Wow! Dr. Halpern is obviously a very polarizing figure! She is either the best doctor or the worst doctor - there is no in between. I liked her! She made me feel comfortable - as comfortable as one can be wearing the flimsiest paper gown while someone pokes and prods your nether regions. She took time to answer my questions. She was very no nonsense. She did not body shame me about my weight, which has been my experience with other doctors. I appreciated that she had a lot of experience. I will definitely come back. Now I am just crossing my fingers that she doesn't retire! read more

Not good. I have severe gynecological issues, and she told me that I cannot have a hysterectomy, because I will need to have children eventually, and that is not the case. I felt not heard and dismissed by this Doctor, and it did not help me with any of the medical issues that I came to her office with. read more

Completely unprofessional and needs to retire, and I say that because she said herself "I'm just done, DONE. I'm 61 years old and I'm done" What a terrible experience, and honestly I didn't love her the first time I went to her last year either, but I thought it was a one off bad day. No. She is awful. The computer apparently had been freezing all day, and when it happened with my appointment she went on a frantic tirade about how much she hates Mount Sinai, the system, and how she's just over it all. She hates that 15 minutes is all the time she gets with a patient ( I agree with that part fully) and now she's behind, and she's going to have to rush me because she has somewhere to be after work. I even offered to come back the next day, being that I lived close and I wanted to talk about things more in depth and not rushed. She asked why would I want to do that. I said, because I don't want to keep you. She then replied curtly twice " I don't work on Fridays". Mount Sinai, give this woman her retirement package and get her out of there. She is not a good doctor and she hates her job. If I were a younger woman I would have been frazzled by her behavior, but I am a middle aged woman who can see that nothing she did was about ME, but she definitely has no business working any more. I am not going back to her. read more

I've never encountered a physician who behaves like this. Dr. Halpern's attitude and demeanor go beyond personality problems, in my opinion. Something is not right with her. Similar to other reviews, I left the office crying. And I'm *not* a sensitive crying type, but I couldn't hold back the tears. The way she spoke to me about my body... so condescending, so much disgust. Over nothing! She told me to shove a large sheet of gauze completely inside. I tried but told her I couldn't, and then she got so nasty about how "every other patient can do it!" Such a bizarre convo. And every topic after was equally bizarre. But kinda weird to post on yelp in detail. There was no assistant in the room during any of my exams. She took my whole gown down w/o telling me and squeezed my breasts while bullying me. Such a weird experience! Didn't follow clinical norms. Everything she said to me had a tone of disgust for me. Constantly repeating how she doesn't have time for me bc I was 10 mins late and "there's no time". I saw another review that mentioned politics. It's possible she could decipher my political leaning & then hated me? No idea. I went to get dressed, totally naked, and the staff just walked in on me. No knock. No processes here. When I gave a urine sample, I just walked around holding my own pee not sure where to go. When I got undressed, no one gave me a paper robe, so I just sat there on the table naked & cold. Are you getting the idea?? This place resembled more of a 3rd world country and not NYC. Was so weird. I would pay money to never go back again. read more

My experience with Dr. Halpern was extremely disgraceful. I was very nervous about my first-ever experience with a gynecologist, and Dr. Halpern belittled me for not understanding right away her short explanation of my symptoms. She asked me, "Didn't you listen to what I just said?" in a very derogatory tone. She asked me the same questions the nurse had already recorded regarding my health. She even went as far as to ask if my parents were conservative. While I was on the examination bench, Dr. Halpern did not give me any notice when she was going to remove the top of my gown, so I felt very alarmed when she moved to do so. Later on, she failed to explain to me the procedure she was doing, since she was too busy making conversation unrelated to the appointment. When I asked her about the instrument she was using, she mocked me about my not recognizing what it was. In addition, as Dr. Halpern explained information about contraceptive options, she emphasized "I assume this is how it works" one multiple occasions, which was unprofessional and very unsettling. Towards the end of the appointment, I mentioned I would like to speak to my parents before making a final decision, and she called my idea of a conversation with my parents 'weird' and 'uncomfortable.' She revealed to me that none of her other patients ever mentioned such a thing, making me feel like I was pressured to make a decision. I should have known the appointment would be far from professional when Dr. Halpern opened by saying that I was her first patient that day that made their appointment. My experience made me question her competence as a practitioner, and I would strongly recommend against making an appointment with this doctor. read more

