To make a long story short, Dr. Vittal saved my life. He is warm and caring, always has time to listen, and is very knowledgeable. I feel like I am in very good hands under his care. The long version follows, if you're interested. I first started seeing Dr. Vittal a a little over a year ago. I've had ulcerative colitis for 30 years, and it had been manageable up until two years ago. The meds that had always worked when I had a flare were no longer effective, Even prednisone, which I have taken too much of over the years stopped working. It no longer had any effect on my symptoms whatsoever. The GI guy I had been seeing was close to retirement and didn't seem to know what to do or to care. He kept prescribing prednisone while my symptoms kept getting worse. Finally I had to go to urgent care because I was losing a lot of blood and was getting weaker everyday, bowl movements were extremely painful, I almost passed out several time during bowl movements, was having bowl movements (just bloody diarrhea) 15 to 20 times a day, and I was getting scared. I felt like I was going downhill fast and could not get the attention of my doctor. I went to urgent care out of desperation one day when I was feeling very weak and in pain. The doctor in urgent care sent a referral to Dr. Vittal's office with an immediate need request. I was given an appointment with Dr. Vittal the next day. As soon as he walked in I felt relief. He was warm and caring and had reviewed all my history and lab results and was fully aware of my situation. He said my labs were all over the map and getting worse and if we didn't get the colitis under control I was headed for a very undesirable surgery. I knew he was right and I was so happy to finally have someone who understood. He had to taper me off the high level of prednisone I was on first, and then prescribed Entyvio infusions. After the second infusion my symptoms were noticeably improved. After the third, almost completely gone. I've been on Entyvio for a year now, with infusions every eight weeks. I am completely symptom free and have my energy back. I have had zero side effects. I'm very happy with the care and attention I receive from Dr. Vittal. read more

I came in with three problems -- excessive belching, a pain in the lower right side of my abdomen, and a question about whether the pain could be from metastases from an excised mucinous carcinoma. The doctor told me, without hesitating, that the belching was due to artificial sugars, the pain was from my previous back fusion and there was no way i could have carcinoma because i was too healthy. well, 4 weeks later when belching did not getting better after quitting artificial sweeteners, i went to another GI doc (not sutter) who suggested i might have SIBO (Small intestinal bacterial overload) which turned out to be true and was fixed with a course of expensive antibiotics. Turns out the pain was due to metastases of my endometrial cancer (Stage 4B) infiltrating my appendix. so, wrong on all 3 counts. and he was SO SURE OF HIMSELF! read more

My experience with Dr. Vittal leaves both his integrity and competence in question. After a CT scan revealed a lesion in the head of my pancreas, my GI doctor recommended an EUS-FNA for a definitive diagnosis. The radiologist suggested it might be pancreatic cancer, a shocking possibility given the disease's aggressive nature and poor prognosis. On June 19, 2024, I underwent the EUS-FNA procedure at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose, performed by Dr. Vittal. He presented himself as highly experienced, claiming to have performed thousands of similar procedures. After the procedure, when speaking with my wife, Dr. Vittal initially advised waiting for the lab results but then stated that, based on his experience, he was "pretty sure" I had a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET)--the same type of pancreatic cancer Steve Jobs had. He added that many of his PNET patients live for years, but if I had the other type of pancreatic cancer, "you die." This conversation left me believing I might have a few years to live, like Jobs The procedure also left me with significant bruising on my lower lip and mild bruising on my upper lip, which took about five days to heal. Two days later, a pathology report was prepared, revealing that Dr. Vittal had failed to obtain a sample from the actual lesion. However, he did not inform us of this until nine days after the procedure--and even then, he contacted my wife, not me. During that call, he falsely claimed that the test results were inconclusive so there's no pathology report. He then insisted that another biopsy was necessary, despite his prior confidence that this would not be required. Without consulting me, his staff scheduled the repeat procedure just one to two days later. Several aspects of Dr. Vittal's handling of this situation raise serious concerns: 1. He misled us by claiming no pathology report existed when, in reality, it did. 2. He hastily scheduled a repeat procedure after failing to obtain a proper sample. 3. He bypassed me, communicating with my wife instead of addressing me directly. We only uncovered the truth after requesting the pathology report through the patient messaging portal. To this day, it has not been uploaded as an official test result, suggesting an attempt to conceal his error--not just from me but from PAMF records as well. This lack of transparency is unacceptable and calls into question Dr. Vittal's integrity and competence. Patients deserve honesty, accountability, and full access to their medical records to make informed decisions about their care. Furthermore, any delay in providing results can be detrimental, particularly in cases where pancreatic cancer is a concern. I have since transferred my care to Stanford, where doctors reviewed the same CT scan from PAMF and performed a new EUS-FNA. They correctly diagnosed me with a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) originating from the duodenum--not pancreatic cancer at all. I have always trusted PAMF for my healthcare and hold its doctors in high regard. However, my experience with Dr. Vittal has left me deeply disappointed. His actions suggest a disregard for patients' best interests, raising serious doubts about both his integrity and his competence. read more

