Currently, this is one of the worst experiences that I have had with a medical office from a process and patient care perspective. Here are the issues I've experienced: 1) As many have pointed out, the patient coordinator Mariah doesn't provide adequate service. She is slow to respond, lacks empathy, is unpleasant to speak to and very short in her interactions with patients. 2) Cultural competency is also an area of concern when it comes to basic procedures. I was made to feel like I was wrong for asking for accommodations that take my religious beliefs and financial situation into account. 3) I also received an unexpected bill for asking simple questions about the procedure and what it entails because initial information was not provided. 4) Lastly, results are handled poorly - they basically release them via the portal but don't provide any explanation about test results for days after. I'm still not sure if it's because I called the office and pressed to have the doctor explain them or if they are just that delayed that it took them a week to follow up with me. These were pretty significant results that required additional levels of testing. It's concerning to be able to see your findings but not have a doctor or professional explain them to you for nearly a week. read more

After 25+ years, I am switching gastroenterologists. This is a fine place to get a routine colonoscopy, but I would advise patients like me with serious conditions to shop around for a smaller practice. I agree with others that Dr. Cheng is a competent and compassionate doctor. But over the years the practice has ballooned in size to the point where the staff is totally overwhelmed and careless mistakes affecting patient care are being made. Dr. Cheng's previous patient care coordinator, Nicole, was amazing, but the new coordinator, Mariah, is clearly out of her depth. My specialty pharmacy told me they made 6 attempts to get a new authorization and never got a callback. I later found out that when Mariah submitted the authorization paperwork the first time, she encountered a problem, noted it in my medical chart (cya) but never bothered to inform me so I could follow up. On her second attempt, she made a careless mistake (she answered it was "unknown" if my medication was helping me) that caused my authorization to be denied. When a customer service rep from the insurance company informed her of the error, she denied that she was responsible then complained that she was being asked to submit my authorization for a third time. Sorry to inconvenience you, but it's your job! read more

My mother has been Dr. Hulian Cheng's patient for more than 10 years. Here is her recent experience: "The incompetence of this office is beyond words. Back in February, I scheduled a colonoscopy with Dr. Huilan Cheng for late June. When I called in late May with a question, I was shocked to be told that my appointment had been deleted because they had switched to a new computer system! Her assistant, Nicole, said: "All time slots for the day have been taken up by other people. There is nothing I can do. You need to reschedule." Wow, what kind of attitude is that? Good thing I called and caught this, as I am still getting reminders about my scheduled colonoscopy! Imagine going through all the prep work to cleanse your bowels only to find out at the medical facility that your doctor needs to attend to other patients who book the time after you and you have to reschedule!" read more

Dr. Cheng is an excellent and also kind doctor who is extremely knowledgeable, takes the time to explain everything in detail, is there when you need her, calls you back the same day, and gives you all the time you need to understand your options. She has been monitoring me well for over 20 years, during which I've had many colonoscopies and endoscopies which she's done with great skill and which that never caused me any pain. read more

Dr. Cheng is very nice and a competent doctor. Her staff on the other hand are quite unpleasant. I received wrong information about coverage at the facility they use, the assistant was argumentative and talked over me. My insurance carrier even called to inquire about billing codes and were unable to resolve questions. read more

I have been with Dr. Cheng for about fifteen years. She is an excellent, caring and professional doctor. She also has an exceptionally kind, knowledgeable and helpful staff. If you have an emergency/urgent situation, Dr. Cheng and her staff will take care of you. Usually, I just keep showing up for my routine colonoscopies. But this year, I had a very difficult situation (that necessitated two emergency room visits and multiple doctor appointments.) The office brought me into their schedule swiftly and made sure that everything that could be done for me was done thoroughly and fast. It was very reassuring treatment, and ultimately, very helpful. read more

