Not happy with their telehealth appointment policy. My elderly mother had an appointment in person scheduled for 2:40 PM, but she wasn't feeling well so I called to see if we could have a telephone appointment instead and they informed me that the doctor only does them after five , I asked if he could give us a call at 2:40 since that is the time that he would've been with my mother and they said that he wouldn't do that, he only does them after 5 o'clock and of course there were appointments available for the rest of the week and into the next week To me, it makes no sense the doctor would add an appointment at the end of the day when instead of moving onto the next client ( assuming the next client is there early) at 2:40 he make a phone call at that moment and get that appointment done with, rather than staying later in the day. When I finally booked the televisit they sent me the confirmation and it was booked with the wrong doctor ! Arm yourself with patience because each time you call you will be on hold for a long time. read more

I always say a doctor is a as good as her staff and that a staff can make or break an office (doctor). Scheduled an appointment to see Dr. Renata Chalfin. The day before the appointment a young lady called to confirm the appointment, but asked me to arrive 30 minutes prior. I inquired why as my morning (as with many other patients) are hectic. She stated was to fill out the paperwork (let's keep in mind for most patients this type of paperwork take an average of 10 minutes to fill). I asked to have the paperwork forwarded so I could complete it before the appointment. She stated she could only send part of the paperwork and here comes the misrepresentation "You still have to arrive 30 minutes prior because the other part of the paperwork is not available on our portal and we can't send via email because of HIPPA". To which I stated "these are blank forms, there is not HIPPA concern or non compliance in this case. Plus I can print and take the forms instead of emailing them back if that is your concern". Caught on the act she became defensive and proceed to tell me (someone who spends her days in medical offices) every doctor's office requires 30 minutes arrival, which I told her there is n't such a thing. She was not satisfied in dealing with someone who understand medical offices protocols and proceed to talk over me not letting go of her demand for 30 minutes early arrival. At that point I had already made a decision, I would not be seeing the doctor as this type of staff makes being a patient very difficult. Dealing with health issues is a burden, there is absolutely no need to increase this burden because unprofessional and unprepared staff who may create a barrier to get refills, schedule appointments, discuss insurance matters, leave messages to the provider, , etc. No thank you. read more

I am writing to formally address the difficulties I have encountered regarding my treatment for cluster headaches at your practice. After multiple visits and various unsuccessful treatments for migraines, my wife's research suggested that my condition was actually cluster headaches. While the Physician Assistant (PA) provided a referral for oxygen therapy, a medical equipment provider informed me that Florida law requires a specific prescription. Despite my urgent request for this prescription and providing all necessary technical details, Dr. Costel initially refused, stating the practice does not issue prescriptions for oxygen. Due to the lack of timely assistance and the refusal to provide necessary care, I contacted my Primary Care Physician (PCP), who issued the required prescription within fifteen minutes. Although Dr. Costel eventually issued a prescription later that day, the delay and the subsequent communication from your office have been concerning. I was recently informed by the PA that any future oxygen renewals must be handled by my PCP, rather than this neurology practice. Furthermore, the response regarding the cancellation of ineffective Botox and infusion treatments was dismissive. As this practice is managing my neurological care, I find the refusal to handle related prescriptions highly irregular. Given these events, I am re-evaluating my care plan with this practice. I expect a higher standard of coordination and professional accountability moving forward. read more

My Experience with Dr. James Cimera and First Choice Neurology I am writing this review to share my personal experience and to help others make informed decisions when choosing a neurologist for themselves or their loved ones. During my second and final visit to Dr. James Cimera's office, I witnessed something that deeply concerned me. While waiting for my appointment, I noticed a gentleman in a wheelchair who appeared frustrated. His pen had fallen to the floor, and he was struggling to complete a large packet of paperwork on a clipboard. When I helped him, I counted approximately 15 pages of forms. Given his apparent physical limitations, I was surprised that no one from the front office had offered assistance. I do not know how long he had been waiting, but the situation left me with concerns about the level of support and compassion provided to patients who may need extra help. My own experience with Dr. Cimera was also disappointing. Following a workplace fall, I was diagnosed with a concussion. However, I left the appointment feeling confused and unsupported. In my opinion, my concerns were not fully addressed, and I felt rushed during the visit. I was hoping for a more thorough explanation of my diagnosis, what symptoms to expect, the recovery process, and what treatment options or next steps might be available. Instead, I felt that my questions were dismissed, and I did not receive the guidance I was seeking regarding my condition. As a workers' compensation patient, I felt more like a case file than a person needing medical care and answers. Every patient deserves to feel heard, respected, and informed about their health. Unfortunately, that was not my experience at this practice. Based on my personal experience, I would not recommend Dr. Cimera or First Choice Neurology to friends or family members. If I could give less than one star, I would. read more

