Out of sheer inertia, I had been with Dr. Chavez for years until finally becoming fed up and switching to a much more dedicated and focused physician. Dr. Chavez is disorganized, spacey, long-winded to the point of being confusing and lately I think borders on the unethical. Long standing problems have also included the interminable wait times at any clinic where Dr. Chavez works. I am talking two hour-plus waits before you get called in. The staff openly complain about him and apologize to the patients, it's all due to the way he repeats himself, forgets basic information, misplaces files, etc... I think this might be part of the reason he has been changing clinics so much. But the latest event that just really broke my heart was having a front row seat and watching the way Dr. Chavez just dumped patients. About two months ago I was waiting to see him (another two hour wait) and saw patient after patient show up for scheduled appointments only to be informed that Dr. Chavez was no longer taking their insurance starting on THAT day. One elderly guy explained that he had been seeing Dr. Chavez for twenty years and was there for a follow up visit because he was in the middle of treatment that Dr. Chavez prescribed for an infection. Could he be seen one last time? No. Would Dr. Chavez come out and explain what he should do next? No. Dude was weeping. It really chilled my blood. I saw three patients turned away that day and each was totally surprised; no one had called them. I was so gobsmacked that I went home and googled recommended protocols for when clinics change which insurance they take. Turns out clinics are suppose to offer notice, referrals and still accommodate patients who are in mid-treatment for something. Dr. Chavez did none of that. Cold hearted, if you ask me. Even though I wasn't affected, I just couldn't see myself going back to Dr. Chavez. His long standing disorganization now seems cruel to me. When I found a new PCP I asked her what her clinic does in these situations and she said they give THREE MONTH notice, give referrals to patients and set up a transition plan for them. When I told her how Dr. Chavez had handled the change she raised her eyebrows and said, No comment. read more

DO NOT SCHEDULE ON NYU WEBSITE!! I came in for an appointment at 5pm leaving work and was told that Dr.Chavez was unable to see me as this appointment was never available. I am a manager for another hospital outpatient organization, I found this highly unprofessional and inconvenient. The Doctors secretary should be checking these errors as this was not a last minute appointment. This appointment was on the schedule for 2 weeks. Dr.Chavez's secretary was not empathetic or interpersonal at all and only offered me for the next day at 12:00pm. I suggest this office speak of having more attention to detail as patients schedule their days according to appointments. I was very upset to have wasted my time and travel. Accommodating me would have been continuing the visit with a physician assistant but this was not an option upon request. I do not recommend this place, front desk were the best part of the office. read more

I've been trying to write this review for too long, trying to capture Dr. Chavez's charisma and charm but I could do him no justice. So instead I will just say that I love Dr. Chavez. He is the best doctor I've ever had and wouldn't change him for the world. I've been going to him for 4 years or so and I love him so much I would pay out of pocket if I had to. Sucks to be you, though, because he only takes referrals from current patients, so no cold calls and no stalking me. read more

I happen to like this doctor. However his staff is so unresponsive arrogant dismissive and obnoxious that I would not recommend him or anybody at Tisch health center for any reason. read more

I've been seeing Dr. Chavez for about a year now. I had been trying for about 6 months to get into his practice as a new patient, and was not able to without the help of two of my friends who are patients of his. Dr. Chavez is one of those hard-to-find doctors, who truly cares about his patients. Despite the long wait to see him - even with an appointment - he sits with you for however long he needs to understand your problems/concerns, which usually leaves me feeling calm and with peace of mind. I never feel rushed or uncomfortable when he's talking to me. He's very attentive and a great listener! He has a large gay clientele, so he is very knowledgeable in gay men's health and issues, and I never feel awkward talking to him about my lifestyle. He's reachable 24/7 in case of an emergency. After my first visit, he provided me with his mobile number for emergencies only. I had to call him once because I was in bed with Strep Throat, which he was able to diagnose over the phone and immediately called in a prescription of antibiotics. I did not have to be inconvenienced to see him in person, which prevented me from getting even more sick. He's by far the best family doctor I've ever had. If you're lucky to become his patient, you'll understand what I mean. read more

