Let me start by saying that I have no issues with Dr. Kerbel, but dealing with his office staff is the worst customer service experience I have ever had to deal with. I honestly don't know how they still have jobs. I dealt with this doctor's office for a year and these women have been so rude and disrespectful every single time I had to call for something or saw them in person. It was to the point where I felt uncomfortable calling about health concerns I had with my baby. Their tone of voice was so condescending and always made me feel like everything was my fault and I was doing things wrong - imagine that for a brand new parent. I don't know what makes them so entitled but they are the reason I am leaving this practice. The doctor is great but I will not be spoken to like that ever again. Even now that I called to try to come in and sign a medical release form and get my child's records, the woman on the phone basically told me that she doesn't have time for me and maybe I could get it in two weeks. The worst part is she LAUGHED on the phone when I asked her for these things. Not in a nice way but in a condescending "you are so dumb" way. Then she proceeded to tell me the office is closing soon when online and everywhere it states they are open until 4:30 PM (it's 12 right now.) She obviously just wanted to get me off the phone. I DO NOT recommend this place. The abuse from the staff is just not worth it. We have enough to worry about as parents. read more

Huge fan of Dr. Kerbel, very direct and to the point while maintaining a relaxed and approachable manner. He was great with our three girls. He's a five but the staff (when we went there) was about a three. Although it happened quite a while ago I remember going to the office once when one of our kids was really sick, the receptionist (who is likely and hopefully gone by now) tells me that we shouldn't bring our kids to the office if they have the stomach flu. The problem was that I didn't say she had the stomach flu, I didn't know what she had because I am not a doctor...and neither was she. I was burning mad, in addition to being incredible insensitive the comment was dangerously unprofessional as receptionists should generally keep their medical opinions to themselves. Yeah, apparently I'm still mad about this. This event I recall specifically, but there were other negative staff interactions that occurred but that I don't remember with such detail. Even if the staff is still prickly I would unreservedly recommend Kerbel. read more

Dr Kerbel is literally the best! Both of my kids have been going since they were born, about 15 years. I trust him and he is so kind and makes the kids at ease! I don't live in the area anymore and the ride to him is about 45 minutes and I drive it without hesitation because he's so awesome!! I highly recommend him! The BEST! read more

Both Dr. Kerbels are fantastic! We deal mostly w/ Richard but his wife is equally as wonderful. I have called at 4:30 in the afternoon w/ a sick infant & they have told me to come right in--they close at 5:00. I have never had to wait longer that 5 minutes in the waiting room & if I call w/ a question, Dr. Kerbel is usually the one who I speak w/. Dr. Kerbel is ALWAYS gracious & never makes you feel like any question you have is a stupid one. He is very thorough & when my children were diagnosed w/ a kidney condition, Dr. Kerbel immediately got me in touch w/ one of the best Urologists at Children's Hospital. He also has a great rapport w/ the children. Mine love him even if he does give them their shots! read more

Dr. Kerbel is a straight forward, non-alarmist type of pediatrician, who is also extremely warm with the babies. Our little guy has suffered numerous bouts of childhood ailments this past year, and each time, Dr. Kerbel's diagnosis and treatments were dead on. He knew when to wait-and-see and when to treat right away. When our son was born, he had a pretty bad bout of jaundice and needed to be under the phototherapy lights for over a week. Dr. Kerbel visited the hospital everyday (even on a Saturday!) to update us on the baby's progress. He always answers your calls within the hour and you RARELY wait more than 5 minutes if you have an appointment. He is also very accommodating about scheduling a last-minute appointment when your child is very ill. The office staff is extremely friendly, and because it's a small practice, everyone knows you and your child. If I call and say, "oh, I'm so-and-so's mom...", they know immediately who I am. One thing to note: Dr. Kerbel's style is kind of old-school... I'm not sure how to describe it, but he's sort of the wise old doctor type. He tells you what you need to know, but you have to ask questions to get more answers. I don't know if it is just his style -- he would rather answer the questions you want answered than overload you? -- but that's something I had to learn to do during our relationship. Your child will be under great care with Dr. Kerbel. read more

