Came in today as a new patient/ referred by my husband lol. We used to have Kaiser :( Wow I was so impressed here. The front office and back office staff is so nice and friendly. I felt very welcomed. Fantastic customer service. I would definitely be back and bring the rest of my family here. Dr. Malek is great. She goes over the top with patient care. She pays attention to all my concerns and complaints.So blessed to have found the doctor for me. Thank you read more

Irene Malek, MD - Malek Medicine - Outside - Family Practice Near Me - Long Beach, California

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Dr Malek is fantastic, thoughtful, and takes patient care seriously. I appreciate the diligence and professional work of Amy and Melissa. Thank you ladies. read more

Amazing Dr. John and entire staff very professional, friendly, helpful & empathetic. Highly recommend these folks.

Caring primary care doctor! Good listener and friendly atmosphere! Genuinely interested in diagnosing your illness and putting you in touch with the right specialists! read more

Never in a million years did I think I would say these words but...I submitted a formal complaint to the CA Medical Board today. All of these negative reviews about the front office are extremely real. I literally don't have enough space to tell this entire story but TLDR. I have severe depression and because of the front desk person Amy, I went an entire week without my prescription. I went back and forth to the pharmacy every day and they would send a new E-Request to the office every day. The office kept saying they we're getting anything but after the pharmacist personally called the office to send a verbal request and get instant confirmation, she denied it and told him that his E-Requests are coming through as faxes and she throws them right in the trash without looking at them. It felt so validating when the pharmacist told me he had never been spoken to like that from a medical office in his life, and that I should not only file a complaint to the board but to find a new doctor immediately. I have no idea how the doctors in this office don't see these reviews and fire these people instantly. We are talking about people's mental and physical well beings here and none of this should be taken lightly. read more

I had made my first appointment a few months ago Dr Irene Malek because I wanted a female doctor and she was recommended to me. I received a phone call the day before my appointment to go over some things but they failed to tell me that she wasn't going to be in the office the next day because of death in the family I arrived at the office and waited 45 minutes in the office and then they brought me in me a room and did my vitals and still said nothing until I said something about the waiting was this normal, the young lady said well our system is down and we our doing the best we can, still nothing was said to me about the Dr not being there then the office manager came in and said that the Dr was out because she had a death in the family and I was going to be seen by a nurse practitioner, was okay with that! They should've told me that when I arrived I was a New Patient, they knew that the day before. Very frustrating read more

Dr. Malek is truly one of the best doctors I've ever had. She takes the time to listen, explains everything clearly, and makes me feel cared for and respected. The office staff is also kind and professional. Highly recommend. read more

Been going here for nearly two years. I usually spend about 5 mins (at most) with Dr. Irene, then she rushes off. This time, I specifically made an appointment for 3 reasons when I scheduled with Melissa. Only to find out that they could only perform 2 of the three. Amy then argued with me about it instead of helping me. She also withheld a health screen form that I filled out myself!! I wanted to discuss my medication with the doctor and was denied the opportunity. This is utterly irresponsible of a medical facility. Definitely don't come here if you want things explained to you. So disappointing. I don't feel safe here. read more

this review is long overdue, and at first I wasn't even gonna bother writing about Dr. Malek and her staff, but given that this is a medical office I have to share my thoughts to protect other people from any malpractice. Dr. Malek was great once upon a time, but she started going downhill especially with her very rude front desk and out of the country note taker. she has many ILWU members who see her and given the top notch benefits that we have we should definitely be spending our benefits and time with doctors who deserve it- Dr. Malek is no longer a provider who deserves our benefits and time as she takes 100% advantage of it. We've had run ins with her very condescending staff and have since been "banned" for being "combative" and the police called on us due to her front desks lack of communication skills. it's almost as if the staff forgets how they get paid and make a living... off of patients. she was a doctor that we've once trusted as a family. it's disappointing to see her go downhill and I can see why she has three stars on Yelp. like I said, my family works hard for these benefits at their dangerous jobs down here at the waterfront. there are so many other providers and front desk staff that would be THANKFUL and appreciative of our MONEY and time, Dr. Malek's office is not the place.. regardless of what insurance you have STAY AWAY from this money hungry $$ office if you take your health seriously and appreciate being talked to with respect. read more