As great a doctor as he is, his wait times are ridiculous...just freaking ridiculous. Love him, I really do. But can we please get on schedule? I keep going, which for a patient without a pinch of patience, tells you about him as a doctor and a person. When my cobra ran out and I was unemployed offered to see me if anything were to happen to my health without any cost for visit. Hence my loyalties. But if you do go to him, you will wait...and wait...and wait some more! read more

Robert Chavez is a great doc however waiting time is really long!!! Good: 1. Chavez takes his time to explain everything till u understand. 2. Very caring 3. Has warm heart 4. i was waiting my blood test result and Doc.Chavez called me not admin ppl. again, he is very careing guy. Bad: 1. Waiting time is 40-60 mins!!! 2. Office admin tells u that u can't be late. Funny thing is that you go there on time but u will wait at least 40mins for sure. If u don't mind to wait to see him ten u can make an appointment. Unfortunately, I will change my primary doc cuz I can't wait 40 mins everytime I go visit him! read more

Dr. Chavez is an incredible practitioner. I care a lot about heath and well being, and also studied public and community health in graduate school. I've seen a few primary care physicians in NYC, and Dr. Chavez is by far the most caring, warm, and knowledgeable. He sees his patients holistically, and spends a lot of time getting to know you. I couldn't believe we spent almost an hour chatting at our first appointment. Our conversations have been very enlightening, particularly about medicine (I talked with him about my interest in going to med school). Medicine is his passion, and he has devoted himself to his craft. Please make sure to allow wait time to see him - the one caveat is that because he takes his time with each patient and is in no rush, other patients tend to wait a while (30 to 60 minutes). It's worth it! He is clearly a great networker, and has excellent professional relationships with specialists who you may need to be referred to. All referrals have been top notch. While the majority of his patients might be men, I know he is cares for his patients regardless of gender/gender identity and sexuality. I highly recommend him for queer, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender folks (trans men and women), as well as people living with HIV/AIDS. His work supporting a broad range of individuals demonstrates strong advocacy for underserved communities. I feel really fortunate to be able to work with him. read more

New York City Is lucky to have Dr. Chavez. He's been my G.P. for 6 years, and he's been a source of encouragement and support throughout. Very professional, while sympathetic and personable. His staff ( Samoan ) are friendly and helpful. I wish the Bay Area had a Doctor & a Staff like them. Thank you read more

Doctor is REALLY good. Office staff is somewhat incompetent. Every time I go I wait between 30 minutes to 1.5 hours. Every appointment I've been told I'm "good to go" and everything paid for. Found out they've been charging my annual checkups as "emergency visits" and accumulating a balance. read more

I will never step foot in their office again! Must add my complaints here both about Dr. Chavez and his staff. I always try to book the first appointment of the day so as to avoid delays. When I arrived at 7:45am for my 8am appointment, neither the doctor nor his staff were there. The first staff person showed up at 8:10am...the doctor did not show up until 8:15am (and did not see me until 8:30am). NO ONE ON THE STAFF BOTHERED TO APOLOGIZE FOR BEING LATE. Dr. Chavez apologized, but then he told me next time that I should call him the night before to remind him that I have the first appointment of the morning. Sorry, but it's not my job to be his mother. My second appointment months later was at 11am. Dr. Chavez did not see me until 12:30pm. I understand that emergencies happen, but he should not be so far behind by 11am. Again, it's poor office management. Once I saw him, he was very scattered and wasted time. For example, he took my vitals, even though the nurse had done it. And he insisted on drawing my blood himself, even though his staff could have done it faster and better. Again, just very scattered; I did not feel safe in his care. There are LOTS of doctors in NYC. Don't settle for Dr. Chavez. read more

