He is the best! He really takes time to answer your questions and is very knowledgeable. You never feel rushed. I have recommended him to a friend and he thought he was great too. I have never had anything serious but if I do, I am confident that I already have a great general doctor. read more

I was very impressed with Dr. Bretsky as my Primary care provider. He is very positive and you get the sense that he really cares. He takes time to listen and is one of the most comprehensive physicians I've seen. His office staff are very nice, professional and competent. They are good about phones calls and staying engaged and also were very helpful arranging paperwork I need from my doctor, once even providing same day service when I was in a time pinch. I also needed to have a thyroid lump evaluated and I was pleased to be able to do it right there in his office the same day as my physical appointment. The ultrasound tech was fabulous too, very knowledgeable and helpful answering my questions. read more

I have seen Dr Bretsky twice, he is a decent man who truly seems to care about his patients, however the same can not be said for his office staff. They are the coldest, more uncaring medical staff I have ever dealt with. Setting an appointment is difficult, but nothing compares to the nightmare of attempting to speak with Dr. Bretsky. I have been told numerous times that Dr. Bretsky is too busy to return calls and it will take days for him to get to my about my medical issue and this call will be considered a phone consultation that will be charged out of network. I have lived in many regions of this country and I can safely say that I have never dealt with less caring people. read more

Dr. Bretsky is smart, has a great bedside manner, and happily takes the time to answer all your questions. In addition, he's got a great staff who are efficient and helpful. In fact, he came recommended by an ER physician, Dr. Dan Katz--who is also amazing, who said that this would be a good GP for my (inquisitive) personality :-) read more

Dr. Bretsky is awesome. And I hate doctors...at least, I'm pretty scared and suspicious of them, as I've had chronic health problems and have had big things "missed" in the past by other docs. Dr. Bretsky was SO comprehensive with his testing, and always listened to me, and has a really friendly and comfortable demeanor. read more

The best doctor and office in town with the best bedside manner. His entire staff are A+. Even as he has moved his offices west, I still go out of my way to see them. Professional, knowledgeable and caring in a uniquely wonderful way. read more

Booked through Zocdoc and experience with the process was bad. You can blame it on Zocdoc or the office but here is what happened. Booked the appointment about a 4 days before the appt date. They didn't call to confirm until the day before and cancelled even though I did leave a message that same night. I was explained that their calendars were not synced up, which to me is something they should have managed. The appointment availability times on the site did seem like it did sync. Anyways, will be booking an appointment elsewhere as today was my day off. read more

Just had my first appointment with Dr. Bretsky. I'm nearing medicare eligibility and looking for a new internist, since my current internist is slowing down and i wanted someone younger than me. He was recommended by two doctors and that recommendation was confirmed by another highly respected specialist who did my colonoscopy, so i came in prepared for good treatment. Not disappointed. I have a varied medical history, that takes some explaining, as well as various current complaints. He listened carefully, thought about what i said and responded, and "heard" what i said (different from just listening). I'm waiting for test results, so no comment on that aspect. He expressed what seemed more than simply polite interest in who i was and why i was there, probably because i explained i was looking for a long term doctor-patient relationship, and seemed genuinely interested. He took the time to answer my questions and I'm sure i was well over my allotted time, which i was sensitive to, but he didn't rush me. Office staff seemed very nice, he has more than enough staff to handle the office, and they explained their procedures very clearly (I already knew them since I had taken my son to him first, since my son needed a physical for college). They are different than what you may be used to (no bills sent to patients, they just bill insurance, credit card automatically charged for certain things, a $15 lab fee for them to do the blood work--i could have walked down to St. Johns lab for the blood work, but it was well worth $15 to save that time), but are understandable in today's world. Accepts many insurance policies (at least all of mine, and i do have multiple coverage from my employer and my wife's employer) so no comment about cost, this was my free annual physical. Overall, pleased with his treatment and, from a lay person's point of view, he seemed very knowledgeable and competent. read more

Remember when doctors actually wanted to help people when they are ill? In today's world it seems like the organizational bureaucracy of our healthcare system and scheduling sometimes can make that impossible. Dr. Bretsky is a physican in the truest sense of the word. I was referred to him by my chiropractor and am so glad I have finally found a good doctor. He is well trained, honest, and actually listens to what you have to say. He is open to all parts of medicine and really seems interested in treating the whole person. Today I had a semi-emergency that didn't warrant a trip to the ER, but I definitely needed to see a doctor. They managed to squeeze me in and to do so they had to doublebook me with another patient. He still managed to take time for me as if it was my own personal slot. His office staff is also very helpful and incredibly organized. When you walk out all of your information is ready, they keep your credit card on file, and make the whole experience so easy. A great office and a great doctor. read more

