I'm sure you're all sick of me reviewing doctors, blood labs, specialists, etc. Trust me... so am I. I wish this wasn't my life but unfortunately I have multiple serious and chronic illnesses/conditions (yes, plural) with no cures; so more reviews are on the way. But hey, at least you receive some insight into the medical care sphere of Los Angeles! So, let's add another to the list, shall we? For those in need of a rheumatologist; I offer you enlightenment on Dr. Dan La. Before I even get into details regarding the office of Dr. La; let me warn you that if you are seeking quick care - encourage your insurance to refer you elsewhere. As a new patient I made my appointment the first week of December 2022 to be scheduled March 2, 2022! That's THREE months and it was the first available slot! I could have died during that wait time! Sheesh! Note: cancelations less than 24 hours/no shows will dock you a $25 fee. Dr. La serves in Tujunga near the intersection of Foothill/La Tuna (on Foothill) across the street from a pot clinic and a vacant liquor shop: definitely a bit sketchy and NOT what you expected from a doctor's office. The building is marked as "Arthritis Center" (versus Dr. La's name) and offers a spacious, free parking lot. The lobby itself is quite nice and modern although during my first visit; I noticed a very distinct pet shop/pet feed odor. Was this space a vet in a past life? There is a possibility it had to do with all the rainfall at the time because there was also a ceiling tile missing with a wet floor sign (plus, I didn't smell it during my second visit) but either way it was very off-putting. Another major negative at Dr. La's office is that the walls seem to be VERY thin and the doctor/nurses insist on leaving doors open to the treatment rooms. This is not only uncomfortable for the patients; but to those in the lobby who can hear EVERYTHING even from a distance. Isn't this some sort of HIPAA violation?! These cons were redeemed by a lovely restroom that was clean and well-decorated (I am very critical of rest rooms) AND the office maintaining a basket of truffles/chocolates/treats for the patients. Although this seems like a small detail; these joys are precisely necessarily when patients are not feeling well and/or stressed. After waiting an hour past my appointment time; I was finally admitted to an exam room where I waited a bit more before being seen by Mabel, the physician's assistant. Mabel is, without any hesitation, the BEST medical staff I have EVER encountered and I've seen hundreds. Mabel genuinely listens to you without trivializing like the majority of LA's doctors, she asks questions, encourages you to think about any and all symptoms you've experienced and truly wants to help find the culprit of your issues. Mabel scheduled me for lab work testing for 33 items (this was 13 test tubes!) and x-rays but I welcome that as it demonstrated her concern. She also gives you a check list of things to present during your second appointment. Mabel is a gift from the health care gods and I wish she would open her own practice. Completing the lab work and X-rays; I returned for my follow-up. This time it only took 40 minutes to be seen but sadly I was seen by Dr. La himself and not Mabel. I know you may think this is ideal and normal for the doctor to interpret your tests; but I wanted Mabel! She knew my background, she gave me homework... Dr. La was not invested like Mabel! Not to mention, Dr. La has numerous reviews voicing he is dismissive, doesn't seem to care, etc. To say the least I wasn't happy but what can we do. Unfortunately, I can confirm that he is no Mabel and does seem a bit overly assertive and uncaring. He diagnosed me with fibromyalgia (add it to my list) but didn't talk about what to expect with the condition - he merely offered me a brochure and a prescription. Granted, Fibro has no cure and only about three medications available for maintenance but it shouldn't be up to me to do research. Further aggravating, the imaging center never sent my x-rays to Dr. La so I had to go through back-and-forth phone calls. The male morning receptionist was super rude and not helpful during these calls. They finally received them and Dr. La called to discuss but I still felt sort of rushed off the phone. Plus, I mentioned not wanting to take the medication because it is not FDA approved for the treatment of fibro and has horrible reviews and he merely said it is up to me but he thinks it would help versus discuss another treatment. Dr. La's office isn't horrible as I've had some truly traumatic doctor experiences; but it still isn't close to top-tier except for Mabel. Mabel is fantastic and I hope she sees this. We shall see how my June appointment goes. read more