Extremely Unprofessional and Disorganized -- Avoid This Office My experience with First Choice Neurologist has been deeply frustrating and disappointing. From the beginning, the staff and administration have shown a shocking lack of professionalism. They are consistently rude, dismissive, and even aggressive over the phone. It's nearly impossible to have a respectful conversation--they talk over you and make no effort to actually listen or help. I first saw Dr. Pandey on May 19 and returned for a follow-up on September 11, during which I requested an EEG test. The test was finally performed on September 25, and I have been trying to get a copy of my report ever since. Despite multiple follow-ups, no one from the medical records department ever called me back. When I finally got through today (October 22), I was told they couldn't release the report because it was still missing the doctor's signature--almost a full month later. That is completely unacceptable and shows a serious breakdown in their internal processes. This office is not only disorganized but also visibly unclean, and the entire place smells strongly of food--which is not what you want to experience in a medical setting. Their inefficiency, lack of follow-through, and blatant disrespect for patients' time and needs make it clear they do not value those who come to them for care. I absolutely do not recommend First Choice Neurologist. If you're considering going here--don't waste your time. read more

Please if you need any important medical care don't go here. I suffer from chronic migraines and have been going to first choice neurology after moving from NY . I have been under a neurologist care for disabling migraines and honest to god this neurology office is contributing to my headaches . They never have my insurance authorization even though my appointment is made 3 months in advance . They call me day before and keep rescheduling until their office gets their act together. They also have a terrible billing department who ive already had to backtrack in my bank records and give them proof that all my copays are given at time of appointment . Their confusion was that I showed up at my appointment and gave them my copay and after waiting for doctor they actually came into room and said they were sorry but they didn't have the medicine for my shots . As usual they were behind except this time they actually made me come into office so they can cancel on me. I hope this review helps those patients considering this practice . Its terrible read more

The staff and doctor were wonderful. Will return for test. Did not have to wait long for visit. Location is great.

Super nice staff and doctors that care. I was so impressed with their service I'm leaving a review. I've been getting migraines and they've helped me feel better quick. Thank you!! read more

Worst experience with a doctor's office I've had. My husband had an MRI 2 weeks ago and we can't get anyone to answer the phone or return messages to get results. Would not recommend using this office to anyone. read more

I would highly recommend you find another neurology facility. They are extremely unprofessional. I was billed $50 for a missed appointment, even though I never missed the appointment (cancelled the appt prior and have phone records showing this). I have sent three emails via their portal and they dont even respond. I was originally assured this charge would be removed, but.......still hasn't been. Do yourself a favor and look elsewhere. read more

Worst place, go elsewhere. Run, don't walk. Much better options available. Dr. Espinosa looks at his cel phone while you are talking to him. Staff could be improved as well. read more

Their phone system only leads to dead ends and dropped calls. If a staffer actually picks up, they can't answer anything, so you're back on hold, and then the call drops again. In fact, they are aware of the phone problems and still don't get a new system. My symptoms are (fortunately) pretty mild, so the doctors and PAs don't have to do more than maintenance visits for me. I wouldn't trust the office staff to order a pizza. read more

