I have been a pateint of Dr. O'Carroll for many years now (at least 15) and have to agree with the reviews below. The office staff is usually nice unless you complain or argue about anything, then they turn so ridiculously rude, I wish I had kept my mouth shut--which I do now! Lesson learned! They very rarely answer the phone and if you leave a message, getting a return call is even more rare. When it's time to get refills on prescriptions, my pharmacy has to contact them several times before giving up and asking me to contact them. Then I usually have to leave several message, which they do not respond to, so I have to keep calling until I finally get someone to answer and then, even though they tell me they will take care of it, it ALWAYS takes several more calls before it actually gets taken care of. This is when it gets very hard not to get angry and complain about things, but then I imagine I would NEVER get my refills! Now they have moved their office and I was told they would be closed last week for the move, but it is still impossible to get through to them today, I keep getting an automated message that the subscriber I'm trying to reach is unavailable with no way to leave a message (not that it would help). That is what prompted me to log on to Yelp, trying to find a website so I could send an email because, once again, I have a refill request that I've been trying to get filled for a couple of weeks now. I submitted my request a week before they were closed for their move; I didn't even try last week because I knew they were closed but now, I still can't get a hold of them. Finding these reviews that reflect my own feelings has given me the push I need to find a different doctor and I suggest anyone reading this do the same and don't waste time with this one!!! read more

Dr . Phillip O'Carroll is by far-the best physician I have ever had oversee my care, accurately diagnose and treat my co-morbid conditions, and genuinely listen to his patients. I had undergone over 20 orthopedic surgeries before I became a patient of Dr. O'Carroll's. At the time of presentation, I suffered from severe, chronic pain in my left knee, lumbar and thoracic spine, chronic daily migraines, and severe cervical pain on a daily basis. I also presented with TRD (? Treatment resistant depression.). The majority of my medical issues were linked/occasion by a right hip fusion and approximately eight months of age. Dr. Ocarroll gave me hope when I had very little. he addressed my migraines and treated them. He also addressed my pain. He is a phenomenal Doctor Who listened. read more

This is solely for the front office. Never in my life have I been asked to verify my own insurance to check if it's covered for the doctor's visit. Never. Do your job. If I'm referred to your office and I'm calling to schedule an appointment and I can provide whatever info I need to, but don't make me do your job for you and waste my day. read more

What can I say about this most wonderful doctor except he is totally awesome and amazing !!! I've been seeing him for about 4-5 years now and I will never ever stop seeing him. He's my favorite doctor and friend. Very thorough with his examinations of you and diagnoses. He is not one to over medicate you or tell you that you need to do something you don't need. This man is BRILLIANT beyond words !!! He has saved my life and I will never ever forget that and I will always be grateful for his kindness and love. The staff is amazing also !!! I just love his receptionist/assistant Gladys She is on top of her game. Thank you Dr. O'Carroll !! read more

I've had migraines since I was young, but they've gotten worse in the last few years. I'm so grateful for Dr. O'Carroll and his staff for all of their care and immense patience. Dr. O'Carroll and P.A. Sally Tilsen are truly the best. They're especially in-tune to their patients' needs. They do everything they can to help, and I've know of other people they've worked with and feel the same as well. Although there is no quick fix for some migraines, I will always appreciate what Dr. O'Carroll and his staff do. They try to get me in quickly and are always friendly and helpful. read more

5 stars all the way for Dr. O'Carroll. What a knowledgable, kind and confident Dr. He set my mind at ease and he was very thorough with his diagnosis. I never felt rushed and am ever so thankful that a Dr. like him still exists! Highly recommend him to everyone. Thank you, Dr. for everything! Very grateful for you and your expertise. read more

What a fabulous Dr. Dr O'Connell is brilliant and caring, he figured out my problem right away, after being in excruciating pain for over 5 years. Thank you Dr. O 'Connell read more

This is my FAVE MD office! Not only is Dr. O AMAZING at solving/ addressing options for my migraines, but he is very focused on getting help for each patient. I've had VERY BAD migraines since I was a teen (I'm a Sr now!), and have been to 5 neurologists over my life who pretty much gave up on me as their approaches/meds didn't work! Not only did Dr. O'Carroll (and Sally) stick w/me in trying different combo's of relief meds, etc., over the years (Some meds/preventatives would work for awhile and then my body would build up a tolerance and we had to try new approaches!), but they (AND the office staff!) are some of the MOST COMPASSIONATE people that I have ever met! I cannot thank this Doc (and Sally) and the entire office enough! They have been SO kind to me, especially when they are seeing challenging patients all day long, like me, who just want relief from our pain/suffering. Can't be easy to address as they don't do "cookie-cutter" approaches like the other neurologists. They really customize and want to help! Thank you for giving me my life back, Dr. O (and Sally!)! ETERNALLY GRATEFUL!!! read more