Such a well-run office. Great for busy professionals. I've been a patient there less than a year and have already learned a lot. They've thought through what would make a better patient experience overall and put those things in place. Two examples: They put your credit card on file and will automatically bill your card if your balance due after insurance is under $100. No more having to stop and send in a $16 or $32 check. It's good for them for efficiency, but it's also good for me to have it done for me. I see an earlier post that it is without notice, but that's not true, you sign an agreement as a new patient authorizing this and providing your card number. Second, for $30 you can get your labwork done right there in the office and not have to burn another hour and appointment at a lab. I have been able to get in when needed right away, which is greatly appreciated. Most importantly, he is a smart and caring doctor who takes your concerns into account, always has a positive next step to take, and encourages your good health with real solutions, not platitudes. read more

After going to Dr. Philip Bretsky for the past 5 years, I unfortunately was told that they will no longer be able to see me unless I pay an additional fee ranging from $1,500 to $10,000. My annual appointment was back in April and they told me that they had to push it to a later time due to COVID. They kept on pushing it, which was understandable until I received a letter stating that I would need to either pay an additional cost of up to $10,000 to conduct my annual physical or I would need to go look for services elsewhere. In the letter it even states that this was in the works since 2019, so it is pretty clear that they were never going to conduct the annual physical and was just waiting to get this letter out to me. I am not sure why they would just keep pushing my appointment date instead of just telling me to go and find a new doctor. The staff was very rude and made it extremely difficult to get my records. They originally told me that they would send a CD and then a week later told me they couldn't send it to me and that I needed to go pick it up. At the office, they wouldn't answer the phones and the office door was locked. After days of leaving messages, they finally answered and I miraculously was able to get my records. I hope that anyone who reads this review will think twice about signing up with this doctor. If you are already seeing him, I hope that you cancel and find a new doctor. Even before the pandemic, Dr. Philip Bretsky was and has only been about the money. I have had several problems that he never took the time to discuss or figure out unless I committed to setting up several follow ups, etc. His office lines are always busy and you will need to leave a message which they wont return until several days later. Although this was a terrible experience, I found a new doctor that is 100 times better than Dr. Bretsky. read more

Awesome! I love this office! Everyone here is so helpful and prompt with their response time. The P.A's are knowledgeable and extremely helpful. Best office I've been to in a long time! read more

It has been about 7 years in which I have been going to Dr. Bretsky as my primary care physician and it has been a series of very good experiences. His full practice has answered all my questions thru the years and if anything arises that requires a specialist he is very well connected with the finest physician, surgeons and technicians on the West Side and in Santa Monica. I like the fact that diet, exercise and his interest in ex-athletes is a part of his focus. I danced for 20 years and there are small issues that arise in which he is very aware of the proper approach and treatment. He is attentive, kind and stays abreast of what is happening in medicine as well as recent medical research. I highly recommend him as a specialist in internal medicine. read more

I love this doctor and group. I had a horrible muscle spasm in my neck and they fit me in and were very attentive to fix the problem. The doctors and nurses are great, very friendly. Only down side is that there is limited parking on the street. In the early AM its easy, but toward the afternoon it gets tough. read more

Dr. Bretsky is the coolest! He was super nice and very helpful in helping me figure out grad school vaccinations. I also had a physical done and he was very thorough and ensured that all my concerns and questions were addressed. Honestly one of the best doctors I have ever seen, and trust me I have seen quite a few. His nurse Karen was also super sweet and made me feel very comfortable. She is great! The staff also very nice. Totally recommend this place! read more

I believe it is extremely important to have a strong relationship with your Primary Care Physician, and it only took me one attempt to find a new Doc when I moved to LA 8 years ago. When I go in for my annual physical, it's not just "hi, how ya doin?... deep breath... turn your head, cough... ok see ya next time" with Dr. Bretsky. He actually takes the time to ask questions about my health and personal life - he makes it a point to get to know me. If you don't have your health, you don't have anything, and I know my health is in great hands with Dr. Bretsky. read more