Worst service ever in the world! Drove one hour to an appointment I knew I was going to be 4 to 5 minutes late. I called ahead of time and said I was going to be 5 minutes late and they said no problem once I got there I was actually 4 minutes late and they said sorry you're going to have to reschedule. Unreal. This place is a joke the person working there was very rude and hateful and should be fired. I would not recommend this place anywhere and will share my experience all over the internet read more

I'm 80, and in all my years, I've never had a doctor as bad as Dr. Vittal. I was referred to him to do a second endoscopy after the first one showed the possibility of stomach cancer. His first words upon seeing me were to inform me that the path lab believed my entire stomach should be removed, BUT he was a careful and thorough doctor who believed in getting more evidence. Why did he inform me of a remark made by the lab? To make himself look good by comparison. His news could do nothing but frighten me, but that was of no concern to him. He went on to describe the sad state of a person with no stomach. He performed the second endoscopy, and afterward I met with him to get the results of the biopsy. When he walked through the door, and his first words were, "You have stomach cancer and it's incurable." He then laid out what would happen next. Of course, a series of endoscopies would be necessary, and he'd take care of that job. He noted, "We may have to remove your stomach, and even that may not be sufficient." Of course, only an oncologist should use words like those, but he likes to speak for everyone. Then his smart phone rang, He looked at it and said, "I have to take this." He was gone for 6 minutes. I was fuming. There I was, hearing about a condition that might end my life, and he had left the room! When he returned, I gave him hell. Needless to say, some ugly words were exchanged. He threatened to leave the room 3 times and stayed 3 times. Finally, I told him to get out. He then called out to his nurse that I was threatening him! Imagine, a frail old man who needs a cane to walk threatening a man who must be 30 years younger. More than a week afterward, a woman from Sutter Health called and presumably took notes. I said I wanted an official reprimand put in his personnel folder. She said she'd get back to me and report what had been done. She never did. read more

Dr Vittal is very knowledgeable, caring and myself being in the medical field knew that i am in the best hands. I have had three procedures done with him and all three times he has been warm polite ontime and answered all my questions. He is my doctor to go to and I have recommended him to all my friends and family including my husband with his procedure being today. The staff also do a superb job. Thank you to the whole team!!! read more

Just had procedure done with Dr. Vittal. He was very courteous and listened to my concerns during my first visit. Dr. Vittal explained what was happening in language I can understand. He checked in with me before and after the procedure. I even received prompt correspondence from his office a couple of days after the procedure. Thank you! read more

Still a 1 star, just updating because that dm us if you need help I a load of bull$&@. They don't care, they see you as a money bag. I reached out to Sutter and was denied seeing anyone else. I switched to another healthcare provider and got the level of service I needed the same day. Hope I'm fine and this was not negligence on their end. They tried to tell me I'm deny help, no I am demanding my rights as a consumer to be served at a level of service that is reasonable. No stool sample, no scans, and rude admins, a rude doctor, and a lot of fluff words to tell me to ignore the problem and it'll get better until I'm either too sick to work a desk job, or dying. Hope you have any other healthcare then Sutter where they want to use you as a money bag and nothing else. read more

My opinion is consistent with the rest of the reviews. This man lacks empathy and compassion. His notes were short and not informative enough. Email responses were unfriendly and unhelpful. I have never had an experience like his with any medical person before or after. read more

I'm horrified with Dr Vittal's bedside manner. In my first visit, he crossed his arms and says " What do you want me to do about it?" This said after I described my symptoms and what I've done so far to fix myself. He then goes on to blame each supplement I take and my mental health for my problems. He should not be allowed to interact with patients, especially those like me who were hoping a Dr could help. I've lost all hope with western medicine. read more

Beware. This physician is dangerous. His first biopsy failed due to lack of tissue, so another biopsy had to be performed. He used the wrong material: plastic stent instead of a metallic stent. And the worst part is the stent migrated in 24-48 hours which caused a blockage of the bile duct and a life threatening infection of cholangitis, which resulted in my mom being hospitalized for one week. The endoscopy was also the wrong size which irritated the esophagus. The best decision we made was going to Stanford where they did the procedure again using the appropriate stent. How is this physician certified - his license should be revoked immediately. read more