I am from Wisconsin and spending the winter with my daughter in Ladera Ranch, on purpose, to see Dr. O'Carroll. I was diagnosed with Occipital Neurolgia with extremely painful headaches and scalp pain. I made appt with Dr O'Carroll 3 months prior to today. I only made the one appt call in the 3 months, with all of my information and Insurance. Upon arrival at 945a for a 10a appt, the front office personnel were extremely rude to me. Gave me papers to fill out, asked for my ID and insurance card. At 11a they told me that they didn't forget me, but my appt was at 1130 (which it was not). Then at 1145 they told me that they checked with their billing department and they don't take my HMO insurance. I told them to look on the card again, it says PPO. She argued with me about it, then called the billing department and they said, that's true: it is a PPO. But we don't take that insurance. I said it was a supplement to Medicare and she told me that Medicare is now secondary and not primary. Medicare supplements are for the patient: to pay for whatever Medicare doesn't cover. She told me I had to pay $400 to see the Dr. This only covers to see him, no tests are anything else he would prescribe. They have had all of my information for 3 months. And they had it again for 3 hrs this morning. Now after waiting for 3 months, I didn't get to see Dr. O'Carroll. I called my insurance company and they said my PPO supplement Medicare should be taken anywhere. At this point I am not sure if this is Dr. O'Carroll's policy that his office acts like this, or if this is his front office behavior. I walked out crying which was tremendously bad for the reason I was there to begin with. After all of this, I find it hard to believe the doctor is sympathetic to anything " read more

Unfortunately after 3 years of seeing Dr. O' Carrol I have to write this review. I think Sally and Dr. O Carrol are brilliant and very educated however the office is so poorly run it's not even worth it to go there. Today was the last straw when I showed up and was told "your appointment has been canceled...you called and cancelled if" I did not call and cancel it. This has happened on multiple occasions along with collecting co-pays after I have met my deductible, not updating medications, not sending prescription medications to pharmacy...the list goes on. Very hard to get appointments, although has gotten a bit better but now...but when I show up apparently they will just say it got cancelled. :/ Do I get a a cancelation fee for it being cancelled? I think not :( read more

My husband and I found Dr. O'Carroll to be extremely patient, very knowledgeable, unrushed and an excellent listener, not to mention fun and engaging. We are still getting to the bottom of any concerns for my husband but came home knowing we are in excellent hands and waiting for our appt was well worth the wait. Elizabeth B read more

Dr. O'Carroll really loves injecting Botox! I am sure it is a great income source for him with the patient's cash copay and the insurance company reimbursement. They do not answer the phone and you get the office voice mail. Don't expect a call back. I had to call multiple times just to get in and see him. Yes, he is well-credentialed, but made me feel like just a number when I tried to talk to him about my headaches. Botox was not successful for me, but he was insistent on this protocol. I was his patient for a few years and then found a new headache specialist who accurately diagnosed and offered effective therapy for my migraines. Do not go here. read more

I was referred to Dr. O'Carroll and staff by my primary care doctor several months ago. I am 62 years old and have suffered with migraines since I was 8. Recently, in the past 5 years or so, I developed chronic migraine. Almost every day was a migraine day. One visit to Dr. O'Carroll changed my life. He gave me 3 injections and I have not had a migraine since. The office staff is professional, compassionate, and friendly. I highly recommend this Dr. and his amazing staff and cannot ever thank them enough for changing my life. read more

I agree with other reviewers. The lack of professionalism is unbelievable. I have left numerous messages with no response. Dr. O' Carroll's assistant, Gladys knows what she is doing, but getting ahold of her takes an act of Congress, not to mention trying to get an appointment. Even after being a patient for over 7 years they act as if they don't know who you are. Once you do get in Dr. O'Carroll spends all of 10 minutes with you and acts as if he is doing you a favor. Seek treatment and help elsewhere!!! read more

I have been going to Phil for a number of years. He has a very busy practice, and at times that is evident. However, I have found him to be caring and very professional. And he knows his stuff! His office staff also seems to be more on top of things these days. read more

I am really glad I found Dr O Carroll he is professional and extremely knowledgeable I couldn't be happier. He has saved me from migraine pain for good I adore the staff. I no longer take any meds. read more