I transferred all my records to another doctor this morning. I read a few other reviews about the staff so I figured I'd contribute. Dr. Chavez himself is amazing - one of the better doctors serving the gay community in NYC. I'm not reviewing him or his bedside manner, but the competence of his staff. No matter how many times I fix it with them, my insurance information is always wrong. I'm always billed for visits that are completely covered by insurance so I always have to call both the office and the insurance company to straighten it out. No matter how early or late I make the appointment, I have never been seen within an hour of my appointed time. The worst was when I was scheduled for an appointment at 8:00AM and, yes, I got a confirmation the day before. Problem was, nobody showed up to the office until 8:30 so I was waiting outside in the cold for a half hour until Dr. Chavez and two staff members walked up. No apology was given, and I still had to wait another half hour so they could settle in even though I was the first appointment of the day. I've also seen (and seen Dr. Chavez reprimand) a staff member leave open charts of other patients in my exam room, which is a HIPAA violation and a really big one. The only one who seems to know how to do their job in Dr. Chavez's office is Dr. Chavez. I left to deal with schedulers and billers who know how to do their jobs. Sad really. I like him a lot. Probably the worst part of all is that now that he's part of the AHF system he belongs to a group run by one of the slimiest human beings in the country, Michael Weinstein, a person who pushes self-promoting legislation under the guise of "community health and safety." I won't give that POS another dime. read more

I just started seeing Dr. Chavez and I can't say that I've ever met a doctor who I trust more than him. He's so comforting. He really wants to help people. He'll spend as much time as you need with him -- I could just go on and on about how much I love him. He's intelligent and easy going, very willing to explain anything, and very careful and precise. I'm really lucky to have found him, as anyone is lucky to have the opportunity to be his patient! read more

I love Dr Chavez he has been my doctor for years since he was on 12th st. I still love him as a doctor but his staff at his new location are plain horrible. Took me two months to get them to send my bloodwork paperwork to quest after several call and took them even longer to submit my prescription for refills. Plus one of the staff member Lolita is the worst she hung up on me in the middle of me giving her the phone number for the refill. why ask for the number than hang up on you. After that I called back to be place on hold for 25 min. I called from another line still on the other one and she answers that line but not the original line and gave me attitude for calling her back. They need to do something about their staff they suck. read more

What a shame. As nice and professional as Dr. Robert Chavez is, I had, and continue to have an awful time dealing with the doctor's office. Having similar issues as other reviewers - issues with making an appointment, long wait times, and incompetent staff - my bigger grievance is with the office staff and billing department. Since November I have been getting the run-around, more like ignorance, from Dr. Robert Chavez's office and billing department. I ended up with a copay bill for an annual physical visit, which I was not supposed to incur a copay bill (annual physicals are free with most insurance plans). After speaking with my insurance I learned that i incurred a bill because the office/ doctor entered in the incorrect billing code (saying I came in for an emergency visit and that I was diagnosed something that was not discussed - I've never had it come up in a doctor visit in my lift). Over the past almost three months I have received no help or acknowledgement from the office/ billing department - either being told over that neither office can address my issue; miscommunication between the offices; waiting for Dr. Robert Chavez, etc. I would recommend Dr. Chavez to somebody who is looking for a hard time. read more

Don't waste you time go see other doctors. No patients should ever experience this kind of treatment It's almost never a good reason to go see doctor. You have problems and you are going to see someone who can help you with your problems. Instead it's adding more problems on top of it. If you read all the reviews you'll notice there's a pattern. The doctor is GREAT, it's the staff that's causing all the bad ratings. It's ashamed a doctor's reputation is ruined by incompetent staffs. I read reviews some years ago and was aware aobut his staff. Methink, oh maybe those are just one off bad experience. I went to see doctor anyway. When you go there, be prepared for "WTF you are doing here" look from the staff as if I am bothering them. Go there early/on time/late don't really matter. It's like first come first serve policy. Oh yes expect 45mins-1hr wait. Until recently I got an accident and had to see different doctors for different things and it opened my eyes that other places don't operate this way. This is how it went for me with other places 1. You make apppointment 2. You show up on time 3. Staff greats you with smile when you walk in and want to help you. 4. You get to see doctor within 5-10 mins I had to see Dr Chavez to get some paper so I made appt and it was the same story. I started complaining. Here's how the conversation went with the staffs Me: This is very bad that I have to wait every time I come see doctor. Why is it always the case Female staff: Yeah doctor is busy, you will have to wait Me: Whey did you schedule me to come this time when he is busy then ? Male staff: Yeah I had to wait 2 hours when I go see doctor too Female staff: When I took my kid to see pediatrician I had to wait 4 hours Me: How did you feel when you had to wait 4 hours ? Female staff: I feel fine, every kids have different situation and doctor takes their time to deal with them individually. Ok let's go by that logic then she should be very afraid of losing her job (scheduling appt). What 's the point of scheduling if you can't follow it ? And how about wait 5 hours instead of 4 ? And how about wait for a whole day since there's obviously someone else is more important than her kid. (I don't think she gets it though about scheduling) I then asked for my medical history so I can go see someone else. She handed me the paper to sign within 3 seconds. Again she can't be bothered with me as if she runs a whole damn place. I talked to the doctor afterward about the incident and he was sorry this happened and kind of apologetic on his staff behalf. I mean WTF ??? They should do this for him not the other way around. read more

