Dr. Mandel, doesn't even deserve 1 star he was so bad, but I have to, in order to post my review! Not only can you NEVER get through to the people actually in the office, you get an answering service, but when he calls you back it's from an Unknown number. I played phone tag with him for a week and requested that he leave the diagnosis on my voicemail because I'm at work all day (when his office is open for 3hours a day), but he called back said "this is Dr. Mandel calling" then hangs up. He is the most incompetent, unorganized, inefficient doctor I've EVER been too. My diagnosis was that 'nothing was wrong' but he told me I do have swollen Tonsils. However, I had my Tonsils removed 2years ago!!! So what was swollen?!?! I highly recommend finding a doctor that cares about his patients and doesn't let 3 days go by before calling patients back. Not to mention let's them know he's going on vacation and not having to find out from the answering service!!! read more

Doesn't walk his own talk. Either he is so burnt out that he doesn't care or he just doesn't care anymore. I will never forgive him for his lack of professionalism. read more

It is impossible to get anyone on the phone. Even if a live person answers ( it only happened once in the 5 times I called) they immediately put me on hold and the hold went On and ON and On and On, and no-one ever returned. I have left messages with the answering service but they are never returned. This is the most awful staff ever. I can't understand why this doctor puts up with such disdainful service to his patients. There is no way to contact the office via email, either. I hear that the doctor is good, and was recommended to him by another doctor, but cannot get anyone to answer the phone at his office. read more

Dr. Mandel saved my life in 2013. I went to see Dr Mandel for an ongoing issue with a pain in my head and was discussing various MRI's and Catscans that i had taken , other doctors had ignored the obvious and told me everything was ok but Mr Mandel insisted I follow up with another test and he was correct. I had Cancer and had it not been for Dr Mandel it may have advanced and or gone on to be un treatable He is truly my life saver!! read more

Dr. Mandel's consultations are thorough, and he treats his patients with respect and gives them the time necessary, which is why I do not complain while in the waiting room. I know that I will be given ample time to discuss my treatment plan with him. What really makes my experience note worthy is the hard working and friendly office staff. A doctor would be rendered insufficient if his supportive staff were not doing their jobs. They expedite extremely quickly and accurately; If I need something, I know I can rely on them. In sum, if you are looking for a neurologist that truly cares for his patients, look no further. read more

Dr. Steven Mandel 12 East 86th St, New York, NY 10028 Neurologist I would like to say thank you to not only Dr.Mandel but the whole staff, the office receptionist's were so very kind friendly and effecient in getting me seen ASAP Dr.Mandel was very reassuring thorough and did not waste anytime with getting me referals and appts that he personaly set up for me that I would of otherwise had to wait weeks maybe even months. He also made sure to follow up with me and give me the reassurance I needed being sick is not pleasant and not knowing whats wrong with you is very scary Dr.Mandel assured me he would figure it out and get to the bottom of things.Im still on the road to recovery and just want to say Thank you and most of all share my experience with anyone who is looking for a neurologist I highly recomend him and his staff ! I felt i got really lucky in finding his office and Im very greatful for the level of care I received from him . And hope this review helps anyone else who is sick like I was, searching for the right doctors can be very overwhelming and time-consuming process I guarantee you have come to the right place if you end up with an appointment in this office! Dr.Mandel is so knowledgeable so connected and gets what needs to be done so efficiently! Very impressed and extremely grateful for all his time and care! read more