Dr. Vittal was rude and arrogant. I hope one day soon he'll realize that kindness and compassion go a long way in helping a patient feel comfortable and at ease. Head knowledge is good, but a good personality with some humility and genuinely caring is what makes a doctor great. read more

If you look up "Arrogance" in the dictionary, you will find Dr. Vittal's picture. He treated me like a side of beef, but with somewhat less empathy. I was lyingh on the table awaiting a colonoscopy and an endoscocopy. I had asked the nurse a question about the procedure. Dr. Vittal had entered the room, but was behind me where I couldn't see him. The nurse said "Mr, Trisler has a question, Doctor." He replied, "I answered his questions when we met in my office." This insensitivity, when added to the stress I was already feeling, pushed me over the edge of civility. I told him I'd like to have another surgeon and he blew up and told me that we didn't want to operate on a patient who didn't trust him anyhow. We were in the middle of a full court screaming match when it occurred to me that I would have to go through drinking all that vile liquid and the resultant disposal of same, was probably ill-advised, as was picking a fight with a guy whose hands were to shortly to be in my interior regions.I told him to have his way with me and that I'd shut up. The last image I had of that room was an admittedly handsome gentleman who towered over me with crossed arms and a sneer, I have no qualms about Dr. Vittal's mechanical abilities, it is only his humanity that I question, and in a doctor, that's a pretty big question. Caveat Emptor. read more

I wish I could give Dr. Vittal no stars for the trauma he caused my mother. I believe the other posts that say he was impatient and sacrificed his service and bedside manner because he was in a rush. My mother went to him for a colonoscopy that was to be performed at Good Sam. They were an hour behind schedule which would have been acceptable had they not ignored my mother's numerous pleads that she was in severe pain and discomfort during the entire procedure. When a person is told by various people-- including the nurse that checked her in at Good Sam-- that the "conscious sedation" would prevent any and all pain, a doctor cavalierly saying "you just have a twisty colon" is insensitive and no where near reassuring. My mother writhed and screamed on Dr. Vittal's table and was flat out IGNORED. Then to make matters worse, he continued his insensitivity with a lazy post-op explanation of why things were so horrible for her. I'm a teacher and a long time customer service rep and this behavior is just UNACCEPTABLE from any person providing care or a service... Even- nay!- especially from a doctor. read more

I had an endoscopy and this was my experience: -very impatient, didn't care about my questions and showed any concern -staff are extremely rude and also even more so impatient. Poorly trained, did not know very simply answers that don't require a medical degree -phone is rarely available. I cannot get a hold of anyone -information on my discharge sheet is extremely brief and empty- what the hell am I supposed to do and what does it mean? There's literally two sentences that says what they observed read more

Just returned from a horrible experience in the Er with Dr. Vittal. His license really should be revoked. My husband was choking on meat which led to an Endoscopy. Dr Vittal came out after the procedure and basically told me he needs to stop eating so much and needs to get a handle on swallowing. My husband is 6'1 and 170 pounds. He was rude and arrogant. I can't believe people actually go to this man by choice. Shame on you Dr Vittal. I'd give a 0 star if I could. read more

Stay as far way as possible. Visiting Dr Vittal is completely useless but you would end up with lots of out of pockets cost, even after insurance coverage. read more

I recently saw Dr. Vittal and have nothing but positive things to say about him and his staff, especially Yazmin. She is truly a great asset to the practice. Dr. Vittal saw me in consultation for many month hx of abdominal pain and reflux. After a simple procedure, an endoscopy and biopsy, I was diagnosed with h. pylori. A few weeks of antibiotics and I should be a good as new. read more

Dr. Vittal has been there for me since I moved here. I am proud for him to be my GI doc. He helped me diagnose my Eosinophilic Esophagitis. He is always patient and always takes time to answer my questions. Thanks Doc! read more