I have never had a more horrific exp. w/a "Dr." in my 50 year life than with Halpern. She was so incred. unprofess., nasty, sadistic, insensitive & rude. In 1 word: BULLY. She refused to do certain labs which is why I made the appt., she cut me off while answering her ?'s. She said I was being "paranoid" b/c I wanted a partic. test, invalidating my concerns & then laughed at me, contemptuously, when I said I have an anxiety disorder (when I shouldn't have had to justify being concerned & wanting a partic. test to begin with). I was so confused at this point & even more uneasy & anxious than when I 1st arrived & hadn't even met her yet. But I kept taking the bullying/abuse-UNTILL she asked, in an incred. impatn't & agressive tone. "Can't I just LOOK at yur vagina..." (instead of PAP, etc.) That's when I stood up, calmly said "I don't think yur the right dr 4 me" & left. No way was about to undress & open my legs to this monster after all that craziness. I have never had to walk out in the middle of dr. appt. & I'm so proud of myself that I did read more

Omg! I love doctor HALPERN and all of her staff Dr halpern is so wonderful . She has an incredible, thorough , thoughtful bedside manner Her staff is fantastic She gives so much attention to each individual patient The office staff is so competent, friendly and professional The ultrasound person is the greatest Much love read more

OH MY GOD. NEVER EVER SEE THIS DOCTOR. Had been seeing another OBGYN for 13 years who I loved but I moved recently and needed a doctor within a realistic distance....and boy am I upset I chose this one. I had my previous doctor send over my medical records and she completely disregarded them - while ALSO being skeptical of my diagnoses and anything my previous doctor said or did. She took time out of our appointment to unreasonably and thoroughly explain what PCOS was (which I've been diagnosed with for 13 years) as well as what Endometerosis was meanwhile my previous doctor explained it to me, gave me flyers and websites to look at to understand it...She was rude, cold, in a rush and made a few unprofessional comments. Never have I ever been to a doctor that raises her voice at me when I'm explaining a concern I'm having about my body. I left her office almost in tears. read more

Dr. Halpern is the BEST. She has been my doctor for years now. I had a number of bad experiences with OBGYNs throughout the city, and wasn't expecting much. However, Dr. Halpern completely changed my view of going to the lady parts doctor -- she and her staff are incredibly knowledgeable, kind and patient. They are professional but personable, and make you feel welcome and at ease. She's helped me through a number of different medical issues, always quickly and accurately diagnosing them and just as quickly finding the right medications and treatments to fix them. Dr. Halpern always makes herself available to me when I need an appointment, whether it's squeezing me in during her lunch break or adjusting her own personal schedule to accommodate me. I saw some of the other reviews made negative comments about the facilities. While she's not in a luxury high rise with marble sculptures and gold toilets, her office is very CLEAN and includes all the facilities/supplies/equipment that you could need when you go to the doctor. I've been with Dr. Halpern now through many phases of my life, and I'm planning on moving out of the city before I have my first baby. I'm legitimately trying to find ways to get Dr. Halpern to come with me because I can't imagine going through pregnancy and birth without her. She's so great that I rave about her to all my friends, and many of them actually go to her and stick with her for all the same reasons. She's also had the same staff with her for years, which shows she's a good employer and has loyal staff members. I'm going to miss her SO MUCH!!!! If you're looking for a gyno/obgyn, look no further. read more

Highly recommend. She is smart, direct, competent, empathic doctor. Her care is excellent and I trust her with my health. I noticed she moved as of 5/2015: 139 Centre Street, PH102 212-775-8585 Contemporary women doctors are (still) held to a different standard than their male counterparts. I once had a male doctor who, while aspirating a cyst on my wrist, took a call about golf. Guess what? His yelp reviews are flawless. She's a great, compassionate doctor. read more

Have to agree with Jennifer. I've seen Dr Halpern for about 10 years, and she came strongly recommended by my physician. She is lovely, a real pro, and highly personable. I have recommended her to many people, and will continue to. read more