Wow, I too called dr ocarrols office trying to schedule an appt in July and didn't hear back until weeks later, got a call leaving a message with a staffing issue excuse. Then I was having lunch recently with a friend and she had the same problem with this dr. I didn't bother calling back myself but she persisted only to discover it would be 4 months to see this dr. and she was in intense pain. It's very insensitive and unprofessional to not return calls to your patients, especially when they are in as desperate a condition as my friend was. She found another dr. and I did the same but it looks like this is an on going issue here. You'd think such a busy dr could easily afford better or more office staff. Not a good sign. read more

Dr. O'Carroll and his team have been an absolute Godsend to my health! I have been coming here for almost four years now. I left Kaiser because I was so limited on specialists who could treat my chronic migraines and locked jaw. They referred me to the proper pain specialist, ortho surgeon and continue to treat me on a regular basis with professionalism, care and compassion. I finally feel back to myself and with gratitude give the utmost appreciation and respect to Dr. O'Carroll, Dr. Makki, Sally (PA) and the office team. They helped me find my smile again. read more

if you are a woman and you have an ongoing condition where Dr O'Carroll's treatment has failed then be sure that he will blame it on you for being a woman and his exact words to me were "all women come to my office and start crying and complaining of pain and the treatment does not work because there is nothing to treat". read more

Best Neuro Doc ever. His PA Sally has beyond exemplary diagnostic skills. The office staff cares about the patients. Highly recommend

I would not recommend this doctor or his practice to anyone. I gave one star because it isn't an option to give 0 stars. Dr. O'Carroll is exalted as the "go to" doctor for migraines by many other doctors & neurologists, mainly because he has a migraine program. I can't say what this program is because I never saw evidence of anything that worked. Initially he is interested, but this is short-lived. Shortly thereafter, he's made a "decision" about you and becomes outright rude, perfunctory and rushed if what he's suggested hasn't helped you; as all he wants to hear is that he has helped you. Otherwise, expect to be dismissed by him and passed onto his PA (Physician's Asst.). Sally, the PA, is not any better, and is a female version of Dr. O'Carroll. There was no improvement with my migraines for the years I stuck with this practice, it was clear that Dr. O'Carroll had other tools at his disposal that he choose not to utilize, Sally was the person I had to deal with, and it became too difficult and unpleasant to deal with this doctor and his practice. After a certain period of time, as others have said, the staff becomes rude, argumentative, and uninterested. As for Dr. O'Carroll himself, he is arrogant, rude, patronizing, condescending and not a doctor I'd seek treatment from. Leaving this practice was the smartest decision I ever made, I just wish I had left sooner. It seems there aren't that many doctors in Orange County that help people with chronic migraines; the ones that do don't take insurance. If you are really in need of help and suffering with chronic pain and a neurologist has been unable to help, skip Dr. O'Carroll and call UCLA, pain management doctors, nutritionists, seek physical therapy and other holistic therapies to see if they will help you. But you won't find help with Dr. O'Carroll's office. If you're not sure about this review, check vitals, health grades, etc. and you will see that there are many people that say similar things to what I have said; the conditions may be different but the end result is the same. This doctor is awful to deal with. read more

Don't try and make an appointment, you won't get a call back, the staff is rude, and argumentative. If that is how they treat you as a prospective patient just think how you will be treated once your a patient. read more

Dr O'Carroll is very knowledgeable and professional. He took a keen interest in my ailment and was very thorough in getting to the root cause and then referred my case to a specialist. read more

I started seeing Dr. O'Carroll (I have M.S.) 4 years ago...haven't actually seen him in 3 years because he passed me off to Sally Tilsen, his P.A., because I don't think my case was interesting enough. Sally is great, although a little flighty, and it's impossible to get return phone calls. read more

I don't feel the doctor takes the time to get to the crux of why you have the migraines in the first place. He did send me to get an MRI and got my history, but I feel like he just likes to prescribe away and spends about 5 minutes with you. Not worth paying the higher co-pay. My biggest issue is with his office staff. His office staff are the WORST and I mean the WORST about calling back, getting authorizations for medications (and he charges for that and extra fee), mixing up appointment scheduling, responding to calls from pharmacists, etc. For being at Hoag and part of the Hoag network, it's a disgrace. read more

