to clear them up. It was a 7 day course and after the 5th day of taking it with absolutely no relief to the ear pain, I again called the Doctor after hours. He calls me back after being paged, I tell him that the antibiotics have given me no relief and his response is "Well I don't think that you have an ear infection. I told you I thought you have a sinus problem" Then why the hell did you prescribe antibiotics to me?! His advice was to take Benedryl - he said the sedative qualities would be most helpful. So I finally came to my senses, went to the Brooklyn Hospital where I was met with capable physicians who confirmed that I had a terrible ear infection and prescribed the proper antibiotics to clear it out. I know this was long but I felt compelled to write a review. It is so unnerving that people like Dr. Berk are in the medical profession when they obviously have no desire to provide proper medical help to their patients. Maybe he didn't like my insurance... maybe he didn't like me.... maybe he's just a terrible excuse for a Doctor. read more

I have faith that Dr. Berk is a knowledgeable man, I've had a number of people in the area recommend him but my personal experience with his office left me extremely disappointed, and feeling as if I didn't get the care I deserved. I showed up a few minutes early and politely asked if he was running to schedule since I was meeting someone at 7:30 (appt. at 6:30). I was told yes, that I was next. 20 minutes later, I still had yet to be seen. I asked--again, politely--if they maybe knew what his schedule was like, and was given a very rude, very nonchalant answer from the nurse who had previously taken my blood pressure. The receptionist seemed to be taken aback by my question, at which point the nurse stepped in. Instead of apologizing, and telling me they understand, she was curt, short, and downright rude. I went back to my room, the door slammed behind me (I even re-opened and apologized so they would know it wasn't some intentional, bratty thing!) and from there it only got more disappointing. 5 minutes later, Dr. Berk comes in and the nurses had clearly informed him of my "pestering." He barely took the time to introduce himself and immediately got down to business. Perhaps this was because they told him I was hurried, but his bedside manner was not welcoming. I felt as if he was annoyed I was even there. He warmed up during the appointment but I felt he wasn't taking my concerns seriously, and just trying to hurry. Again, I would have appreciated this if it was because he was concerned about my timing, but he too didn't apologize for being 30 minutes late to see me, nor did I feel as if he was doing this out of kindness. He clearly just wanted to be done with my appointment. I felt as if he was ignoring certain things I said, and wasn't as in depth as I prefer doctors to be. Even if he could have recommended another doctor, that would have been SOMEthing. Then, as he was leaving he passively said to me "well, I heard you have somewhere to be..." How rude is that! I left with a bad taste in my mouth about the whole practice. I apologized again to the nurses about the door slamming, yet they ignored me. Hoping I don't have to go back to this practice again. read more

Seeing Dr. Berk these past few weeks has been a consistently disappointing and frustrating experience that always leaves me wanting more. He seemed to barely tolerate my admittedly ignorant questions. He seemed very impatient with me, which is aggravating and stressful when you're feeling scared about your health. During our communications on their online messaging service, he would share news with me like "the tests were negative for X and Y", but then not follow up with "and here's what we should do next." It was always me disparately trying to find clarification of his minimal notes. I will never go back to Dr. Berk. I'm sure he is an extremely knowledgable doctor, but he's terrible at giving care. Please be weary. read more

I'm really glad I found Dr. Berk's office. The staff and doctor are very friendly. Also, you can enroll in an online medical record system that allows you to email the doctor follow up questions so you don't have to go in for another appointment if it is something that can be addressed in writing. read more

I've been going to Dr. Berk for a few years now. He is a kind but no-nonsense kind of doctor and I have always been able to get into to see him same-day when really sick. He is also respectful of plus-size patients, which many doctors are not. If you need a doctor who coddles you, he's not the one, but if you want a direct, professional kind of doctor who will treat you like a grown up, not over-prescribe anti-biotics, and will really listen to you, he's great. He also does travel vaccinations (if you are travelling anywhere particularly interesting), which is how I initially found him, and I liked his approach so much, I signed him up as my regular doctor. read more

I want to say this goes to the wonderful customer service that was provided to me today by Darryl Myrick and Sinead O'Neill. I had called my previous physician's office for copies of my medical report and they required me to fill out a form and that they would then mail to me. That wouldn't work because I have an appointment with a specialist on Friday and need my records by then. I no longer am a member of One Medical ($200!) but called and asked for my previous records. Darryl was able to immediately message me my medical records from One Medical and Sinead is currently working on getting my past (lengthy) records. There's so much criticism in this world and not enough appreciation. I want to say that these two were nothing but patient, kind and so helpful. I will say their service has made me reconsidered on paying the $200 membership fee. Crazy I know but you rarely get good customer service like that in NYC...and this is coming from an Oklahoman. Kudos to you two! read more

I have no complaints with Dr. Berk and Rachael his nurse practitioner. They both create a calm and professional environment. I have recommended family and friends to Dr. Berk. I cannot thank them enough. read more

I think Dr Berk is great. He has been practicing for years in Brooklyn Heights (I've been a patient for at least 8 years) and I highly recommend him. He has good instincts, and has always given good advice. I do value him as my primary physician and hope not too many patients clammer to him so my wait time increases. read more

Dr. Berk has been my primary care physician for over 10 years and he has always gone way beyond the extra mile for me and my family members. He has always listened to me and never makes me feel rushed. He treats the whole person, not just symptoms and he has continually returned my urgent health calls/inquires far after business hours. In short I find him an excellent doctor and I feel lucky to have him within walking distance, here in the BK Heights. He is truly a family doctor and gives very personal, high quality medical treatment. I happen to work in a medical facility (I am not a doctor) in Manhattan and am a very picky patient myself. I see firsthand the variance on how much PCP's will provide for their patient's. Dr. Berk is comprehensive, knowledgeable, kind and has always been a pleasure to deal with. It should also be noted that Dr. Berk is literally the only PCP that I have ever gotten my elderly father in treatment with. My very elderly father had never before agreed to visit a doctor until Dr. Berk and now after a few years seeks out Dr. Berk's medical advice. Dr. Berk also was instrumental in identifying symptoms of a serious illness in my elderly father and ran the appropriate tests etc. It ended up being a very serious condition and Dr. Berk referred us to a specialist appropriately. Without Dr. Berk catching the signs of this condition my father would have had dire consequences. I am surprised by some of the negative reviews on this site. It seems that the web has provided some people with needed anonymity so that they may write more brazen and hurtful comments about not only medical professionals but other services as well. I would hope others would be more mindful of how their words might affect someone's reputation. read more