Since I posted that review I I like everyone to know that The office isn't what used to be. Attempting to get an appointment with text is impossible read more

Dr. Irene is the best physician I've ever had. I got blood work done and I've never had a doctor take the time to call me and walk me through all the data and what it means. She is thorough, thoughtful and very patient. She is a true healer that cares about her patients. Her staff is kind, welcoming and so on top of it. Their follow through is on point. I've never had such quality care in my life. read more

The office personnel will get the smart mouth when you call and get on them about their mistakes. Sending you to the wrong Doctors for specialties appointments. And then treat you like your stupid. Dr. Malek is great but needs to be aware of her staff's treatment of her clients. So right now I'm seeing another doctor. read more

I went to the pharmacy to fill my prescription and I was told Dr Malek does not accept you as her patient any longer and they refused to fill my Thyroid medicine and severe Acid Reflux medications. I was shocked and scarred to death because these were vital medications!!! I called her office and asked after all these years, why would she drop me as her patient and I was told " you never showed up for your appointments and when you do you are always late." I told her I have only seen the doctor once this year and I have never missed a appointment nor been late. I literally begged her to review my charts, and she will see I have never been late and I have never missed not one appointment. Her receptionist response was "you can join the portal and appeal" When I asked to speak with Dr Malek to straighten this out I was told the doctor will call you back and to this date I have never received a call back!!! Now I have to go without meds while I look for another doctor. I will report her practice to Medicare because of her failure to look out for the welfare of her patents! And the icing on the cake, They keep sending bills for old charges I never received and they have no way of verifying the validity. When I asked for explanation of benefits from Medicare, (to confirm) they refused and just kept asking for the money!!! read more

Dr. Irene is always so kind and takes her time to make sure all concerns are addressed. She has a way of explaining things that makes it so clear to understand. I've been a patient of hers for 15 years and I refer everyone I know to her. My whole family sees Dr. Malek and we are all so happy with the quality of service! read more

I have to say that I went to see this doctor based on her Yelp reviews, but I was still nervous about it. When I got there I ran into my cousin in the waiting room and she told me she comes all the way from Norwalk to see Dr. Malek - after seeing the doctor, I can understand why. I have been seeing doctors forever for asthma related symptoms and none of them took my condition as seriously as Dr. Malek and her PA, Renee. They ordered blood work, allergy panel, and started me on treatments for long term improvement. Instead of just writing me the same inhaler Rx, they are endeavoring to find out WHY I am suffering from this ailment and to fix it. Dr. Malek is very friendly and she took the time to explain all the meds to me and what they do and how they work etc. I have never had a doctor be so involved in my understanding of what I was being given and why. I never like seeing PA's instead of the Dr, but after meeting Renee, I can say I would feel very comfortable seeing her anytime. She really knows her stuff. Some things to note: Parking before 6pm is 3.00 max - there is no validation for it. The office is located inside the Medical Center on the second floor and the office is small and not overly impressive as far as decor and such, but you will be more than happy with the service. read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Irene Malek for over five years. I highly recommend Dr. Malek because she is a listener and educates as she treats. She takes time to explain the particular circumstance and how I can help help myself to manage the particular circumstance. Last but not least I see and can feel that she loves her job which has translated to caring and thoughtful service and management of my Healthcare. read more

I love Dr Irene. She is warm caring and compassionate. I couldn't imagine ever having another Dr. I have never had a Dr that I felt actually cared about my well being except her. read more

I'm back!! I just have to say THANK YOU SO MUCH Dr. Malek and her team have done it again! My dad can't stand the healthcare industry and especially doctors today, he has Kaiser! I set him up an appointment with Dr Irene Malek because his blood pressure had been extremely high for quite some time and his Kaiser doctor had him on multiple medications for quite a while with no response! I had him go in to see Dr. Irene and she was very concerned and cut him down to only one medication that she felt would help! My dad says there should be more doctors like Dr Irene Malek! She really cares!! She made eye contact and asked me questions and talked to me with concern not at all like Kaiser! The BEST part is that his blood pressure has been down for the first time in a long time controlled!!! I am SO appreciative for this!!! read more