I love dr. Kerbel. He is straight to the point and very knowledgable. He isn't judgmental but provides guidance as needed or requested. They are never too swamped and do have a sick and non sick waiting room. He is willing to answer questions throughout the day, in between appointments, and if you have a sick kid, they will fit you in. Cons The office is an old house, so not a super modern feel that I normally like at the offices I go to, and they don't always enforce the sick vs clean room rules... read more

Doctor Kerbel is the best! As a first time mom that is nervous and anxious about absolutely everything, Dr. Kerbel has always addressed my concerns immediately and is both kind and calm. We've never had to wait for long to be seen and when I call the office with any questions, it is always Dr. Kerbel himself that returns my phone call. read more

My favorite conversation with Dr. Kerbel was during one of our first meetings. I sat with my newborn baby girl in his office, nervous, anxious, and full of questions. One stream of questions asked "What should I be reading? How will I know what to do if something happens? Are there videos on this? What if I can't reach you?" Dr. Kerbel watched and smiled calmly, and then, in his fabulous accent, said, "Listen, if you've got a concern, call me. If I'm not available, call your grandmother."... It was then that I knew we would be getting to know each other for many years. And we have, and he has ALWAYS been spot on and rightfully confident with his diagnoses, accommodating, comforting, efficient (which I initially thought he was "quick: with me" :), and a true professional. We are extremely blessed to call him our pediatrician. read more

We were going to use him with our newborn. He seemed like a good guy and a good doctor. The major issue was with the receptionists. I only talked to them a couple times and each time they were inordinately rude and disrespectful. I have no idea why, I was just trying to make an appointment. If they were more pleasant I probably would recommend Dr. Kerbel, but it is not worth that kind of hostility, there are plenty of friendly doctors offices. read more

I don't usually write reviews but I felt like I needed to so that nobody else has to go through what we went through. My son was three weeks old and also three weeks early, and I called to report that he had a bad cough and a runny nose. They never called back. I called the next day and said that I wanted him seen that day because his cough was really bad. They said they couldn't see him that day but could see him the following day. I accepted and called back 5 minutes later saying I really wanted him seen that day. They refused saying they were "swamped" and he didn't need to be seen that day. We ended up going to a different pediatrician that same day and were admitted the Mass Gen. We spent a week at Mass Gen because my son ended up having RSV... Absolutely HORRIBLE experience. read more

As I write this, I have been transferring my son to the care of an internist now that he is 18, in college, and a "graduate" of Dr. Kerbel's. I do so with something of a heavy heart as he's been my son's doctor since birth. It would be hard for me to say enough about how much Dr. Kerbel has meant to my son, and to me as a single mom. While I wouldn't necessarily call Dr. K "warm and fuzzy," he certainly has great warmth, which his patients -- babies, young kids, and even adolescents -- relate extremely well to. He gets to know your child and remembers their particular medical histories right from the start. He has always been available, and when we experienced a horrific, traumatic event, his steady, supportive manner was one of the great strengths we could count on. I've seen some staff members come and go throughout the years, and while I would agree with some that the current staff at Dr. Kerbel's is not as warm as I'd like, this office is incredibly busy and they are extremely efficient. I think that's what an office like this needs. And there have been a few times when his wife filled in for him, and she is really and truly a wonderful, skilled doctor. I was blessed with incredible child care for my son, an overall excellent school system, and a fabulous pediatrician. We were so lucky, and anyone whose child(ren) are patients of Dr. Kerbel's should sleep better at night for that. We will truly miss him. read more

We have been seeing Dr. Kerbel for 7 years (since the birth of my first child and now for my second too). He is great - highly knowledgable, practical, and calm. I LOVE that his practice runs on time. He never keeps you waiting which is a welcome change compared with most health practitioners. I think he reception staff could be a little friendlier, but all in all, the practice works well and the care is excellent. It is a pleasure to have my kids seen by this wonderful provider! read more

Dr. RIchard Kerbel has been a great pediatrician for our family. My sons are 16 and 13. He has always made them feel comfortable during routine and/or emergency visits. I have always been able to get an appointment when necessary and he has never made me feel as though I may be wasting his time, especially when they were babies. I have referred Dr. Kerbel to many friends and I beleive they all feel the same way. I also commend his staff as always being friendly and thoughtful. Diane Watertown read more

