Dr Melkumian, is the finest doctor I have ever had. She is compassionate, intelligent and informed. She takes the time to explain your medical conditions, and points you in the right direction to continually care for yourself medically! She is truly " One Of A Kind." She has been caring for my mother, and myself for awhile. I wouldn't bring my mother to see just anyone. She put my mind at ease. I knew that my mother( and myself) were receiving the highest quality of care!! I have read a few bad reviews about her-- I don't believe that they accurately described her medical abilities; and furthermore, they did not paint a complete picture. It seemed ,they only told a small fraction of what really happened. I hope Dr. Melkumian continues to help people for a very long time! She is a gem!! read more

Found Dr. Melkumian through my insurance and picked her as my PCP because of the multiple high reviews I saw (which I no longer see on Google...). Punctuality was always an issue with the office but leaving this review because of my bad experience I hope no one else goes through: Dr. Melkumian told me during my last appointment she was going to give me 1 last 30 day supply of a medication I have been on every day for 8+ years to hold me over untill I saw a specialist for my condition for a different treatment plan. 1.5 weeks later I see all my other meds filled except this one. Called the office before I ran out and they said Dr. Melkumiam will not fill it even though my appointment is 2+ weeks away. Despite her telling me she will give me enough so I don't run out, she changes her mind and completely cuts me off a medication I have been on for years without advising what to do when I run out. I am having multiple health problems now and Healthcare partners is siding with her despite the unethical situation. I was given no direction of how to deal with being off the medication I have taken for so long. I was only met with a rude attitude from her office and Dr. Melkumian lying to Healthcare partners saying she told me she would in fact cut me off of this medication before seeing my specialist (I'm surprised they believed that information or would allow a doctor to do that). Doctors and medical groups protect their own and that's it. Not seeing this doctor again. read more

In my 25 years of jumping from doctor to doctor due to constant insurance changes, Dr. M is the first doctor I have EVER MET that truly listen and cares about her patients. She doesn't treat you like another item on the assembly line. I have and would recommend her to anyone who asks. Regarding copays, I pay my copay upfront (I expect that from any medical office, it's common practice at this point, and I would rather be charged up front than be surprised a month later when the bill comes), so no complaints there. The wait times are not unreasonable AT ALL, especially for the quality of care that Dr. M gives. read more

I was a patient here for 4 years. Dr. Melkumian is an OK doctor. The service here sucks. Everytime I would call to make an appointment id be put on hold for 15-30 min. And when I'd call to make an appointment the doctor was available a month later. Recently they went under new management and my insurance was no longer covered there but FAILED to give me a call to let me know. I found out by calling them to make my annual exam. Dr. Melkumian was my primary doctor and prescribed me high blood pressure pills. Was she not going to give me a call and notify me about that? Shows how much they care for their patients. This office is unprofessional. Please don't waste your time or money here. read more

I can't be bothered putting this all into words again, so I'll just copy/paste the email I've just sent to their office: First Choice: I received a call from your Long Beach office 5 days ago. The person calling wanted to verify my gynecologist's name, so that she could fax over my ultrasound results and referral. I called my gynecologist the same day to let them know to expect a fax, as I want to set up my follow-up appointment with them ASAP. They still haven't received a fax! I can't even reach your office to speak with someone about this, which has now become completely absurd. I called your office three times yesterday and spoke with your answering service. Each time she was quite sure you'd be returning soon. My last attempt was at 3:15pm. Today I've called twice. My last attempt was at 2:20pm. That's 20 minutes after you were supposed to return from lunch. My last doctor appointment w/ Dr. Melkumian was on Wednesday 9/19. We went over my preliminary ultrasound results, which came back "abnormal". She said the final results should be back w/in a day, and she would call me to go over them. I still haven't received a call. How long is a reasonable amount of time to wait for assistance from your office? My husband and I both loved our previous doctors at your practice (Suzanne and Jennifer Kim), though we had continuing problems with the front office. Many patients of your office have the same problems we've encountered. We were hesitant to make the switch to Dr. Melkumian, but went ahead with our appointments. My first appointment with her had me waiting well over an hour...no exaggeration. Regardless of this, I loved my experience with her, as did my husband during his visit! Unfortunately, I can't see carrying on this way for much longer. This isn't a matter of poor customer service. This is a matter of my health. I have abnormal ultrasound results and need a referral for further testing and information. Please have someone fax my ultrasound results and referral to Dr. XXX at xxx-xxx-xxxx. Please call my cell to confirm this ASAP at xxx-xxx-xxx. read more

