I'm compelled to write a review after having numerous problems with the office staff. FYI Dr. Hirt is absolutely wonderful and is by far the best Dr. of any type that I've seen as far back as I can remember. His office staff (not all, but some), specifically Kimi, has left a sour taste in my mouth and me wondering if I should return to see the Dr. I was actually told by Kimi today during an attempt to fill her in regarding my absence due to a long trip out of town that I needed to "hurry up (with my explanation), because I have other things to do." Not only is this bad manners, but if a patient calls with something to query, I was under the impression that the staff would be there to listen and assist. I was also accused of "interrogating" Kimi (a very passive aggressive type) during this explanation. My attempt was to inform her of a discontentment I had with their system and to which I had only actually asked one question at that point, which was only about my own personal file! When attempting to explain that I was not interrogating her and had the right to ask a simple question about my file she again told me she was too busy and that I needed to get to the point. This went on for several attempts to explain my concerns until I had to ask her to stop interrupting me so I could tell her the point; utterly ridiculous! Not sure what's going on here with some of the personnel but I've got to say it's downright unprofessional and this isn't the first time I've encountered poor staffing from them. If Dr. Hirt wasn't so amazing I would vote with my feet and never return there. Also, this seems to happen most frequently when Dr. Hirt is out of town...which is again the case this time. My advice is to be VERY weary of which person you deal with in this office as you may feel left without a prayer of finding out anything relevant. It's a good thing I was calling about billing and not a pressing medical concern. read more

I have seen Dr Hirt about 5 times in the past 5 months and have had a great experience with him so far. Yes there are a few not so nice staff members like Tina who someone mentioned and you do get the feeling sometimes that Dr. Hirt is in a hurry but he is very smart and good at what he does. He has all the most cutting edge treatments and I did see a very noticable difference with my energy and body pains after my stem cells with him. He is a very nice man. I do wish you could spend more time with him but I get that he has to be as diligent and efficient as he can and I believe he is worth it. He is also a FRACTION of the cost of all the Dr.'s I was seeing on the Westside who charge tripple what he does for an office visit for example. He is well worth it. read more

Good doctor, horrible staff. I've literally left a dozen messages and never received a call back. Expect to wait on the phone for an hour just to make an appointment. Expect to wait longer at the office and be treated inhumanely by staff. Expect to wait weeks for anyone to get back to you on your test results. Oh and expect to spend a whole lot of money! If you're willing to put up with rude, horrible, unorganized staff to get to the doctor, then do so. read more

I called a few weeks ago to schedule an appointment. I was told that I would get a call back in two weeks to schedule an appointment. It has been three weeks. I called today and was put on hold for 15min. I hung up and called again. A very rude woman by the name of Tina told me that she put me on hold for that long because they were very busy. Then she said I can put you on hold for another 15 min just to take my call. I told her my situation and she said that they will call me in 3 months, just to make an appointment! Her tone was so unkind, short, nasty and unfriendly. She made it seem like I would be so lucky to get a call at all in 3 months!!!! I'm pretty sure that she forgot I was on hold and was nasty because I told her that I was on hold for 15min. I can't believe this guy has business, I'm going to let my nutritionist know that this was a horrible referral. Part of having a good practice is your ability to heal, connect and give exceptional service to your patients. That goes for the doctor, down to the office staff. It's not worth the stress and hassle to wait so long for an appointment, let alone to be treated as if they are doing me a favor. read more

I had a horrible experience at Dr. Hirt's office. I was there for a 2:30 appointment as a new patient. I got there about ten minutes late give or take because of a traffic and had to wait over an hour just to go into the waiting room while other people who came after me were taken before me. Once in there I had to wait another almost 45 minutes to see the Dr. and then he left and had me do a test and then I had to wait another 40 minutes. All of this to spend ten minutes with the doctor. Overall I was there for nearly 3 hours for a 10 minute appointment which I got nothing out of. After the appointment they wanted to do blood work but would not give me a form to take to a lab because I was not going to do it there, as they make money off that and I did not want to waste anymore of my time. Overall they seemed to care more about making money then the care of patients. I would highly recommend to find another doctor who does not waste your time. read more