If you end up at this practice because you're dealing with chronic headaches, dealing with their staff will only trigger them. During my first appointment to see Dr. Gelblum, I waited for two hours to see him at the Aventura location. In the meantime, I witnessed what appeared to be the office manager being very disrespectful to the gentleman at the front office, which made me feel very uncomfortable. After being to their office now twice, I can now see how their staff lacks compassion towards patients; their workplace seems to be a toxic one to begin with. I must say, Dr. Gelblum has great bedside manners, but unfortunately he ordered me every possible test (4) that he could charge my insurance in addition to the MRI. I spoke to another neurologist and was told that an MRI is just enough of an initial imaging test required for a diagnosis. A week later, on my way to their office to get the several testings done, there was an unfortunate police shoot out (which resulted in road closures), and I was a bit late to my appointment. I called them to inform them of my current situation beyond my control and they told me that I would do half of the testing today and the rest another day, but when I got to their office not only does the front office lady tell me that I had to reschedule but that I had to pay a $75 fee in the most cold and dismissive manner. In addition, the doctor could not see me to review the results the same day of the testings because they "could not charge my insurance two visits in one day". I recommend finding another specialty practice to go to, which hopefully is not focused in just getting as much as possible from your insurance but also cares and understands the patient, perhaps with a more warm and humane staff too. I also refuse to go to five medical visits (3 testings, and 2 consultations), penalties (if rescheduling) and several copays for me to get a diagnosis. I hope my unpleasant experience helps others to avoid such headache. read more

The personnel that works the phones to schedule your appointment, could careless about you and show it in their attitude. The front desk immediately will try to inconvenience you in a way that is disrespectful to your safety and well-being. No I am not talking about their outdated covid-19 protocols in place that show the owners of this business are kooks and you will face challenges the moment you commit to them in traditional dynamics of patient-healthcare professional relationship. read more

It took 3 months to get a second appointment. Fine. We show up for that appointment and THEY put the wrong date in the email. So they turned us around and said they couldn't help her for another 3 months even though it was THEIR mistake. This place doesn't care about children it's all about $. We had a first appointment. The doctor spent five minutes with her, gave us no answers and just left and charged us $500. Go anywhere else if you can. They don't want to help your child. Just bill you for all your worth. read more

Marissa Prego-Lopez. Avoid this Doctor as much as you can. Not only will they treat you like you were trash, but the "Doctor" Prego-Lopez is extremely unprofessional. We have had a horrible experience with her in three appointments and she evaluates my wife so badly that her personal doctor calls her on a weekend to request her avoid taking the medication "Doctor" Prego-Lopez prescribes to her. Waiting time was more than an hour on all three occasions. "Doctor" Prego-Lopez never really listened to my wife's problems/conditions before making any recommendation/suggestion, but jumped immediately to recommend an exam that "coincidentally" you have to do it there. There are hundreds of other Neurologists you can contact, this one will be a big mistake. I wish someone had told me this before I wasted my money and especially my wife's time. Avoid this "Doctor". read more

If you suffer from migraines please do yourself a favor and see Dr. Almeida El-Ramey she has helped change my life . She is a great doctor !

We followed Dr. Jeffrey Steinberg from Sunrise Medical as we were his patient for nearly seven years. Prior to scheduling an appointment with him I had a couple of telephone conversations. The first one the question was raised regarding what insurance's they were accepting, particularly Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Dr Steinberg assured me that although they did not participate in BCBS, they were in the process in obtaining BCBS provider or preferred provider status. A follow up telephone call to Dr. Steinberg, he stated that they still had not obtained BCBS participant but had assured me that what ever payments that they received would be considered as payment in full. At this point an appointment was made. During the initial appointment all of the appropriate paperwork and authorizations were executed, in particular the billing authorization where we authorized that BCBS was set as primary and Medicare as secondary, Dr. Steinberg's assistant/nurse, Barbie, stated that they going to bill Medicare first,we corrected her stating that it was by court order that Medicare was secondary. Thinking that all was well we scheduled subsequent appointments (2). It wasn't until we had gotten an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from Medicare and no BCBS EOB's and a big bill from First Choice Neurology which was after our third appointment that we discovered all is not well. Several telephone conversations with the billing department to straighten this out have not yielded resolution as they refuse to follow our guidance which was obtained from both Medicare and BCBS on the proper procedures to file the claims, but who are we but DUMB people to them. Had anyone adhered to the initial insurance authorization document to begin with none of this would have occurred. On top of all of the billing problems, Barbie does not seem to be able to convey messages accurately to Dr. Steinberg as when requesting an emergency prescription request was improperly filled, wrong script, we never went back. But we still have these lingering billing problems. We never had these problems with the Sunrise Medical Group. Because of these continued problems we would not recommend this group, if this is an isolated instance then one would think that they would have time to resolve this instead of resisting any guidance. read more