Your office is rude. My daughter, who is 17 and attending Berkeley, has an ongoing GI issue that the school clinic has been unable to figure out after more than a month, they suggested she see a specialist. We have a PPO and can choose to see specialist without referral. We have enough money, fortunately, to cover any medical needs she has. We will fly her back down to LA to see a Dr here, but I certainly don't hope nobody you care about has to deal with the nonsense she just dealt with out of your office when they are scared and hundreds of miles away from home. Shame on you! In my office my employees behavior reflects on me and is my responsibility. It is a lesson your group could learn. read more

I saw Dr. Cheng in Berkeley almost 3 years ago following hospitalization for a GI bleed. While the Drs. in the hospital were never able to determine the cause of the bleed, Dr. Cheng was thorough in her follow up and was able to reassure me that it was not the result of a malignancy. She was very friendly, explained everything thoroughly and involved me in the decision to determine how far we would go with further diagnostic tests, as I had not further symptoms at that time. She was knowledgeable about the latest technology and spent a lot of time discussing options with me. Dr. Chen has a very positive energy which seems to come from being highly intelligent and loving her work. I now have some GI symptoms that I need to have checked out. Even though I now live in Sacramento, Dr. Chen is my first choice of Drs. to see even if it means driving to the East Bay. I really am sorry that another patient did not have their needs met and wrote a scathing review based on their disappointment and ethnic bias. Dr. Chen is a lovely woman and fine Dr. who does not deserve such treatment. That is the problem with Yelp. It gives a platform for angry people to vent their rage IN CAPS, forgetting that someone's professional reputation and livelihood are at stake. Their anger is always way out of proportion to anything that might have happened, Why is it that the people with the worst behavior always expect that they will receive exemplary treatment from everyone else. I pity the medical personnel who have to deal with these angry, entitled individuals. I would imagine that they may not be all that upset with they decide to seek treatment elsewhere. Who knows, it may be worth receiving a bad review to lose such a problem patient. All I can say is that my experience with Dr. Chen was the opposite of what she/he ? describes. read more

Excellent, professional, trustworthy. I've recommended Dr. Cheng to friends who also were very happy with their experience as well.

It is 2021 and I just wanted to update my review of Dr. Cheng. She is STILL an excellent doctor and made herself readily available for appointments throughout the pandemic. I appreciate her and her assistant Nicole. Awesome team. read more

Dr. Cheng is really good at her job. I don't like the fact that test results (including bad news) were delivered via an online patient portal. I didn't even login for days because I thought it was (yet another) bill for services. A phone call would have been nice under the circumstances. read more

It is so rare to find a GI doctor who truly understands the gut. Most GI doctors only know how to do an endoscopy or a colonoscopy and that is it. Dr. Cheng really understood my GI issues. She left no stone unturned to try to get to the bottom of my problem. She was very thorough and attentive, and she did not talk down to me. Also, her office staff were very professional, helpful and polite to me. She is easily the best GI doctor I have ever seen. The GI doctor I have been going to for the past six years is such a disappointment - it was refreshing to meet a doctor who listens and tries to help. I wish I'd met her sooner. read more

I chose Dr Cheng for convenience to my location in Berkeley for a routine colon checkup in July, 2016. The procedure was done at the Endoscopy center in Walnut Creek. My experience signing up online with her clinic in Berkeley and my experience at the Endoscopy Center in Walnut Creek was professional and positive. Dr. Cheng talked with me in person just before the colonoscopy to listen to my concerns or requests, so I felt I had a direct connection to her. She is a bright, positive person who I could easily trust, and I don't hesitate to recommend her. read more