Dr. O'Carroll was recommended to me by my OB-GYN, my physiologist/sports medicine doctor, and my Inner-Ear specialist. All 3 are nationally ranked in the top 100 of their field, and all named Dr. O'Carroll as the one doctor who would probably identify the neurological and migraine-like pain I was suffering from for over 10 years. Other neurologists I had seen also mentioned his name and described him as brilliant but intimidating. Dr. O'Carroll IS brilliant, and I did not find him intimidating in the least. I brought detailed and meticulous notes about my symptoms, triggers, and past exams and medications, so our initial conversation was very effective. He quickly diagnosed my neurological condition which other specialists had failed to diagnose for over 10 years. I have been going to him ever since. He works with me on what medicines or rehab activities work for me, he listens to and cares about my feedback, and even studies non-traditional treatments that I bring to his attention. Since I am very attuned to my body's and brain's responses to any stimuli and medications, and I am able to give him specific and literate descriptions of both my symptoms and my responses to treatment methods, so we make an excellent doctor-patient team. I can understand some people feeling that he's arrogant, since brilliant academics and researchers can appear that way to a lay person, or to patients who are used to being "babied," or who are seeking a "magic pill." However, I want a doctor who is at the top of the latest neurological findings, and who looks at medicine as research and dynamic, and open to new treatments. I also know that neurological and pain treatments are not a one-step solution. Dr. O'Carroll is such a doctor. He explains procedures, conditions, and symptoms whenever I ask. I have also recommended friends who suffer from migraines to him, and they loved him! While it is sometimes hard to get non pre-scheduled/new appointment with him, because of his research and teaching schedule, his very knowledgeable PA, Sally Tilson, can usually see you right away, or his partner, the awesome, soft-spoken, and brilliant Dr. Ali Makki also makes himself available to patients if Dr. O'Carroll cannot see you right away. Gladys, Dr. O'Carroll office manager and main front desk person has often worked extra hard to take care of necessary paperwork for me. I don't know when this lovely woman sleeps!! read more

I have been a patient here for a few years now and I can say that I've never had one negative experience. From the Dr. to the staff everyone is always doing their best to make sure patients are being taken care of in a timely and efficient manner. Dr. O'Carroll is very knowledgeable. The office manager Gladys is so kind and is very attentive towards the patients needs. I look forward to all of my visits here. I would definitely recommend this practice to family and friends. read more

I rarely write Yelp reviews, but felt I needed to here. I've left 4 messages to schedule an initial appointment and only heard back once (I missed the call and it went to voicemail). Since then, I haven't heard back despite leaving those many voicemails. Being in customer service, I have to say this is a pretty awful service model. 1) there's only a voicemail box to leave a message for the office and 2) even when you leave a message (or multiple), you aren't acknowledged. If you're too busy to have a phone line that someone actually picks up, then maybe you need to hire more office staff. Just a thought. read more

Dr O'Carroll and his staff (especially Sally his PA) are the best ! I can't recommend them highly enough !

Wow. For the first time in a long time I found a Doctor who took the time necessary to listen to my concerns which completely renewed my faith in Modern medicine locally here in Newport Beach. Everybody around here is always in a hurry & is on a very tight schedule. I cannot tell u how many times that I have felt rushed in & out of doctor's visits in about 5-10 minutes without getting to explain my situation to various other doctors around town here. Very much not the case with Dr. O'Carroll. He came into the room calmly & was very well dressed, a sure sign of professionalism, and proceeded to sincerely ask me all about my medical & personal history. After listening carefully to everything I had to say, he carefully explained some simple options & assured me that he had a good plan & course of action for me. To me this seems to be the very basic essence of what someone should be looking for in their physician. It was simply: "One of the best Doctor visits that I had ever experienced!" Just knowing that the Doctor seemed to care about my well being & has a plan of attack is very reassuring & comforting to know. He even took a few moments to tell me some of his personal stories about his background & his career in Medicine. Also another note of importance, one of his office administrators Gladys was very welcoming & delightful to talk to during my visit there. It helped to make my experience visiting Dr. O'Carroll a pleasure instead of a task or chore as it is at some of the other doctors around town. read more

Amazing Dr with a wonderful staff. Dr. O' Carroll makes you feel right at home while listening to your concerns. He was a wonderful and kind Dr. that has been able to take my three times a day headaches, down to at most three times a month!! That is a major accomplishment in my life!! I can't thank him enough! read more

Dr O Carroll is an amazing docter !! The office manager Gladys is super amazing too ! sweet ,patient & hardworking and so kind every time i show up she goes out off her way for my wife with all her needs thank you so much Gladys god bless you. read more

I have been a long time patient of Dr. O'Carroll. I see him for MS. I the past few years he has become uninterested and aloof. It is really unfortunate that he has become such a jerk, because he is extremely knowledgable and intelligent. read more

