Communications, listening and understanding my needs. Great care, support and follow up for help and procedures,

I don't think anybody answers the phones or returns calls. This is my second attempt at care here. I made an appointment with Dr. Lyche, both for my spouse and myself to get exam and prep for colonoscopies. I intentionally made the appointment with Dr. Lyche. When we got to the room, the PA was the one who met with us. I LOVE a good PA, they are usually attentive and one saved my Mom's life! But this time I wanted to see the doctor. I told the assistant we had intentionally made the appointment with the doctor and was told "oh he's not even in the office and this is the way we always do these exams". What in the bait and switch? I have a GREAT PA in another office, who works with a doctor (Neurosurg) and when I schedule with the doctor, I see the doctor. When I schedule with the PA, I see the PA. But making an appointment with one provider and then having someone else take their place without letting you know in advance is a HUGE red flag. My husband scheduled his colonoscopy but had to cancel due to getting called back to Jury duty. I called a week in advance to let them know. I left messages for surgery scheduling team, for the doctor's assistant and finally at the front desk. NOBODY returned my call. On my 5th call, someone at the front desk finally said "Oh it's in his chart that he cancelled." (they stated the 4th date I called and left a message at the front) Ok. Nice to know. Finally, I am now trying to pay the invoice for the visit mentioned above. No one is answering in the billing department. I've tried about 10 times now. It's 3 p.m. on a Tuesday in the middle of April. This practice is terrible. I can't even imagine having a serious issue and trying to deal with this level of complete indifference. Moving my care elsewhere. Previously, I was a patient here in 2018 when I was having some issues, they performed an endoscopy on me and it took 10 weeks to get the results because no one called me back and when the doctor finally did he said something about his assistant being on vacation and that was the reason for the delay. For 10 weeks? read more

I agree with all the people who have given this medical office one star and would have liked to give it 0 stars.. It is impossible to talk to your doctor after a procedure. I just wanted to call her after my colonoscopy showed that I had microscopic colitis and she had me take Pepto Bismo for two weeks and told me to call her afterwards. After I had finished the two week treatment I still was having multiple symptoms that I won't describe. I have spent the last 4 days trying to get in touch with her assistant, trying to make a phone appt with the appt desk (which when I finally got a hold of them was for August 26th 5 weeks out) I even called the office manager and left a detailed message and she didn't return my call. Now I finally got to speak with her assistant after 5 days of texting, calling and emailing and she said Dr. Nasrollah wasn't in the office today but she talked to her and she prescribed me a medication that has horrible COMMON side effects and I can't even talk with her about it. I am going to schedule an appointment with another gastroenterologist but I fought to get a phone appt with Dr. Nasrollah next week so I can explain why I'm changing. Her assistant even said she had never heard that taking Omeprazole can cause Colitis when I mentioned I wanted to talk to the doctor about possibly weaning myself off of it. Dr. N has been prescribing it for me since 2020. When I was reading up on microscopic colitis online it was listed by the Mayo Clinic as a medicine that may be linked to the condition!!! I also read up on changes to my diet that hadn't been mentioned by my doctor. At least the Mayo Clinic online gave me more help than my doctor and I wasn't put on hold. read more

Now that I've had an appointment, I can update my experience. I tried for months to get a hold of them and even my doctor said she can't get a hold of this office so I decided to stop in and make an appointment. During my actual appointment, I could not believe what was going on in this horribly managed office. I was placed in a private Room for over 25 minutes next to a used hemorrhoid treatment that was opened and displayed from the last patient. The medical assistant saw it and didn't do anything about it. There was even a jar of lube open next to it. I couldn't believe that was allowed.... It's biohazardous and you could see feces on the used tools. Once it was my turn to see the PA (not a dr), I felt dismissed. I asked if we could go over some of my concerns, symptoms, nutrition, anything to do with my symptoms, and the doctor just kept repeating herself saying, "like I said". There was no eye contact, no warmth, no physical exam... nothing! Her recommendation was medication and when I push for bloodwork & a colonoscopy (as my primary had requested from them), she said "I guess we could try that". She then yelled at the medical assistant in front of me for leaving out, used tools in the room and said that was disgusting. Since then, I have not been able to get a hold of this office to get the lab orders needed to get the blood work and they will not call me back to schedule the colonoscopy. It has been over a month and this is absolutely uncalled for and so unprofessional. There was no care given - I just felt like a quick copay to them! read more

