Elizabeth Kwo, currently a resident at CHA Somerville Primary Care, is one of the best doctors I've…read morehad the pleasure of working with. It's always super frustrating when a doctor listens to your first 5 words, comes up with a conclusion (no matter how correct it may be), and then spends the rest of the session and your words reinforcing their opinion of that conclusion. It's a basic failure of the scientific method. You don't skew and cherrypick the data to follow your initial conclusion, like in middle school science class. You look at all the data first, and then come up with possible conclusions. Dr. Kwo passes this acid test with five stars. Not only was she kind and attentive while listening to my descriptions, she also made me privy to her thought process and helped me rule out any serious concerns by patiently explaining each and every single one. As if this is not stellar enough, today I phoned the primary care office with an urgent question while feeling very sick and had to resort to leave a message at the front desk for her. Getting an appointment would have taken too long. Just an hour later she called me back, and answered my questions on the phone for a whole 15 minutes! When I thanked her, she casually replied "Oh sure, there's no way we were going to let you go through that by yourself". I think that sums it up nicely. Primary care, like teaching, is one of those things where being a good academic is very necessary but not sufficient by itself. You also need a healthy dose of understanding, empathy, care and compassion. Dr Kwo has both, with a healthy dose of common sense too. I don't know if she plans to keep doing primary care after her residency, but I sure hope she does for my own selfish purposes :)

Let's see.. They've been going under a major reorganization the past 2 years: changing which…read morelocations will focus on which specialties instead of trying to have smaller groups spread out.. The process has been "painful" for various reasons such as the popularity of Cambridge location (not really in Harvard Square btw) and Davis Square.. The Watertown location lost a lot of specialists, including Behavioral Health (just as well maybe as Dr.. Macabe was running it and I was unhappy with his care) Davis is under construction and Arsenal is next to major construction.. Mass Health via Neighborhood Health has been impacted by its own reorg and loss of profit. Current parking at this location is difficult. I've had the same GP for 18 years (Dr.. Joo Kim) who is Excellent.. The same amazing PA (Ann Klinkuson), various Orthopedists, Opthomologists, etc. This location has the Best dermatologist I've ever encountered (boy have I moved a lot) Dr.. Robyn Marszalek. When was the last time you had a follow up appointment for your itchy feet and when you asked "what about this weird thing on my scalp?" the doctor replied "I can remove that for you now." For all locations you'll end up at Mt. Auburn hospital (although I did have a plate put into my ankle at the Faulkner) Waits are short if at all, payments organized, clean environment. Look, you're going here because of Neighborhood Health or Tufts.. Are there better staff and parking elsewhere? Yes but this a great HMO by normal standards. Finally, the My Health Online where you get appointment reminders, tests results and other is extremely well run and updated.. Anyone reviewing the call backs while not using the online system should rethink that.. I've always gotten to speak with a nurse practioner. Or doctor when I call about immediate health issues. It's February 2018 now, let's see if they can adapt to these changes, I hope so!

My first experience with Atrius health was in Medford with Dr. Ion. I felt right off the bat that…read moreshe was looking to just cross me off her list and move onto the next patient. I did not feel like she had any genuine care about the issues that I had and didn't go into any detail on fixing them. We decided to do physical therapy with one issue which I found out later They don't have any physical therapist for me. The second issue, she just prescribed what I was already getting which I found out later that I should stop taking because of the issues it was doing to my skin. Basically this was a complete waste of time and I will be staying away from this office. I would recommend staying away from Dr. Ion at least and looking somewhere else.

Dr. Louis Liou is one of the best surgeons I have had the pleasure of being a patient of. I went…read moreto see him for a vasectomy, and he was very honest, kind, and considerate during the consultation. My primary hospital is Beth Israel, and my PCP is affiliated with them. But due to the fact that the larger city hospital were booked until mid summer or the fall, I went outside of my comfort zone and made this appointment with the Cambridge Health Alliance Surgical Specialties and the Somerville Hospital. I wanted to have the procedure done very quickly, as I had two weeks in between jobs, and they were able to accommodate me. Due to a medication I take daily (NSAID), he did warn me about bleeding being a risk factor after the procedure - and that the risk for bleeding is slightly higher if I did not cease the meds about 7 days off prior to the surgery. I explained that I knew the risks, and would still like to have the surgery three days after ceasing that medication. He agreed. His bedside manner was fantastic, as was that of his staff (especially the older, Italian female nurse - great sense of humor behind a very professional countenance). Even though I was completely exposed, so to speak, the staff and the doctor made me feel very comfortable. It was all done in less than 20 minutes (the procedure itself - time in hospital was about 1.5 hours), and with ice and taking it easy, I've experienced little to no swelling, and no bleeding. His incisions and stitches were perfect. If looking for a vasectomy and you live in the Boston area, I highly recommend this doctor. I come from a family of doctors, and have a lot of friends who are doctors, and honestly - I'm a bit of a snob when it comes to my healthcare and my providers, and I can say with full confidence that he is a great doctor, surrounded by a great staff. Just be sure to not be an idiot after your procedure, and follow his orders (and common sense). No rough sex or carrying around furniture all day. Take it very easy - after all - we're talking about a rather important part of a man's body;)