Dr. Chavez finally is at a practice worthy of him. He is the best doctor I've ever been to, and these poor reviews reflect his OLD practice and are not fairly representing the quality of healthcare at NYU Langone. He and the practice are amazing. Can't recommend him enough! read more

Dr Chavez has been my doctor for over 20 years - I am so grateful for being under his care

Wow. The administrative incompetence continues! When I chose to go to a new doctor to avoid the hours-long waits and administrative ineptitude, I asked them to send my medical records to me. Actually, I asked them to hand my medical records to me but they couldn't, for the doctor wasn't in. Did they send these confidential and private documents by certified or registered mail to ensure that my privacy would be protected? NO. The popped them in the mail and now they're lost. Fifteen years of medical history gone. And now they tell me they're going to track them through the post office. It's regular mail. You can't track it. Can we at least learn the basics of office administration? Very sad. read more

I really adore Dr. Chavez. I don't think I could speak any more openly to any other doctors about my health being. He truly cares about his patients and will take all the time you need to answer your questions. It may take some time to see him, but it's worth it! read more

I have had really really really bad experiences dealing with Dr. Chavez office. First, wait time with an scheduled visit at time has been longer than 2 hours. That is completely unacceptable and the office staff is very unapologetic about it. The staff does not listen, often times they have made the appointment with the wrong person. The doctor is terrible at following up with phone calls. And the worst part is their pharmacy service. I signed up because it is a non profit, but they have missed my prescription on countless occasions. They are the worst and most unprofessional people I have ever dealt with. read more

Dr.Chavez was recommended to my boyfriend by a friend of ours so he decided to make an appointment. From the moment he was on the phone with the receptionist, he was given nothing but attitude. The receptionist even said, "I can't stand picky people," after my boyfriend simply asked what time slots were available. Despite the attitude, my boyfriend scheduled an appointment. When he arrived, he was greeted with even more attitude from the lazy, incompetent receptionist and was told that his appointment would cost $200. Not even close to the price he was quoted. This review is so much about Dr. Chavez as it is about his "help," because my boyfriend never got to see him. But Dr.Chavez needs to know that he no longer has 5 stars on yelp because who he has answering his phones. FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE EVERYTHING! read more

Dr. Chavez is an amazing Physician. I've been his patient for about 10 years and he always has gone the extra mile his care. He has a non- judgmental attitude and he is always is ready to help. My partner is also his patient and by now he is a very important part of our lives. We are moving to California in a few weeks and we are going to miss him greatly. I don't understand why people put all these negative comments about his staff. This is Manhattan and you'll have to wait at any Doctor's office. We have had a great experience while being under his care. read more