PRAISE DR HALPERN! New to NYC and found Dr Halpern on ZocDoc! After reading all the good reviews, i went to her and was no disappointed. I've never found an OBGYN that i liked before so was thrilled. I even booked one appointment for no real reason... i just wanted to ask her a few questions and she was awesome! She was kind, candid, funny & made me feel totally at ease! Love her!! read more

I've been going to Dr. Halpern for at least 10 years, and as a doctor I love her. Maybe I'm biased because she was my first ob/gyn and I basically went through puberty with her. I see some here consider her rude and brusque, but I take it as matter-of-factness and appreciate her honesty. She personally would get 5 stars from me. However, ever since her move to NYU Downtown, her support staff is HORRIBLE. God forbid you have to ask a simple question when making your appointment - the receptionists have no idea what's going on, you will be transferred to 5 different people, and eventually put in some voicemail no one checks. Case in point: I use Implanon for BC and since it is a specialized procedure that a doctor must be trained for, I initially went to someone else that Dr. Halpern recommended since she was not yet qualified to insert it 3 years ago when I had it done. A few months ago, it was time to change it, and also time for my annual. When I called to make an appointment for my annual I asked the receptionist if Dr. Halpern was now certified to insert Implanon, and thus began a ridiculous transfer-chain: most of her staff/random hospital people said they didn't know, but eventually her assistant (!!!) told me that she did not. Lo and behold, when I get to my appointment she tells me she DOES do it, it just needs to be ordered in advance and she needs to check the price since she doesn't do it very often, whatever, someone will call me this week to set it up. No one ever calls me, of course. Instead, I call and make an appointment and begin a number of harassing calls that we will refer to as the "Did you guys order my Implanon yet?" series. I called at least twice a week (over a period of a month and a half, since that was how far in advance my new appointment was) and was constantly put in Dr. Halpern's assistant's voicemail. None of my calls were returned. The day of my appointment finally arrives and of course the Implanon isn't there. When did they order it? Oh, sometime last week. The receptionist was perfectly nice and sympathetic, but come on. This lack of communication is completely inexcusable. If they didn't order it when I initially asked, they should have told me so. I called the day before my appointment -- if they had told me it wasn't there, I wouldn't have come. Instead, I was forced to waste 2 hours going there for nothing in a week where I'm on a huge deadline and could really have used that couple hours working. I would really hate to switch gynos, because I've grown very attached to Dr. Halpern, but I'm seriously considering it. I just can't deal with the ineptitude of her staff anymore. read more

I concurr completely with H.H.'s experience almost word for word. Dr. Halpern is beyond the normal NYC curt, which I can handle. She is rude, condescending and has zero bedside manner. I went to her 2 or 3 times before I finally had enough. The last visit I left the office in tears and wasn't able to get out of bed the next day when she failed to tell me the implications of a procedure (which she gave me 5 mins to decide if I wanted to have done with little to no information). I later learned from my new OBGYN and other's accounts, that most doctors schedule separate appointments, where anti anxiety medications are prescribed beforehand and local anisthesia is used. I was offered neither. Her front desk staff was also unprofessional and the wait times are long. My new doctor's office is the complete opposite in every way of my experience here. You can do MUCH better! read more

I started going to Dr. Halpern after being referred to her by my primary care physician. I had not seen a ob/gyn in quite a while because I did not have health insurance after being laid off and the last doctor I had did not accept the plan I eventually acquired through a new job. I must say I read all these reviews before my first appointment which was the Fall of 2010 and hoped for the best. My experience of that first visit and subsequent visits have been pretty great. During the first visit Dr. Halpern spent a great deal of time actually speaking with me. We had a conversation. I appreciated that. You see I have fibroids and was contemplating a hysterectomy due to heavy bleeding and constant pain. She took one look at me and was like "you're anemic" I can see it in your eyes. I was a little taken by this but blood work conducted by her office and my primary care physician came back with, yup you guessed anemia!!. Not only am I anemic but severely so. Had Dr. Halpern not said anything I'd still be walking around lethargic and not understanding why. With her help I found a surgeon who was willing to do a modified surgery. I think she was convinced I would still have a baby. (Not going to happen.) But I appreciated the conservancy of her recommendation. The surgery was successful but those pesky fibroids are back again. In the meantime she has helped me with medication to help stem the heavy flow which at times had kept me in the house and afraid to venture out for more than a few hours at best. Dr. Halpern is direct but I don't find her rude. She has been nothing but sensitive and kind to me. I feel understood as a woman who while does not look 40 is well into her 40s past 'reasonable' child bearing years and has the daunting task of deciding when and if to have a final surgery. I trust her and I look forward to staying with her practice. read more

