Scary bad doctor. Do very lazy. ignores urgent messages. complains about her life. And then double, tripe bills.

After having Dr. Starr as my PCP for the past 3 years I can safely say that I'm looking for a new PCP. Initially I liked her because I'm a medical professional, typically easily self-diagnose myself, and like a care-team that can respect that and work with me when I call late in the day and say things like "I need a prescription for cipro because I know I have a kidney infection." That actually worked out pretty well for the first 2 years or so. I'd call and tell her what was happening, or show up and ask her to write me this or sign that. And she did. Great. But she does have a poor bedside manner. And one does need to repeat oneself. And if I have something going on with me that I * don't" understand, I need a PCP who knows more and is going to help me figure out what *is* going on with me. A few examples. I had an as-yet-to-be-explained GI problem last year. She told me (without even taking a very thorough history or doing a very thorough exam) "You need your gallbladder out. I'm calling BI. Go home, pack a bag, and plan to stay overnight." O_o! What?! Whoah! Okay. I go to the hospital. I'm there for 5 hours. No. Nothing is wrong with my gallbladder. Sent home. Okay. Honest mistake perhaps. But how about you tell the patient, "I'm concerned about your gallbladder. I'd like you to go to the hospital to run a few tests." Example 2. Several months ago I started running low-grade fevers. Nothing more than 99.7 or so. And no discernible pattern. I said to her, "I think I have some kind of systemic infection. Can we do some bloodwork?" She draws up a chair and says, I'm not kidding, "I'm not saying this, but my first thought is Leukemia." Um... WHAT!? Who SAYS that!? So I get blood drawn, wait out a terrifying weekend, and 2 weeks later have an emergency appendectomy. "Have you been having fevers for a while?" asks the nurse before my surgical consult prior to the surgery. "Yes" I say fuming through gritted teeth. Perhaps another honest mistake. Emergency appendectomies can be tricky and mine presented itself in a very unusual way. But really, unless you're pretty darn sure why would you tell someone you thought they might have leukemia? Without even having any bloodwork to base that on? My nurse after the surgery coincidentally has Dr. Starr as her PCP too. And she's looking for a new MD as well! She agrees that the only reason she's kept her as her MD for so long is that she kinda does what she's asked if her patient's in the medical field! To add insult to injury, much to the horror and shock of my GYN, Dr. Starr has frequently said to me "Oh, that doesn't count" when I've mentioned the female sex partners I've had. Um. Yeah. Yeah it does. Women can still infect other women. And how you don't know that, I have no idea. read more

I advise avoiding Dr. Starr. I went to her with strongly positive test results in hand (literally, a letter from my allergist) from a blood test for celiac disease. I knew that I needed a follow-up test from my physician, and a referral to a gastroenterologist for an endoscopy with biopsy to confirm the diagnosis, plus further treatment to deal with the effects of CD (I was very sick and underweight). Dr. Starr asked me why I thought I had CD. I responded, "I have a positive test result." She typed a few things into her computer, then left the room. A nurse came in, and took my blood pressure (elevated at this point, no surprise!), and told me the appointment was finished. I left, thinking, huh, maybe I need to call to follow up. When I called, the person manning the phone told me that I had to make another appointment to discuss my diagnosis! I hit the roof. It's very clear to me that this office/Dr. Starr wants to harvest insurance payments by generating as many office visits as possible. There was no reason to have me back multiple times to discuss a problem for which I already had a diagnosis! I needed her to simply be a traffic cop and to advise me as to next steps. She is no longer my PCP. I demanded my records and stalked off to the celiac care center at BI. AVOID. Just avoid. Your health is too important. read more

I saw Fern Starr once and I will not see her again. Dr. Starr was cold and lacked any suggestion of empathy or friendliness. She did nothing to allay my anxiety about being there or my symptoms, which is particularly dissapointing when anxiety IS one of your symptoms. Another one of those technician-like MDs, so if you're wanting a little compassion, I would go elsewhere. read more