Allow me to make this clear from the onset: my "GRIPE" is NOT with Dr Chavez but with his front desk staff. The doctor himself is a very decent, caring and highly competent man and deserves a 5-star rating himself. The exact opposite is true of his receptionist staff; obnoxious, disorganized, and with one exception, highly incompetent. During my last appointment (which took three weeks to book b/c my initial request to speak to the doctor was "never received") I was given the SAME stack of insurance paperwork to fill out that I had filled out during my FIRST visit just a few weeks earlier. Obviously having lost or misplaced it the secretary/receptionist told me it was "standard procedure" (hogwash!). Nobody else coming in that morning for followups were given the same paperwork to be filled out redundantly and no other doctor I've ever been to has had such "standard procedure". There is a "suggestion box" into which I placed a suggestion that one receptionist (who is EXTREMELY rude) should be given a course in "interfacing with patients" (she wasn't there that day, hopefully she won't ever be again!). For a doctor whose patients are primarily gay men the front desk is extremely homophobic, in particular that one young woman. At any rate I'd gone in to go over a blood panel taken several weeks prior. The doctor himself is very thorough and said there was "just one thing slightly off" he wanted to recheck. That Monday he had another blood sample drawn in his office and requested that I call the following Friday for the result over the phone. Even though the one "competent secretary" said she'd placed a note in his "inbox" I called when they first opened at shortly after 8:00AM and left a message. Another call later in the day received no response. I'm sure the doctor was never even GIVEN the messages because someone read my note in the "suggestion" box! Today is Thursday (almost 2 weeks later) and I FINALLY received a callback from his office; the caller having no earthly knowledge whatsoever what they were actually calling me about! I explained the ENTIRE situation and they wanted to schedule yet another appointment to "go over my blood tests". I cannot deal with inefficiency and told this person I'd already HAD my blood panel reviewed by the doctor and except for one small thing he wanted to recheck everything else was 100% fine. I'd also assumed that his second "in-office" test was fine since he never returned my call (or once again he was never even given my messages). I was told by the PA who referred Dr Chavez that his "receptionist pool" is not entirely his alone but works for a "medical group" so his say as to who is hired is limited. When I brought up the subject the Dr himself actually apologized for the "team up front" when in actuality (as stated in another review) THEY should be the ones apologizing! I truly hope that Dr Chavez gets to read this review (and other similar reviews) and has a meeting with his staff regarding proper front desk protocol. He himself is one of the better internists I've located though frankly I'd rather stick pins in my eyes than have to subject myself to the front desk's rude, confrontational and condescending attitude again! I'd give them no stars if it were possible but for the one "seemingly competent" receptionist and another for the Dr himself. He would get a much higher rating if his "welcoming committee" up front were even the slightest bit polite. I'm not expecting "hugs and kisses" but just a little professional courtesy goes a long way, particularly in a medical office when dealing with ill patients. Seems the old adage "good help is hard to find" holds especially true in this particular case. Sorry Doc, once again this isn't about you. read more

I have a respiratory thing and I finally made it out of the house yesterday to go see Dr. Chavez. He's seriously the greatest. Yes, it may be a wait to see him. But the one on one time he gives you is priceless. He's a great clinician and a remarkable person. Can't do better than that! read more

Dr. Chavez has been the best GP I've ever had, and I feel lucky to have gotten into his practice. He spends as much time with you as you need, no rushing in and out. He encourages you to call his cell phone in case of an emergency, its like he's on call for you 24/7. You get the kind of care that just doesn't seem to exist anywhere else these days. read more

Dr Chavez is a caring physican he has listened and helped me through my health issues. It is so nice to have such a great doctor

Love the Doctor, he is great to deal with and talk to. Unfortunately his office staff is incredibly incompetent. I called up and asked for paperwork to be sent to me so that I could do bloodwork in advance of a visit. A week and half later I called back and asked. I was told that there had been flooding in the area and their phones and accordingly their postage machine was out. I asked couldn't they have gone to the postoffice and gotten stamps so that they could do what they need to, or at least have someone let me know I wasn't going to get the paperwork by using another phone. I was told no. I said, I wont have the lab results in time so I have to postpone my appointment. I indicated that I was going to run out of a prescription and they agreed to mail me the prescription. I got the prescription and it was for an old medicine that I was no longer on. I called up and explained what I needed and that I also needed the prescription for the needles that I needed for it. They said they would send it to me. I received two prescriptions, one for the needles, and one for the same incorrect medication that doesn't require needles. You would think someone in the office would care enough to think about it and not send the wrong medicine again. Unfortunately, his office staff doesn't give a crap about anything. Its making me think of changing doctors, which is a shame because I like Dr Chavez. read more

I absolutely love the doctor, but the disarray and incompetence that permeates that office are really off putting. It took 3 weeks to get an appointment. I waited 1 hour 45 minutes (again) to be seen for 10 minutes and have blood drawn. After just over one month of trying to get the test results , I was finally told they had lost them, and could I come in again?! read more