It very unfortunate when a Dr. Hirt hires incompetent employees. It only hurts Dr Hirts practice . I tried to cordially speak to the so called manager named Kimmie. She was not only rude and condescending, she had no interpersonal skills, and obviously no educational background to evaluate an ongoing situation professionally. The office plays this game that you have to be on a waiting list to see the doctor. First they say 3 months and never put you on the list then they tell you 6 months to a year. If you google this doctor I don't see that he has won any special awards or written any books, nor has been seen on TV......This is his way of building his practice by making people think he is so sought after. I'm sure he is busy but any doctor that busy, and sought after would not be accepting new patients, due to the fact people need medical attention and cant wait a year on his special A list . If he cared about people and patients he would refer them to another doctor until your ticket came up and you finally won an office visit to actually see him. Any place of business that would hire an uneducated, rude staff that is trained by a so called manager named Kimmie tells me a lot about his practice. Please Dr Hirt if you are that busy you should have enough money to hire a staff with at least some sort of education, and or class that have people skills to run your office appropriately. read more

I was a patient of Dr. Hirt for years. He is a great Dr. but the office is poorly run and definitely not worth it. The woman at the front is rude and short and the staff is all overwhelmed. Test results always got back to me weeks and weeks late after chasing, leaving messages, etc. Not how a proper practice should be run. It's too bad. I cannot recommend this office to any modern individual. If you have hours and hours to spare and lots of patience, then give it a go. read more

they have a one year waiting list for new patients... wow!

I've had a lifetime of stomach issues and seen so many doctors. Most have given up quickly on making a specific diagnosis and just wanted to shove drugs at me. It has long bothered me that no one was concerned with the ROOT cause of my issues as opposed to just wanting to treat symptoms. Finding Dr. Hirt has been an answered prayer. His approach is so thorough and he is committed to dealing with the root of the problem as well as the symptoms. I appreciate the way he approaches health issues nutritionally as well as medically and can attest to how effective that approach can be. Get on his waiting list and just know that he's worth waiting for. You may be overwhelmed by the amount of tests he wants you to do, but trust him as it is all part of how he rules out issues and hones in on what is causing your distress. I feel so lucky to be his patient and hopeful for the first time in my life that I might get my issues under control. read more

Dr. Hirt and his staff are outstanding and very unique in the field of medical care. Dr. Hirt is a highly qualified Internist (Harvard Medical School and UCLA), he is also a nutritionist, studies Eastern Medicine, is extremely intelligent, and very importantly, is very well read and "stays current." Dr. Hirt is also very caring, is a great critical thinker, is a great listener and most importantly is very proactive. I own a biomedical company and work in the medical field with doctors almost every day. With low reimbursements and high patient loads, it is my experience that many physicians become reactive. I am not saying that Dr. Hirt will not react to a problem, he definitely will and comprehensively (and he will do all he can to keep you out of a hospital). Dr. Hirt (and his fabulous RN Beverly) have saved my wife's life at least once quickly diagnosing a deep kidney infection that started as a bladder infection that others, including a local walk in clinic followed by the ER of a local hospital both missed. On the proactive side, over the years that my wife and I have been Dr. Hirt's patients, he has constantly modified our diets, supplements and lifestyles in a way to optimize our various body systems. If you want to greatly improve the quality of your life, particularly to maintain a robust and active lifestyle as you age, Dr. Hirt and his staff are "hands down"the best you can find. read more