Island View Gastroenterology - Not my used tools from a hemorrhoid treatment that were left in my private room while waiting for the doctor... - Gastroenterologist Near Me - Ventura, California

If I could give zero stars, I would. My mother in law was referred to this gastroenterologist. We were able to make an appointment and be seen, no problem. The problem starts if you have any need to contact them after that. They scheduled an endoscopy - well her insurance doesn't cover Community Memorial in Ventura. That's where the trouble began. I called SIX different times to discuss options with them and left both in person messages an voicemails. At one point, the woman answering the phone says that if messages don't pertain to the staff member it was left with, they just get deleted. I couldn't believe it. She said I should contact Monica, which I left 2 messages with - no response. I left a message with the office manager, Eileen - again no response. And this was after 3 other times I left messages over the course of 3 weeks. Finally, I was told that they only do procedures at CMH or an outpatient facility - which my mother in law can't use due to her age. This was just general information an operator there told me. AND STILL NO ONE EVER CALLED BACK! I have been trying for 5 months to get this procedure scheduled. At this point, I called her primary care doctor and told them that they will need to refer us to someone else. We got a referral to a gastroenterologist in Oxnard. I will never use this place for anyone in my family and strongly advise you use another doctor. read more

Dr Pedraza is the best. He cares about his patients. He's compassionate and highly knowledgeable.

I gave up. Absolutely impossible to get ahold of anyone and no one ever calls back. Getting a different referral.

I had made the appointment to schedule a colonoscopy, and found that I didn't need to yet, but I could wait a couple of years. NP was very thorough, listened and answered my questions. The office was good at text reminders prior to by phone appointment. Everyone was kind and friendly and knowledgeable. read more

Quality care, fast service, Kind & caring staff & Expert advice. Dr. Sharam Daneshgar he is my husband's gastroenterologist who had quickly diagnosed and treated his condition after 5 Months going to physicians & labs for over 5 months & no results or findings. I have Peace of mind knowing Dr. Daneshgar is in my contacts. Highly recommended for aging Seniors! read more

This office is run by incompetent individuals who pose a serious safety risk to your health - be warned. I've been unable to reach anyone on the phone for over two weeks. They completely disregard phone calls and text/voicemail messages. Three months ago, I was supposed to have a crucial test scheduled, but there was no follow-up. Two months later, I finally managed to get an appointment to see where that test order went, but they still failed to schedule the test. I've had to visit the emergency room three times in two months because of their incompetence. I'm bleeding internally and in pain, yet they can't even answer a phone. This is unacceptable. If you've had a similar experience, please contact me. I'm ready to seek legal action. Chrisincali@gmail.com. Initially, I gave a 5-star review because Krista Blaustein was incredibly friendly. However, that was three months ago. I don't care how pleasant you are to me if your office can't provide proper service. It's no different than interacting with a random stranger on the street. I need medical attention, but they refuse to provide it. Their only focus is on performing endoscopies and colonoscopies without follow-up, which is their primary source of income. They show complete disregard for my well-being, and after they cash their check by getting your scope in they will forget you exist. read more

Terrible front office It's almost impossible to reach someone at this office by phone or text and when you're at the office for your appointment, the front office staff are incredibly rude. I've been with this office for over four years and actually have a colonoscopy scheduled (which I'm sure will be incredibly difficult to cancel) but because I can't reach anyone, I'm changing doctors. I'm done. read more

If you know me, then you know I have thee kindest heart and I have never left a review on a service I did not like but I was messaged after a doctor appointment asking for a review. I must say I had a horrible experience. I felt extremely uncomfortable with PA Phillip McKay. He asked inappropriate questions as we were in a room alone, it was so uncomfortable and not relevant to my visit. He also does not have great bedside manners. The energy is low vibrational in this office and I do not recommend. I left in tears. No thank you! read more

Many red flags with communication. I cancelled due to the mess with the doctor's staff and receptionists.