Great staff, wonderful doctor. Office is very efficient and responsive and the staff is always nice. Making appointments is easy and the office is very flexible. Dr. Bretsky is so easy to talk to, very knowledgeable, thorough and has helped me regulate various conditions with great results. I would highly recommend him. read more

I started seeing Dr. Bretsky about 5 years ago. At that time I was a bit of a mess. My numbers were not good at all. Since then he has gotten them all under control and I feel great. He is incredibly thorough, knowledgeable and has great bedside manner. I'm able to talk with him about anything that's on my mind and he has always provided me with good advice and solutions for my concerns. His staff is great - always super helpful. read more

Dr. Bretsky has been my primary care doctor for the past 8 years. I am incredibly choosy about my health care professionals, and I have been consistently impressed by the quality of service Dr. Bretsky and his PAs provide. I am in the healthcare field myself, and expect a high level of service, and have never been disappointed by Dr. Bretsky and his office. First, I have found it very easy to get same-day appointments when experiencing an issue that requires immediate attention. Second, I have some complicated medical issues, and Dr. Bretsky happily coordinates with my other treatment providers to provide the highest quality care. Third, and most importantly, Dr. Bretsky never makes me feel rushed. In this moment for health care in our country, it is extraordinarily rare to sit with a physician and feel he is ready to take the time to fully answer any and all questions. Even with seemingly small concerns, Dr. Bretsky takes the time to engage and explain all health issues. He conveys a sense of true passion in the science of medicine, and is happy to explain and educate. Dr. Bretsky is also my husband's doctor, and I deeply value the way he takes care of our family. He has a kind and warm "bedside manner" and cares a great deal about the relationships he has with his patients. If you are looking for a doctor, you have found the one. I also must rave about the office staff. From making appointments, to prescription refills, to arranging referrals, the office staff is always kind, responsive, and courteous. Calls to the doctor or the PAs are returned promptly. They remember me each time I visit the office, and treat everyone with kindness and respect. It is truly a great practice. read more

Dr. Bretsky is a top-flight, widely known and widely respected primary care physician who is smart, personable, fully up-to-date on the latest research and extremely well-connected to a panoply of specialists around town. My experience over many years is that he and his office are efficient and on top of what needs to be done, which means that they are more likely than not to jump on little problems before they become big problems. Our family is fundamentally healthy, but I had a scare a couple of years ago and his office was instrumental in getting me in front of the doctors I needed to see and in providing the necessary support so I was neither over- nor under-diagnosed and got the follow-up monitoring and care that I needed. I would take the negative reviews here with a heavy dash of salt. read more

Nice guy. Clean office. Very informative with my health concerns. Best doctor I've seen in Los Angeles.

I am new to Los Angeles and looking for a new general practitioner. I pick this doctor because of the location and reviews but boy was I wrong. I call ahead of time to ensure my insurance would be accept which the manager took all my information and said yes. I ask the manager if they could call to double check the insurance before making the appointment. They said no but gave me the tax ID number for me to call. At this point I should have realized if they will not even take the time to verify your insurance they probably are not reliable. After spending 15 mins with my insurance I verify they were in my network I called to schedule an appointment. After arriving at 3 pm which I had a appointment at 330 I fill out all paper work and waited till 4 pm which the manager calls me back and says they tried to contact my insurance but it was already closed and I would have to pay cash. I would have never been in this situation if they would have verified my insurance the first time I called. They gave no other options besides paying cash and did not even apologize for this incident. I waited for over 1 hour while 4 patients were taken back to see the doctor. Does it really take 1 hour to call and insurance company???? No parking don't validate for paying customers. Terribly managed business. read more

Great doctor and staff. Very knowledgable. I appreciate the thoroughness of their physicals. Very easy to get last minute appointments if sick. Wait times are not too long either. I recommend! read more

Dr. Bretsky is the most informed physician AND the most personable physician I have ever dealt with. I've been seeing him for over 3 years now and no matter what I've come in for he makes accurate diagnoses plus has a ton of insight about any contingencies. read more

I am very disappointed with doctor Bretsky. I had my physical done a couple of weeks ago. I guess they found something and called in a Rx to my pharmacy. But never called me. I have called several times and they tell me a PA will call me back.. it's been 5 weeks- I'm still waiting for a call. I did not pick up the meds and told the pharmacy to call the doctor back and tell him to give me a diagnosis before ordering meds for me. read more