This review is not for Dr. Mandel but his horrific office staff. If he gets rid of them, I will put 5 stars from him because he is a very nice man and a thorough doctor. During my first visit, I sat in the waiting room. I saw an old man yelling, screaming, and cursing at the office staff. I had no idea what it was about and chalked if off to crazy guy because I am in a neurology office. My second visit was uneventful and normal. My third visit was horrific. The office staff did not give Dr. Mandel the forms from my insurance company (I am CC'ed on them) to get more information to authorize a MRA. Thorough, Dr. Mandel managed to get me a same day appointment with a great cardiologist which was ruled that I had a wonderful heart and it was neurological problems. I was told all neurologists do this. The problems was when I checked out. The skinny office staff woman messed up my prescription for my MRA and write MRI. She had a nasty laugh when I corrected her and said, "Tomato, tomahto. It is the same thing." I held my temper and told her it was two different tests and she was the reason why my insurance did not authorize it. (I found out later that it was part of the reason why they did not authorize it.) Then I am standing there trying to make the next appointment and (not the office manager) but the other office staff person asked me if I was deaf. I was standing under the TV that is pretty loud and it is next to the window. No, I did not hear her. I was pissed off but had to run to the cardiologist. Otherwise, I would have stayed behind to tell Dr. Mandel. I go to the cardiologist's office and they were livid with his office staff because they put down the wrong office. I had to get a cab, run up to the other office, and find out I had no appointment. They were able to straighten it out but had something to say about Dr. Mandel's office staff. It was not good. You cannot call Dr. Mandel at all. All you get is a busy signal (and this is during office hours) or his answering service in which I think his office staff conveniently loses the messages because he does not call back. The answering service seemed like they did their job. I went back in person to reschedule my 4th visit because I had a callback for an interview. Nasty office person said to me, "Do not roll your eyes at me." When I came back up to the window when I was called, that is when the fireworks started. I cursed out the skinny one that said tomato, tomahto and Dr. Mandel came running in and took me into his office. The office manager did not back up the other 2 office staff members. I could see her in another office. He promised me that his office manager would call me the next day to make an appointment. It is 4:25 pm and no phone call. I called another neurologist and now I have to wait until January to see him. Even before the 4th visit, I told my other doctors what happened. They were appalled and told me to drop him. I should have done that earlier but I really liked him and thought I could tolerate the trash he had for office staff. I even told my concierge doctors about him because finding a good neurologist is like finding a unicorn. Now I have to tell them what happened. I would have loved to refer people to him. Please Dr. Mandel, if you read this, please contact me. I have no other way to contact you. If you don't care, please fire your office staff for your sake. They are wretched and you are too good of a doctor to have trash like that for staff. read more

I was referred to Dr. Mandel by another physician. I visited Dr. Mandel and I found him to be a very good doctor. He explained everything that was going on with me and it made feel at ease. He sent me for test to confirm my illness. I completed the test immediately. I called back within a week for my results. I always get his answering service and was told to leave a message. I've been leaving messages for the last 3 weeks. I know the old saying, "No News is Good News", but I would really like to know the outcome of my test. While I really like the doctor, his service is very unprofessional for not returning calls. I'm very disturbed by this behavior read more

I can't deny, the office is a hot mess in many ways. However, let's remember what's important here. Dr. Mandel is an extremely competent and well respected doctor. He knows what he's talking about, has a great instinct and is up to date on new research and developments. He is very well respected among his peers, for good reason. Bottom line: The Admin leaves much to be desired but as far as medical care is concerned, Dr. Mandel is top notch. read more

Dr Mandel is a brilliant neurologist and diagnostician his office is indeed pandemonium and it does reflect his personality. He is incredibly caring and concerned about your health. He rushed my wife into an MRI when others would have written the script and sent you on your way. It saved her eye. By the way that phone call that you get when he's in the office with you could be one of his patients because if he thinks it's necessary he will give you his cell number so you can contact them for that emergency. There arent many docs that will do that. read more

Dr. Mandel may be the best doctor i have ever been to. And i have been to many. He is SO patient. It is important to him that his patients understand their conditions and options. He makes it clear that he will take all the time that is necessary to answer any and all questions. His staff is extremely nice and comforting. I really wish there were more doctors like Dr. Mandel, who take the time to get and give a complete picture of the patient and options. read more

Dr. Mandel is one of the best Neurologist!!! He is compassionate, understanding and intelligent. I went to his office twice as he was recommended by my Primary Care Physician. His diagnoses are on target. I highly recommend this wonderful Doctor to anyone who would like to be treated respectfully and get the proper treatment. read more

The world needs more doctors like Dr. Mandel - he is truly one of the best I've ever had. He is highly intelligent, knowledgeable, thorough, respectful, and kind. I was referred to Dr. Mandel last month after struggling for a year with such severe and frequent pain/nausea attacks that I could no longer keep most food down and was rapidly losing weight. At the time I was seeing 4 other doctors, none of whom could find anything wrong with me and all of whom suggested condescendingly that I needed a psychiatrist. I was in serious danger of losing my job because of my frequent absences (for context, the prior year I had perfect attendance), and going broke between missed wages and tons of co-pays. Things were looking pretty grim. Dr. Mandel figured out what was wrong during my very first visit, took time to educate me about the condition, and provided resources for further reading. He ordered a number of tests, called me in person to discuss the relevant results, and mailed me hard copies. He even sent an update to my referring physician. Most importantly, he prescribed a drug that eliminated my symptoms within 45 minutes of taking the first dose, and he continues to work with me to fine-tune my treatment plan. Through his incredible care, Dr. Mandel has given me my life back - I cannot thank him enough or recommend him highly enough!!! read more