See all

I never imagined I would be writing a review like this, but I feel other families deserve to know about our experience. My mother entrusted Dr. La with her care during one of the most difficult times of her life. As her family, we repeatedly felt that there was a lack of urgency in treating her disease. We experienced delays, prolonged waiting, and what we perceived as a reluctance to pursue more aggressive treatment despite the seriousness of her condition. Watching someone you love decline while feeling that more could have been done is heartbreaking. We understand that medicine cannot guarantee outcomes, and we know not every patient can be saved. However, we were left with the overwhelming feeling that opportunities were missed and that precious time was lost. Our family will always wonder whether acting sooner or taking a more aggressive approach could have given our mother more time. Those unanswered questions have made an already devastating loss even more painful. I hope this review encourages greater communication, urgency, and compassion for future patients and their families. No family should leave a loved one's care feeling unheard or wondering if more could have been done. read more

Dr. La is simply the best. He was able to quickly diagnoise me with Fibro and CFS. I'm on medicine to help control symptoms. I would follow Dr. La anywhere his practice goes, lucky for me he is just around the corner. read more

Run don't walk from this office! I called to schedule a visit from a referral from my Medical group, was placed on hold for over 30 minutes everytime I called back. Finally I was told appointments would be in 6 months! I am filing a complaint as I type! This is ridiculous read more

Horrible customer service, called multiple times to talk to an actual person never get answers. Left messages never a response. I asked for a disk copy of my MRI and I got the runaround. Incompetent staffing! read more

Didn't even get in the door. I was referred to this office several months ago by my pcp to start the long winded process of figuring out my chronic joint pain. I get my insurance approval and then call to schedule an appointment. The first time I called the front desk said the new patient coordinator was not in office and I would have to call back. I say okay and then the next day I call back at a different time. I am put on hold with the new patient coordinator for at least 25 minutes. I hang up and decide to call back after the weekend. My life got busy and my referral expired. Flash forward two months to now (Nov). My doctor sent a new referral request to my insurance, and today I called to schedule an appointment. I am on hold for only a few minutes before the call picks up. No one says hello, or greets me as the office, and for a moment I thought the phone was picked up on accident. I say hello, the new patient coordinator says hello in a confused voice, I ask to make a new patient appointment, and what followed was a near minute of long silence from her. She didn't ask my name or information, didn't give me any schedule policies or dates. Didn't say anything. I had asked if she was the new patient coordinator and she said yes. There was even more silence followed by my confusion as I was expecting her to say something. I ended up just hanging up after a near full minute of silence and her not responding. Literally felt like I butt dialed a random phone number and not a doctors office. I have given up trying to schedule with them and am asking my pcp for a new office. read more

Dr La and PA Mabel are wonderful listeners and allow me to participate in my treatment plan. I love that! I always feel comfortable and well taken care of, and the staff is very professional and helpful read more

I brought my grandmother here for her appointment this week and must I say that we got an excellent service. We were greeted with such a kind and patient receptionist sitting at the front. She made my grandmother feel less nervous upon her visit by explaining the service she will be getting today. Once my grandmother was taken inside the room the MA took such great care of my grandmother as well as Dr. La who explained everything to my grandmother in details and gave different options and alternatives to her treatment. We were very pleased with this office and their management. read more

It was my misfortune to be referred to this office. My referring Doctor contacted Dr. La personally during an office appointment and requested that he contact me and get me in to an appointment as soon as possible due to my blood results. His office never contacted me. I called four times during a two week period leaving messages on a voicemail line. I received no call back even though they already had instructions to cal me directly. I finally called the referring office back and they continually attempted to call them as well. Finally I am notified that I have an appointment scheduled for three month from the time of the original phone call. How does this translate to a caring physicians office when you are notified that a potential patient is showing they require care immediately and you don't return calls as schedule appointments three months out. Anyway, I forced an appointment for today, 6/24/216 and the front desk staff were so rude and unwelcoming that I trusted my gut and cancelled my appointment before actually seeing the doctor. If Dr. La allows rude and non compassionate people to run his office I don't want to have anything to do with him. I don't trust these people with my life. I'd rather take chances with self care or waiting for a more suitable doctor that will actually care about my livelihood. read more

Unfortunately will be looking for a new rheumatologist. It seems like this office is closed unfortunately. Always had a good experience here. Used to go pre-covid. Tried calling to set up an appointment about a month ago and seems like the office is closed as no one calls back and no one answers the phone anymore. Used to drive over 15 miles just to go and see the doctor and his physician's assistant. Really liked going here. Not sure what the steps are regarding obtaining medical records when your doctor's office closes. read more