I absolutely adore Dr. Halpern! She is warm, kind, and has a holistic approach to her practice that I sincerely appreciate. She always checks in about every aspect of my life, and last time I went to see her, she was so kind I cried in her office. She's also very knowledgeable, and I feel very lucky she is my doctor. She was recommended to me by a close friend who also loves her. Dr. Halpern is the best! read more

Truly the worst doctor I have ever experienced. She was extremely cold and harsh in tone and attitude. She made me feel very uncomfortable. She was irritated that I was the last patient of the day and made a point of telling me that she did not want to talk to me for more than 30 minutes because it was the end of the day and said "she was feeling antsy." Her tone of voice was loud and blunt and she expressed no interest in listening to me. She did not ask many questions and when I told her I felt uncomfortable by how she was acting she responded defensively saying that she had a life and "didn't want to give me therapy for an hour". I left after ten minutes because I was so uncomfortable and upset. She did not even remotely try to remedy the situation, not offer any actual advice or consultation. I would never recommend this "doctor" to anyone. read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Halperns for about 8 years and absolutely adore her! She just delivered our first child and it was simply amazing. She is not your normal doctor, but she takes great care of you for sure. I love her personality and sense of humor, she is just the best. if you are looking for someone to coddle you, go elsewhere but if you are looking for an outstanding doctor that will do her job, do it right and keep you smiling...go see her! read more

Dr. Halpern is the best doctor I've ever been too. She made me feel comfortable and calm when I was feeling anything but that. She was professional and compassionate with me and also very respectful and cool with her staff. I never seen a tighter team and ob office. Dr. Halpern was basically a doctor, therapist, and understanding woman all in one. I can't thank her and the staff enough for their treatment, advice, and niceness. She even told me to get a dunkin donut afterward. And I did. Best. Doctor. Ever. Thanks. read more

RUDE, OBNOXIOUS, COLD, INSENSITIVE . I switched after a couple of appts with her as i could not stand her attitude and now i love my new obgyn. Don't waste your time with this awful nasty woman..i now see Dr Kathleen Mulligan and love her, although she doesn't do ob anymore read more

It took me a whole year to get over my experience with Dr. Halpern which is why I didn't post until now. I beg of you, if you are considering Dr. Halpern, look elsewhere NOW. I had the extremely unlucky experience of having her deliver my first child at NYU last summer. Unfortunately my entire birthing experience was tainted. She took every ounce of joy out of the birth and left me with horrific memories. From the moment i entered NYU doors, she yelled at me, started crying because she was so "stressed out" and hadn't slept, and couldn't care less about my well being. She should have been escorted out. She was unprofessional throughout the entire delivery and I would not wish that upon anyone else. Her yelling and freakouts during MY birth caused me emotional scars. Run and run fast. read more

I stopped going to Dr. Halpern years ago, but felt compelled to write a review because the experience still haunts me to this day. I won't go into detail about what went down in her examination room -- it's too personal -- but I will say that I left shaken and in tears. NEVER have I felt so violated by a doctor. Halpern is both physically and emotionally abusive and I would urge anyone who is thinking of making her their OBGYN to think again. read more

When I went for an annual checkup, it was unremarkable, but at a subsequent appointment, when I asked her if someone there could call my insurance company about fouled up lab bill, she grew irate that I was wasting her time with a billing question. She shouted and swore ("I'll call the #@*! insurance company!") She said she'd get it taken care of. She didn't. When the bill went to a collection agency, I paid it. Oh well. read more

Dr. Halpern is absolutely fantastic! she's warm, extremely friendly, and super professional. She makes in an extremely comfortable environment from her front staff, to just herself, everyone feels like family and feels like they are all looking out for my best interest. She has always been there for me with or without insurance and in times of need when on vacation abroad. Shes found different treatment plans that has worked when other doctors couldn't figure it out. I swear, I go in when I dont even need to see her because I enjoy her company so much - I just want to always maintain my relationship with her because she is such a superb doctor. I appreciate everything she has done for me because I have seen other doctors and no one has been as good as her. read more