6-28-2017 Encounters at GoodSams Hosptial and (Harsha Vittal, MD Gastroenterology): Male 67yrs, As of June 1st my first encounter being very ill daughter calling ambulance and picking sams, well I can tell you the er to eventually the room was pleasant, Over all staff were pretty nice BUT their are some STAFF / Doc. with attitudes for sure and as for this writer i will NOT tolerate ,Rudeness and will let it be known. I have had many problems since the beginning of June 2017 which i wish i had none as for i have never had to with so much, High Blood Pressure,Chrons,Fevers,Anemia,Vision,Low Back,Iron and blood deficiencies and after 6 days there a mini stroke ;-( jeez when it rain it pours. 6-27/28-2017 2nd Encounter 6-27-2017 Ambulance ride to Sams: EMS One cock guy bumped heads with asking the same questions 3/4 time and i said i had told you all ready , his ans was maybe i didn't hear you right , Hum Yea Right,I was about fed up with this guy saying i could get up from here and get out, then i said some thing and His reply was bummer , i said was that a sarcastic bummer response or ? When we arrived I Over herd him saying to another like what are all these guys doing here meaning other EMS vehicles that were parked out side the GoodSams ER, Like they owned the place or had priority (Smartmazz and Cocky) When i arrived the ER people thought i was a Girl Name Janet, Hummm .....My last ride was very pleasant and the EMS transport smooth and professional all the way into the ER hats off to them. Anyways ER straight at about 8pm an pleasant but a long wait finding out i was being kept and being transported to a room up stairs after 3am, Nice room very quit and seemed their were many open rooms not understanding the long delay, yet the test seem to delay thing to get the results. Most staff (Nurses,etc.) were very nice and polite, But the Doc 50/50 ;-( Again some cam in saying they thought i was a female, lol Thought i was their for asthma, No, Lower Abdominal Pain, This was triggered By 911 Call who was stuck on asking me if i had asthma ,which i replied what does that have anything to do with anything , well we have to was that, humm (Harsha Vittal, MD Gastroenterology) comes in early waking me up with a very strong an Aggressive attitude, I was given Morphine i believe twice earlier went to bed around 4:30am, his attitude triggered in me like really this is how you wake people up ? Then he said who he was with and attitude, and do you want help or not in so many words, Hum Waking up groggy, My response he didn't like O'well ,He over stretched the problem, a bit later a nurse showed me what 7mm in size met which he showed me like 8" of infection which is a VERY big difference. His attitude was so Strong and Aggressive i told him i was displeased and could report him, he got highly pissed ( Very Unprofessional ) and said go ahead and i assured him i could and would, he STORMED out and the raced Back in ,with his badge in hand and while i was laying down in pain and confusion he proceeded to put it approximately 6" into my face which also i couldn't read if i wanted to needing glasses, I asked him to back up and remove it from my face, he demanded i read it and take his his name, i got up on my elbows and demanded he back up, then he spun around rushing out calling security,Security,Security, What the heck, like a little girl going to tell her mommy. You Harsha Vittal, MD Gastroenterology San Jose, CA have issues. Next: Another Doc Aka: Surgeon : come in introducing me as a surgeon replacing the Rude Doctor ( (Harsha Vittal, MD Gastroenterology), With a Nice pleasant Morning as most staff do in their own way which the last did NOT in any way. Any How Doc. proceeded to tell me the problem they had found in the C.A.T scan results, Upper intestines area blockage and the details were going to do, and i am thinking jeez something else now ? Hes going on and on Until thi Nice nurse i was talking to was Over hearing the conversation from behind him, i seen he grab a paper tap him on the shoulder pulling him back a little ans whispering to him WRONG patient, oops / really ? and he apologized for the mix up and left ,. Holly Cow, Thank you Nurse who was 100 % in the right place ,the right time and on her job thank you again .... All in all the nurses were Very nice, polite and respectful...Not to say much for the couple ruins or occurrences with not so pleasant Doc. such as (Harsha Vittal, MD Gastroenterology) Ive have Have dealt with MANY Gastroenterology doctors some of the top rated in Calif, at Standford,etc.al and NEVER dealt with one with such an attitude and I am NOT the one you want to butt heads with, I do NOT only speak for my self and experiences but for all others an as advocate for many causes and issues in our society and system. Yes i will be reporting you to the (AMA, 1 thru 1000,etc.al) Next: Discharge, people come in with papers, Opps Wrong person wasn't me...Really ? read more

Dr. Vittal is an excellent doctor. He was able to diagnose my problem, when two other gastroenterologists, and several emergency room doctors missed it. He quickly set up and did a very technical endoscopic procedure that went very smoothly. I found him warm and personable, and he was very thorough in his explanation of my condition. I honestly don't know where some of these negative reviewers are coming from, the man who helped me does not fit their description in any way. read more