I'd give them a 0 if that was an option. The Dr. was good. However, his staff did not return urgent calls over 5 days of leaving messages regarding colonoscopy test prep. I finally had to call the surgery center to call the dr.'s office to get a call back, and then the women was annoyed. 2) I was referred for additional medical tests, MRI etc.., the Dr.'s MA never sent the paperwork in for pre-authorization, then was deceptive when stating he gave me information that he did not. 7 weeks have passed and it still hasn't been done. In the meantime, my out of pocket deductible has reset and I'm going to be gone for 3 1/2 month so I won't have time to do it. If there is any serious issues or ones starting I won't know because they dropped the ball even after talking with the office manager. 3) I've waited over 3 weeks for my biopsy results and haven't been called back despite multiple messages and talking to the office and manager and leaving messages with the Dr.'s MA. 4) No-one ever answers the phone or returns calls. I drove to the office to talk to someone as no-one calls back. 5) The Dr's are good but are completely undermined by the staff and their disregard and dismissal of patients concerns resulting in substandard care of the patient. Do not hesitate to file a grievance with your health insurance and with the state. That may be the only thing that gets their attention to make any changes. read more

I recently at the age of 49 started having issues with my stomach feeling pain other places. So after explaining my situation they were able to see me. I was relieved. 1st time colonoscopy have been terrified my entire life. I have never felt at ease. Please if your worried or its just time for a check up. Do it..... you will wonder why you waited so long. read more

This was my 1st time to visit. It was great! My time in the waiting room was minimal, the nurse that took me back was funny and personable. I was seen promptly by the doctor. It was such a smoothe experience! Rock on! read more

Everything was great. Kimberly Kurt is very knowledgable and experienced, a very kind person, ready to answer any question. I am very happy to have her as my physician read more

Staff was very nice. Dr was concerned, listens and explained in detail of procedures and causes of health issues.

I appreciated the genuine concern exhibited by Krista Blaustein, and the time she took to understand my issue. She made practical recommendations and encouraged me to return for further care if my problem did not improve. read more

Worst place to have procedures done. First appointment for prep instruction canceled/rescheduled. Promised letter detailing discoveries never sent. Month later appointment to discuss findings, last minute canceled AGAIN. Will never ever deal with this medical organization again. Will warn others through word of mouth. Find another office. read more

Punctual attention to appointment times which is a rarity in the medical space, thorough medical history evaluation, and precise instructions and timeline, assured me that I am receiving top-notch quality of care at Island View. Bravo!!!! read more

I worked the front office. I wouldn't bring my own family members to this facility. Unprofessional. Their phone system has/will never be fixed. The amount of calls that are received is huge. Nobody wants to work with that type of management. Save yourself the headache. Go elsewhere. The doctors/physicians may be great, but with that kind of staff. I'm sorry. Lastly, Dr. Alpern has a tendency of not calling his tele-health appointment patients. Wouldn't recommend AT ALL. read more

I had just a phone call for my first appointment, which I thought was a brilliant idea. Why go in the office and take up space and appointment time for people, risk catching colds, etc. Dr. Alpern had an upbeat, infectious personality. He asked the right questions, things I had considered. He listened to me with obvious interest. It was a great phone call. I'm anxious to meet him and work on my issues. A well-deserved 5 stars. read more

Friendly staff. Efficient and great all the way around. Thankful to have quality care for my needs. read more

This review is for Dr. Benito Pedraza and his amazing medical staff at Island view. Dr. Pedraza is the best gastroenterologist I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. A strong clinician. A dedication to helping humanity. Sacrificing nature. A wonderful doctor. I recommend Dr. after Meeting thousands of practitioners over the last 30 years. He is absolutely among the top 1%. Thanks and thanks for the wonderful communication and all the Stellar care ! read more

Excellent care quality, friendly and knowledgeable staff. Compassionate and kind and I will continue going for my GI challenges.