I visited Dr. Halpern with high hopes for finding a doctor I could stick with in NYC. My first visit, which was for an annual, went pretty well. It wasn't the thorough, intimate session I was used to with my beloved hometown GYN, but that wasn't what I expected from an urban hospital practice. I got my questions answered, an HPV vaccination script pushed on me for the umpteenth time, and went on my hoping, feeling a little underwhelmed, but glad to have a basic relationship with a competent doctor. A few months later, I had to go to the ER for an emergency issue that was diagnosed a GYN matter. I received superior care, and the ER doctor really pushed for me to follow up with my GYN within a few days. I was able to schedule that appointment promptly, but what followed was one of the most unpleasant experiences I've ever had with a physician. Dr. Halpern was brusque, dismissive, and unfocused, responding to my explanation for coming in with an incredulous look, then hurling the cover-up napkin thing at me and leaving the room. The universal gesture for "undress!", I guess? I was right in doing so, because she returned and asked a lot of off-topic questions about my diet, and challenged the original diagnosis. She told me to get copies of the ER tests once they were available, because she "didn't have time for that," and I chose not to arrange a follow-up to this miserable follow-up, because her attitude was a definite turn-off. The visit ended with her abruptly exiting the examination room, without a "Goodbye" or "We're done." I've never felt less capable of reading social cues as I did in her office that day! I've experienced additional woes from her administrative staff, as I need a birth control rx. rewritten so that my insurance company will cover it. I've left about a dozen detailed messages, and have yet to receive the new rx. My pharmacy has tried contacting the office, too, with no lucky. I finally faxed an official denial notice from the insurance company with a written explanation of the situation, which I've relayed over the phone so many times, to the office, and though I was told the doctor was in that day, the rx. was not called in. Dr. Halpern's practice might be adequate for a tough-skinned, busy woman with good health and even better insurance, but overall, my experience has been quite negative. read more

I normally don't like to rate my doctors because I really don't want my favorite doctor ever to become so busy that she couldn't see me but these ratings are so terrible that i feel it my duty to set the record straight. Dr Halpern is the first and only OB I have seen since I moved to NYC 10 years ago. She is awesome and she delivered my baby. As I spent over 12 months involved with her i feel i can fairly speak to her character. She is not your hold your hand pat your head kind of gyno, She might even roll her eyes when you blabber on incessantly about how you read an article in Glamour and you so totally know that your vagina is falling out. She went to medical school and while you might know how to read she knows a thing or two about vaginas. She is warm caring and extremely knowledgeable. Because of her i am proud to say i delivered a 8 lbs boy with no tears.She went along with my birth plan and was supportive the entire way. And yes she had on a cute outfit while doing it. As for the comments about her staff...her nurses are wonderful the front desk can be hit or miss but objectively they are hired by the head of the dept ,. Dr. Halpern has no say in hiring or firing. read more

It's 15 months after my first review and I've read others' reviews with interest (there are also reviews on other sites if you Google.) Anyway, people's experiences seem to be all over the map with Dr. Halpern. Some women really love her, some have had experiences similar to mine. In my case, I can't chalk it up to just a fluke bad day, since it's been consistent for me at each interaction I've had with her, and it's been over 6 years now. For those who point out that Dr. Halpern is not responsible for the lack of administrative organization in her office (including a fairly illiterate and irate personal message I received -- why take the time to write and send a nasty PM to me? Why not post a public review of the doctor if your experiences have differed?), it could very well be true -- that's something I don't know for certain. But the truth is I spend 10 minutes of my appointment with Dr. Halpern and I spend many, many, MANY more times that amount of time dealing with the office staff -- that's just the reality of the way today's doctors' offices are set up, where doctors must hustle as many patients as possible through the doors during each day. My medical experience there is in large part determined by my interactions with that staff -- in this case, a negative experience. If my relationship with the doctor is totally great, it might well be worth struggling with a crappy office staff. In my case, with Dr. Halpern, it isn't worth it, even apart from the problems I've had with the office staff. I think the administrative aspect of a doctor's office is legitimately part of a review of that doctor's practice. If you are going to be that doctor's patient, you are going to be dealing with the office staff. It's part of the package, and if I'm looking through doctor reviews on Yelp it's definitely a factor I want to consider and know about. Don't you? read more

