I am extremely disappointed with the way my mother's appointment was handled by this office. My mom is an established patient of Dr. Philip Girard and had a follow-up neurology appointment scheduled for today at 11:00 AM. At 9:36 AM just over an hour before her appointment, we received a call informing us that the appointment was being canceled because Dr. Girard was no longer accepting patients. At that point, an Uber was already scheduled to pick up my mom because it takes approximately an hour to get to the office. I had also rearranged my own appointments and schedule so I could accompany her to her medical appointment. I immediately told the staff that I needed to cancel the Uber and would call back to reschedule. When I called back, I was then told that Dr. Girard had already retired. My biggest concern is not simply that the doctor retired, but that an established patient with a scheduled follow-up appointment was not notified until less than two hours before the appointment. When I asked why we weren't informed sooner, the only response I received was a brief "sorry." There was no explanation, acknowledgment of the inconvenience, or effort to help with the transition to another neurologist. Medical appointments require planning, especially for older patients who may need transportation and family assistance. Patients deserve timely communication when there are changes to their care or their physician's availability. I understand that doctors retire and circumstances change, but the way this was communicated or rather, not communicated was extremely frustrating and disappointing. A simple phone call ahead of time could have saved my mom and our family a lot of unnecessary stress and inconvenience. read more

Dr. Girard answered any question I had well. He listened to me and he was helpful in explaining what was going on and how to take care of my concerns. His office staff were efficient and friendly. read more

I should have known from the reviews to avoid, but I gave it a shot. In my first visit, Dr. Girard blew off a long list of symptoms and provided a supplemental medication for one of my diagnoses. I had neurological symptoms that were concerning so I contacted his office and was told he would call me back. Several hours later, no call, so I call again and the receptionist tells me he usually calls at the end of the day. I reiterated that I am having concerning symptoms and wondering if I should go to the ER, and asked why he wouldn't want to follow up. She said she was try to see if he could call me between patients. He waited until after hours to call, I had already gone to the hospital for the symptoms, and he never even followed up. The receptions put you on hold forever and absolutely no way I would return to this practice. read more

Thank you, Dr. Philip M. Girard! He has truly been a blessing for my son and our family. From the very beginning of my son's epilepsy diagnosis, Dr. Girard has guided us through every step of the process with expertise and care. Thanks to his support, my son hasn't had another episode, and we feel a tremendous sense of relief. We wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Girard, not only is he an exceptional doctor, but he is also a compassionate and kind human being who treats his patients and their families with genuine care. Thank you for everything! read more

Dr. Philip Girard is not initially warm, I'll give you that. I came in with some concerning (to me) behavior. He was a little abrupt to point out what I was experiencing was not in line with the disease I was concerned about. I then pointed out that the best way to get my questions answered was to go to the doctor and that my one rule with my health anxiety is "If you can't trust the doctor, your anxiety will consume you." After I mentioned that, he asked me questions and performed the exams I was hoping. He then told me to save my money as more testing would prove that I was fine. Definitely a straight shooter, and not for the faint of heart. Knows what he's talking about though and was comforting once I broke through the shell. Also the staff were incredible. I called and asked if there were any cancellations and they said they'd call me back after they did all their follow ups. THEY ACTUALLY CALLED and got me in a week earlier. So many specialists are really impacted and hard to meet with. I'm so thankful for the staff. read more

Dr. Philip was so rude. He gave us a diagnosis but did not care to explain when we asked followed-up questions. He appeared to get frustrated rather than be helpful. My family and I aren't neurologist so we rightfully so ask questions pertaining to our loved ones diagnosis. Dr. Philip lacks people skills. I think it's time to retire. I'm disappointed with our experience at this doctor's office. We do not recommend this business. read more

A good doctor, a good man, knows his stuff. For those in need of a hug buy a teddy bear, read more

I saw Dr Girard for the first time today and I was quite favorably impressed. He was friendly, thorough, and very knowledgeable. He also took time to answer all my questions. I could not have been happier with the experience and I highly recommend him. read more

UPDATE: After canceling my appointment I was contacted by the doctor's office and was given another appointment within a few days. After my first visit with Dr. Girard I must say he is very knowledgeable in his field of practice. read more