Dr. Michael Hirt is the best doctor I have ever found and I've been to many. He's the first doctor that actually takes the time and tests to find out what's going on with each individual patient. He finds out what is happening in your body and designs a program specifically for YOUR needs. Most other doctors just give you a general diagnosis based on the general public and treat everything with pharmaceutical drugs that in the end are more dangerous and harmful that your initial ailment. Dr. Hirt uses a different approach. He finds where the imbalance or cause of the ailment comes from and prescribes natural (un-harmful) remedies to help your body HEAL itself rather than mask the illness with deadly pills. But because he is Integrative he will prescribe some pharmaceutical drugs for severe cases that need immediate strong attention, then get you back on safe herbal remedies once your body is healthier. I owe my life to him. I will never go to another doctor. Oh and for those of you that need to lose weight and every effort has failed, Dr. Hirt specializes in helping people lose weight and he is the BEST. It takes about 3 to 4 months to get your initial appointment because he's that good, but he's worth it. read more

Disappointed Again!! Several months ago, I was really sick with a sinus infection but was not able to get an appointment to see Dr. Hirt until over two months later because I was told I was no longer an established patient. I was with Dr. Hirt in years past but when I changed my insurance plan to HMO, I was no longer able to keep him as my doctor. However, this year I have PPO insurance and thought I would use him again since I had many years of good experiences with him. But, this time around, I was disappointed that his office staff/nursing staff were not able accommodate my medical needs in timely manner when I was sick. However, I took the appointment given anyway. I went to see another doctor and had the necessary lab works, prescriptions, etc. I called Dr. Hirt's office back and postponed previous scheduled appointment since I'm at the time and already had my lab work completed. This past Saturday, I had an invoice for $80 for failure to cancel within 24 hours. I spoke to Shawna the office manager, she was completely unsympathetic! I'm disappointment again!! That this office is willing to lose a potential patient over $80. I haven't been reestablished as new patient yet and they what to charge me already!! How disappointing!!! read more

Dr. Hirt is a rare find, he is an MD ( Harvard) and also practices Integrative Medicine (UCLA), which means he also combines alternative or holistic medicine in his practice. This is the best of both worlds. Unlike most MDs, he is very knowledgeable about vitamins and supplements and is not quick to whip out his pen to write out a drug prescription. I have been going to him for over 10 years, and he continues to seek out the latest information on alternative and Western medicine. I'm not the only one that likes him, as newbies have a several month wait to get an appointment. read more

I've left a review earlier, but cannot seem to access it anymore. I just want to encourage you to NOT spend your time, money and energy with Dr. Hirt. He is always very busy and even during a consultation he seems to be only half there and feels not engaged at all. As mentioned in my previous review, I spent thousands of dollars on supplements, consultations and IV therapies. But why bother, if he doesn't listen? The insomnia that I'm battling didn't get better one bit. However, and this is why I'm writing this second review, you are MUCH better off seeing Dr. Fischer, now in Van Nuys. I saw results within 4 DAYS of seeing Dr. Fischer. He truly listens and tries to help and is exceedingly knowledgeable... and all this at a fraction of the cost of what Dr. Hirt charges. Stay away from Dr. Hirt, he has a high overhead and many employees that's why his prices are exorbitant. Plus, as one of his nurses told me, she is under constant pressure to sell his personal supplements. read more

I have been seeing Dr. Hirt for well over twenty years. I work with other MDs every day as co-chair of the Nation's pacemaker committee. Dr. Hirt is the finest doctor that I know (other MDs come from all over the world to see him for their health concerns). His combination of degrees in Internal Medicine and Nutrition combined with his great interest in Eastern Medicine is an outstanding combination. More importantly, Dr. Hirt is one of the only physicians that I have ever met that is truly dedicated to prevention. He is also very quick to address acute situations (he has saved my wife and I at least twice from post op life threatening infections that other MDs/ER's misdiagnosed). Very importantly, he takes the time and extra analysis so that over time, your general health and specific factors such as blood lipids improve. If all your current GP does after a blood draw is talk to you about your CHOR/HDL ratio then run for the hills. Just one small example out of many: Dr. Hirt will look at your gradation of LDL particle sizes and determine your risk factors for building up coronary plaque. Based on his findings, he will recommend a combination of supplements, nutrition and other treatments. Over time, my LDL gradation has significantly improved (I now have more large fluffy particles which are less prone to build up on the inside of vascular walls). This is just one small example out of hundreds of things that he looks at in his approach to truly Integrative Medicine. As a medical consultant/scientist I can live anywhere there is an airport. However, Dr. Hirt is so important to my wife and I that we will never move to Seattle to be near our grandchildren (we figure that being that far away from Dr. Hirt would cost us at least ten years out of our life). Instead, we continue to live near Dr. Hirt and we fly to Seattle from Burbank on a regular basis. Yes, his office is busy and it does take a while to become a new patient. To you people that made negative comments, I suggest that instead of being frustrated, you may ask yourself a different question: Are you better off seeing a less qualified doctor where you can quickly get an appointment at any time and whose office is not busy? Trust me, he is well worth the wait. read more