Dr. Melkumian and her staff are nice and personable. I thought Dr. M was very knowledgeable about health, and I really appreciate her holistic approach. However, I don't appreciate her extreme lateness issue. I've visited her office on more than one occasion, and each time she has been over an hour late, which is completely unacceptable and unprofessional. I work full-time, so time is money and very valuable. After my last visit, I decided I would no longer be a patient of hers due to this issue. read more

So, Dr. Kushner sold her practice to Dr. Melkumian. Dr. Suzanne Kim and Dr. Jennifer Kim-Loomis are no longer with First Choice Medical. Dr. Melkumian is like a breath of fresh air. She did a thorough physical exam and ordered the appropriate tests for me and my husband. The office is way more modernized than the old, outdated 1970s decor of the previous office, complete with electronic health records. Dr. Melkumian actually suggested herbal supplements instead of a prescription which I've never experienced in all my visits to MDs over the years. What a relief! I can't wait until my labs come back to see how she decides to proceed with any treatment plan that she formulates. The front office staff and the nurse that took height, weight, blood pressure, and pulse were very friendly and welcoming. They're no longer in cramped quarters or working on top of each other anymore and I'm sure that's why everyone seems to be smiling a lot more. I'm hopeful that their back-office/billing department is better than their old ones. We'll have to wait a couple of weeks to see how that goes. read more

I have been a patient for quite awhile (5+ years). Dr. Kushner was a very through dr. In the last couple years their service has slipped. Dr Kushner's office was getting really bad before she sold the practice. Well along comes Dr Melkumian. She wants to make the practice a better one. She's updated the decor, going to go electronic with the records. One problem, communication. The front office and Dr not communicating. I visited them 3x, 3 visits were for a blood test. The three draws, each time for a different test..... All OK. BUT 3x for a damn blood test. Can't blame Dr Malkumian, she ordered the last test. Dr S. Kim did the first 2. Dr Malkumian, while consulting her the last time, being a through Dr. Referred me to a specialist. You guessed it. Front office gave a referral. They needed to send data to the specialist, took a week to forward the data. read more

After receiving a $330 bill from Dr. Kim's office, on top of what she already charged my health insurance company, I will not being going back to her, EVER. Dr. Kim's office charged my health insurance a total of $1,124 for ONE VISIT and the $300 is what they didn't cover. I just recently got health insurance for the first time in YEARS so I was really excited to finally be able to go to the doctor. I found Dr. Kim through my insurances website and checked her reviews on yelp. I had two visits with Dr. Kim. The first time I went to her was due to anxiety and a sinus infection, the second one was a follow up for the anxiety medicine she put me on. I explained to Dr. Kim that I had recently gone through the most financially difficult time in my life, and had lost 25 pounds due to the anxiety. (I was down to 102lbs, my normal is 127lbs, I hadn't weighed this much since I was 12 ) When Dr. Kim asked me why I hadn't come to the doctor sooner, since my problems had started in January, I told her I couldn't afford to until I had insurance. She seemed understanding, and told me that anxiety is a serious problem, and that I need to get it fixed. During the same visit I also talked to Dr. Kim about my sinus infection. I thought it was really awesome that she was treating both ailments in one visit. I've had doctors tell me in the past, that I'd have to make another appointment for each problem, and I can't afford to do that. When she asked me if I had ever done a saline nasal rinse I told her that I have, and that I have my own nasal rinse bottle at home. She told me she was going to have me do one in the office with a machine while I was there anyway. Even though I thought it was unnecessary I agreed, NOT KNOWING THAT SHE WOULD CHARGE ME $200 FOR IT!!!! For one, it costs me about 30 cents to do my own saline rinse at home, which is about the same amount that it probably costs Dr. Kim. (it's just saline and water) And number 2, they did it wrong! A saline rinse is usually done with warm water in order to loosen up the mucus and flush it all out of the sinuses. The nurse flushed me with cold water, which was uncomfortable and didn't do jack. During the same visit Dr. Kim also wrote me about 5 prescriptions (I filled 3 of the 5). She asked me when the last time I got some vaccine was, and I had no idea so I agreed to get another one, which cost me $75, with an additional $30 fee for injecting it in me. She also had me get blood work done, another charge. I thought I would learn the results of my blood work of at my follow up visit, but I never did. I figured if there was anything wrong with me she'd probably tell me, but I considered calling just to double check. After explaining to Dr. Kim that I had lost 25 pounds due to extreme financial stress and anxiety, which is why I came to her office, and why she was treating me in the first place, I am absolutely appalled that she would think that this would be okay for her to do. I even want to give her less stars for being so nice to me in her office. Fraud read more