Went yesterday for a first time consultation with Dr. Vittal and I left utterly disappointed. He greeted me and asked me what my problem was and as soon as I begin to explain to him, immediately I could tell he was checked out. His eyes were half closed, slumped down in his chair slowly nodding at me but not very engaged. I can only imagine he sees a lot of patients, might work long hours, tired... etc., but he didn't show a genuine interest or care. It felt as if I was a problem he was quickly trying to get rid of any which way. I don't doubt his knowledge or ability, but it was his dismissive, arrogant, assuming attitude I did not care for. Don't expect warmth or time from Dr. Vittal. He asked me to get on the operatory bed, touched my stomach for 2 seconds and then he propped me back up. That was as much testing as I got from a "specialist", anybody could have done that. When I expressed my issues have been present since childhood, he said "that's how you're wired, you're system moves slower". So you're telling me there's nothing I could do to aid my slow moving gut? That's why I'm here. If that's really the case, then my family doctor could have told me that. When I said I came in hopes for a diagnosis, he said "if you're looking to put a name on it, that doesn't exist"... I almost had to run to the front of the office just to check the sign at the door and make sure I was at a specialist's office. At one point, I expressed that I had put on some weight during the past year in pandemic, to which he quickly suggests I need to eat less and exercise more. Had he asked me if I'm currently doing anything to lose weight, I would have happily shared with him that I have been tracking macros and calories and walk 3 miles every day and in fact I have been losing weight in the past month. But again, he doesn't have time. He's quick to assume and dismiss. You're not important to him, just another number. So if you go see Dr. Vittal, expect this kind of treatment. It was a waste of my time and I felt like I was a waste of his. What a shame. If he only had a little more compassion and interest in his patients. Stay far away from him, don't waste his time. But most importantly, don't waste yours. read more

I saw Dr Vittal for an endoscopy today and it could not have gone more smoothly. The reception and nursing staff were also excellent - while i was nervous about the procedure it went perfectly. Prior to the examination my original referral meeting was very professional with friendly, practical advice. Would have no hesitation in recommending him. read more

About 4 years ago I was referred to Vittal for stomach issues. When an endoscopy was done two ulcers were found he put me on some meds and that was that. In 2013 I started getting really sick with certain foods that I ate so I went and seen him he said well when we get older we become intolerante to food so just don't eat it. Within the last 3 years I went and seen him numerous times telling him something was wrong, but he kept saying nothing was wrong and it was just me and just don't eat it. He wouldn't do any tests just kept sending me away. I recently went and seen a new doctor it turns out I have some problems with my stomach and it not breaking down what its supposed to and I have a spot in my esophagus and small intestine. No thanks to Vittal I am finally getting the help I need he is only getting a star because his location and his staff is super friendly read more

I had this food stuck feeling in my esophagus or the stomach acid hits back to your esophagus that can sometimes cause palpitations, anxiety , loss of appetite and dizziness. Dr.vittal did good diagnosis for me for the discomfort I had in my esophagus. In general I am scared of any procedure. Dr.harsha vittal calmed me down. Dr. vittal did my endoscopy. I went through endoscopy with so much ease. I did not have any side effects after the procedure too. Anyway, I have to control my acid reflux eating smaller meals or easily swallowable and digestable food etc. Dr. Harsha vittal is an excellent Doctor. read more