I took my son here last year once and had a good experience. Last month, I called to cancel an appointment for this week, and today they called to confirm the appointment. My wife explained to the caller that I had cancelled the appointment already and the gentleman said that I did not cancel it, but he would do that now for us. I don't appreciate this passive aggressiveness by an incompetent office. I did cancel it on the phone, but unfortunately the woman that that was supposed to do her job, didn't. Don't accuse us of lying due to your incompetence. read more

My experience was not a good one. This arrogant Doctor was very rude and demeaning. I utterly refuse to go back to this office. Dr. Girard is a BURNED OUT blowhard who knows nothing about being cordial or compassionate! Run from this office if you get referred to this self-centered physician !!!!! read more

I can't believe this quack is still practicing. He nearly killed my husband while a patient at Huntington. I couldn't be there because of COVID. I finally set up a call with my husband's real neurologists from USC to force Dr. Girard to give my husband the medication he needed for his neurological disorder, but he still refused. After the call, the other doctors said to me, "He was the most arrogant person I've ever talked to." What a disgrace that Huntington still has him on staff. read more

I had a horrible experience with dr. girard. I'm dealing with longterm symptoms of covid - which yes is a new disease, but many articles have been written about long term symptoms at this point in time. He stated that there was NO correlation between the onset of my brand new symptoms, tingling/numbness in my face/eyeballs, and covid. And blamed it on carpal tunnel! He told me it was all in my head, textbook medical gas lighting. He's a bad doctor and he's lazy. He also gave me a memory test - three words to remember that he would check in on in a few minutes - AND FORGOT. Maybe he needs to test his own memory?? read more

I was referred to Dr Philip Girard by my ENT on an emergency basis. She was saying my issues were not from my ears that he believed I had Trigeminal Neurolgia. Got in really quickly, however Dr. Girard was very quick to go through the history of what I was feeling etc. Told me "I don't think it's TN but here is the medication used for it, if it works great; if not then we know it's not." He also ordered an MRI and blood work and said make an appointment for 7-10 days from now and we will see where you are at. I went back in 8 days and he didn't even remember who I was! He didn't even read my chart until I was in front of him and he says "oh I just saw you" reads the mri results and the blood work results and says "well your MRI is clear and blood work is ok." However my blood work was not okay. My blood work came back with high inflammation levels, an elevated white blood cell account etc. He asked how I was feeling and if I had any relief from the meds. I said the zaps I was feeling have calmed down but not by much and was concerned about the side effects I had. He seemed very dismissive and sat back in his chair folds his hands and says "well I'm happy see you in a month." In all that I explained we were with him for THREE MINUTES! I couldn't even address more issues as he was already at the front desk asking the receptionist how many patients he had left because he had to get out of there. I was mortified at after the second appointment and my PCP sent me to a different Neurologist. I got in to see the new doctor and she is amazing! She was my Neuro before and she remembered me and my mother (by name) after ten years that I haven't seen her! She diagnosed me with Trigeminal Neurolgia and I have been through five medications to get it under control. I am now in the care of a Neuro Surgeon and surgery is now scheduled so my symptoms will improve. I'm so glad Dr Girard stated "I don't think it's TN." Leaving this office was the best decision I've made as now I'm getting the proper care with doctors who were interested to find out the problem and take the time to listen to me. read more

Worst neurologist! Terribel bed side manner, horrible staff, and misdiagnosed my father even after multiple tests were done. He told us my father had a stroke even when we told him he was getting worse and we know with a stroke a patient gets better. My father ended up having ALS, one of the worst neurological diseases someone could have. He should be ashamed to be a doctor for so long and cannot give a proper diagnosis after a year of him suffering and getting worse. Please, do not take your loved one here! Would give 0 stars if YELP would allow it. read more

So I'm torn on this one: Dr. Girard is a good doctor who really cares about what he does. I've had no problems communicating with him although sometimes he seems dismissive and short. My problem is that his staff is terrible about confirming appointments. I had an appointment scheduled 6 months in advance and not once did someone call me to confirm day and time! Had it not been for me putting it on my calendar exactly when the appointment was made I'd have no idea my appointment was TODAY. This practice just seems a bit outdated and could use some more up to date communication forms. My symptoms have improved but have not gotten 100% better so I guess I'll be here again and may once again update my review. read more