My appointment was with Dr. Mark Malek, brother of Dr. Irene Malek. I have confirmed my appointment this week and I am NOT a typical 68 year old woman who cannot understand English or communicate and not remember the appointment. And I am a graduate of UCLA the same college Dr. Mark graduated from!!!! I retired as an RN Oncology at UCLA and St. Vincent Med Center in Los Angeles at that time. I am also a professional Pastry chef with a very clean reputation in the Food Industry like Specialty Food Organization in New York! I am indeed very intelligent and educated FYI! Vivian!! I am proud to tell you that I have 3 college degrees! I also earned a B.A in Graphic Design/Photography! Worked in this industry with Toyota Corp for 4 years! So, Vivian! How hard is it to tell me your name when you called? Your name is not GOLD! This is the name of the person who was on the phone today this morning!!! The office should actually be professional when communicating with any office calls. Vivian, the woman who called me at 8 am or 7:45 am today asking me about reminding me. It was NOT the call, it was her attitude when I asked for her name. It is best to know who is on the other line. Always! It could be some one who may want to harm me? You never know! Let us say it is routine? Well, it is annoying! Why don't you use testing like other medical offices??? NOT every one can answer all the time! I have confirmed this! If you do text messaging, it may be better! I could read it ASAP and I do not have to call YOU, Vivian!!! And she did not want to identify herself!! OMG!!! For GOD sake!!! This is how you should talk on the phone with a patient when answering the phone, at least in this manner because it is more official: "Doctor's office, this is Vivian, may I help you?" This is simple and to the point!!! Short and Sweet! I am disappointed at Vivian and the management of this medical office!!! NOT NOT GOOD management at all. I am also a business woman for many years. I love my clients and I NEVER had any issues when I was in my food business! My clients were Whole Foods Markets So. California, CooPs, Mother's Markets in OC, Los Angeles County Educational Regional, local coffee shops It's A Grind etc. I hope that Dr. mark will have some time to educate Vivian and his front staff!! Hope Vivian will change her attitude. I was NOT yelling when I answered the phone this morning!! She knows that! Linda I. read more

Staff here was great. The waiting room was very busy given they were administering COVID vaccines, but everything was orderly and communication was good. We waited about 15 minutes past our scheduled appointment, but that's to be expected given how busy they were. Check-out was pleasant. Overall great facility and medical care. Front office staff was stretched, but did a solid job. read more

Dr. Malek has decent bedside manner; however, her staff is incompetent and they engage in fraudulent billing practices Came in for my annual exam - covered 100% by insurance, yet I was charged $120 for my visit. Called to dispute the charges and apparently they billed for an office visit and a wellness exam since my visit took a long time. Um, maybe it's bc Malek kept asking me questions about my undergrad experience! I guess "decent" bedside manners come at a price.. Horrible. I do not recommend this place. Stay away!! read more

Great doctors but the staff is abhorrent. Be ready to leave voicemail after voicemail and get catty responses from a lazy good for nothing reception group. Maybe when there is a change of staff the medical services provided will be worth the headache. read more

One of the most compassionate Dr.'s she listens and genuinely wants to help. She and her brother give doctors a good name.

I've been trying to get ahold of someone for over a week. The phone goes straight to VM, every day. None of my voicemails or emails are getting returned. Absolutely terrible read more

I would give this place no stars if I could. I never even went to see the doctor because the staff is rude and incompetent and could not figure out how much I would have to pay after my insurance covered 80%. Just another group of for-profit college idiots who lack compassion and marginalize the sick. It is not a good world when one has to forgo treatment from a doctor because of overly sensitive mean staff who will not do their job. read more

Dr.Irene Malek is such a good doctor. She takes her time with you and really cares about you as a person. I love how she also gives great referral recommendations when a specialist is needed. Staff is also very polite. Amy is so sweet and helpful when I go. She always greats you with a smile and makes you feel at ease when coming to your appt. I am so happy I got referred to this dr by my friends and I made my parents switch to this practice as well. read more

I made Dr. Malek my primary care physician a year or so ago, based on Yelp reviews. I don't know what her practice used to be, but it's unprofessional enough now that I'm going to switch my PCP. To this day, I have never even met Dr. Malek. Asked them to fill in an asthma inhaler prescription over the phone, but they made me come in for a visit. Would be fine, except they kept me there over 2 hours - most of it waiting in the examining room. They sent in a prescription for me. Went to pick it up 3 day later, and of course, they forgot to prescribe the inhaler. This after last time, when it took FOUR VISITS to the pharmacy before Malek's office finally got it right. The pharmacy contacted Malek's office regarding the missing prescription. Called the pharmacy 2 days later - still nothing from Malek's office. Just called to ask them - got hung up on before I said a word, then called again and got the voicemail. Follow my lead and save yourself a lot of time and trouble. Choose another doctor. read more