I rarely write such reviews, but I felt compelled. Dr. Starr is incompetent. I see her colleague as my PCP. On 3 occasions, she was not available. The first time was when I was pregnant, and became very ill. My OB recommended I see my PCP and the first appt I could get was with Dr. Starr. She first missed that I had pneumonia until I returned the next day, very very ill. She then prescribed a series of medications that are known to be incompatible/dangerous during pregnancy despite knowing I was in my first trimester. This was fortunately caught by the CVS pharmacist. Four years later I returned to see my PCP but she had to leave the office on an emergency and unfortunately I found myself with Dr. Starr. I asked for a strep test but she refused, indicating that my throat showed no signs. As soon as I left I went to the minute clinic at CVS - no suprise - raging strep. Unfortunately, Dr. Starr also lacks bedside manner. She makes inappropriate comments and is off topic frequently. I'm sorry to say I can find very little, if anything redeeming about her. read more

I've been going to Dr. Starr for over 10 years. Yes, she's odd, has NO social skills, and stares at her computer. However, I do feel like she is very thorough and will refer you to the right people. And let me tell you, she is connected to really impressive people. On the other hand, her staff is TERRIBLE. Every time I go to the office, there is a problem. They don't have change for my $20 so I can pay my $10 copay. The nurse went to lunch and left me sitting in the office waiting for an injection. The receptionist mistakenly hangs up on me. I believe she is worth the trouble. I like her but I can see how she might rub some people the wrong way. read more

Wow, I've been seeing Dr. Starr since I moved to the Boston area in 2005. I'm really amazed by all the negative reviews here. The first time I went to see her was because I was having a lot of pain in my stomach and sides, she couldn't figure out was wrong and instead of trying to treat me she sent me to a gastroenterologist. Come to find out I had IBS. Not something easily diagnosed by a routine office visit. Also, my yearly lady exams go fine and sometimes she sends me for ultrasounds just to be on the safe side, and because she does this a lump was found in my breast (thankfully benign). I really have no complaints she does an excellent job and I'm very happy that she is my PCP. read more

I couldnt be happier to see the reviews on here. I have gotten more personalized treatment at Dunkin Donuts. I basically closed my eyes and picked her from a list my insurance gave me when I moved to Brighton. So much for that technique. Ive never been back since. Im sure she is smart after completing the whole med school thing but this person has to have some sort of social disorder. You would have thought her instructors would ahve picked up on that during her psych rotation. Im not saying she doesnt know what shes doing but what atrocious bedside manner read more

Well I needed a primary physician and she was available. I loved my check up- very to the point, did what she needed to do. She did spend a considerable amount of time with me going over my medical history which I appreciated. The lab tech was also very sweet when taking my blood. We bonded over our polish last names. I'm sorry so many other people have had bad experiences- having worked in a dr's office myself I know there can be very bad days. but for me Dr. Starr was just perfect for what I needed. I did have to wait an hr for the appt- so for that one star off! read more

I wish I read the reviews on here before wasting my money!! I didn't have any problem with her 'bedside' manner, she was polite and didn't take any phone calls or chew gum (but about that, wtf?) I do think she completely misdiagnosed me, and when I read that she relies on her computer system, that totally makes sense. I had had laryngitis which turned into a cold that didn't go away, still sniffling and coughing--I'm thinking, sinus infection. She tells me, allergies. I am not a doctor but I have had allergies all my life and have been tested for them. I have seasonal allergies and it is winter. I am not allergic to my dog. I definitely believe she it out to get your insurance money! And I totally see why she was the only doctor there accepting patients. Christ. From now on I am going to Yelp all potential doctors. read more

I went to visit this doctor to get a blood desk and have her manage a prescription for me when I moved to this area. She pushed me into getting a flu shot despite having no interest and being ill. I left paying my co-pay and thinking everything was all set. I went to pick up the prescription the next day and when I got home saw that she had given me a 28 day prescription for the wrong medicine with dangerously inaccurate instructions on them (to take a stimulant before bed). The medication is a class A prescription that I can only get filled every 30 days so I am stuck with 28 pills I can't use and no medication. I called to voice my frustration and inquire about when the blood test would be available and was told there was no request on file but that they would have a new prescription ready for me. I have called repeatedly and no one has gotten back to me about the blood test. I went to pick up the replacement prescription today (after waiting thirty days) and it was wrong AGAIN. So I have now paid twice for a medication I can't use with no acceptable alternatives. I don't understand how a doctor can be so careless about prescribing medication that the FDA feels should be so severely restricted. She should not be practicing medicine and you should avoid her at all costs. read more