I am a patient at high fracture risk. My gynecologist referred me to Doctor La. I called for an appointment, the staff asked me as a new patient to fill out some papers and send via email which I did. After not having news, I called. First the two different person on the phone told me that they did not received it. I sent again, then they searched and said they got it. After a week, no phone, no email to give me an appointment!!! Very bad staff, not organized and not giving any care about the patient's need. I am very disappointed and had the worse experience with a doctor office. They should advertise that they refuse new patients and does not care about their problems!!!! VERY VERY BAD experience read more

I love dr. La. He is the most caring and most patient doctor I've been to. He explains everything to you, and will take his time with each appointment. I dont get all the negative reviews. I've been with dr. La for years even though I've moved away for a short period of time. I've never had issues getting an appointment and if I know someone who needs to see a rheumatologist I always refer them to him. Hes that good. read more

Rudest front desk, this clinic takes medical plans like Health Care LA, my mom waited months to get an appt with them and besides waiting all this time to get in they ask patients to make sure they have the right CPT codes on their referral, if they come in with the incorrect one they will cancel their exam... how are patients going to know this??? They have insurance portal access and they need to do that, not make the patient hunt for it! They know ahead of time who's coming so do your job! Sooki was so arrogant in telling me, "I don't have time for that, I don't check" so basically the patient has to make sure they do their job for them. They're rude and no patient care. People are going to the doctor because they're sick not to do their job and hunt for codes that only people that work in the office should know. No consideration at all, the supervisor was of no help either... I changed doctors... I wasn't going to have my mom go there, at least not while the front desk is ran by inconsiderate and unwelcoming people. read more

He may be a competent doctor, but he does not have a good bedside manner. I found him to be rude and arrogant. Even worse, I think he takes on new patients, when he does not have time to handle their medical problems. In the legal profession, that would be an ethical violation. It should be an ethical violation in the medical profession, as well. I went to see Dr LA about 6 months ago, on the recommendation of my primary care physican. My regular doctor had done routine blood work and was concerned about the lab results on one of the tests. So he sent me to Dr LA, thinking that Dr LA could resolve the issue. Dr LA told me that he needed me to re-take one of the blood tests. So he wrote a prescription for that test. He also said he needed the results of my vitamine D count from the prior lab test. He had trouble reading the lab report. The report was not legible. He then told me that I would have to call the lab to get the results of my vitimine D count, and then get back to his office with the results. He said the practice of medicine has changed, and that he did not have time to make the phone call to the lab. That he was too busy. I was beyond taken aback. Dr LA had no problem billing my insurance company and agreeing to take me on as a patient. Yet, he did not have time to make a routine phone call to the lab? I told Dr LA that it was his responsibility to contact the lab, not mine. That he has a large staff. That I am a lay person when it comes to medicine, and that I did not think it was appropriate for him to tell me to make that phone call. I also told him that I am just as busy as he is. A few days later, someone from his office called and said she inquired about my vitimine D. Though she did not leave her name. When I called the office back, they could not put me in touch with the person who had left me the message. They were not sure who she was. So, to this day, I don't know what the findings were on my Vitamine D. Dr LA has also ordered another blood test. I followed his, the doctor's, orders and promtptly took the blood test. No one from his office ever got back to me with the results. After three weeks of waiting, I finally called his office to get the results of my blood test. When Dr LA called me back, I wanted to be certain that I understood what he had said. So I asked him a few questions. He became visably annoyed. He told me he was in a hurry, that he did not have time to talk, and that he had already answered the question. He was beyond rude. He also seemed unconcerned about my well being. A few days later, my primary care physician contacted me. He said he ran into Dr LA and that Dr LA had explained the results of my lab test to him. So I learned about the results from another doctor. Not from Dr LA. As stated above, I believe it is an ethical violation to take on patients whom one does not have the time to properly treat. While Dr LA admitted that he did not have time for me, he had no problem billing my insurance company. To date, he has had the audacity to continue sending me invoices for my co pay. If Dr LA insists that I owe him a co pay, then he is going to have to sit through a peer review. Before I tender the co pay, I want to know what his colleagues have to say about the way he conducted himself. read more