I felt compelled to write a review for this medical facility as I don't want others to fall into the "trap"! I really liked Dr Irene Malek's personal interest. That is about all the positive I can write. The staff, in my opinion, are incompetent and rude. The straw that broke the camels back was when they would only give me one month of hypertension RX with no refills and then told me they wouldn't give me another unless I had more lab work and an office visit! I had just had several hundred dollar lab work done three months ago! No, money hungry doctors are not my cup of tea! Needless to say, I'm going to another doctor! read more

In case you didn't know, I'm kind of a big deal. I was the first to review the fabulous Dr. Malek on Yelp and I referred EVERYONE I know to go see her. She is just that wonderful. In fact, I would totally hang out with Dr. Malek at the mall or get a pedicure with the woman. She's my homegirl. A few weeks ago I was in a big huge fight with my insurance company about getting approved for surgery (long story). I had been working with Dr. Malek about it for a while, but the process was just taking FOREVER. So I came in for a regularly scheduled appointment and was so excited to see the doc because I was a little thinner since I last saw her, and I was looking forward to the girly chats that we have and then in walked Renee.... "uh, who are you? where's doctor Malek?" She was on vacation!! I confess for a moment I went a little diva and wanted to say "Don't you know who I am??!?!" This was going to be a big inconvenience for me, Dr. Malek knew my history...the status of my case, the importance of this visit it was crucial that I talk to her. I was not happy, but what could I do? I could not wait a whole month for her to return so I sat and had a chat with Renee the physician's assistant. I was nice, HONEST!! But I also made it clear that the notes from this office visit had to be perfect because my insurance company would be reviewing them. Man, I was sweating bullets. But about a week or so later I got good news and everything worked out ok. My insurance company even commented on Renee's notes that were so detailed and absolutely pivotal in the outcome of my claim. So don't do what I did and throw a tantrum if you end up with Renee instead of Dr. Malek on your next visit because she really is awesome. In fact mention me by name next time you're there...because after all I'm kind of a big deal. read more

I used to love this place. Recommended several people here over 6 years and now I'm completely over it. I don't even want to give this place 1 star. I am embarassed that I ever recommended this place to people. I heard their horror stories and I feel like this place is unorganized and moving towards an unethical path. 1) I have waited over 1.5 hours from my appointment time including in the exam room with just a dressing gown on waiting for my appointment to start. I even got dressed to say I was leaving. 2) My BC prescription was written for 9 months not 1 year. Fine. It took a month for them to renew it an additional 3 months. I can't even count how many calls I made to them and my pharmacy and how many times my pharmacy contacted them. Guess what, I ran out of BC for 2 weeks. Imagine if I took a blood pressure medication or something! When I got to the pharmacy, they knew who I was and commented at how unorganized they had been and promised they would renew and never did. They did the same to me. 3) No one ever answers the phone. The automated answering system is the most ridiculous thing ever. It takes 5 minutes to route it to the right person. 4) My clean bill of health requires visits every 6 months? Every visit requires a follow up. Even something with a clean bill of health. My annual checkup turned into a semi annual checkup. Thanks for running up my insurance. Also, if one doctor does my checkup why does another doctor or PA do my follow up. You never get the same person. 5) Appointments where you specify to see the doctor only and guess what, you don't find out til 1 hour after you have waited, doctor isn't even there which angers you and then you make the PA feel bad. 6) I called expressing my anger, cancelling my appt, and they blame it on incompetent staff and guess what, I get a call a month later 2 days in a row saying I missed my appointment. This place is just an inconvenience. Save yourself some time and take your business to someone that cares about more than just overcharging your insurance. read more