I'm torn about writing this review. I love Dr. Hirt... I think he's a great doctor and I am very happy to have him as the primary care physician that does my annual check ups, etc... But on the rare occasion that I have been very sick and needed to see someone urgently, I have never been able to get in to see him. Two years ago, I got very sick while I was pregnant. My ObGyn was out of town so I wanted to see Dr. Hirt, but I couldn't get in until almost a week later. By the time I came in, he said I was getting over pneumonia and that I should have come in earlier. Seriously? Today was another example... I have had a bad cough for 10 days and am feeling really sick and scared that it's something more serious that I could pass on to my daughter, but when I called, the nurse was quite rude when she announced she had no "nurse holes" for me (I guess that's what they call appts?) but that I could in for an IV if I wanted. Uh... I don't want an IV. I have a bad cough. I want a doctor. She said I could come in next week. Maybe. Ok. That won't work for me. So... it's with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to Dr. Hirt's office for now. if at some point he focuses on fewer patients, I would love to go back. read more

i have written about dr michael hirt since i started going to him, he is a excellent md and integrative med. dr and western dr. harvard grad . 2nd in his class and a brain that is so smart and the testing he does put many md's to shame, i have to say i am a ex: nurse stopped nursing got into the beauty field as a makeup artist and skin care teacher and for 8 yrs i knew from working at many dr's office and seeing many there were many problems. i went from ucla to cedars to usc to loma linda: not all is bad. there is alot involved but the labs i had were bad from 05 to 2010, and a almost icu stay but the dr said my levels went down. i had been seeing dr michael hirt for 5 months and said i am not right, with crohn's disease in my family we thought with crohn's lab testing in san diego that all they do they said the lab it 80% correct the gi clinic in la did not believe that. we did. as dr hirt got to know me i had seen a holistic dr: i had 2 types of tests lead and mercury testing done and off the charts the toxic problems i had so had and 13 surgeries from sinus to eyes to teeth i can't explain the $ was spent. 5 yrs later i am still working sick, i had a er surgery to my sinuses and was told by my old dr to leave her in the hosp . that dr refuse. i meet dr michael hirt and he took more lead toxic testing mold testing and mercury and i said look at this rash in 05 nobody did a thing: we both said ( western blot test for lyme disease) i knew as he did: in 1 week july 2010 he said my gosh your right you have lyme disease with 4 co-infections: and i had parasites so bad and major toxic problems and toxic mold; if it was not for dr hirt testing and and they were different then the other holistic lab we were all shocked: i detox 11/2 yr and he got my immune system up with 50 to 60 supplements a day. i now am on iv med and take alot of medication to get well. he is the best. in southern ca. i worked with many i am 50 this yr. not one dr does what he does. one of a kind a yr wait but worth it: staff the best: if i could name all: kim: ann: lorinda: sandy stacy: roseorio, kylie, sharon the manager kimula so so nice they all make sure you are well taken care of, i am forgetting more people this is the ( best best office and dr in southern ca today) thanks to my cousin i was on my way out until i meet him thank you dr hirt, your changing my life and you are a gift from god: love michelle d read more