While getting inducted into the Seedless Grapes Club is never a pleasant experience, Dr. Liou did a…read moregreat job keeping it calm and professional. The whole procedure took less than half an hour. Dr. Liou and Nurse Dee did a great job of explaining what they were doing all the while putting my nerves at ease as much as they could. The doctor even taught me some Chinese phrases to use during my upcoming trip to Taiwan - so it was a language lesson and vasectomy 2 for 1!

Internal Medicine Associates (IMA) are simply the best doctor(s) and medical staff I have ever had…read morethe pleasure of being a patient of. Like Yelp puts it "As good as it gets!" When I relocated to MA I began my search for a doctor. Knowing that Drs accepting patients are hard to come by in this state, I opted to search for, and become a patient of, a resident at MGH. I could not have made a better decision. I have been more than pleased with everything. Everything is excellent but here are a few excellent things I'd like to highlight: 1) the quality of care 2) the professional manner of both the doctors and all office staff 3) the ease with which I can book appointments 4) the friendly nature of everyone at IMA 5) the responsiveness of both doctors and staff to my needs. As I mentioned, my primary care physician (PCP) is a resident at MGH. He is a licensed doctor, and 99% of the length of my visit is spent discussing my issue(s) with my PCP. However, being a resident, he is overseen by a senior-level doctor within IMA with whom he discusses my issues and then settles upon the appropriate treatment. It's like being seen by two doctors for the price of one. Additionally, it never seems like my doctor is in a rush or hurrying our appointment (I suspect as a resident he has more time for patients but can't really say for sure). Quite literally I could go on and on about the great things about IMA. I would recommend IMA to any friend of mine looking for excellent care, excellent facilities, and excellent service. An absolute must for those seeking doctors who are warm, professional, intelligent, and ideal all-around.

i have been a patient of ima and mgh for nearly 50 years and thankful for the care and…read morecompassion-dr arons is my pcp-dr guiney my cardiologist and all so many others from the staff top to bottom--thanks-

My husband is having a knee replacement through Atrius Health Somerville and piaded for by our…read morehigh-end, expensive PPO health insurance. First, the date was postponed at the last minute by nurses at the Suricenter because he was not given instruction to stop his bood thinner a certain number of days ahead of surgery by medical providers at Atrius. Second and even more confusing is I asked for a nurse to but in a referral for visits our home post-surgery by visiting nurses because he has many serious medical issues. Our health insurance said fine but the nurse at Atrius refused to ask the surgeon to put in the order. She claimed the PTs can handle serious heart problems, complications of diabetes, and lung issues. When I protested that he needs this care and our health insurance will cover the costs she accused me of "using up resources." I assume her attitude reflects that of the new take-over by United Health Care which is well-known for making large cuts in health care and in general denial of services. I think we are just seeing the beginning of the end of health care at Atrius.

Had an appointment today. I live 22 miles west of Somerville. Getting there was easy, but it took…read moreme longer to find a place to park than it did to get there. They do have parking ($6) but it is down Buena Vista Street, and not visible from Holland street. Lots of road construction made navigating the area confusing and time-consuming.

I've been seeing Dr. Lytle at MCA (now BU Affiliated Physicians) for 4 years now. It's always…read morepleasant to go in for a visit (as pleasant as a doctor's appointment can be), whether it's planned or unplanned. The front desk is constantly busy and it can take a short wait before they get to you, but don't mistake that for rudeness. Dr. Lytle has appointments as early as 7am, which means you don't have to be late for work or skip out early in the middle of the day. I've never had to wait months for an appointment. Even though it's nearly impossible to book her on a last minute basis if you get sick (which isn't different from any other doctor's office), there's always a NP available to see you w/in the next day or two of calling. Dr. Lytle shows genuine care and interest in her patient's health and well being. She always asks questions and actually takes time to listen, which is rare form these days. She also prides herself on being on time and doesn't like her patients to wait. She'll apologize if she's late. It's the little things that matter. =) I've also seen NP Meghan a few times as well when I've been sick, and she's great. She's so personable, friendly, and easy to talk to. She really takes her time to talk to you to understand what's going on. I've never ever felt rushed to get out the door with her. I can't say anything but praises for MCA. Even though I don't work in the city anymore, it's well worth the hassle of parking, T-ing, or fighting the peak hour crowd to see a doctor who actually cares about me!