This is a horrible Neurology office. I made an appointment as I lost feeling in my hand. I waited for the PA in a room to come in for over an hour. I finally found someone and said I was going to leave as it was enough. Apparently the PA was absentminded and forgot I was in the room. She eventually came in and could only talk about my previous appointment for migraines!! I had to ask her for a nerve conduction text to see what's going on. I was getting ready two weeks later( again crucial situation) and I get a call that oh we have to cancel you but we can we can really reschedule you for March! Incompetent,rude and unprofessional!When I asked the girls name she hung up on me. read more

Highly impressed with the way this office is operating during Covid-19. Staff is very helpful and responsive to their patients' needs. Dr. Ramirez-Calderon is an excellent neurologist and always goes above and beyond the standard care. He takes his time with each patient and ensures a comfortable experience each visit. He is trustworthy and truly listens to understand. Book your appointment with First Choice Neurology today. read more

I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Gelblum and his Staff. I have been dealing with numbness, tingling, burning sensations, muscle spasms and weakness for over 39 years. One year ago, I was fortunate enough to be referred to Dr. Gelblum by the neurologist I was seeing at the time. I have been seen/treated by at least 10 different neurologist over the past 39 years. I was told several times by these neurologists that they knew something was wrong, but could not determine exactly what it was causing my problem because my symptoms overlapped different diseases. Then, my neurologist at the time suggested that I see Dr. Gelblum. I didn't think I would get in to see him because it was at the beginning of the pandemic and most doctors refused to see new patients. Dr. Gelblem's staff scheduled me immediately for a Tele-Med call. Dr. Gelblum spent over an hour on the phone with me discussing my symptoms, my history, and a plan of action. Within a few weeks I had my follow up appointment to review test results. He immediately explained that I had a rare progressive disease and started me on medication. I have had to use a walker/wheelchair for the last 4 years. I know it is very unlikely that I will ever get better, but I can honestly say that I have not seen any progression of my condition in the last 9 months, since being treated by this AMAZING doctor. I often wonder if my condition would have progress to this point if I would have seen Dr. Gelblum 39 years ago. read more

The only positive I can say about this practice is the office is clean. Dr. J. Steinberg and his office staff leave A LOT to be desired. On my initial appt I was given a package of paperwork to fill out with my insurance information and authorization to bill. I have a primary and a secondary, listed and authorized as such on my paperwork. The individual, you know who you are Barbie, responsible for setting up my account saw my secondary was Medicare and chose to over ride what I had authorized on my paperwork. It is now a year later and that single act of defiance has caused nothing but turmoil not only for myself but for the Dr. getting paid in a time effective manner. After many lengthy conversations with both BCBS and Medicare it has become apparent they have been billing incorrectly. I have followed up with both insurance companies and voiced my extreme concerns on this billing practice. Both BCBS and Medicare have now become involved and will act accordingly. I have offered numerous times and provided duplicate documents for them to file claims properly. BTW all the duplicate documents I provided could have easily been obtained via online. Per BCBS they always send an EOB, even when a non provider. Rather than call BCBS or Medicare this office has chosen to continue to involve me in doing their job, not once but over and over and over! So senseless when there are numerous ways for the office to obtain the documents they needed to procure payment. Because you keep repeating the wrong information again and again it does not make it correct! Pick up the phone call who you need to to get proper direction and stop asking patients to do your job!!!!!!!!! All this unnecessary back and forth could have been avoided had it been set up as I had authorized at my first appointment.. read more