My kids have been the patients of Dr.Kerbel for 7 years. I admire him immensely. Dr.Kerbel is very fast. Usually he completes the exam in just a few minutes, but miraculously he manages to check everything and answer all my questions, I never feel rushed. He does vaccination shots so quickly that half of the time my kids don't even notice. He is always on time. On top of that he is very professional and I trust his judgement. read more

Dr Kerbel is very knowledgeable and super kind. My daughter has eczema, allergies and asthma so we visit him quite a bit and he really is a perfect ten with children, looking for potatoes in their ears and making it a fun experience for kids. My daughter leaves with stickers or a pencil and a huge smile on her face. All of our appointments are always on time. We feel very fortunate to have Dr Kerbel in our lives and I knew it from day 1! Its been 7 years of amazing care to my daughter. read more

Dr Kerbel has been caring for my daughter since she was born in October of 09. She had a couple of complications in the beginning (nothing major) and was always very patient with all my questions. He has always been attentive and informative throughout her growing stages. He makes the children feel comfortable and safe especially when my daughter knows as soon as she pulls up outide his office, that something somewhat unpleasant (in her eyes) is in store for her. He is caring and kind, he is VERY straightforward, and is very educated as far as when and when not to panic about a runny nose. As parents, we are not perfect, and I know this 100% so he takes the time to explain and suggest different ideas for different stages. I love him as my daughters pediatrician and I would highly recommend him to all future and present parents. He sets a high standard for Dr's throughout the Watertown area and the more I visit, the more I like him. The office staff are WONDERFUL, I've called on several occasions to get paperwork for Daycare or because I left the little blue book at home, and they are always attentive and responsive to my needs. I've NEVER waited more than 5 minutes in the waiting room, and the office is always spotless. I've come to find that he's most of the children in Watertown's Dr, and I can completley see why, he is simply the best!!! read more

My son has been seeing Richard Kerbel for over 11 years and we couldn't be happier. I first met Dr. Kerbel when I was eight months pregnant with a broken leg and was quite nervous about delivering my baby in a cast. He is just as supportive today as he was over a decade ago. His response time to parents is absolutely amazing and his instincts have always been spot on. I couldn't recommend a better doctor for child. read more

I love Dr Kerbel a real old fashioned dr no nurse partitioner when you need a DR he's there for you as far as I'm concerned he's the best Kathy read more

Dr Kerbel and his entire office are knowledgeable, kind and attentive. We moved to Natick but i still travel to him because he is the best! I have two children, ages 2 and 12, my oldest adores him. He is a fantastic person and just the best pediatrician we could have asked for. read more

I can only give this practice a rating of 1. We recently moved from Texas to Mass with our 6 year old son. This practice was recommended, but upon calling them I was informed that they do not accept children who are not newborns. I would have liked to give a more detailed review of services rendered..... read more

My youngest daughter of two recently was forced to get a new doctor because she is a freshman in college. Dr. Kerbel was there for us when we needed him countless times. He worked with us as we try not to give medication unless really necessary. You rarely wait very long before being seen. He is very prompt and when your child is ill or there waiting anxiously for a check up, a long wait is never appreciated. I really appreciated the friendly staff in his office and Dr. Kerbel's efficiency. Sometimes I wished he'd be a bit chattier like T Bery Brazelton, but friends who had doctor's like that said they often waited an hour and longer to be seen. You just don't ever wait like that with Dr. Kerbel. He calls back as soon as he can if you call with a concern and although he is busy, he will always answer all of your questions. He got us through head lice very calmingly!! That was fun! He has a way of moving deftly with the children, saying funny things like,"looking for potatoes", as he looks in their ears etc. He gives shots quickly and is good at it - He made them feel at ease and with girls that's important. When they were older and had more female issues to discuss, we had the choice to see his wife, Dr. Brenda who is also very good, smart and good with the kids. I was sad to say goodbye to that practice! Thank heaven for the women in his office also who are so understanding when you' re worried and who always find a way to get you seen. We owe a debt of gratitude to them all. Thank you Dr. Kerbel, Dr. Brenda and staff!!!! You followed our family for 22 years. read more