As MANY others have indicated on their reviews - Dr. Vittal is quite literally one of the most selfish and uncaring gastroenterology doctors I have EVER come across. (Wish I could give ZERO stars!) I have to start with this: If you want to contribute to your doctor's brand new tesla, ferrari or whatever over-priced vehicle most bay area drivers are purchasing nowadays, then by all means - GO RIGHT AHEAD. I came to Dr. Vittal with severe stomach pains amongst many, many other symptoms that I need not go into detail about :) His first suggestion was that I have a breath test to determine if there was bacteria in my intestines. I had to go on a very strict 2 week regimen. For someone who gets heartburn as often as I do (I can't even drink water without getting heartburn!) I was advised to stop taking the heartburn medication I was on cause according to the doc "it's just a placebo and doesn't really help anyway". ARE YOU EFFING SERIOUS?! So those nights that I would have tremendous indigestion my meds would alleviate the indigestion was all just in my head? Hmmmm. Mmm-kay. So, I told him that that would not work for me. He then suggested a sigmoidoscopy. A colonoscopy's little brother. Only this time, they said they weren't going to give any sort of anesthesia. Look, I don't know how often Dr. Vittal takes it up the butt, however, I'd MUCH prefer being a bit more comfortable before getting probed, thank you very much. Perhaps someone SHOULD show him how it feels. It was painful, uncomfortable and all around awful. Dr. Vitttal's reaction to my discomfort? "You're fine." It took every bit of me to not scream at him. Truthfully, I really wanted to find an answer to my everyday issues. Nope. No medication. He said everything was fine. I reached out to his office again about 2 months later explaining that I wasn't fine and I needed help. Next option? Endoscopy. I have had 3 endoscopy's in my lifetime prior to this one and every single time, I am put to sleep. FULLY ASLEEP. What did Dr. Vittal do? Kept me awake! Only a slight sedative. What do you think happened during the procedure? I was gagging and gagging and almost puking the whole time! It lasted all of maybe 5 minutes and end result from Dr. Vittal? "Looks good. No problems." No medication, again. About a month later I get an $1100 bill from him for these absolutely un-EFFING-necessary procedures. I called his office and asked if I missed something. Was he going to provide me with any suggestions or medications to help me at all?? I literally laughed out loud when they told me what he suggested. "Take over-the-counter probiotics. Any brand shall do." I was SOOOOO livid, I hung up after my outburst of laughter. Fast forward another 3 months and his office randomly called me to schedule an ultrasound that was ordered by Dr. Vittal. Oh reeeeeallyyy??? Just out of the blue, he want to poke and prod me with his greedy greedy hands. GTFOH. I told her, "Absolutely not. He has not helped in any way, shape or form - NOTHING. He is the worst doctor I have ever experienced." A squirrel could do his job. He is absolutely CARELESS. Do not waste your time, money or patience because guess what? I still experience the same symptoms I did when I made my first appointment. Truth is, I just don't trust another doctor to help me. He's the reason for that. Had I took a moment to read these reviews before seeing him, I would have NEVER made that appointment. AND I'd have an extra $1100 in my pocket. SMH. Don't be like me. Research, research, research. I hope this helps you! read more

Just saw Dr Vittal for follow up after endoscopy a few weeks ago. Fortunately I am fine, overall, but I really appreciated Dr Vittal's approach to my problem. My GI system is not perfect but overall I am doing fine. He didn't recommend doing more testing on a problem that may not be solvable; not everything is fixable. In my opinion this was practicing real life good medicine without going overboard. Thanks Dr Vittal. read more

Dr. Vittal is an outstanding doctor with incredible expertise. Dr. Vittal performed three procedures on me over a five month period of time. My disease was extremely complicated and Dr. Vittal was the only doctor in the Bay Area that would perform the complex endoscopic procedure I needed. The procedure is called an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and is performed with a surgeon simultaneously performing laparoscopic surgery. Dr. Vittal has lectured in placed such as New York and Paris on his experiences performing the ERCP procedure. Dr. Vittal is a great doctor. Mike Miceli, Morgan Hill CA read more

Office staff is not prepared to converse in logical english, or to have anyone deviate from their plan. It is like talking to high schoolers. The doctor was a huge C- . Average at best. Go somewhere else. read more