I've been using Dr. Starr for over 10 years and wouldn't consider going to anyone else. I read some of the less than stellar reviews and while I do not deny your stated experiences, I have a completely opposite viewpoint. When I seek services from a Dr, I expect them : - to be an expert where needed and if they aren't, refer me out - to make every attempt to see me for an appt, when needed - to call me personally with test results - to look me in the eye and ask me thoughtful questions - to be a human being, like me. Dr. Starr fits this criteria and more.... Sorry that some of you haven't shared my excellent experiences of Dr Starr. read more

she is the best doctor in the world for my whole family . she would reccomd you to go see specialists if you have a health issue

I have been seeing Dr. Starr for the past 3 years and I love her. I have absolutely no complaints about her or her staff. I have had to wait in the office sometimes for an extended period of time when I am seen on the same or next day for a sick visit but the fact that she was able to see me at all is amazing! Most doctors will tell you to go to the ER rather than squeeze you into an already jam packed day. Dr. Starr has always followed up with me after any sick visits to see how I am feeling. After my yearly physicals I always receive a copy of my lab work results with a handwritten note that everything is fine. She has also ensured that I see the best specialist BI has for an ongoing problem I have with my hearing. I wish more primary care phsycians were like Dr. Starr. read more

HORRENDOUS. She has NO bedside manner. Her nails are disgusting and dangerous and no Physician should have that petri dish on their hands. Her empathy is non-existent. She is never on time. She is robotic. Her demeanor is patronizing. Her tone is rushed and her focus is not mindful. This woman made a promise during her oath....it is time she is held to a higher standard. read more

Based on my visit for a physical with Dr. Starr, I have no complaints. I'm by no means saying the other reviwer is wrong, since I just went for a routine physical, so my experience could be skewed. I've been to doctors before who come in for two minutes and leave. Dr. Starr spent at least 20 minutes with me, asking me every question known to mankind about my health. She recommended the Gardasil vaccine and sent me for thorough blood tests (maybe this was for insurance money, but either way it gave me piece of mind). I left feeling good about a clean bill of health that was actually based on something real instead of poking and prodding me for a couple minutes and telling me I'm ok. I have a feeling the office itself is disorganized, because I got a bill for my visit as well. I just called them back and gave them my insurance information and everything was fine. I'm not sure why the office would care who's billed as long as they get the money SOMEhow. read more

I don't know what to think about Dr. Starr. I'd prefer to not be specific because I have had a rare medical emergency, but I prefer to call my specialists when something is wrong. I have yet another medical thing that she wasn't even aware of until she looked it up on her computer. She missed my IUD on her laundry list of stuff about me. On the plus side, her assistant is great and she is speedy with prescriptions, plus BID (the hospital she's associated with) is incredible and saved my life. read more

I'm not sure quite what to say about Dr. Starr. I've seen her a handful of times and found all my visits varied significantly from one another. During my first two visits several years ago she was curt and borderline rude - completely lacking in bedside manner. I decided to give her another go and when I saw her last for a physical I found her bedside manner to be much improved, albeit quirky. I'm on the fence about keeping her on as my PCP. read more

I made an account on Yelp solely to review Dr. Starr. I have been seeing Dr. Starr for over a 15 years now, and I have no plans to change that - she is a fantastic PCP and I couldn't imagine life without her. She's one of the nicest, most caring people I have met, and yet, she is my doctor. She is extremely knowledgeable and has impressive connections to all kinds of doctors across Massachusetts and beyond. You can tell that she genuinely cares about each and every patient, so much so that she will go above and beyond to make sure that they get the care that they need. The negative reviews on here are misleading. I truly believe in this case that anyone that may have had a bad experience will turn to Yelp to voice their concern (as with any product or service), whereas a happy customer is not very likely to report his or her experiences at all. read more