What has happened to this place? New owners? I've been seeing Dr. Kushner for 2 years now, I make an appointment with her and when I arrive at the office, I was told she no longer works there. really? and you're rude when I ask why adn what happened? no courtesy call before I come in? Not a good way to run a business...needless to say I will not return...off to search for Dr. Kushner.. p.s. I think the office needs to modify their business description...I found out most of the doctors have left the practice read more

This facility is beautiful, well designed and outfitted with modern flooring and seating. Well-kept, very clean, and a nice bright (but not blinding) color scheme. The staff members, especially Joanna and Maria, are very kind, willing to answer the plethora of billing, testing, and scheduling questions patients might have. Very accommodating with working people and trying to schedule or move around appointments with respect for patients' work schedules. Referrals for bloodwork or other procedures have been very simple, with FCMA's offices sending over the information and even scheduling referral appointments for me. I have only worked with Susie Elftman, Dr. Melkumian's PA, but I absolutely adore Susie. She has a fantastic attitude, and inquiring mind, and her personality instantly puts you at ease about any concerns you may have. I am absolutely glad I found First Choice Medical Associates, and hope to continue going here as long as I live in the area. I feel very well taken care of with Susie Elftman. read more

SCAMMING DOCTOR! DON'T PAY THE $50 TOWARDS YOUR DEDUCTIBLE...IT'S A SCAM I "had" been a patient of the medical group for over 30 years, owned by Pamela Kushner originally. I recently went for an appt and the receptionist told me I had to pay my co-pay (of course) plus $50 towards my annual deductible. WHAT? The receptionist referred me to Dr Melkumian who took me into a private room to explain to me this was a new way of ensuring patients pay their bill...I've always paid my bill. She explained she could not continue to practice without collecting the partial deductible from each patient. She asked me if I had received a telephone call or email from the office explaining the new policy...NO....she asked me if the person who made my appt had informed me...NO. She immediately went to the receptionist and berated her for not informing me at the time my appt was made. I WALKED OUT OF THE OFFICE. OH HELL NO! I was so embarrassed for the employees and waiting patients, who, by the way, DID pay the additional $50. After doing a bit of research and contacting my insurance carrier, I was informed by the carrier I DID NOT HAVE TO PAY $50 towards my deductible and called the dr office to inform them. So here's the scam...let's say you do not meet your deductible...who keeps the money? DR. Melkumian!!!!! For your information, I have filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau to which Dr. Melkumian has not responded. I am looking into filing a class action lawsuit against the practice, not for me since I did not give them anything more than my time, but for all the trusting souls who have donated unnecessary money to this greedy doctor. read more

This rating is based on standings after Dr. Kushner sold the practice to Dr. Melkumian; the review is based on pre & post sale of the practice. I have been going to FCMA for over 14 years. Throughout the years, I have been seen numerous Dr.'s/PA-C's at this practice including: Dr. Kushner, Susie, both Dr. Kim's & Laura (there were others but I don't recall their names). Laura by far has been the best provider ever. Very conscientious, personable, great bed-side manner, and a good listener and EFFICIENT! I never felt treated as though I were a "number" or a "patient", but as a person. Like I said, she is PERSONABLE! I was saddened when I heard that she was leaving FCMA because of the length of time that I was her patient. I will have to find another provider. I didn't want to remain with FCMA, because I didn't feel comfortable with how the new management runs the office. And, since the new management took over, I felt a strange "vibe" when being in that office as though someone were eaves dropping on my conversation. On my last visit, I looked up a couple of times, and caught Dr. M peering over her glasses watching. I didn't feel comfortable. It may be her practice, but I was not her pt. Billing practices here are not accurate. Lab tests get lost or are not thoroughly processed. That means you have to pay another to get in and get labs that should have been properly processed, retaken. This is a shame, because it was a convenient location. read more