My son just turned 18 years old, and Dr. Kerbel has been a wonderful doctor who has given my son excellent care from birth! I've appreciated his medical advice and opinions over the years. I have really appreciated how Dr. Kerbel was always on time. His office staff have always been extremely helpful booking appointments, getting prescriptions, and sending out medical forms for camps quickly. I have found that they are always courteous on the phone and in person. Lastly, now that my son is going to college, he will be looking for a new doctor. It will be hard to find someone to take Dr. Kerbel's place. Thank you for all the great years of care! read more

Dr. Kerbel was my son's Pediatrician for 9 years and we liked Dr. Kerbel. He was professional and easy to talk to. Unfortunately the office manager was very rude, unprofessional and very unhelpful. She was rude to me multiple times in person and on the phone. Finally one time, I told he if she rude to me one more time, I was going to report her to Dr. Kerbal. After that, she was a little better. I thought about changing a doctor because of her but my son liked Dr. Kerbal and it was a convenience location for me. we got out there as soon as my son turned 18. It's feel good not have to deal with that rude person anymore. read more

We love Dr. Kerbel. I got to know him while I was a nanny, the little boy I watched was one of his patients. I found him to be very direct, quick, thorough and kind all at once. Also, he totally reminded me of my doctor as a kid which gave me a nice feeling. We have not had any major health problems besides the normal colds and infections and such in our first year but everytime we did have concerns outside our normal appointments he would take the call if he was free or call back quickly. I am surprised there are not more raves about him on here. Yay Dr.K! read more

Dr. Kerbel is amazing, really the best, but his office staff is not. We have been patients for almost 14 years without ever missing an appointment. Yesterday we had a family emergency and missed a flu shot 'appointment' (which takes all of 1 minute for Dr. K to do). Instead of letting me reschedule, they are punishing my son -- who has asthma and should be a high priority for getting a shot -- by telling me that they are now out of vaccine until the end of November (somehow his dose disappeared in the past 12 hours). I'm sure Dr. Kerbel would be more understanding but you can't get through to him. It is too bad. read more

Richard Kerbel is fantastic! Loves children and is patient and thorough. He knows when to refer out to a specialist and is a masterful diagnostician. Dr. Kerbel never dismisses my questions and always makes time to talk through any ideas or thoughts I have. My daughter never minds going to see him. he is a pleasure to have as a doctor! read more

Dr. Kerbel is as good as it gets. He's a delight to work with, and is always generous with his time. We have had to call him a couple of times off-hours, and he has returned our call in the most timely manner. We have also never been kept waiting in the waiting area for more than a few minutes. We regularly reflect on our good fortune in having been directed to Dr. Kerbel's practice. read more

We have been with Dr. Kerbel for 10.5 months now with our daughter. We are moving and are sad that we won't be able to continue to use him. He is kind and caring with both our daughter and with us. He is non-alarmist which is great! He either answers our calls immediately or calls back with in minutes. He takes the time to talk with you about all of your concerns and has been flexible with our vaccination needs (we spread htem out with a week or two in between). I highly recommend him. read more

Dr. Kerbal has been our doctor for the past 28 years and there could absolutely not be a better doctor His availability, attentiveness, sincerity, and calming manner certainly help us raise 4 children. He truly is exceptional! read more

We've been with Dr. Kerbel for about a year and there are several things we like. He's straightforward and no nonsense. He always takes us on time. We never wait for more than 5 minutes. He always returns any call I make to him within 20 minutes. He is easy to schedule with. I am not sure what office staff other reviewers on yelp are dealing with, but we always find Dr. Kerbel's office staff to be completely professional and accommodating. Recently, they were particularly accommodating when Dr. Kerbel was out of town and his on-call doctor (NOT a partner, but a local MD) was rendered incapable of practicing medicine when her office phone and internet went out. This was after she invited me into her office to see my toddler. Her office manager refused to let us see the doctor because she had "no way of making a record" without the internet. Flummoxed, I called Dr. Kerbel's staff and they very kindly and quickly got me an appointment with another doctor while I waited on the phone. We are very happy with every aspect of this doctor and his office! read more

my daughter is 20 and misses him so much. he is hard to replace! he is the best and my son still sees him. he is calm,always listens and is there when you need him! i also had had the pleasure of working with him at mah and wouldn't go to anyone else! read more