I pretty much got the same thing as the first reviewer. I went for both a physical and to discuss something in which I needed medication for. She basically just rushed through some questions with me, did half the physical, while her nurse did the other half. Then told me to make another appointment to discuss the medication. When I specifically went there for the medication in the first place. Why should I have to come back to talk about it?? I'm there now, let's talk about it now. I also got the vibe that she cared more about getting home (i was the last appointment of the day) than she did about me. I will NOT be back. read more

Even as I was crying on the outside, I was laughing on the inside a the absurdity of this: I went for a pap which is a tough procedure for me. I was crying and she made *no* acknowledgment of this. As I'm lying on the table, there is a knock at the door. She answers and initially indicates she is busy, but then askes the person, "Did I ask you to interrupt?" "Yes." "Oh. Okay." She then proceeds to have a conversation through the partially opened door. Shortly after, when she is done and I am sitting up on the table waiting for her to leave so I can get dressed (I'm still crying, mind you.) , she takes a phone call! A phone call that seemed rather long, as I was freezing in the hospital gown. Oh, and still, no acknowledgment of my distress. Yup. That's what happened. It happened to me, and even I can hardly believe it. read more

I saw Dr. Fern Starr for approx. 5 years. And was continually be being told, "If you"d lose weight you' d be ok" Dr. Starr spends about 3/4 of the time allotted for you on the computer. She stated at one point "Giv"e me a minute, I need to answer something about another patient". When I finally left for another doctor, the new doctor said to me "I see you have chronic pancreatitis". I said, somewhat startled, "I do!!". She said "You were diagnosed over 4 years ago, aren't you being treated?". Needless to say, Dr. Starr never informed me of my test results. I am in very good hands now thank goodness, with a physician who has time for me and who has respect for me. read more

I go to this doctor because after 2 days of hanging out on the phone with my insurance provider they promised to cover it. Even after that, they tried not to 'cause they're an insurance company, but they eventually followed through. I hate fighting with insurance companies, so I'm not switching unless I have 3 more days to kill. I like that I never have to wait for too long, and I can generally get an appointment no problem. What I don't like: she seems not to care at all, and by "seems" I mean, I'm pretty sure she could care less about me. In fact, I scheduled an appointment and specifically clarified the two issues I wanted to discuss when I made the appointment. When I arrived, we wasted a whole bunch of time because she failed to review my file. By that I mean, the answer was in my file and instead of looking at it she poked at me for 30 minutes (by the way I rarely go to the doctor so it basically consists of 1 piece of paper). Then, when I asked to address my second concern. She told me to schedule another appointment. I was having lots of heart palpatations. Her response was make another appointment. My heart was on the fritz and she told me to make another appointment, when I had specifically asked for enough time to discuss both issues. I talked to some other doctors who tell me that this is a way for her to get more money from the insurance company and it's unethical. ---------------------------------------------------- Update: I've raised my rating a little bit. The last time I went to see her, she seemed much nicer and more concerned and less rushed. Maybe that other visit was just a really bad day. I'm not really sure. I still think that bad day was pretty bad, but maybe her overall service deserves more than one star. read more

I have been ruminating on my visit with Dr. Starr since it happened on 4/28. It was our first meeting together and I have a lot to say. I have a history of body dysmorphia. Because of this, my therapist and I have discussed not getting weighed at the doctor's office, as it's not medically necessary. I understand that the medical community still uses the rather outdated BMI to use as a factor in determining one's health, despite much evidence to the contrary. Dr. Starr was rude and did not answer any of my questions when I asked her why a) she wanted me to be weighed, b) why BMI mattered. When I asked the latter question she was quite defensive and I felt the atmosphere of the visit change immediately. In fact, instead of answering the question, she simply said, "Well, you don't have to do it." That's not an answer to a question about BMI. As the visit went on, she made other comments referring to my weight. For example, when discussing blood tests, she said we should check my liver enzymes because "being overweight can be an issue there." I didn't feel that comment was necessary. If my liver enzyme levels had come back poorly, then that information can be offered up, but it was a weird remark to make, especially after I made clear that I didn't want to be weighed and when my history of disordered eating is in my chart. Additionally, I exercise most days, rarely drink alcohol and cook nutritious meals (all covered in my primary care visit), and all indicators of good health. I compare the way she handled my weight to the way she handled my sexual health. For example, when assessing the necessity for giving me a pap smear, she walked me through the various pros and cons. Sadly, that isn't enough for me to stay with Dr. Starr. I will be making strides toward finding a new primary care provider, one who is more thoughtful about issues of body issues and disordered eating. read more