I originally gave Dr. Malek's office a great review based on my first and 2nd visit. I've now been a patient for 1 year and have seen Dr. Malek ONCE, and I have been going there all year. Renee is a very great sidekick, but she is not a doctor, she is a physician's assistant. The point of chosing a doctor (I thought) was to see the doctor. I have had more flubb ups with the front desk than I care to count. First off, I have told them 4 times to remove my husband's cell phone number as point of contact. Yet every time they call me, they call his cell. Second, I have called in numerous times, explained my situation to someone, been put on hold only to have the line picked up by someone else - and have to explain again, and sometimes even AGAIN to a third. One time I was waiting on very important blood test results and called to ask if I could get them. They asked that I come in to get them, so I did, and at the desk was told I could not have them. I asked WHY since I drove all the way there. The girl told me "it's in that big pile and I can't look through it". I asked WHY, and she said "it would take a long time". I told her I had the time. I realize my expectations may have been high since I was trying to replace a beloved doctor whom I had seen for 15 years. She cared about me and never farmed me out to an assistant. When I made an appt (and my insurance paid $70 for the visit) I got to see MY DOCTOR. I changed my primary and will not be returning. read more

After moving to Long Beach, I didn't know where to start to look for a Doctor. Of course, I turned to my well trusted Yelp. I read the reviews and there were some great ones and also some not so pleasant ones for this office. However, it seemed welcoming and I knew that I just had to go with my guts and give this office a shot. And so I did. The staff was amazingly friendly. I forgot the name of the lady who weighed me and did all the routine stuff, but she was SO nice! Immediately, I felt welcome and comfortable. Thank you! :) I met Renee (P.A.) during my first visit. She is soft spoken, but is very thorough and was able to answer all of my questions and concerns. She made me feel comfortable and I was very confident in her work. I am the type who asks a lot of questions and have lots of concerns (come on, its my HEALTH we are talking about here, of course I want to know what's up), and she never rushed through anything. Most doctors that I have seen in the past did what they can to rush me out of the door. Renee took her time and never seemed annoyed of me nor my questions. Heck, even I was annoyed by myself! :P The second visit, I met Dr. Irene Malek. She is such a friendly woman and I felt like I could sit there and talk to her for a few more hours if I had to. I never opened up to a Doctor so much and she earned my trust immediately. She also made it clear that if I ever want to see her personally, I can simply request for her when I make the appointment and that would not be a problem. She listened to everything I had to say and seemed to care about me and everything I had to tell her. I felt like she was my friend rather than a doctor, but its great to know that she cares about me and my health. I am comfortable with both ladies and I understand that people have busy schedules, even Doctors need a break every now and then. If you want to see someone directly, its as simple as making a request during the setting of your appointment. I would recommend her to anyone who is looking for a doctor that they can trust. read more

My family has been using Dr. Malek since we moved to Long Beach last year. My first impression was five stars. Dr. Malek herself is wonderful and warm and everything you'd want in a physician. However there are three serious drawbacks to this office. First, the waits are ridiculously long. 45 minutes in the waiting room and another 45 minutes in the exam room is not uncommon. The second drawback is that they won't give you any test results over the phone. So I had to physically go back and sit there for an hour and a half to be told that my LDL cholesterol is a little high. Finally, it seems like the doctor herself only takes appointments that are "regularly scheduled." For same day appointments, I've only seen Renee. She's great and everything, but when my son has a 103 degree fever, I kind of want to see the doctor, not the PA. In all, it's not the worst medical office I've been to and I don't think I'll be changing. But this is for your information when considering her office as your choice for your medical care. read more

Billing with this office for a visit that didn't even fix my wrist has been terrible. I sprained my wrist and got a concussion in the same month and out of all the care I received at various places, this office was the last to bill and 6 months later, still hasn't been able to get things right. They called around March/April stating the insurance denied payment. We found out the ID number was written down incorrectly. I correct it with them over the phone. Two days ago, I got a bill for the entire visit which stated my insurance denied I had coverage. The insurance had paid for all the other visits - it didn't make sense they wouldn't pay for this one. I called my insurance who had no indication they even submitted a claim. When I called Dr. Maleks office to discuss this I found out the issue was that THEY STILL HAD THE WRONG ID NUMBER. Geez. read more