This was a horrible experience from my first phone call to this facility to my actual appointment with Dr. Cheng. I had been referred to this MD and told to go in for a consult on an issue. Apparently, even with a WRITTEN REFERRAL, the clerk (yes, clerk) refused at first to schedule an appointment telling me to '...wait until you have symptoms or a problem and then come in...'. My doctor had very specifically recommended I NOT wait and go in and sit down and consult with the doctor but this non-medical non-practitioner paper pushing young female clerk agressively pushed back on the doctor's orders. Finally after I insisted, I did get an appointment which I kept. The MD was dismissive and curt and frankly, just not a very good communicator - her only passable English speaking skills certainly didn't help but her dismissive comments coupled by a slight grin suggesting ridicule was enough to convince me that no way in hell was I going to go to her for anything unless there were a dire emergency and she was the only MD on the street at that moment. She was unfamiliar with the malady with which I was diagnosed and even dismissed that fact informing me that she only does A B C and D and cannot deal with any other physical health issue that may or may not have an impact on the reason my primary care provider sent me to her. While I understand she supposedly graduated first in her class... in BEIJING, first in the class does not necessarily a good doctor make. A good doctor requires the ability to listen and a desire to listen and make connections - it requires a perceptiveness that this woman does not have. I would like to support female MDs and any female in the sciences but I cannot support this MD or recommend her to anyone seeking a gastroenterologist. read more

A great doctor, very knowledgeable, polite, patient and caring. I was referred to Dr. Cheng by my primary doctor mainly because of constant stomach pain 5 years ago. Since I had other health issues at the time, I was kind of nervous before I saw her the first time -- I was not sure if I could explain well enough about my complex health situation. During the 30 minutes with Dr. Cheng, she was super attentive and her examination was very thorough. She really put me at ease, explained the possible causes of my pains, and procedure details that she liked to do on me. She is very friendly, thorough, professional and honest. She referred me to a sub-specialist at CPMC in San Francisco when she felt that I could be better taken care of on one of my specific health problems. She made me comfortable and understood what was going on. Dr. Cheng is extremely dedicated to her work and caring for her patient. She once called me about my CT scan result at the evening hour right before Thanksgiving while she was on vacation. She told me that she logged into the hospital system, saw my result came out that afternoon and it was negative. I was so relieved... She is one of best doctor that I have met and I am very pleased to have her as my doctor. Thank you Dr. Cheng! read more

I saw Dr Cheng for a second opinion after seeing an opportunistic digger who did my endoscopy and colonoscopy. The bills submitted to medicare and my insurance were gigantic and he didn't like it when you disagreed with him. Dr. Cheng looked at all the paperwork and did the honorable thing: said she couldn't have any opinion without another endoscopy to actually see for herself. So a second endoscopy in 6 months. We discussed; she listened; I listened. I had an uneventful endoscopy, we both know what we are dealing with and the protocol we will follow--instead of come back in 6 months so i can bill you again! Her billing for the procedure was appropriate and not inflated. And she is a lovely woman. A smart, focused, knowledgeable female doctor. Yep. My kind of experience. I don't pan someone in a yelp review. The lack of a review almost says it all. But by word of mouth the other one might some day feel the pain. read more

I have Ulcerative Colitis and have been with Dr. Cheng for a while now and I have not complains. She is very thorough and always gives me the best case and worst case scenario. She gives you latest tests and research information. When I ended up in the hospital she followed through and was there for support. Appreciate her and definitely recommend her for GI Disease plus her Assistant Nicole is also great. Always there for me. Oh yeah, I see Dr. Cheng at her Walnut Creek Office. read more

Dr. Cheng has been my gastroenterologist for 11 years now, and has been a caring, very smart, and very thorough physician. After my colonoscopy/endoscopy last week, she took the time to call me with the results, and because a serious (and unusual) type of stomach polyp had shown up, she spent a good twenty minutes with me, carefully explaining the issue, spelling medical terms for me, and describing what our next step would be. I'm so thankful that she encouraged me to have the endoscopy as well as the colonoscopy--otherwise we might have missed a serious problem. I feel confident that she'll help me through this, and I recommend her highly. read more

Today had my colonoscopy by Dr. Huilan Cheng and staff. They were comforting, professional and very cordial . Thank you! read more

The staff at her practice are very nice and the positive stars go to them but Dr. Hulian Cheng bedside manner is seriously lacking here. She also said things that made me feel there was something to be really concerned about and her manner was so cold. I do have something to compare that experience to. Anyway long story short her practice didn't take my insurance after all and I found a wonderful G.I. practice in San Francisco that did and they were exceptional in every way. Good news is after having a colonoscopy and endoscopy there was nothing to be concerned about and if there was I have no doubt they would have handled it differently then Dr. Cheng. read more