I fall into the category of a patient charmed by Dr. Starr's quirkiness. I believe her to be quite competent. She isnt warm and fuzzy but for me this doesnt translate into poor bedside manner. She is always sure to ask me about life in general and is happy to share little snippets aboutnherself and her family. I am endorsing Dr. Starr as a PCP and feel as though any patient who is content with a cordial but brief and efficient PCP will be happy with her. read more

I have been going to Dr. Starr for about three years now, and every time I leave her office I immediately have to get on the phone with anyone who will listen to me rant and rave about the absurd experiences that just occurred in the 40 minute visit. The things that come out of her mouth are often so cutting and mean, I still get shocked even after three years of visiting her. Even worse, just when you think she can't get any more insulting, she actually tops herself, leaving me so totally caught off guard that I'm speechless (and mind you, completely naked). I've actually thought to myself on a couple of different instances, "I must not have heard that correctly-- there is NO way that someone would actually say that out loud to their patient." Even worse, the bedside manner of the entire staff is lacking. At the end of my last visit, I had to get an immunization. When I playfully asked the nurse if the shot would hurt, she snapped back, "Um... obviously. All shots hurt." It took everything I had not to scream back, "I was kidding! Kidding! I was looking for just one person in this entire office to be nice to me! Like me! Like me!" The one question that everyone asks-- how can I possibly go back to such a ridiculously rude doctor when our wonderful little city is loaded with incredibly qualified physicians? I go because it's easy, because she already has my medical records, and because I'm too lazy to find a different doctor. Once a year, one-stop shop, 40 minutes of my life. read more

Dr. Fern Starr may have possibly saved my life. Briefly, I was required to change PCP's due to insurance. A year ago, during my first physical, Dr. Starr detected a lump in my abdomen. She directed me to have an Ultrasound immediately, the next day. Results not definitive, she quickly arranged an MRI the week of Thanksgiving. They found something. She tried to reach me on a Sunday evening but got my voice mail. Said she would call Monday at 6AM. At that point, it was unclear whether it was cancer. She immediately referred me to the best Gynecological Surgeon in the area. Long story short, it was a rare appendiceal cancer, which had NOT spread. It was contained. I was lucky to have had my appendix and part of my bowel removed laparoscopically and recovered nicely, with no chemotherapy. As far as I'm concerned, Dr. Starr is an angel. read more

I sure am going to miss Dr. Starr and her assistant, Michelle, when I move later this year. They will be tough to replace.

My wife and I both see Dr Starr, and bottom line we've found her to be an excellent PCP. She does have some peculiarities but in the scheme of things they are minor. She is VERY thorough and isn't afraid to recommend tests; she seems to come from a place of wanting to know as much about you as she can within the limits that insurance allows. My wife has had very serious medical issues and she has been on top of things, and we have come to count on her to call either just before or after office hours with test results, a lifesaver when the results might be catastrophic. I too would complain about the office staff, who are often surly and/or abrupt. read more

When my kids were born, we had a very special warm, kind, quirky, doctor who was our family primary care for 19 years. When she moved away from Boston, we were bereft and didn't know who would fill her shoes. Finding Dr Starr was a Godsend. I made a first appointment to meet her when my husband suddenly came down with strange symptoms. He was not a registered patient with Dr Starr at the time, but he called her office and explained that that his wife was. Well that was enough for the staff to speak with Dr Starr, and He was into her office to see her within the hour. She sent him to the ER and he was admitted to the ICU with internal bleeding. His count was so low that he was at high risk for a heart attack. Basically, Dr Starr saved his life. She has a been a great family doctor. read more

I have been seeing Dr. Starr since 2000, maybe even a little earlier. She has been my PCP ever since though I opted for mid-wives for my pregnancy care, so I have not seen her as much between 2008 and 2012. My experience of her has been excellent. She is responsive by phone and appointments are always squeezed in when needed. She is candid. She is thorough. She sits at the computer and types while she talks to me - she explained this as her process from day one. Over 12 years ago it was not the norm, now it is and I am glad she is reviewing records thoroughly and she speaks to me directly when she's certain of everything in the records. She has always provided excellent referrals and her office has been easy to work with. Not sure what to make of the negative reviews - some seem genuine 'misses', others just seem like they would prefer a different bedside manner. I'm not a doctor, so I can attest to poor diagnoses, but she has always been an excellent provider for me - efficient, honest, thorough and attentive. read more