I went to Dr. Halpern a few times before she moved to the Financial District...after she did it went downhill from there. I had two appointments with her: one of which was a rescheduled appointment for one she had missed completely...apparently she went on vacation and her staff forgot to clear her schedule), the other she was more than several hours late and all her patients were so pissed as they had to take time off of work to see her. Her staff are complete idiots and she herself a cold fish. There were no apologies for her completely missing 2 appointments in which I had to travel and take time off of work from. I'm now with a new OB/GYN and can't be happier with my decision to switch. Maybe her and her staff need to sit in a waiting room for hours to see how it feels like to be completely mistreated. read more

I went to Dr. Halpern two or three times before changing gynecologists. She barely spoke to me at all. When she did, she was rude and insensitive. Dr. Halpern did not tell me what she was doing, and did not warn me ahead of time that something might be painful. After the exams, she practically ran out of the room. read more

Sadly, never got to see the doctor. Office staff completely inept. Canceling appt. You really are responsible for having a good front office staff if you are a doctor in this city. read more

Great doctor. She is very knowledgeable and professional. Made me feel super comfortable and took the time to answer all my questions as a first time patient. Front desk staff was nice and courteous as well. Went during lunch and was seen quickly, which was great since I needed to go back to my office ASAP. I highly recommend this doctor. read more

Rude, insensitive, cold, and downright unpleasant. I left the appointment near tears...not an experience one should have at a doctor's office. Stay far, FAR away. read more

I discovered Dr. Halpern 7 years ago and have been a loyal patient since. A few of my closest friends are all patients of hers, and they have even referred a few friends themselves. She is delivering my first baby early next year!!!!! Couldn't have asked for a better doctor. read more

i have been to dr. halpern once, for my annual. and i have to say that i've read the reviews here (it looks like one was removed) and i agree more with the positive than the negative. she is very nice and i enjoyed talking to her; i thought she took my concerns seriously and gave me some good options. i do believe she was matter of fact which may get misconstrued for curt or rude, but i honestly don't think she is coming from that place. i do agree that when you go to see any doctor, every part of the interaction should be considered, from the time you call to the time you walk out. so there is validity of the woman who had bad experiences with dr halpern's front desk. if any front desk person for any job is not on their game it can make for an unpleasant experience. read more

I agree with the previous poster, and I am also looking for a new OB/GYN. She dismisses my concerns, mixed up test results, and after I wait for an hour, sees me for literally five minutes. It's so stressful, and I can't imagine dealing with her with an actual big problem, or a pregnancy. Where else can I go that's either downtown/lower midtown or in the Bklyn Heights/Cobble Hill/Park Slope area?? read more

Dr. Halpern has been my OB/GYN for nearly 15 years. I have followed her throughout her career. She delivered my daughter, and although I had a tricky delivery, her compassion, bedside manner and general care were/are top notch. It's not easy finding a GYN that you feel comfortable and confident in, well thankfully I have. Highly recommend Dr. H! read more

Dr. Halpern is great! She is all that you need in a doctor, professional, kind and to the point! I would recommend her to all my friends!

Love her. She's been my OB-GYN for 14 years, and I can't say enough good things about her. She's smart, funny and easy to talk to. During birth, she served as my labor coach, cheering section and friend, and gave my my body time to progress enough to deliver a healthy baby. I recommend her to anyone who asks without hesitation. read more

I have been going to Dr. Halpern for several years. Sh used to have an office in Tribeca and I loved going to that office, the staff was friendly helpful and professional. But once she moved to the hospital, the front desk staff was not friendly and very unorganized. My wait was long and it always seemed overcrowded. But once I got to see the doctor she was always nice but I do agree with most of you you...she is curt and to the point but I personally like that. I have had several bad experiences with doctors and she by far has been the best. She is quirky but she helped me through a troubled pregnancy and was very sensitive to my needs. So I give her 3 stars. read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Halpern's for over 10 years now, and I highly recommend her. She delivered both of my babies (one natural, one c-section). She is always very professional and knowledgeable, and she maintains such a calm demeanor, which keeps me at ease. Dr. Halpern is very open and honest. She also has a great sense of humor, which some may see as "quirky," but I love it. I can't say enough good things about her! read more