I can see a bunch of negative reviews, and I'm a little shocked. Yes, there's a bit of a wait sometimes, but the staff are friendly and the PA that I saw on two separate occassions is incredible. Mabel Ng was patient, listened to what I had to say, and is as caring as I wish all doctors could be. I can only speak to my experience with her and the staff, and would recommend them to friends and family. read more

I have been Dr.La's patient for over 5 years now. He is the best rheumatologist ever. He goes out of his way to help his patients. He never makes me feel rushed, and always takes his time to answer all of my questions. He makes sure Im timely on my meds and always sends in refills to my pharmacy so I dont wait long . Dr.La listens to your every concern, and makes sure your condition is managed properly. Not only is he amazing but so is his entire staff. Anush always goes out of her way to help me, and is so patient. Linet is also extremely nice and friendly with all of the patients. Fanny is the best medical assistant and is the sweetest lady. I really feel taken care of when Im visiting the office. read more

This review is based on my mother's appointment. My mom has been struggling with joint pain on and off and recently found Dr. Dan LA's office. She said the front desk ladies were exceptional, and kind. They made her feel comfortable and explained things clearly. When she met the doctor she said he was very nice, he listened to all of her concerns, past history, and answered any questions she had without feeling rushed. She received a steroid shot for her pain, and he administered it himself. This is such a relief for me and her because seeing her in pain that unbearable is always hard. Thank you to all of you at the office and Dr. Dan LA! read more

Dr.La is amazing even,his PA is great!! But the staff is the WORST MOST UNPROFESSIONAL ladies I've ever had to deal with! They told me I missed an appointment & I had to pay the $25 fee. I said I had surgery and returned the call that I was unable to make it. She said you still owe the $25! I pulled up my phone record and showed her that I called back, she wanted the die. I said you could keep the petty $25! I wish my insurance was more flexible I can't stand this place anymore! read more

The worse doctor's office ever. He is rude and arrogant, doesn't have a good bedside manner. The staff and the billing department lady even worse, very incompetent and very dishonest. No one has principles or ethics. They care is only about money. They gave me an appointment when I was looking for general practice or primary physician. Not good!!! read more

My experience at Dr. LA's was terrible. The negative reviews on him are correct. The staff was so rude and incompetent I often ended up in tears of frustration. Once, two weeks before an appointment I called to cancel. I ended up getting billed , even though I had canceled many many days before the appointment. I spent many frustrated wasted hours on the phone dealing with this. Luckily I found Proof of my phone call, otherwise I would have had to pay. This happened two times. The front desk rank among the rudest, (bordering cruel), incompetent staff. It's shameful. The doctor himself is in such a rush he barely looks at you. If you are able to go somewhere else I would suggest you do so. I believe the only ones that go to him are the ones that have no other choice,because their insurance is only covered by him. For me though, Even though he was the only rheumatologist that was covered by my insurance,left. It was that bad. There really was no point. His bedside manner was terrible-condescending, rude, and impatient. He barely looks you in the face. You are a bother to him. One time he asked me "has anything you have ever taken relieved your pain in the past?" I told him that when I had surgery I was prescribed Vicodin and that actually had the side effect of helping my pain. He started yelling" no! No! I am not giving you that. No way!"(he actually flailed his arms and stepped back as if it was a physical attack.) I was startled but stayed calm and replied,"I am not asking for that. You just asked me if anything in the past had helped with pain and I am simply telling you." He said again, "No! Nooo!!you are not going to get vicodin!!" I repeated," Sir, I do not want it. Nor did I ask for it. You asked me what had worked in the past so I am responding and letting you know that's all." (I was well aware of opioids addictive qualities and of doctors fears of prescribing it. Besides I had bottles at home ,from surgeries, that I had not used. If I wanted it I would use that.) He STILL carried on , so at The time I thought that perhaps he had been sued in the past and was triggered. However,once I had more appointments with him I realized this is just his modus operandi. He is not someone with communication skills nor a listener. Having to deal with this doctor was such a degrading experience each time that eventually I left. It was becoming counterproductive in my healing process. I am so grateful that I never have to see this man again. Honestly I feel like I would rather die or go to emergency then see him. read more

If you must see this doctor, I suggest you inquire about the cost of an appointment to see him. My insurance was billed $282 for an appointment that took no more than 10 minutes. Outrageous! read more