My husband was rushed to Good Samaritan Hospital, after vomiting blood and passing out. He arrived about 1 am. I asked the staff what they were going to do to stop the bleeding, wherever it was coming from. The staff( ER docs), advised me the they were going to give him medications, to stop the bleeding and monitor him every hour. When my husband came into the emergency room, he did not need any blood(from the vomiting). After an hour, he was supposed to have been tested to see if he had stopped bleeding. The blood tests showed that he was still bleeding. He was left bleeding in the emergency room, until the Gastroenterologist came in to do an endoscopy to find out where the bleeding was coming from. That was after 6-7 hours of bleeding. Once he did the endoscopy, Dr Haraha Vittal NEVER came to talk to us to explain what the problem was or what he had done to correct it. Someone did come, show us a photo and walked out. No real explanation, nothing. We kept asking the ER staff what was done exactly, they refused to say anything, except Dr Harsha Vittal would be in to talk to us. He NEVER showed up. We NEVER got any explanation. My husband was finally moved to a bed in the hospital, at 3 pm. Again, we asked when we would see the doctor. We got the same answers, no one would say anything. Finally after not speaking to anyone and not knowing what was done or getting a full explanation, I asked to speak to the hospital supervisor. She came in and I explained our situation. I asked her to call the doctor and ask him if he would speak to us, and also when he was coming into the hospital to make his rounds the next day.The supervisor came in flushed, and I could see it wasn't a pleasant phone call. He apparently yelled and screamed at her, then lied to her telling her he had spoken to us. And he refused to give us a time in the am, so I could be there to talk to him, as my husband was under medication. Dr Harsha Vittal finally came in, to make his rounds, but I missed him. I never spoke to him at all. We were so displeased at the doctor's behavior, my husband did not want to ever see him again. We followed up with another doctor, who wanted to do a follow up endoscopy to make sure my husband was healing. After our second doctor did the endoscopy, he saw exactly what was done, and removed a polyp that was in my husband's stomach that was not taken out by Dr Harsha Vittal. Would NEVER recommend this physician to anyone to have anything medical done.I worked at Kaiser for 23 years, and have worked with these kind of egotistical,arrogant, doctors. Plus, the staff not wanting to say anything about what he did, which brings me to the conclusion, he put the "fear of God", into them to not say anything about his surgeries or procedures. I have enough experience to know that a he is not a good doctor, as a good doctor would talk to his patients and family. And even worse a good doctor would not have missed the polyp in my husband's stomach. To go even further, this doctor knew the medication the ER docs were giving to my husband was not working and my husband continued to bleed out and needed two units of blood, during his endoscopy. This ALL could have been avoided had this doctor come in and perform the endoscopy hours earlier. What kind of physician, ignores his patients, ignores the family and lies to the staff. Lastly, this doctor told my husband he could return to work that same day he was released out of the hospital. My husband has a very dangerous job, and needs to not be at his best for his safety and the public's. No way, after bing on pain med, and in the hospital,could my husband return to work that day! The doctor NEVER even asked what kind of work my husband does... Again, a major mistake! Again, I would NEVER,EVER recommend this doctor to anyone. In fact, I would refuse treatment from him, if he ever showed up for me or my family. read more

Only wish I could give this man zero stars for the anguish he put our family through. Rude, arrogant and most uncaring medical professional I have ever encountered. He performed an endoscopy on my husband to confirm a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. After the procedure he called me and our son into an ante room beside the OR. He never closed the door, never asked us to sit down, just casually confirmed that the tumor was cancer. And that should have been the beginning and end of the conversation. But he went on to tell us that it was probably one of the worst he had ever seen. He then dismissed my grasping at hope of chemotherapy and radiation as something that would not work 'in his opinion'. I looked at him in disbelief and asked what would happen. He almost sneered at me and just said 'months.' He left us devastated and almost falling to the floor with shock. That was almost 1 year ago. Having gone beyond his charter of merely confirming the diagnosis, he got his prognosis all wrong. Thankfully my husband has responded very well to all of the excellent treatment he is getting at Stanford. He is working, enjoying life, playing golf and we are very optimistic that we will have many more years together. There are many excellent gastroenterologists in this region, don't go near this one. read more

I am 74 years old and my visit with Dr. Vittal was the worst experience I have ever had with a professional. I agree with the reviewer that said he was insensitive and arrogant. He wanted to tell me that I had colonic inertia because of my use of laxatives and enermas. But he came into the room with his arms folded and shaking his head like he was talking to a bad child and essentially said there was nothing he could do for me, I ruined my body and now I had to live with the consequences. If I was constipated there was nothing he could tell me do to that would be effective. He gave me a no hope message in the most negative way possible. I left shaking. My wife who was with me had a stomach ache. I am sure he is not even aware of his impact. He said eventually I would have a colostomy bag. He said to eat healthy but nothing I did would improve my condition. He said all this in less than ten minutes and dismissed me. read more

Our experience with Harsha Vittal was horrible. He treats his patients with indifference and condescension. His staff reflects his attitude. One staff member told us to call in for the results of a life or death biopsy two days after the procedure. When we called they chastised us, and told us "Don't call us, we'll call you." I asked how long it would be and she repeated "Don't call us we'll call you." When I suggested that this behavior was not only inconsistent with the previous direction, but a bit cold in light of the seriousness of the procedure, Dr. Vittal called back and yelled at me. He blew up. He actually told me that my 85 year old mother would not die of pancreatic cancer, that she would never die of pancreatic cancer (not sure how he knew this), but that he never wanted to hear from us again and hung up on us. There are enough great doctors in the medical profession so that we, the patients, should not have to put up with a lack of kindness and unprofessional behavior. read more