I have been going to First choice for like 2 years.....Dr. Jennifer Loomis is my PCP and she is awesome. The staff "OMG" RUDE the so called "Supervisor" Needs training in compassion with the patients. Every time I went to that office I would be smiling and the staff specially at the front office where like "really?" its like they didn't want to be there. ( well about 2 where alright). I was there just for Dr. Loomis, she understood me very well and was concerned for my overall health. I am glad that Dr. Loomis has her own practice now and is away from this dungeon of dragons. Eecckk this place has been holding my record and wont release it be because according to the supervisor I owe money I am like what?? And now she tells me, she also mentioned that if I want my record I have to pay for it, I am like NOOOO if its from Doctor to Doctor there is no fee involved that's is the reason you sign a consent, uuugghhh she was so annoying did not even let me speak she would speak over me, then finally I said Listen, you need to let me talk and listen and you need training for management if in fact you are the supervisor. Then she calmed down then she tried to explain to me the process with different words then she had already used and abused, completely different I told her you need to put yourself in the patients shoes before you go on raging about little things I will go and talk to my insurance company and file grievance. I let her talk to me and explained in a more calm manner she kinda forced herself to be nice. Thankfully I am now being seen a new different office with my favorite Doctor! Avoid at all costs 2865 Atlantic Ave, they over charge and do labs that you do not even need or want they still do it anyways. GREEDY OFFICE. read more

I've been a patient at First Choice Medical Associates for many years. Dr M and her staff are very caring and professional. They love what they do and it really shows. I highly recommend this practice. read more

I have had kaiser my whole life until this year when my company switched over. This was the first on the list for Dr.'s covered by my new insurance. I made an early appointment, waited there for about and hour and a half before seeing a Dr. They told me it took that long because it was my first visit. BEWARE! This is a clinic type location. They do not do testing there and the only equipment they have is an ultrasound. They then sent me to the emergency room (for a non emergency). I had no idea I was going to be paying this much for an emergency visit that was not necessary. I also had blood work done (right next door to them) and they told me I have gout and the Dr. didn't recommend medication and that I should "not eat anything that tastes good." I have to say I'm completely disappointed with the care and treatment (well, non treatment) I have received from here. Everyone seems nice, but nice isn't going to keep me going to a place that has me feeling taken advantage of. This is at their new location on Atlantic. Edit: I received an ultrasound for a cyst in my wrist, i thought a previous cyst had moved/grown location in my wrist. When I met with the Dr. for the results she didn't mention that I had 2 separate cysts in my wrist. I almost scheduled a really expensive surgery to remove the big one... then would have had to have another surgery to remove the other one. I am so pissed. Edit 5/9/17: I am changing my review on this location. I had seen Lisa and not Dr. Melkumian, that was a mistake. Dr. M was a lot more professional and diligent in figuring out my health needs. If you go here make sure to ask for Dr. M. She's great at explaining the information and makes sure that she answers all of your questions before she leaves the room. I'm really surprised they still employ the other Dr. to be honest. read more

Even though i love all of the doctors here and the PA, the past 3 times i have been here to see the doctor, she is running at least an hour behind. As a hairstylist i would never do this which makes me even more mad. read more

While the building is nice and the lobby has some nice accommodations, the staff, ESPECIALLY the parking "attendants" leave A LOT to be desired. They are SO RUDE and inconsiderate and basically need their asses kicked for their lack of appreciation for a job and their HORRIBLE "service". What parking/valet setup points you to your car to get it yourself?? FOH. read more

I like the staff. They remember me everytime I drop by. I feel comfortable here. They are friendly, professional and informative.

Finally a doctor that truly cares about her patients. Dr. Melkumian really took such good care of my husband when he needed medical attention. She saved his life and is always available for questions and followed up closely. She really cares about her patients and I love her holistic approach. She doesn't over diagnose or overly push meds. She has the perfect balance of western medicine and holistic. She's honest and caring and positive. I don't know what we would have done without her and her team. read more

If I could just get Dr. Kushner without her office staff, I would be an extremely happy patient. My very first visit with Dr. Kushner was a one hour lobby wait and another half hour wait before meeting Dr. Kushner herself. I met the nurse that took my blood pressure, the PA that seems to always review before the Doctor sees you. By the time I saw Dr. Kushner I was pissed, but there is something about her that you can't help but let it go and let her work her magic. I contemplated finding a new doctor but I wanted to see if her recommendations worked. They did and I decided to give her another try. I also tried to convenience my husband to go to her but he said there is no way that he would wait that long to see a doctor for five minutes. After our conversation I then realized where the problem laid, within her office staff. There seems to be a missing link in communication. Maybe they're competing or that's just the way they are. However, they suck. They schedule you on top of other patients, they have no common courtesies and some of them have bad attitudes and have no customer service skills. My last appointment took literally 2 hours. I thought I would have a ticket on my car because I parked in 2hr parking. It took an hour to be called and another hour to be seen by Dr. Kushner herself. I cannot say how upset I was when I had to see a nurse and a PA before seeing "the doctor". The billing department is incompetent. They asked for my card on my last visit for coping and when I received the bill it was shambled. I called to sort it out and they requested I send them a copy of the card. Really! To me this is a bad reflection on Dr. Kushner and the other doctor's that may work in the same office. When you call, you are placed on hold and forced to wait a long time because they just pick up and put you on hold again when the phone begins to beep. Dr. Kushner could definitely benefit from a staff review by secret shoppers. read more