I rarely feel inspired to write online reviews, but after my first apptmt with Dr. Mandel this past January, I feel compelled to write this review. How wonderful to see a medical doctor who really seems to love what he does! During my apptmt, Dr. Mandel listened intently, answered my questions, invited me to ask any more questions. He seems very smart, up on the latest research, and very thorough in his diagnostic evaluation. He took the time needed, which made me feel like I wasn't being rushed out the door. He also just exhibited human kindness - e.g., I had taken off my shoes to be examined on the treatment table, and he carried my socks and shoes to me at the end of the exam so I wouldn't have to step onto the floor barefoot. I don't think a single other doctor has ever done that for me. Also, Dr. Mandel is one of the few neurologists (to my knowledge) in NYC who knows about neurological Sjogren's, and has even written articles about it - a condition many, many, MANY (don't get me started!) medical professionals are sadly, unaware of. The waiting room was PACKED and I did have to wait over 2 hours from my apptmt time to the time to see him - but now that I know that, I just plan on that, and know it is SO WORTH IT. Over the past many years, I have consulted with many, many different neurologists, and sadly, I would not go back to any of them, nor refer anyone to them - except to Dr. Mandel! Anyone with Sjogren's syndrome who doesn't have a doctor familiar with the neurological complications, who is in or around NYC, you'll do yourself a service by seeking a consultation with Dr. Mandel. Thank you so much, Dr. Mandel! read more

I was referred to Dr.Mandel by a top neurologist in Philadelphia. He took the time to listen to and resolve all my questions and concerns. His staff helped me schedule, and obtain referrals for diagnostic tests near my home in Bucks County, PA. He took the time to call me and go over the results, and outline next steps. When Dr. Mandel says "please feel free to call me at any time" you can feel that he really means it. Yes, his office decor is Spartan, but give me competence and compassion over glitz every time. read more

I have never met a doctor like Dr. Mandel. He goes above and beyond and will put you at ease. He is informative and caring!!

**The last paragraph is the overview, but if you feel like reading all, feel free to** I've been a migraine sufferer for 7 years. I've been to two neurologists in NYC. Both have not been great. But Dr. Mandel (and his staff) really takes the cake. When my regular doctor referred me to Dr. Mandel, I immediately Googled to see if it was worth my co-pay. It was difficult to find as Dr. Mandel used to be based out of Philadelphia, and it also looked like, New Jersey. That said, the websites matched up to his, and the reviews basically were about how he makes his patients wait hours and he takes calls while with patients. Eek, I thought, but nothing terrible in terms of him being a good doctor. And let's face it, I'm used to waiting forever to see a doctor. So I called and made an appointment. The receptionist was super nice, and when I voiced concern about having to wait hours and how I'd read reviews, she assured me that he would see me in a timely manner and that was for his old office in Philly. So I made my appointment. I had follow up calls, reminding me about my appt. All the norm. So I get to my appointment, fill out my papers and am alerted that the doctor is on his way back from the hospital where he also sees patients. I have patience, it's fine. I meet him, we go through my history, he does some tests. Then his cell rings. He answers it because it's the hospital. Fine, I think. He has a patient which seems to have a much larger issue than my migraines. He hangs up. Chats for a minute. Educates me on migraines. Shows me articles on his iPad. Sends me the articles from his iPad. Yeah...all things I can Google. Still I'm patient, no big deal. I tell him one thing about my history which I tell him isn't important (and for the purpose of this review, it really is more of a personal preference, not a medical issue of importance) and he goes on and on about this one thing. I tell him it's not a concern for me. He prescribes me a blood test for this non-essential matter. Another phone call. He takes it. Leaves the room. I wait about 5 minutes. He returns, gives me a prescription for a new med, this blood test, a heart test and a MRI. Whoah, I think. That's a lot. But this guy's a doctor, so I leave with the intent of doing them all. Then another phone call... I promptly schedule my MRI to make sure nothing is abnormal. I go to fill my prescription. I take a pill for my migraine. It doesn't go away. I call Dr. Mandel. I get voicemail. I leave a message asking that they prescribe me something else. No return call, but my headache goes away. Fine. I have my MRI on 9/17 at Lenox Hill Radiology (they're great btw). I'm told I'll have results Thurs. Thurs AM I call Dr. Mandel's office. They say they don't have. Fine. I call Lenox Hill. They fax to Dr. Mandel. I call Dr. Mandel back around noon, they say the doctor will call back later that afternoon - "he calls with results in the afternoon." Fine. The end of the day rolls around, no call. I decide to call Lenox Hill Radiology and see if I can pick up my results. They say yes. I pick up, thankfully nothing wrong with me. So I chalk Dr. Mandel not calling me promptly to the fact that I don't have a huge tumor - I'm on the bottom of the important pole. Today is 9/25. Still no call on the MRI results. I have a migraine today. I call about getting another prescription. I reference that I left a message about getting a new RX 2 weeks ago. Then, here's the big reveal...I say I'm also waiting on my MRI results and they say "we just got today that's why he hasn't called"! W.T.F. I say, "i know you're lying because i called last week and was told that he had and would call me that afternoon and Lenox Hill Radiology faxed to you last week." She shut up and asked what my pharmacy number was to put in a new RX. My new RX still has yet to be called in... All this said, Dr. Mandel obviously is spread too thin. He has too many patients at too many offices and his front office can't get organized (probably as a result of Dr. Mandel). I do worry that if there was something wrong with me, that they'd still be sitting on my MRI results and not give a sh*t. That is all. UPDATE: they called in the RX for the wrong medication - the meds that i was originally on that stopped working. this place is a sh*t show. read more