I was referred to Dr Vittal after and endoscopy for further testing. I made my appt for a few weeks out. A day or 2 before the appt I was asked if I could come in sooner, I presume his schedule was empty that afternoon and I was his last appt. I said I would try, I couldn't. I showed up at 4, took 10 minutes to fill out the paperwork and brought back to see Dr Vittal. I was in his office 2 minutes. He told me what he wanted to do, I felt really had no patience to answer my questions. I felt he wanted to go home. I had to follow up with his office on many different matters a few different times. I don't know about you but after procedures, generally the Dr. will go to the waiting family member to discuss how it went. He sent a nurse. After I woke in the recovery room, I asked if I would see the Dr. they said no, he doesn't generally come through afterwards to talk to his patients. As I was leaving he actually did stop through, stop for a moment, and I do mean a moment, said the office would let me know the results. Overall very poor bedside manner read more

Dr. Harsha Vittal of San Jose, Ca performed a colonoscopy on me in August, 2016. For those of you that have had this procedure you are familiar with the discomfort involved during the preparation stage. (Not to be taken lightly and not to be required often.) Having said this, I was disappointed that all I got in his report (which I had to request twice) was one sentence which stated that I was normal. What does normal mean to Dr Vittal? I expected more detail as to what constituted normal in his opinion. I called him and was shocked to realize that he was resisting my attempts at obtaining more details. It was if I was insulting him and wasting his time. He threatened to hang up on me. Imagine a doctor hanging up on his patient's legitimate request for info on his health. I finally got an abbreviated description of the results of the colonoscopy by putting Dr Vittal under distress. Hey this is my health we are talking about! Prior to the procedure I had requested five minutes of his time after the procedure which he ignored. Instead the assistant murmured something about my being ok, whatever that means. I suggest that Dr Vittal should be avoided by patients unless there is no other choice. The medical profession and patients deserve better than Dr Vittal's arrogance. I have alerted the California State Board of Medicine of his conduct. Signed James D An eighty year old, but still able to judge proper patient protocol. read more

My experience with doctor Vital has been less than pleasing. The several visits I have made since first going to see doctor Vital as a new patient have been spent in his offices telling me that my incurable disease is going to be a long gruesome road I will spend the rest of my life battling eventually having a colostomy bag and not seeing my daughter graduate or marry all because I smoke. These are how every visit with Dr vital goes. Not how my medicine is going or how my symptoms are not how my disease is progressing or the things you would expect from a normal doctors visit. The last visit today he became very aggressive and started yelling and pointing at my boyfriend and was accusing him of being an enabler and my doctor told me that basically when I have a flare up I'm supposed to do nothing. These are not things a doctor is suppose to do, we as patients are expecting our doctors to provide compassionate health care that's what we come to you for. And expect our doctors to care and tell us what they can do for us not what they cant do for us. In addition for my Humira treatment I had to call the company to set it up and call doctor Vitals office numerous times to get the stuff taken care of so I could get my medicine. read more

I've been a patient of Dr. Vittal's for two years, since I was a scared 19 year old getting an IBD diagnosis. As the doctor I probably see and talk to the most, I can't imagine the negative interactions with patients that I read on here. I seriously could tell him anything. Dr. Vittal and his staff have been so so kind to me from day one and they quite frankly saved my life and my colon. Linda is the insurance and scheduling guru. Missy or Alejandra usually answer my calls and get back to me super quickly. Phyl has been my nurse for both of my flex sig procedures, and was so patient with me when I had to learn how to give myself injections. When I had to switch to an HMO plan through my employer, I made sure to pick PMG of San Jose so I could keep seeing him. read more

My 26 year old daughter has a CT scan result that states she has "a thickening at the head" of her pancreas.The very thought of something wrong with her made me worried and upset. We were referred to Dr.Vittal for further testing. We were given an appointment immediately and upon arrival the desk staff was very kind and thorough. The Dr. had reviewed my daughter's test results before we were brought into the room. Dr. Vittal introduced himself to us and has a kind and very patient manner. He listened to my daughter's concerns and answered each of her questions. He then made appropriate suggestions for further diagnosis and truly put us all at ease. He included both myself and husband in the discussion and made sure before we left that we had all of our questions and concerns addressed. Our daughter's test is next week and we feel we couldn't be in better hands. Thank you Dr. Vittal! read more

My mother was taken to the emergency room in a near-death condition with ischemic colitis at Good Samaritan Hospital. Couple of days later, I had asked a nurse to see Dr. Vittal regarding my mother's current condition and future care. He had refused to see me. I was very upset. Then the nurse had asked another doctor to talk to me instead of Dr.Vittal. The doctor did so. I was feeling better. As I was coming back from the hospital's cafeteria, Dr. Vittal had suddenly run towards me from the nurse's station and yelled at me at the top of his lungs. I was shocked by his crude manners, his false allegation that he had already talked to me, and lack of humanity. read more