I've been seeing Dr Lytle for over 5 years after a long wait to get into her practice. She is…read moresimply the best health care provider that I've had. She has a terrific bedside manner and is extremely thorough. I was skeptical about the BMC now BU Medical Center vs the more notorious Boston hospitals which I've also used and must say that the level of care and the specialists throughout the BU system have been much better!

Dr Abreu is an astute, experienced and compassionate practitioner. I was his patient for many…read moreyears at his previous practice, and jumped at the chance to continue being his patient when he moved to Harvard Vanguard. Now I get an outstanding doctor and access to the Beth Israel affiliation. Dr. Abreu always gives me the time I need, and is very thorough in his exams and in his explanations. He has never stinted of offering me access to specialists when needed. He is a very good doctor and a very good guy. Five stars.

Okay - I should be serious if I'm reviewing a doctor, this could actually be useful to people and…read morecould affect his business. On top of that please note that I know very little about PCPs and the healthcare system in the USA so I feel a little under-qualified to review the only PCP I've ever had. But having said all that Steven Abreu is great. He's talkative, knowledgeable, reassuring and always seems to be in a happy mood. His attitude is very calming without any condescension, which is exactly what you need from a PCP. So far he's pulled stuff out of my ear and helped me out by back-dating a referral I didn't get when I didn't know the whole system. I have to drop a star because getting an appointment can be a real pain. Sometimes the wait is 2 weeks.

I've been a patient of Dr. Ramos for many years. She is a fantastic doctor! She really cares about…read moreher patients. She doesn't rush you and takes time to listen to you and talk to you. I've had other doctors and she is really the best. Makes you feel comfortable and remembers things that you tell her. Only thing that wasn't great was sometimes its hard to get an appointment or you wait a bit but thats typical everywhere I've found. Her nurse Beth is really nice also. They actually make going to the doctors not so bad. The office is great cause it is associated with Mass General. Great hospital. Moved out of state to NYC and I really miss the wonderful care I received. Hoping to move back and be her patient again one day!

I made Dr. Ramos my primary care physician before ever meeting her. I LOVE her. She is so nice and…read morehelpful and willing to take the time to explain everything in detail. She wants you to ask questions and doesn't seem to judge anyone. The first time you go is really just for a consultation so I had to make another appointment for a physical. The only problem with that is that the appointment is in May because she is so busy! Her nurse, Beth, told me that she will return my calls (if I call) and really be my contact because Dr. Ramos is so busy. But I am hoping that isn't an issue. Also, the convenient North End location means that if I were to ever get sick, I wouldn't have to travel far to see my doctor. Although getting an appointment with her might be an issue...

Claire Stampfer, MD is one of the worst doctors I have ever seen. She was arrogant and…read moredisrespectful. It seemed like she was annoyed that I was there asking for help and she misdiagnosed me.

I went to the new Rheum and he not only had the beside manner this one was lacking, but he…read morereaffirmed everything I thought. Folic Acid? Yep, it helps hair growth. Do I have PA? This doc took one look at my hands and not only affirmed that I have it, but that I was in pain. Dr. Stampfer is not only rude, but apparently she has no interest in helping me feel better.

My 1 year old son and I both recently became patients of Dr. Tomkins on advice of a friend who has…read moreseen her for 10 years (and whose 1 year old has been seeing her since birth). She has a great "bedside manner:" friendly, easy to talk to, knowledgeable. I never feel rushed when she's with us (even if the office is clearly very busy). I love that Dr. Tomkins is open to and even suggests natural interventions before chemical ones. She is helpful in creating a modified vaccine schedule, and knows about alternative medicine. I've also seen Dr. Coffey at the office (Ball Sq. Family Health), and was very comfortable with him also. He is the only "Dr. Sears approved" doctor in the area! The other support staff are also very friendly and helpful.

Dr.Tomkins is the best physician around. She takes time to listen, has compassion, and great to…read moretalk to. She is open to holistic approach beside western medicine. She will give written information to take home that describes the diagnosis with remedies.