Dr. Mandel is exceptionally professional, knowledgeable, thorough, communicative, and caring. How fortunate and relieved I am to have visited him. He and his staff are kind and patient--even though quite busy. Making an appointment is easy and the wait is reasonable. Dr. Mandel explains conditions and test results in a clear, reassuring manner. His referrals for further care are to equally top notch doctors, and he maintains communication quickly to one's other doctors. I am so lucky and confident to have Dr. Mandel on my health care team. I recommend him enthusiastically!! read more

Absolutely the worse!!! From prescribing me 3 different medications for migraines (all with the wrong last name). To never getting back to me about my MRI results at Lenox Hill Radiology, btw, the staff there is wonderful. read more

I was recommended to dr. Mandel as follow up after suffering a fall and car scans showed blood on my brain. I saw him and he prescribed an MRI. He old me I needed to have another MRI a month later to see if my problem was gone. I had knee replacement surgery planned but had to delay it because of this. My surgeon said he needed a clearance letter in order to reschedule me for surgery. I had a second MRI on a Monday. Tuesday am I called his office to see if he had received the results. I was told he had it on his desk and would call me when he had a minute. No call...I waited all day. Tuesday am I called again and was told it was on his desk. I waited all day. When you call the office the line is either busy, an answering service answers or they answer and put you on hold for as long as 14 minutes and then hang up. I sent emails to the office saying I need to scedule asap as I am in constant pain and my surgeon is already booked for the next 2 Months. I never got any response beyond, he will call you. On Thursday the answering service answered and I was very upset...they put me through to office and again, he will call you. Well, he finally did. A call of less than 1 minute to tell me all is clear and would call my surgeon. I told him they want a clearance letter. I called my surgeon to see if dr. Mandel had sent the letter. They told me he called and they told him they need a letter. They said they would call him to remind him. I called them, busy line, answering service and finally they answered and put me on hold for 15 minutes and disconnected me. When I called back...they were closed for the day. I emailed them again..gave them fax number, etc. today, Friday I called my surgeon to ask if they had reached him yesterday. They said he told them he would dictate the letter but it would take 2 days before they could do that. All they need to write is "miss ....is cleared for surgery". I will be reporting him to the Medical Board of Ethics and to Lennox Hill Hospital that recommended him rp read more

-- I agree with the previous review. He seems personable, he might in fact be a good, maybe exceptional doctor. It's hard to tell when he's zipping along and telling you things that you really don't understand but can't get a word in edge wise. Mu appointment was scheduled at 4:15 and moved up to 3:45, I found out the reason was that he had to be to "The Hospital" He mentioned this to me, his staff and two people in the lobby as he was leaving Most if not all of the doctors i see have affiliations with Hospitals, never have I been made so aware that i, as a office patient, was less important than whatever he has going at "The Hospital" Five minutes after he left I was asking his secretary what the various referrals he gave me were for. I am not a stupid person, nor am I irresponsible, I honestly hadn't gotten what he wanted me to do. As the person who wrote the other review pointed out - this doctor seems to be way to busy to give even a semblance of personalized attention read more

admittingly, I have not seen Dr. Mandel in New York. However, I have seen him in Philadelphia and he saved my life a few times. I am actually considering coming to see him in New York from Philadelphia. I have seen him for tia's as well as migraines and he has taken his time with me every time since 1996 until he left the Philadelphia practice. He does speak fast but if you ask him to slow down he will. He likes running tests, a lot of them, and if he feels that you need them immediately he will arrange it. he is thorough. He had a good office staff in PA however, they made some mistakes too, and even though he seemed to be a pain in the butt to them, the office seem to run the best when he was still there...i am sure it takes time to get a good and efficient office staff and one that can deal with his thoroughness and speed. He is a class A doctor, trying to figure to figure out your brain and nervous system, it takes some time and patience on everyone's side. As far as prescribing meds, well, every doc does it, but I am extremely fearful of medicine and he really worked with me and never judged me, i saw him from age 18 until 35 have been admitted to the hospital twice since, have unbearable migraines and cannot find a doc to treat me with out offering 100 meds.... Dr Mandel is great, he's one of the best...there's no question! read more