Always late! Every visit I've ever had here (which has been to many) I've always waited at least 30 min. Today is the worst, I'm the first patient at 10am and the lady at the front desk doesn't know how long he'll be. This is just sad and wrong! Don't come here! Not only will you have to wait way to long. You will have someone that should have stop practiced medicine 20 years ago. He is just to old school in his system and people skills. Just move on from this one. Move on!!!!! read more

Had an appointment today with Dr. Philip Girard. I experienced no issues. This was my experience - I received a reminder call. There is a $25.00 charge if you don't cancel within 24 hours. This is reasonable "no shows" really mess up a schedule. Dr Girard answered all of my questions explained my brain scans with details & examples. This was my 2nd visit to this office. Office staff although busy, responded reasonably well. My PCP recommends this doctor & I would return if the need arises. Thankfully I am in good health. "No need for follow-up". read more

My 16 year old daughter has been a patient of Dr. Girard for 3 years when she was first diagnosed with partial complex epilepsy. While he doesn't have a warm and fuzzy bedside manner, the first thing he always asks her is how she is feeling. He reads over her chart, reviews all of our previous conversations and outcomes and asks how things are going. We have struggled finding a medication that works for her and doesn't make her feel depressed, but through every step he has been receptive to our concerns. Recently the increased dosage of tegratol made zero difference in her seizure activity (3-5 per day). He at first suggested an increase again, but when I said it makes her feel terrible, unmotivated, and disconnected from the world, he agreed we need to try something else. I then asked him what he knew about CBD oil. He was very honest and said he didn't know much about it all. His exact words were, "I'm old and there are nearly 30 drugs for seizures, it's just about finding the right one and I am not about to go into a marijuana store myself!" I started laughing. He then said, "But I am opened minded. What do you know." I explained that we started her on the oil after trying a few brands and seemed to have found one that is working. Here seizures are way down and when she does have one, she recovers really fast. She also feels way less stressed and anxious, which as many of you know are triggers for seizures. He liked what he heard, asked a few more questions and said, "Well heck, if it's working that's all we want! Bring me the bottle at your next appt. let's do an MRI and another EEG and go from there." He told my daughter to journal everyday about how she was feeling, shook our hands and we were out the door. Yes, we wait from time to time for our appt, but that happens at every medical office. Yes, he is a straight shooter and isn't interested in making small talk. I like that because we then stay focused on the task at hand. I also really appreciate that he was open to something new and supported our decision to help our daughter in an unconventional way. People need to stop looking at him like he is supposed to be some miracle worker or a therapist and look at him like a partner in solving a mystery. We are happy with our experience over the years and won't change things. read more

I was at the office on March 3rd due to a stat from my cardiothoracic surgeon I was really excited that I would get there and get some information necessary to find out what is going to occur where that would need another major surgery first I was left on her waiting for a long time second as patients came in and out I heard them all being aggravated due to the wait time and it stated that they're always late and so I inquired about them having my insurance information they then said that they don't take my insurance and I was like well you guys had all my information private says no we never got anything from your doctor's but they did problem wasn't their fax machine wasn't working properly due to the fact they forgot to put paper second and my life wasn't even worth $192 to them it was more important that they got a payment as opposed to seeing me and wish they could have build my insurance but they didn't want to saying that with my PPO he wasn't a part of it however after the fact I paid cash they didn't build my insurance my insurance paid twice as much and they didn't even send me back my money they cancel one of my appointment asking me for another $407 so it's only about money and my does it took approximately 8 minutes everybody else is visit who would come in here I could barely walk and took the man most people longer to walk into the office and then I do to have there been so I don't know how that works I don't want to judge the doctor Girard but I can tell you this it seems like it's all about money and not about caring I would be very careful going in there if you have a real neurological problem so don't take chances please because I was there for a very serious matter and nothing was taken seriously it was all about collecting money even to a point to where they tried to send me back a refund check and took $8 out of it even though they receive 307 from the hundred 92 cash that I paid they don't return your calls you have to call them to find out what happened or what the doctor's findings were not acceptable read more

The women at the desk, and who run the phones are beyond Rude. If i did not need an urgent apmt, I would be long gone. I will, most definitely be switching. 75% of which was caused by the awful staff. The other 25% is Phil's inability to be on time and have a fluid waiting room. read more