I was his patient in Manhattan for over 10 years - In 3 years in Miami Brach I still haven't found a primary care doctor as good and caring as dr. Chavez read more

An excellent doctor. New Yorkers need patience. I moved to Philly recently and cannot find a doctor like Robert Chavez. He's caring considerate, extremely knowledgable and puts you at ease. I would do anything to come back to Dr. Chavez. So many HIV doctors are overpriced and just don't care or understand gay men and this disease. Not to mention they have no clue about anything. If your concerned that he works for a so called slimy health system. Every health system is slimy. Come to Philadelphia, I have been to 4 of them already. They want to make money. read more

BEWARE Be very careful. Dr. Chavez will give a cursory check up by chatting to you and then charge you for a consultation at the rate of $350 which insurance doesn't cover. I was appalled by the lack of honesty and am still trying to straighten it out with his office in order to charge me as a physical. Frankly, it didn't even qualify as a physical - he didn't even weigh me! read more

What a horrible experience of the office staff, in one day, 4 calls unreturned, 3 hangups, I went to the office at 4:30 and no one answered the buzzer on the door, then a medical staff came out in latex gloves to dump a black garbage bag in the dumpster, very disturbing, and again, no one answered the door buzzer, need emergency blood work but never throughout the day could the staff fine the blood work paperwork to fax to Labcorp, and then said they hadn't seen Chavez all day,,,,, really,,,, very disturbing indeed.... unfortunate that Chavez totally sold out, and more to a bubble head non caring unprofessional group read more

His wait time does suck and yes it his hard to get an appointment sometimes. His reception staff does leave much to be desired but all that pales in comparison to what a great doctor he is. He saved my life. read more

I found Dr Chavez through reviews on another web site for my brother. It turned out to be a stroke of good fortune. Not only did they connect, but when my brother wound uo in the hospital, Dr Chavez was there every day. Hospitals can be a scary place and one can feel adrift, but Dr Chavez was the anchor and made all the difference. He is a rare individual. read more

I was referred to Dr. Chavez by another patient of his. I thought he was very thorough, kind, helpful and careful. He put me at ease right away, asked very smart questions and actually -in minutes - told me to get off a medication I'd been prescribed by another doctor that it turned out I didn't need. He was worth the wait. read more

His waits are excessive, and sometimes the doctors he sends me too are not the best... but other times the doctors he sends me too are amazing and his ears are always open as to who I find who is great and who didn't work out and why. But Dr. Chavez is that doctor who really takes the time to listen to you and he will go home and research your symptoms to help you get in the right direction. I really, really respect that. So take your time, Dr. Chavez! I know it's because you are listening to people and you know you don't know everything so you are willing to go the extra mile to find out what's going on with your patients. read more

Dr. Chavez is an incredible doctor that takes the time to work with each patient. I highly recommend choosing Dr. Chavez as your doctor of choice. read more

Dr. Chavez is a fine physician, it's his office staff and procedures that sucks... Can't reach the office personnel during their stated office hours. Just get a recording for office hours, and leave a message. After leaving a message, they NEVER call you back. Very bad office culture. read more

I'm completely shocked by all the favorable reviews here! Definitely NOT the experience I had!! Office is a 100 sq. ft. SHITHOLE and the examining room (which lacks a ceiling) is the size of my bathroom. Chavez kept me waiting for 30 minutes. When he finally showed up, no apology...nothing. As I attempted to explain the reason for my visit, the PHONE in the examining room started ringing and ringing... and ringing. He eventually picked it up and proceeded to talk to the caller for 10 minutes while I sat there waiting/listening. He finally hung up, told me that he has a "private practice," that he takes all his patients calls, and "thats how its done in private practice." I tried to continue speaking where I left off, and the phone started ringing AGAIN! He interrupts me to take THAT call and I wait several more minutes for him to finish. Then a THIRD call comes in! Sorry Chavez, but blowing off a NEW PATIENT that took the time to see you AND make a CO-PAYMENT...is NOT how a PROFESSIONAL Doctor operates a PRIVATE PRACTICE. No way I'm going back to this hack. read more