Dr. Menz is a skilled and caring doctor. His staff is kind and courteous too. We highly recommend Dr. Menz and his team.

No response to many messages left, and when I finally do get the scheduler on the phone she wants to argue about what extension I have been leaving messages at instead of taking care of the issue. I'm leaving messages in the mailbox directed by their own phone prompts. When I asked if we can just schedule the procedure instead of continuing to go round and round about messages, the scheduler (Elida??) just put me on hold without explanation and left me there. The "Manager" Arlene's VM is full and cant take messages. I don't recommend if you can avoid. read more

The doctors seem to know what they are doing but the office and support staff are overworked and not trained well. they don't return calls. Even when I have shown up at their office, I get the runaround with a final, "OK. Some will call you. And that doesn't happen. read more

These doctors are amazing and their staff are pretty cool. Endoscopy are preformed often due to my illness and I am very satisfied.

Regarding the office scheduler for Dr Lyche. I called this afternoon to make an appointment with one of the doctors at Island View Gastroenterology. I called & the message, due to call wait times, asked for a number so a scheduler could call back, to make my appointment. I left my number. Dr Lyche's scheduler called back. She then asked if I could hold, no problem. I was on hold for 14 minutes. The scheduler did not come back on the line, instead she disconnected the call. I called back thinking that maybe she had disconnected by accident, the wait for the second call was 6 minutes. Only to then get an automated message asking callers (me), to leave a number, that someone would call me back at their convenience. The scheduler was rude. My thought is why would she call me back as described by initial automated message in the first place? Unfortunately, the scheduler does not see the value of customer service. She definitely, lacked enough social skill to be kind rather than rude or the integrity to follow through. I will be looking for another doctor. read more

I was referred to a "specialist" for an ongoing problem that has persisted almost 3 years . Because of the doctor's scheduling, but was assigned to a P.A. instead of an M.D. At first, it was okay, and she ordered numerous stool tests. However, when the tests came back negative, she didn't order any other diagnostic procedures, even though I reported abdominal pain. I'm not convinced that symptomatic treatment is sufficient without more analysis of the underlying problem. read more

My visit was very pleasant. The office staff are nice and the PA was very informative. Overall a good atmosphere and my first visit to the gastroenterologist was not at all what I was thinking it would be. They made me feel comfortable and at ease. read more

I was asked to arrive 15 minutes early to check in, and when I showed up, I was the only person in the lobby yet nobody helped me get started with paperwork. The office itself is incredibly outdated, smelled very unpleasant, and looked very unkept. If the front office looks this neglected, how can patients feel confident about the cleanliness behind the scenes? The overall environment was uncomfortable. read more

Do not use Valley View Island Gastroenterology Associates in Ventura, California! This office is totally messed up. They have you on hold for 90 minutes, when the machine keeps telling you "your wait time is 3 minutes" Then you only get an apointment by a phone consultation five to six months out, and then wait even longer for the actual colonoscopy test. I'm at high risk as my mom died from colon cancer. Now I have to find another Coloan specialist to get my test done. Do not use this Doctor read more

The doctors at CMH all defer to Dr. Lyche's opinion. He speaks in unambiguous language which is appreciated.

I really wanted to like this place because when you go there, the people seem very nice, but it's impossible to get a hold of them, I had an endoscopy and colonoscopy almost 2 months ago and then a capsule Camera endoscopy a few weeks ago, and I still haven't been able to speak with a doctor regarding my results, I've been having intense stomach pains for weeks. I called and left messages. I've texted and nobody responds. It's super frustrating, I'm not sure if I should go to the ER because I can't get a response from my doctor. read more

Very knowledgeable! Very informative and considerate of specific individual needs and history. read more

The staff are nice and very professional. We didn't wait long to receive care. Overall, We are happy with our visit.

They were on time. They explained everything to me. Procedure was fast. They're very friendly. Got me in and out.