If only he can relay to his nurse Clarita patient care is important, she seems unconcerned, or maybe it just depends on who you are. Thanx to her lack of interest in my care or concerns, I've found a GREAT Neurologist. read more

Just saw Dr. Girard again today and it was another positive visit. I arrived early, they took me in early, and I enjoyed a nice banter with Dr. Girard. He shows interest and concern without being over the top and explains things clearly. read more

Dr. Girard is a great neurologist. At the first sign of neurological symptoms, we were able to get in to see him within the week. Dr. Girard took everything we had to say seriously and immediately ordered testing. I give Dr. Girard all the credit due for helping us get to this difficult but necessary diagnosis so that treatment could start as soon as possible. Dr. Girard was thorough, knowledgable, understanding of our concerns and considerate of our disappointment at hearing this diagnosis. He gave us time alone in the room to react to the news, and then came back to check on us. We will continue to see Dr. Girard even though we're moving out of town (30 miles away) since we like and trust him so much. He is to the point and direct, and to some this may come off as not being sympathetic, but we found his no-nonsense to be just what we needed during this difficult time. read more

It would be higher if his office staff weren't so inept. They lose authorization requests and you have to keep bugging them and when you finally get your MRI, they have no appts for a month and could care less about disability slips or requests read more

My husband went into the ER with terrible pain, he was going to be discharged but we insisted he see the Neurologist before we left, he hadn't been diagnosed and we surely didn't want to be thrown back into the crazy Insurance system before knowing what the problem was. Dr. Girard showed up, conducted a quick exam and basically said, "I know what the problem is, I can help you, I'll tell the nurse that you will be my patient now", what a relief!!! Just what we needed to hear, he was to the point which we loved, can't wait to see him again to begin my husband's treatment. After 5 months of pain, 2 visits to the ER, 5 different doctors, we finally are moving on! read more

Dr. Philip Girard is the most rude, dismissive, and unprofessional doctor I have ever encounteredin in all my life. If his appointment with you takes more than 5 minutes of his time, he practically throws you out of his office. I wanted to explain to him why I thought a very stressful situation I was going through, was the reason I had had a seizure, but one minute into my explanation, he interrupted me and said: "I am not here to listen to your stress stories, you had a seizure, I will increase your medication so that you don't have another one, and that's end of the story!" He stood up and showed me the door to exit. It is ok for him to have had me wait to see him at other appointments, for ONE hour. My appointment being at 2:00PM and him finally calling me in at 3:15PM, but he couldn't take 5 minutes more of his time to let me express my feelings to him, on something that was really important to me during this appointment. Horrible bedside manner, and terrible behavior towards a patient. Beware!! Stay away from this doctor. read more

WORST DOCTOR IVE EVER ENCOUNTERED IN MY 33 years of life! I had a consult at 10am being a new patient I arrived 10mins early to fill out my paperwork. Returned my papers paid my co pay and waiting to be taken to a room. At 10:30 still no sign/effort has been made to get me into the room so I go to the front desk where the girls are clearly bothered my helping you as you're interrupting their conversation about bath balls, BBQs over the weekend and as they complain about patients needing help blah blah blah were the girls exact words as talking about a patient in pain needing to be seen ASAP. So I ask how much longer until I'll be seen by the doctor the receptionist doesn't even make eye contact and says the doctor isn't here yet....I reply excuse me? He's not here yet? I had an appt at 10am and none of you have made any effort to tell your paying patients that the doctor is running late?!? As I ask for my copay back being there isn't even a doctor to see me and been here for almost 45mins I'm told they can't refund my copay because they closed the batch on the credit card machine and they'll have to mail me a check?!? Unacceptable I want my money back I'm not waiting for a check to be mailed from a place who can't even follow through with patients that the doctor isn't even in yet!!! As I'm expressing this to the receptionist about how unprofessional they are the doctor walks in Girard Philip to be exact and says to me well I'm here now so do you want to be seen or not...? Explained to the doctor the same things I was explaining to his horrible staff he completely dismissed it said oh well I'm here now so you can be seen or not and threw his hands in the air clear body language that he just doesn't care! I received my money back and walked out why would I want to be seen by a doctor who clearly doesn't care about his patients! Contacted my primary physician right away and we're placing a report with the medical board as well as insurance for his poor excuse of a practice! Horrible horrible experience! read more