I've been going to Dr. Starr for years and she's easily the best doctor I've ever had. She is one of the most tireless and selfless individuals I've ever met. I have a number of ongoing health problems and Dr. Starr always seems to know how to handle them and she checks everything, every time, regardless of the reason I came into the office. On a number of occasions, I've called the office late and she has always made time to see me. I might have to wait awhile, but she will always see me. I know she works long hours but I've never heard a complaint from her. One last thing, I've always been pleased with the specialists she has referred me to. They all seem to be well respected doctors and Dr. Starr will always ask me how the referral turned out even though she has already received a report on the outcome. You'd be hard pressed to find a finer physician. read more

I have to say I am surprised by all the very negative reviews of Dr. Starr. I have been going to her for at least 10 years (can't really remember when I started). I find her to be very receptive to my medical concerns. When I was trying to conceive a child, she referred me to a very good OB who recommended aggressive treatment for my infertility and I now have 2 children. She has also referred me to a good podiatrist and dermatologist. Most recently, I developed some swelling in my face and showed up without an appt. and she saw me within 15 minutes. After I had some radiology testing done that same day, she called me at 7:30 PM to discuss the results and what I should do. I don't understand why someone would be freaked out by seeing her son's photos during a pelvic exam. THAT seems weird to me. . . I agree that the office staff are somewhat impersonal and sometimes I have had to wait a long time to see Dr. Starr, but this seems more like the norm to me in these days of managed care than an unusual occurrence. read more

When I have had questions and/or problems at home Dr. Starr personally calls me back. This has happened multiple times. Many other PCPs would not do this. She is thorough and has always taken her time with me. Sometimes I do have to wait when she is running late but its worth it. read more

I had to go to Dr. Starr because I could not get in to see my new Endocrinologist until mid Janauary. She was the only PCP I could find immediately as I ran out of medication. My insurance has dropped and changed physicians so my former doctors are no longer within my program. I have panic disorder with doctors. This was the first visit where I had much better control of the panic but I had no medication. The last time I had medicine prescribed for this was 2009. I asked her to write a script for it because she herself heard my heart racing when she listened to my lungs and heart. I am a type 1.5 diabetic and wrote this on the medical sheet for new patients. She asked me what a type 1.5 diabetic was. I explained it to her. I said that I needed a Metaformin script until I could get into the Endocrinologist to go on insulin. She said that I should see her for my diabetes care and that she keeps her diabetic patients on Metaformin. This is a huge red flag. Type 1.5 is just like type 1 but the pancreas' beta cells die much slower. There are numerous studies that show there is nil benefit of Metaformin to pancreatic beta cells and insulin should be introduced sooner than later. Instead of acknowledging I should see a specialist, she suggests I receive my total care from her with this advice? She also wants me to complete the diabetes lab for my upcoming appointment. When I went to the pharmacy to pick up my scripts(which were sent quickly in comparison to other practices), the dr wrote for 2 fills not only on my medicine but my test strips. I told her my Endo appointment is 1/12. She did not give me enough medicine to last to my next visit so I will have to cut down on my medication for a few days. She also gave me no anxiety medicine. Would it have been so hard to write the script for an extra refill on the diabetes medicine and a small script for the anxiety medicine? I agree with the comments about her bedside manner and computer usage. Very cold. I also think she is the typical physician looking to make money. The thing that really irked me is I made the appointment for 1:30. I arrived at 1:15. When did I see Dr. Starr? 2:05. My son's school day ends at 2:35. I left her office at 2:25 and I told her I had to go to pick him up. I had to take a taxi, pay $25 and arrived at my sons school at 3:05. The poor kid had to sit in the principals office. The only positive thing I have to say is I received a flu shot lightening fast but again, I see that as money making angle. I will not go back to her practice because I feel she sees me as dollar signs, did not listen to me, can not handle basic math and is one of the stingiest prescription writers I have ever seen. read more