I am writing a 5 star review, but I read the negative reviews and am sympathetic with certain things so I will address those parts, too. I have been seeing Dr. B for over a year now, and I think he's great. (And I am really picky about Drs) He has an MD and PhD and I have to respect that on principle. I normally don't care about bedside manner or friendly staff, but Dr. B is very friendly and personable and, well, you just like him. He is a great primary care doctor. When I first saw him and there were some complicated, weird things to investigate and figure out I thought he was very thorough, patient, and non-dismissive. He admits when something is beyond his expertise and he has referred me out to a couple other doctors that have been phenomenal. He laid a good foundation of tests for them to look at and they followed up and diagnosed/solved those other problems (They are my other 5 star reviews). It is true, since those initial problem solving sessions, things are a bit fast paced and he doesn't often sit down - and I would have thought that would bother me because I hate feeling rushed. (And I often feel that way with docs because I usually have so much I want to say.) But I never really do feel rushed with him. When I see him now it is for simple things, it is for sinus infections, follow up blood work, etc. I always leave with my questions answered, everything checked off the list, and if anything takes a little longer he does take time to explain it or do it. I have faith that if I had another complicated issue that he would take the same time he did in the beginning. I think he runs the most efficient office I've ever seen. He uses a tablet in the appointment and by the time you leave, meds have been called in to your pharmacy and labs ordered (depending on where you're going). I could see how the demeanor or pace of things could be unsettling if you weren't used to it or you felt like you couldn't keep up or only thought of questions after you left, etc. and if it bothers you, it's a valid point. But I personally don't feel like he cuts corners, more that he just doesn't waste time. (Hey, it's a tough medical world out there - the whole system is making it harder and harder for doctors to stay in business. Dr. B is the only Dr. I see that actually is in network for my insurance anymore and I am really grateful for that.) I end up just feeling like I have to up my game to keep up with him, be direct and prepared. It probably that efficiency that allows him to almost always be on time and to be able to take appointments on short notice and squeeze people in. If I've gotten sick, I've always been able to see him the same day or next day, and that is important for me in a primary care doc. I have never had a problem with his staff, and they have always been pleasant. I called once in a panic because I was out of town to take my board exams in 2 days and thought I was coming down with another sinus infection. They called in a Rx of antibiotics the same day to a pharmacy near me. The times that my blood work came back normal he has not followed up, but the time I had abnormal blood work and an abnormal x ray he called on his day off. All in all I really like him and trust him, I think he focuses his time where it is needed. read more

Well, sorry to have to do this. I went looking for a new doctor on my insurance plan (is this an example of you get what you pay for?) and had my blood drawn in the office -- you pay extra for this by the way. No one called with the results. I had to call 6 weeks later and asked to have the doctor call on my home phone. Nope! A nurse called on my cell to "give me the results." No apology and no doc. Back the drawing board. Is there a doctor out there on my insurance -- any insurance -- that is thorough, cares and intelligent?? read more

I've been a patient of Dr. Bretsky for 3 years now. From the office staff, to the P.A., to the Dr. himself, every encounter has been stellar. When I'm sick they are always able to squeeze me in to see either Bretsky or the physicians assistant on the same day. Dr. Bretsky also takes time to listen to any patient concerns. A+++ experience! read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Bretsky's for about 10 years now. I have had several insurance carrier changes (due to change in jobs) but one thing that stayed consistent is having Dr. Bretsky as my primary doctor. Yeah, he gets busy but name a good doctor that isn't? He is knowledgeable, empathetic and always listens. Isn't this what we all want from a doctor? The PAs here are also awesome, so if the doc is booked, I have no problem seeing one of the PAs. I always recommend him to everyone I know. Thumbs up Dr. Bretsky! read more

This doctor should not be Allowed to treat a cockroach. His bedside manner is rude and condescending. When I called him as he was on call and I was admitted as his patient in hospital he called me disruptive. I was calling with questions about my care while I'm terrible pain. His rude attitude and payment policy make it clear he is privates by fees not happy patients. As I sit here crying in pain like to warn others of his lack of integrity. read more

Been going for 4 yrs because he is competent not because he has good beside manners, a good staff, or is cheap because none of that is the case. He is slightly over priced, gets you in and out with quick small talk and never personally discusses your lab results with you. Delegates much to his staff which is mediocre. My latest tests wEre received last week but they overlooked getting back to me and will get on it tomorrow. read more