I am a patient of Dr Cheng for almost 10 Years , she is extremely Professional , very high knowledge , caring , Strongly recommended to any patient regardless of age or Gender . Her support staff is as equally as outstanding within the office , answer question promptly , return call in timely manner and do not make Thousands dollars Billing mistake blaming the Insurance for it , Peace of mind has no price . read more

Dr. Cheng has been providing careful and professional care for me for a few years now. She recently performed a colonoscopy and afterwards gave a detailed report to me in person, then followed up quickly with a detailed pathology report and recommended repeat test in one year. Her office also promptly gave me a referral for another specialist for more specific consultation. Doctors have a hard job finding out what's wrong with each patient, when they are not God and can't know everything immediately. You have to develop a relationship, give respect to get respect, and follow instructions. Dr Cheng is competent and knowledgeable. read more

She's outstanding and saved me from dying of cancer bc of her carefulness, care and concern . I also agree with the person who talked about being skillfully guided by Cheng on a bleed and about how conscientious Dr Cheng is on follow up; she called me at 7:30 pm one evening to to guide and reassure me on an issue. I also support that person's backing of Cheng against another patient's angry and passion guided review. read more

After several years of suffering with side pain and having stomach issues, I finally got answers and a treatment plan from Dr. Cheng. I sure wish the numerous doctors I saw previously in the TRICARE PRIME and VA system were as smart, thorough, and kind as Dr. Cheng. She is a wonderful practictioner who cares deeply about her patients, takes time with them to listen and help them, and solves your medical issues. Her staff at the Berkeley office are also very kind and helpful. I highly recommend Dr. Judith (Hulian) Cheng. read more

I recently moved here in SF bay area and had terrible heart burn. after waiting for an over a month finally endoscopy was performed by Dr, Huilan J Cheng, didn't see any inflammations according to her viewing of my system but I still had and having problems with heart burn. Prior to endoscopy exam Dr, Cheng prescribed pills to but that cost more problems then help associating w/ muscle cramps and insomnia etc.. but she told that medicine shouldn't cost those problems although search on google it indicates those problems. After the endoscopy I found bruses on my chest which was unknown but to guess after the surgery staffs must pumped my chest but was never told. Over all unprofessional and cold ( robot ) personality. read more

I saw Dr. Cheng yesterday. I had to wait an hour (some of this was my insurance, which took them a long time to verify, partially my fault because I gave them the wrong card first). I really found my visit quite a waste of time, I am sorry to say. And with my high deductible, it will cost me the visit cost as well as two hour time out of my busy day. Dr. Cheng did not seem very interested and was not at all knowledgeable about my problem. A waste of time and dollars. Big pity. read more

We met with Dr. Cheng twice. Most important to me is a doctors knowledge and bedside manner both of which I would rate as a 5. The biggest drawback both at their Berkeley location and Alameda location is the waiting time. In each instance, we were not seen for over an hour after the scheduled appt. That is completely unacceptable. They definitely overbook. If I could give a negative star for that, I would. read more

Dr. Cheng is the greatest doctor that I have come across in the last 33 years. Dr. Cheng is my husbands doctor and she has been so detail oriented thru his illness over the past 1 1/2 years. She has never given up at all. Dr. Cheng has always kept on going thru his illness and prosudres. Dr. Cheng made it possible to diagnose my husband after about 5 years of seeing different doctors. My children and my self are so thankful for Dr. Cheng due to her tenacity and never giving up on finding my husbands illness!! My husband has been dealing with this illness for the last 12 years now. 12 years of his illness and about 8 different doctors my husband has finally received some relief!!! So, I want to tell everyone out there that if you need and want to get answers about your illness than please see Dr. Cheng! You will be so thankful and really get answers that you want and need too. A Huge Thank you to you Dr. Cheng you have made life much healthier and happier for my husband and my whole family!! Don't forget that Dr. Cheng never gives up on her patients and always follows thru all the way to the end. Karen Delaney read more