Hes a good Dr, but the office staff is very cold and insencier. Without even trying to understand your issue they tell you theyre book for 2 months. These are people withe CHRONIC pain they deal with, need to be more understanding and try to accomadate with you. Maybe shouldnt overbook and save some spots for urgent patients. Plus you wait more in the waiting room than when youre actually seen by him EVEN when you have an appointment. When a patient calls that means theyre in desparate need to see the Dr, you cant tell them they have to wait over a month, especially when its not a NEW patient- he doesnt need to spend 20 minutes ( if that). Its a follow up about changing a medication when nothing else has helped or just a quick look at your joints. The front desk seems like they are just operators behind the phones. Its unfortunate that the staff is putting down his name because hes a good specialist. But the office crew is the firts impression when you walk in, before you see the Dr, they need to have a better work ethics and a pleasant attitude. read more

A very caring Doctor, Great bedside manner. Office staff, friendly, caring and very polite. Very happy with Dr La

Miserable incompetent staff. I called to cancel an appointment but failed to get the name of the staff I spoke to. Next thing they have sent me to collections for a cancellation fee for missing an appointment. Bear in mind I called back and they all denied receiving my cancellation call as well. They are rude pack of unethical people. read more

No one ever returns your calls. You'll never know your blood test results or can get answers to any medication related questions. The staff is lame. The doc is ok, but doesn't work too hard. read more

Dr Dan La is one of the most caring doctors I know. He is so kind, caring, intelligent and is very dedicated to his work. He listens to his patients. Office stuff is so professional and helpful. When I go there I know I will be taken care of so well. read more

Called multiple times. No answer. Left voice messages with my phone number. No one called me back. I've waited over a month. Still waiting... I'd give a negative star rating but that's not possible. read more

The most unpleasant medical offices I have ever visited. I sent my insurance info at time I made the appointment. I drove 1 hour to attend appointment and arrived at the office to be told they do not accept Blue Shield PPO. I contacted BS Silver PPO to learn that this office was contracted. The Office staff is rude and surly. Many physicians have found their practice destroyed because their front office help were incompetent and rude. There was no consideration for their having wasted 21/2 hours of my time because no one bothered to review the insurance card That I sent several days before the actual appointment. I offered to pay in full by credit card Because I resented having wasted 2 1/2 hours of my time and was still refused on the basis that "we don't work that way". Having come from a family of physicians and as a lawyer myself I found this answer extraordinary as most physicians are happy to be paid in full at the time of the appointment and to have the patient deal with the insurance company. Needless to say Blue Shield is not happy either with the contact of the employees of this physicians office. If there were zero stars I would've checked that but was forced to give them one star which they truly don't deserve. read more

I have terrible arthritis but Dr La does not brush over anything..Always a smile and a hello, never condescending and helped me get the mri's and surgeon I needed read more

Dr. La was recommended to me by another doctor. The last couple of appointments I've actually seen an assistant, not the doctor. My last appointment was in mid-Sept. and I called three days before to leave a message I wouldn't be going bec. I was ill. I asked for a call back. Did the same the next day, again asking for a call back. No one bothered. The day prior to the appointment I received a 'reminder' call, at which time I informed the staff person I was ill and had already twice called to cancel. Now I've received a bill for $25 for a 'no show' fee. Called their billing office and they too haven't called back. I've never seen such unprofessional people. There are too many physicians in this city to be dealing with a bunch of incompetents. read more

I had visited the offices as my gen practitioner suggested I check in with La for some joint pains I had. Long story short, I went in, gave a ton of info to a doctor assistant and a nurse and then shared my blood tests with his office. A little over a week later, I got a long and detailed call that was informative, patient, accommodating and comforting. Luckily I did not have anything too severe and it erased reasons to return for more visits but he took his time to explain every detail. I am not a major fan of many in the medical profession due to horrible bedside manner that I have seen too many times but I must say that my personal experience with La made me have faith again in that people in the medical field are also motivated by the need to help folks - and not only a payment. Bravo! If I ever had a need to see a rheumatologist (beyond a one time visit)- I would go straight to his office. read more

Very rude and unprofessional staff, since Rose left I really don't know from where Dr. La got these new and rude staff.