Let's just say I decided to sign up for YELP just to write Dr. Bretsky a review. It is SERIOUSLY hard to find a good Doc in L.A. and I have been hesitant about even seeing a primary care doc since I moved here 7 years ago.....YES......I said 7 years ago. That means, I haven't been to a doc in 7 years. I was very reluctant because I've heard how impersonal some Doc's in LA can be. Meeting with Dr. Bretsky FAR exceeded my expectations. He took his time, got to know me and my fiancee while we were in the office, and was detailed with even just my routine physical. His office staff is friendly, and they actually pick up the phone when you call (as dumb as that sounds - I have waited on hold 45 minutes just to book an appt at some places in LA). His nurse got back to me a little over a week with all my test results. She took her time on the phone - I never felt rushed - or that she had a list of other people to call and had to go. She allowed me to ask any questions I had about the results before we hung up. Dr. Bretsky was super cool too - basically saying he's accessible 7 days a week by phone. In case of emergency we can definitely call whenever/on weekends/at any time. Not that I would take advantage of this, but the fact that he offered just made him so much more legit in my eyes. He was easy going, super chill, never made me worry about any issues I was having. I am so glad to say that after 7 years in LA, I FINALLY HAVE A PRIMARE CARE DOC that I feel good about. And the best part is, it's blocks away from my home. Thank you Dr. Bretsky!!! read more

I have been going to Dr. Bretsky for over 7 years and he and his staff are wonderful. They can provide all necessary services and or referrals to specialists in the area that they know and trust. read more

This doctor used to be good but he's always in a rush now and you feel like your not worth his time. His staff is rude and you have to call the office three to four times to get a returned phone call when you have questions regarding your prescription. It's interesting how the office will call you regarding a $20 bill but will not call you back when you have issues with a prescription. Dr. Bretsky will also take his time getting back to you... I have been going to Dr. Bretsky for four years and I'm sad to say that I will not be back! The service has completely gone down. read more

My father is a Medicare patient. These people charge Medicare patients and extra $1,000 fee every year as their mark up for services. That's not fair to people who live on fixed and low income. read more

Dr. Bretsky is amazing, my husband and I have been going to him for many years.the office is great and organized. we love him and we will continue going to him. Besides being professional, he is very nice and caring. read more

I've been a patient of Dr. Bretsky's for 5+ years, and there's no other physician who I'd rather see. Dr. Bretsky is great - he is patient and actually takes time to listen to your concerns and questions. It's easy to make an appointment with him, and if he's not available (for example, if he's on vacation), then you can also see his physician's assistant who is great and friendly also. read more

I have been going to Dr. Bretsky for over 3 years since I first moved to LA. He genuinely cares for his patients and is such a knowledgeable doctor. What I really like about his practice is that he tries to get to the root of your issue and only prescribes what is really needed. I've had certain doctors (though with good intention) sometimes overdiagnose symptoms and prescribe unnecessary medicine, which is pretty frustrating and can confuse patients. Dr. Bretsky is the opposite! He really listens and takes a careful route on a course of treatment (all the while taking the time to explain to you what is going on). Speaking from my own experience, almost every time, my symptoms were solved. I really trust Dr. Bretsky and his practice. His staff is pretty friendly and helpful as well. read more

Love Dr. Bretzsy and his PA Jenna. They always have time to answer all my questions. I've been seeing him for years and couldn't be happier. They're all digital, which is great -- they have all my medical history at their fingertips, which is great because they remind you of things you've forgotten and make links that you didn't even think about. They are great with referrals too. I love the front office staff too -- always very friendly in-person and via phone. read more

Never got to see the doctor, was so fed up after the 3rd attempt to make an appointment, I decided not to. I called the first time and was put on hold for 7 minutes, no one came back to the line so I hung up. I called right back and lo and behold someone answered and when I said I would like to make an appt, her first question was my insurance. I told her and she transferred me to another dept without telling me she was doing that. Then someone else came on the line and started to explain a prepaid program I must join to be able to use my medicare and my Blue Shield insurance.I said I was not interested in joining any plan so he then said I could come in for the initial appointment and decide afterwards. He promptly transferred me back to the rude receptionist to make the appointment and disconnected me I called back a 3rd time!!! She said she would not make the appointment and transferred me back to the gentleman, I hung up! What a horrible experience. She never asked me who referred me, what was wrong, nothing about me simple my insurance which by the way is Blue Sheild PPO -they are providers and Medicare. You will never pass go at this office turn around and run!! I hope the doctor sees this, if not probably more important for prospective patients read more