I am actually making the effort to change my PCP as I can no longer stand going to her. She is an odd lady. She doesn't listen to what your ailments/symptoms are and relies solely on her computer system to help her diagnoze. I went as I had a black fly bite that had become infected. She couldn't find any mention of black flies on her computer system and refused to believe they existed (umm, hello? you live in New England??!!). During this visit she also took two cell phone calls - one from her husband and one from a builder that is doing soemthing on her house. What is also off putting (and sorry to any guys reading!) when she gives you a pap smear, she does so in a room that has photos of her sons everywhere... is it just me or does anyone else find it strange to feel like you are being ogled by teenage boys during this process?! After my last visit I got a call from her two days later saying that I had to come back in to get a chicken pox vaccine shot, as I was trying to conceive. AT NO TIME HAVE I EVER MENTIONED TRYING TO CONCEIVE??!!! read more

Dr. Starr is so bad, she inspired me to join Yelp so I could warn others of my experience, and decrease her rating. I admit, I was intrigued by her hippy-ish name, and figured she would be kind and open to my hesitations about conventional medicine. I made an appt. because I had been having trouble breathing. When she entered the office, and called me by my first name, I informed yes, that's me, but I go by my middle name, Nicole. She snorted, "Oh, I won't remember that." Isn't that what pens & patient files are for? Couldn't you write that in the file? It went from bad to worse. Her hair looks like a rat's nest & she was wearing some purple jeans from the 90's, which would be fine, I'm not one to judge on looks, but her lack of taste had extended to her nails, which were long and pointy. Fortuantely I wasn't there for a Pap, but pity the person who was - there's no way, even with gloves, I would let those claws inside of me! Once she started talking to me about my breathing, of course the symptoms disappeared, so, despite see no symptoms, she concluded it was asthma and told me I would be on medication for ever after. She started to prescribe me an inhaler, which I would need to use daily, even if I had no symptoms. I asked if there was any kind of alternative to a prescription - she misunderstood me and said I could take a pill instead of using the inhaler. I reexplained myself. She looked puzzled and said no. I left the prescription in the room and never looked back. Worst doctor ever. read more

If only I could give her no stars! I've been to Dr. Starr many times over the past 1.5 years, and every time it's a nightmare!!!! First time I went was only to get a referral for an allergist (which she ended up rejecting later because it wasn't in her hospital network!!), and she tried to say no, I should use pills and nasal sprays- all of which I've already used. After informing her several previous doctors suggested I need an allergist, she still refused to help me and kept pushing nasal sprays on me, after I repeatedly told her I wouldn't use. She spend 10 minutes arguing with me how I didn't need an allergist, instead of listening to my symptoms and history. I left the script in her office. Last time I went, she informed me that I had a meniscus injury. When I asked what could I do, she replied, "Hope it heals." Really?! It wasn't until after I spoke to a friend that I realized my own doctor neglected to tell me what that means: It will never heal, I shouldn't run on pavement (my doc knows I'm a runner), and I need a treatment plan to strengthen the muscles around it. WOW TERRIBLE DOCTOR!!!!! read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Starr's for a few years now and I find her to be a thorough and conscientious doctor. When I have problems with my medicine or a question she has called me over the phone, her physicals are detailed, she keeps up with any specialists, and refers me to other doctors when she feels that is the best course of actions. She might have a different bedside manner than other docs in that she is very businesslike and can be a bit awkward but I feel I receive a good standard of care. You will have to wait but that is true for most PCP now. read more

I needed to see her in October for a relatively painful problem. I was told to "go to the emergency room". Now I don't know about most people - but my co-pay is $100, while an office visit is $15, so I said I would wait for an appt (the office was closed all weekend and Monday because of a holiday) till Tuesday. I ended up having to go to the ER because I couldn't take the pain anymore, and decided to keep my Tuesday appt for the after care (having the packing taken out). I had a lot of anxiety about it and she had no sympathy and when I started to cry and scream from the pain - she told me to go to the hospital - so - basically - she did nothing clinical for me - had no empathy - and cost me a lot of money - trust me - I will be finding a new doctor read more