Dr Malek and Dr Finch are absolutely fantastic doctors. Your problem is going to be with the front office. Absolutely one of the worst run in the area. They don't get messages to the doctor, they forget to send referrals, they rarely follow through with pretty much anything they're tasked to do the first time. Expect to not get your calls returned if you leave a message so just keep calling back until you actually get in touch with someone. Last experience with them, I had an appointment Friday April 15th at 8:30 before I left the state to get my meds refilled. The front office called and canceled the appointment and said they would get my refills to me before I left. Of course, I went and waited an hour and they dropped the ball as usual. Now I'm screwed until I get a new doctor and can see them. Just another screw up by the front office and I should have expected it. Par for the course. Go see Malek, she's fantastic. Be prepared to have a hell of a shitty experience with the front office read more

I made Dr. Malek my PCP since she is a good doctor and really a spends time talking to you. The service and level of care has gone down. I waited almost three hours to be seen by her Physician assistant and by Dr. Malek. It was ridiculous. I've been calling her office every day to have her refill my prescription since last Thursday. Since I felt rushed into my appointment, I barely had the time ask her PA and Dr. Malek to give me a prescription that my previous provider has given me. When my prescription was finally filled, it was the wrong one! Now I gotta go over the same huddle I was going through again! Which means calling her office every day and having her staff over and over again ask me what I need. Seriously so ridiculous. My patience is running low. read more

I lived in Washington state for the most of my life and never had a problem finding a good doctor however, once I moved to California it was a complete 180. Doctors for the most part seem like their in a hurry to get you out the door therefore, I check out this site to hopefully find decent dr. I look at the reviews for Dr.Irene Malek. And she seem very promising contacted them and made appointment as a new patient for the following week (6/15/2009) My Appointment was at 2:15 I arrived at 2pm and filled out some paper work. It was a little busy but they finally called me in at 2:25. Nurse took my blood pressure and check my weight and then left me in the clinic room. It started getting close to 3pm and my patients was starting to get pretty thin. Finally a physician assistant came into my room and told me she would be the one helping me out with any of my questions. I then ask were is Dr. Irene Malek? she replied that she was unavailable to see me. i responded that I made a appointment a week advance to specially to see her. She replied that she could help me with any of my problems I was upset and respectability told her that i didn't come in to see a assistant physician. The refund my co-pay and were friendly. however, there was lack of communication, the office is outdated. Ill compare there office to planned parenthood, and get ready to wait a while even if you made a appointment As for Dr. Irene Malek unfortunately I never got a chance to see her and dont plan on coming back anytime soon.. the search for a good dr continues.. Joel read more

I've been a patient of Dr. Malek's for many years. She is knowledgeable and considerate, and has deftly navigated me through issues ranging from ear infections to breast cancer. She takes her time to get to know patients, is thorough and proactive, and makes herself available to answer additional questions through the patient portal. I trust her fully with my healthcare. I do recognize the issues some others have noted here with staff, but I haven't had any of those problems since the office moved to its new location. I'm not sure if they hired new people or retrained existing staff, but there is a noticeable improvement. Last week I needed to make an appointment for an urgent issue. The girl on the phone was very helpful, getting me in the same day. I waited less than 10 minutes after I arrived before being called back, and the staff on site were courteous and efficient. My prescriptions were phoned in and waiting for me when I got to the pharmacy. My request for a follow-up appointment was addressed immediately. I would have continued to see Dr. Malek regardless of issues with office staff, as I hold her in such high regard, but I'm pleased to see that problems seem to have been addressed. I hope that those who were put off will consider coming back - she is worth it. read more

I can't express enough, how much Dr. Malek put me at ease immediately. I was starting to rush through my issues because that's the kind of treatment I'm used to with other doctors. She immediately calmed me down and said let's take it slow, we're not in a hurry. That seems to be her style and it works. She answered all my questions and I truly feel that I'm being treated not stuffed full of drugs. It was the best move I've made in a while making Dr. Malek my PCP. Bring a few bucks as parking blows. There is though a pay lot right behind. It will run you about $2 with a validated stamp from the office. EDIT: To the gentleman below. Rene, Dr. Malek's PA is more than competent. I was put off a bit when I saw her but she answered all of my questions and concerns. The office is a bit older but I don't think they plan on doing surgery or anything in there. I think you should give it another go. I'm not the only one editing their reviews to rave abour Rene the PA. That rhymes and she rocks! read more

Dr. Mark has excellent bedside manners. Cares and listens. Does his best ro provide ser ices that are in your best interest. Fast and very professional. read more