An exceptional doctor but difficult to get that first appointment. Most husbands and even men tend to be skeptical. Dr. Hirt is CUTTING EDGE. He is brilliant, a great diagnostician, and truly cares about his patients. As your primary care physician he will put you through tests that most primary care physicians don't even know about (they are so new) or cannot administer or interpret the results. I took a "leap of faith" (because my rheumatologist told me to) and went to Dr. Hirt. His office is well organized but you have to get used to the idea that you will not speak with Dr. Hirt most of the time, only when you have an appointment or leave a message to speak with him and then he calls you after his work day. You speak with his large trained staff mostly. This is a very busy office. Since I have been following his routine (which does require a lot of natural supplements that he has personally developed-he does have a degree in pharmacology too!) I feel energetic, my skin looks treat, my weight is down and staying that way, my hair is luxurious and I never got a cold or flu all winter and that is without a flue shot! Also I had fibromyalgia and it is gone! He knows his stuff but you have to give his office and the way it works time. It is very different from any primary care physician I have ever gone to. I have to say, I do get frustrated at times when I would just like to speak with Dr. Hirt and not one of his staff but when that happens I leave a message for him to call me and tell them what it is about. He has called me back with good answers. Maybe any person who is lucky enough to get into this practice on their first appointment should sit down with someone and have his office procedure and practices explained to them. I have seen patients leave this practice then beg to come back. Wish there were more doctors like Dr. Hirt in primary care. He practices mainly proactive, preventive medicine. read more

i have been going to dr. hirt for over 10 years now..i would never consider anyone else...he is the best primary, he is very smart and knows what he is talking about, i feel comfortable with him and know that he is there for me when i need him..... read more

For those used to the standard model of health care where the doctor spends five minutes with you and has a pharmaceutical for every ailment, Dr. Hirt will seem impressive. He tries to operate within the insurance model while thinking out of the box to help patients solve their health issues. I waited patiently and eagerly for eight months on his waiting list after a couple of my patients suggested I see him. I found him to have no bedside manner. I think he finally cracked a smile and seemed more relaxed by our third visit. I think I was expecting a warmer, friendlier person because of all the glowing reviews. He runs tons of tests which insurance does not always cover. The office gets around this by handing you a sheet stating which labs are covered by insurance. However the reality is you will need to ask the phlebotomist to review each lab the doctor wants and where it will be sent and then compare to this sheet. Dr. Hirt has his own line of supplements. I have no issue with targeted supplementation and was already using many before my visit. In fact, he sells hundreds of supplements. When the nutritionist called me with my lab results, she had a supplement recommendation for each lab that was off. In the allopathic model of healthcare the doctor has a pharmaceutical for each symptom. In the alternative model (Dr. Hirt bills himself as an alternative doctor), the pharmaceutical is replaced with an herb or other supplement. So instead of taking a bunch of medications you may find yourself taking a bunch of supplements but still not getting to the heart of the problem. I think I walked away with over 10 supplement recommendations. Each supplement is costly. I tried a couple that I thought would be "needle movers". I was careful not to try all of them at once because how would I know what worked and what didn't? I found that about 95% of the supplements I tried did not work for me as he continued to chase labs instead of looking at the root cause of why the labs were not right in the first place. Dr. Hirt is really into detox and anti-ageing. This is good as we all carry a toxic burden living in today's world. What Dr. Hirt didn't do is sit down and map out in a stepwise fashion, face to face, what his plan was for me. On my second and third visit he did not check in with what had been done previously. He ran more labs which showed possible viral infection but the test was general and in order to target the specific issue I would need more (expensive ) tests. He leaves a lot of the care to his nutrionist and other staff for follow up. After educating myself about my specific health issue I discovered Dr. Hirts approach would never bring me resolution because he didn't get to the root cause. Treating root cause is the functional medicine model and I will likely be seeking a doctor trained in functional medicine to address my issues. I found Dr. Hirts office staff to be friendly and accommodating and never had to wait. To sum up, many will love this doctor because he operates out of the box and still takes insurance. However you may find yourself wondering if you are just being taken once you shell out hundreds dollars for tests and supplements again and again. read more