My opinion is that this Doctor is not accepting new patients. My GP referred me to Dr. O'Carroll in Oct 2013. It has been a frustrating experience trying to get an appointment. After 10 months I still have not been able to see the Doctor. He has cancelled three times at the last minute. Most appointment dates are at least 3 to 4 months out. It is impossible to have any communication with the office. The phone just rings and rings and rings. Leaving a voicemail is useless. It might be easier on new patients if the Doctor relied and said "hey ... I am booked solid lecturing and speaking and I won't be accepting new patients until 2017". Please dont waste your time. I would recommend that your referring Doctor use someone else. read more

I am not sure why anyone would be unhappy with Dr.O'Carroll. He is is brilliant and kind physician. I am an RN, BSN, MSN and he is the best. If you are in need of a caring and very knowledgeable physician he is your doc. The office is large and I guess some people are insecure about the facility. But, I have known this doc for many many years and he is great. I have had migraines for 50 years so I know what hideous pain is--he helped me. His staff are efficient and some are new and some have been with him for years. Just have an open mind and some patience. It was a large amount of paperwork--so what?? Yes, it took months to get an appointment but it was worth it. I drive very far to see him--it is worth it. If you want someone to hold your hand for hours and be really buddy buddy hes NOT your guy. Good luck and stay healthy. read more

I have been seeing Dr. O'Carroll for numerous years regarding my chronic migraines and have found him to be very knowable and understanding. He has been able to reduce my migraines from thirty (30) a month to about eight (8) a month. He has made a significant improvement in my life. Gladys has been very helpful also, as has Nadine. The staff there is very busy, however I have found them to go out of their way to assist me with my appointments or requests for prescription refills. My insurance requires I see the PA, Sally, every so often for a check up, so I can continue my visits with Dr. O'Carroll. Sally has also been very pleasant and very caring. I'm not sure why these other people are having such a hard time with the doctor and the staff, but I used to drive two (2) hours to see Dr. O'Carroll, when I first started to see him. Thankfully, I now live within twenty (20) minutes. Thanks to everyone at the office for everything!!! read more

Dr O'Carroll is thorough and patient. He has helped me during a time of crisis. I would recommend him to anyone.

Things have really improved at the office. They added some more staff and now response times have improved. They also recommend and work with a great pain management group - Newport coast headache and pain...so glad to be much more pain free now. read more

I went to see Dr. O'Carroll a few years ago for a constant headache above my right eye. I have had migraines for years so I knew this was not a migraine but just an annoying headache on one side of my head. He took a look at my medications and asked me a few questions and quickly decided that I was a stress case with mild anxiety! WOW!! After maybe 7 minutes you can make a decision like that. Wanted me to start taking Lexapro and Klonopin and also thought giving me some botox would do the job. I asked him if we should get an MRI to make sure there was nothing really wrong? He immediately mocked me by saying, "oh yes why don't we waste more money and get an MRI so you can feel better". REALLY? Anyways, I left there pretty sure the guy was a head case himself and so EGOTISTICAL, I went back once to get the MRI. About 6 months later a friend who worked for an Endodontist asked me if I had any old root canals on that side of my mouth that the headache was on. In fact I did and when I went to her Dr., Dr. Ipp, he took a 3D xray and found that there was an infection inside my old root canal. He went in 2 times to try and clear the infection which had spread to my sinus area, before removing the entire tooth which was completely rotted and infected. My 4 year headache finally went away!! THANK GOD I didn't stay with Dr. O'Carroll who would have just kept Botoxing my head and charging me a fortune for it BTW!!! I can't believe I waited 6 months to see this guy, not worth the wait, results, and terrible manner in which he treats women!! Seriously, people if you are suffering with bad headaches or earaches have all your teeth checked!! I started taking a Beta Blocker for my migraine and it went away completely. There are pretty simple remedies for migraines. I highly recommend Dr. Elahi in Mission Viejo. He is very good and got my migraine with the first medicine he prescribed after looking at my meds and talking to me for about 15 minutes. No harsh judging either!!! read more

I was so happy that my other doctor's office recommended him back in 2004. I've been suffering w/ migraines 7yrs before I came to him & was officially diagnosed w/ them. He changed my life to where I had a life. Imitrex injections are what work for me & no I don't like doing self injections, but it's better than being sick to such a lowly & horrifying state. If it were not for Dr. C. Philip O'Carroll & his staff, I don't know where I'd be. I'm so grateful that he listens to his patients & his knowledge of my condition is so appreciated! He is at the HOAG Neurosciences Institute & it's wonderful to have someone treat me. It's been a long road, but doctor visits to him & my medication make it possible for me to lessen my suffering. That is priceless. read more