Ok. So I went back even though I didn't like their billing dept/customer service . I do like Dr. Melkumian and Susie. They are friendly and thorough. I learned from my past experience and I am more proactive about knowing what they are checking/charging. read more

Dr Melkumian is an extremely thorough and caring doctor and she doesn't hesitate to refer you to a specialist if she has a concern. She also never acts like she's in a hurry, even though she has a full schedule. She explains everything, which I find many doctors don't take the time to do. The new office is beautiful and clean. I am a happy, well-cared-for patient. Thank you Dr Melkumian and staff for taking such good care of your patients! Please note that most of the not-so-great reviews are from before Dr Melkumian purchased the practice from Dr Kushner. read more

If i could give this place negative stars i would! I'd rather die then go here oh wait by the time they see you for your appointment you very well may die! 3 hour wait and for the stupid doctor to say she's so sorry. Stop dying your hair lady i think it's sunk into your brain. Unless you have a death wish I highly suggest going else where........Saddest part is I've been to free clinics that gave me 100 x's better service than this "doctors" office. read more

I have been in excruciating back pain for the past 3.5 weeks. They gave me an appt for last Friday, which they cancelled last minute (after my mother-in-law drove down from Northridge to LB to watch our daughter during the appt). Just now I had an appt for 2:45. I was there at 2:43, & after waiting till 3:20, I asked how much longer Dr. M might be; they told me another 45min! So she was going to see me almost an hour & a half late, but no one was going to tell me anything until I asked. smh. I could not wait any longer because my wife had an obligation at 4:00, so I had to go back home to watch the baby. Given that Dr. M is a general practitioner, she's not going to know anything about how to fix my back; I just need to pass through this gatekeeper so I can get a referral to a chiropractor, orthopedic specialist, or sports doctor etc that can do more than fill Pfizer's pockets. I'd gladly never return to this farce of a healthcare "professional" if it were not so much work to change one's primary physician with Covered California. The only other time I have been to this Dr. was for elbow pain. The PA told me to simply not do things that make it hurt (talk about putting a band-aid on cancer), & gave me a drug prescription & a referral for an x-ray, so I could go find a place that actually has this basic piece of medical equipment. wtf? I cannot review Dr. M's medical service, because, although I've been to her office thrice, I've never so much as laid eyes on her. & now here I lay, going on week 4 of 24/7 physical anguish, & in too much pain to pick up my crying 8 month-old. Thanks "doc". read more

I accompanied my mother to her first visit with Dr M., Jordan who is at the front desk was super sweet and professional! She took care of our stat authorization and appt. scheduling for an ultrasound. Dr M is so passionate about helping people. She takes the time to discuss any concerns and explains everything with such love and compassion. I truly walked out of her office knowing my mother and father are in good hands. read more

After the way they handled the departure of Dr. Kushner, I can no longer continue with this group. Sadly, I genuinely felt that they bold face lied to me about Dr. Kushner's departure from the practice and therefore have no trust whatsoever in this practice. Off to find a new provider. read more

DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE! I had an appt. at 3:15 and was asked to be there 30 minutes before the appt. which I was but at 3:50 I was still waiting. No one said anything about the wait until I asked and was told it would be another 30 minutes????.....So un-professional so i asked for my co-pay back and left immediately. Thanks for nothing First Choice Medical, Suite 223, Dr. Melkumian. I only gave them 1 star because they don't have negative 10 stars! read more

I really like Dr. Melkumian and her PA, but the rest of the staff drag this practice down. They 'forget' to book appointments, lose paperwork, and don't return phone calls. I constantly have to follow up with them and it's been very frustrating. Too bad Dr. M isn't aware or doesn't care... if she had a better staff she would have a more successful practice. read more

im really happy with the cahnge at first choice. the new office is beautiful nothing compare to the old office they use to be in. its amazing how the staff has changed ther attitude. everyone seems to be happier with the change. i really like the new doctor. i saw dr melkumian and had a very good expirience she is very nkowledgable and thorough. i really recommend her. i will be staying with her. read more