-- An Extremely Disappointing and Distressing Experience With Dr. Elena Chetver…read more
I have been a patient of Dr. Elena Chetver for slightly over a month, and I can honestly say that my experience with her has been one of the most disappointing and distressing experiences I have ever had with a medical professional.
I came to Dr. Chetver with a complicated medical history and several serious, ongoing health concerns that have significantly affected my quality of life. For more than three years, I have struggled with medical problems that require proper evaluation, monitoring, and treatment.
In August 2026, I underwent major cervical spine surgery involving a multilevel decompression, laminectomy, and fusion from C3 through C6 because of significant spinal stenosis and spinal cord compression. I also have a history of thoracic spinal cord compression, kidney-related concerns, severe sleep apnea, and other medical conditions requiring ongoing care.
More recently, I have been experiencing debilitating fatigue, extreme weakness, and a significant decline in my ability to perform ordinary daily activities. There have been days when I have struggled simply to get out of bed, shower, climb stairs, or complete basic household tasks. These are not minor inconveniences. These symptoms are affecting my ability to work, function independently, and maintain a reasonable quality of life.
Before my first appointment, I made every effort to obtain my previous medical records. Unfortunately, my former physician's practice had closed, making it extremely difficult to retrieve my complete medical history. Despite this obstacle, I provided Dr. Chetver with the records I could obtain, explained my medical conditions, described my symptoms, and submitted requests for additional diagnostic testing supported by my medical history.
I was not asking for unnecessary treatment or demanding that she perform procedures without justification. I was asking for a thorough medical evaluation to help determine why my health has deteriorated so significantly.
Instead, I felt dismissed, unheard, and denied the opportunity to have my concerns properly investigated. My requests for additional blood work and diagnostic evaluations were rejected, and I was left without meaningful answers about symptoms that continue to interfere with my everyday life.
What happened next was even more upsetting.
Rather than working with me to develop an appropriate plan of care, Dr. Chetver informed me that she would prefer not to continue treating me. She told me I had two weeks to find another physician and that she would no longer provide care after that period.
I cannot adequately describe how upsetting it is to seek help from a physician while experiencing serious physical symptoms, only to be told that the physician no longer wishes to care for you.
Patients do not seek medical attention because their lives are going well. They seek medical attention because they are suffering, frightened, and looking for answers.
I understand that physicians have professional discretion when determining which tests or treatments are medically appropriate. I also understand that a doctor and patient may sometimes disagree. However, I believe patients deserve to have their concerns taken seriously, receive clear explanations for medical decisions, and be treated with compassion and dignity.
In my experience, that did not happen.
What troubles me most is the apparent lack of empathy I experienced during an exceptionally vulnerable period in my life. I am still recovering from major spinal surgery while trying to understand why I am experiencing such profound weakness and exhaustion. The last thing I needed was to lose access to my primary care physician while these issues remain unresolved.
I intend to file a formal complaint with the Medical Board of California regarding my experience, including the circumstances surrounding the termination of my care and my concerns about the handling of my medical needs.
I am sharing this review because I believe prospective patients deserve to hear about my experience before making an important decision about their healthcare.
A good physician does more than review test results and write prescriptions. A good physician listens, investigates appropriate concerns, communicates honestly, and recognizes the human being sitting in front of them.
I cannot speak to the experiences of Dr. Chetver's other patients. I can only speak to my own. Unfortunately, my experience left me feeling abandoned, disregarded, and deeply disappointed in someone I had trusted with my health.
Based on my personal experience, I cannot recommend Dr. Elena Chetver as a primary care physician.
No patient who is genuinely struggling with their health should have to feel that asking for help makes them a burden.
