Everything went fairly well until I was referred to a Cardiologist who could not conduct the needed procedures because his equipment was broken. After waiting 2 months with nothing changing, I contacted Dr Rivera, explained the problem and asked for a second referral to another Cardio doctor so I could get the tests done. He blew up over the phone saying; "What do you think I am, a referral service"? Well, in my mind that is exactly one of the things a primary doctor is or does for his patients. He refused to give me another referral. I called my insurance company and explained my dilemma and how I was treated. The person I talked to was shocked by the doctors actions and within days I had a new Cardio referral. But, the good doctor Rivera referred me to one in Pacific Beach. I live in Ramona. The first Cardio doctor was located in Rancho Penasquitos. So, there were no more Cardio doctors in North county or Poway? Dr. Rivera shows signs of being a Narcissist and I find his other behaviors insulting and passive aggressive. I have since fired him and moved on, but I did file a formal complaint against him with my insurance company. This disgusting human filth needs to retire as he is an insult to the profession and even more so to his patients. read more

Ridiculous voice-mail tag game. Could not confirm appointment so drove to Midland office they confirmed I had a 12:30 office appointment when Pomorado office was closed tlll 1:30 Office never returned phone calls. I woild give his office staffa 1 or lower staff. .i read more

I had to wait for an hour as a new patient with am appointment! Then goes on to tell me go find another doctor. Wow. I guess he didn't like me. He's old and grumpy. And needs to retire. Office is dirty and old. Do not recommend him. Thank God he didn't touch me or become my doctor. Let the bad fruit fall! read more

Do not go to this office. They are completely incompetent. They will neeedlessly delay your healthcare. They cannot do referrals or lab orders properly. They will gas light you and tell you that you have to use a certain lab which is not true. I am waiting on a referral for an MRI for an injury which originally they said they forgot to complete. It has been nearly 3 weeks at this point. My appointment for my MRI was cancelled due to their inability to get prior authorization. This office will try to tell you what provider or lab you have to use versus giving you choices about your healthcare. Not a single order from my last visit was done in a timely manner or in the correct manner. This is the most incompetent office that I have ever been to. Go somewhere else! I have since filed 2 grievances against them through my insurance. read more

He was very quick to judge and not helpful at all. Saw him for a minute just to hear him tell me there's nothing wrong with me while I'm sitting there in pain. I would not recommend him to anyone at all. read more

I've been debating on whether or not to leave this review. I'm not a review type person, but I'm hoping this review will save someone some time. Dr Rivera has been my husbands and my primary care Dr for a few years now. When first meeting Dr Rivera, our first opinion was he was very arrogant. But my hubby always says that drs with no bedside manners are usually the best. So I suffered through his appointments! He is always in a hurry, so be sure to get everything out in the first few seconds or you just lose out. He freaks out if you try to interrupt him while he's dictating the appt into his tablet (which he does right in front of you). Eye contact?, forget it! Also, He hates it when you have suggestions on what could possibly be wrong. He hates it if you try to be your own advocate. But believe me, if you choose him as your Dr you'll need to be your own advocate! My most recent minor examples, I had had a sore throat for a couple of weeks. He looked in my throat and said "you don't have a sore throat!". One week later I was in urgent care with Bronchitis. The next week I went in for a follow up, as recommended by the urgent care Dr. He acted irritated that I was there. He didn't like the meds I was prescribed. I also told him my ear had been completely plugged up for two weeks too and he said "your ear isn't plugged!" Seriously? If it's not plugged with ear wax, then take a couple seconds to explain the possibilities of why it's plugged. Maybe my sinuses? But anyways, that's the least of it! After he spent two minutes with me, he dictated, and proceeded to leave the room. I said " wait, are we done?" He turned around and said "yes". I said well there's a couple of things I wanted to talk to you about" ( I had recently seen a rheumatologist, who I really like, by the way, for a recent diagnosis of RA and fibromyalgia, and wanted to show him the meds so he could give his opinion, plus I wanted results from a recent mammogram which he hadn't even mentioned) This is when he showed his true colors... he turned around and came back in, slammed the door, yes, slammed the door, and throwing his hands in the air, he said " I thought you just came in for this". He was clearly irritated. I said, "well now you're making me feel like I'm wasting your time!" He said "YOU ARE WASTING MY TIME!" I couldn't believe my ears. So because I feel like Ive been treated like crap by him before I was a little prepared! I spoke up for myself and I said, "I thought I was paying you for your time!" He was so mad, he walked out the door and stood in his hallway, where everyone could hear him, and spoke loudly saying "you need to find a new doctor because what you just said offended me!" Again, I couldn't believe my ears. I offended him??? I couldn't believe that a mature professional could treat his patient that way. We come to our doctor for relief and for comfort from our ailments. He's certainly not that doctor. Needless to say, I left there in tears. But you can be sure I won't let him treat me that way again! read more

My wife and I have been patients of Dr. Rivera for several years and we would recommend him to anyone looking for a Dr. that is very personable and takes the time to listen to you. read more

After my wife fasted yet again, I took the morning off work to take her in for attempt #2 at the glucose tolerance test (see previous reviews). Since we had to bring our two children along with us for the five-hour test, we had packed up meals, snacks, books, toys and a movie to pass the time. We arrived and checked in, only to be told that they could not proceed with the test since Dr. Rivera had not provided a code or instructions indicating how much glucose my wife should be given nor how many "sticks" they should do. Our options were to wait over an hour and a half for Dr. Rivera's office to open, so they could try to reach him on the phone for those details, or we could reschedule--AGAIN. This is the second time we have prepared for and gone in for the same test which the lab was unable to perform due to mistakes by Dr. Rivera's office. read more

I was dreading the necessity of changing from a PPO doctor to a HMO. But I did my homework and found Dr. Rivera in RB and have to say I'm very happy with my choice. His office is clean and well run by a friendly staff, but he is the reason for the 5 star review! His practical and intuitive approach is a nice change from many modern day doctors. He has a nice bedside manner and is very approachable to discuss any medical issue. read more

I have come to see Dr. Marcelo for three years because his treatment is very right to my illness; he is very experienced and smart, and would like to listen to patient's situation and update his treatment plan if things got changed; plus his medical knowledge is very wide. I also introduced my wife under his treatment later. read more

Dr. Rivera is extraordinary and he continously exceeds our expectations. He is extremely knowledgeable and his staff is always helpful. Both my husband and myself use him as our primary doctor. We both have the upmost respect for him and his practice. read more