I came to Dr. Janice Miyakawa to establish care years ago. I recalled the incident with great sadness and horror the other night as I watched the Apple television series Pachinko, as it reminded me of the kind of humiliation Dr. Miyakawa tried to inflict on me as I sat in my wheelchair, newly diagnosed with a very rare disease called Periodic Paralysis. I was sitting there with a friend who is the exiled queen of an African nation, whose son was waiting for us downstairs in a car, he of course, is a prince. I knew both of them because the only grandfather I knew had been financial advisor to the country of South Africa, a former ambassador and diplomat-- there are many diplomats and ambassadors in my family history. However, I shared my new diagnosis with Dr. Miyakawa, these words actually came out of her mouth, " you are black, albeit light skinned, but you think I'm going believe some Alison Wonderland diagnosis from you? I'm Japanese I'm intelligent and educated". It was them that I began my journey of understanding that anti-blackness in medicine, particularly with Asian providers. it wasn't the first time in the UCLA system, this happened, it was rather ordinary. The queen and I left, laughing, said a few things to her staff of predominantly African-American women. Dr. Miyakawa did try to apologize to me through another provider, but I refused the apology. There were a lot of laughs that night at the home of my friend as we sat there talking about how insane it all was. But tragically, I think of the patients Dr. Miyakawa does treat who don't know not to walk out and what she really thinks about them. I've been fighting for peoples rights my entire life--I remind people of the first immigration reform act of the United States with 1882 and Dr. Miyakawa knows why. The medical community has to get to the place where they treat patients as human beings, not based upon race, religion or gender bias. I still do not forgive you, that was deeply traumatizing. I should have reported you to the AMA. read more

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Dr. Miyakawa has been my doctor for 40 years. She delivered my 2nd child 38 years ago. I have driven over 35 miles the last 30 years just to see her after we moved. She is not only an amazing physician but also a wonderful human who does everything to treat her patients with kindness and respect. I feel very fortunate to have had her as my doctor. read more

Dr. Miyakawa used to be better. Besides the fact that you have to wait at least an hour after your appointment time to see her, she doesn't listen and isn't in touch with patient needs. After repeatedly seeing her for neck pain over a span of two years, it wasn't until her physician's assistant referred me to a doctor who couldn't believe I hadn't had an MRI in over 10 years for an existing condition. Thank goodness I finally found a doctor to listen and truly investigate after 4 rounds of physical therapy that only aggravated the situation, a lot of medication, and acupuncture. Now I sit recovering from neck surgery and feel like a new person. Dr. Miyakawa was convinced it was all in my head. Well when you are in constant pain it's bound to have a significant impact on your well being. If you are looking for a medical professional that will truly listen and fully investigate what is happening in your body then find another doctor. It's time for Dr. Miyakawa to retire. read more

Not once has she gotten me in early than an hour and a half after my appointment time. The most recent one left me waiting for 2.5 hours and nobody thought to let me know that it would have been at least another hour. This happens every time. If you are chronically late then stop being greedy and taking so many patients!!! Duh. And, have some friggin common sense and have your lazy staff let your patients know with a phone call ahead of time if you're 2.5 hours late. Notice all the reviews with the same complaint? She's doesn't give a damn about your time, she really doesn't. What's also awesome is that one time I had bloodwork done for something and the nurse casually asked if I wanted x, y, and z tested too. I'm like, sure, I guess. Um... she didn't tell me that it was like $50 a pop extra. I had almost a $300 extra bill!! What also sucks is that there's no parking... there is a garage but you have to pay by the 15 minutes (if I remember right) and good luck getting outta there without someone hitting your car door, the spaces are so tight. It's a windy underground lot and there's a lotta paint on the corner with people trying to make the tight turn. At the end of the day, she's nice... but I wouldn't wait that long if Jesus himself was curing people. read more

Doctor Miyakawa is a reasonably decent physician; but the office staff at UCLA Physicians is awful. Wait times are abysmal - on average, 1-2 hours AFTER your appointment time. Call the office for any reason, and you will most likely be transferred to the wrong department at least once, then put on hold for 20 minutes and forgotten. You might even get a telephone message claiming the office is closed - in the middle of the business day. My most recent bill for a routine office visit was nearly twice what it was 6 months prior, and no one could give me an explanation as to why. If you're experiencing a cold, flu, or other minor ailment, I would suggest visiting any "doc-in-the-box" clinic on your health plan versus this office. You'd get the same level of inadequate customer service at a fraction of the price. Caveat emptor. read more

I adore Dr. Miyakawa. I've been going to this office for about 6 or 7, maybe 8 years now. Who knows. As someone said previously, she cares about the whole of you, not just the one problem that you came to see her for. She listens well and gives good advice (even about relationships). Regarding the wait time: I always expect to wait at a medical office, it's the nature of the beast. Patients might arrive a little late or their problems may require unanticipated attention. I might spend 10-20 minutes in the waiting room and perhaps another 10-20 in the exam room. It's not that bad. I bring a magazine or a good book to pass the time. And once I'm seen, I never feel rushed through the appointment. I can always book a same day appointment if I'm really feeling awful. But annual exams are booked out about 2, maybe 3 months in advance, (this is the reason for 4 stars instead of 5). I think that shows how great of a doc she is if people are waiting in line to see her. I'll also add that I now live out of town and still schedule my annual exam with her when i'm visiting. It's so hard to find a medical professional that you like and trust. Parking is a little annoying due to the strict residential rules in Santa Monica, but parking is often tough, and often not free, in West LA. I've never tried the underground party, there are always plenty of meters along Broadway. DO NOT park on the streets parallel to the office (10th, 11th) unless you have a SaMo parking pass, because it's basically no parking for everyone else during business hours. I learned the hard way once, thinking that I only needed to pay attention to street cleaning days. read more

Dr. Miyakawa is part of a Family Health group. She's nice, but totally overworked. I came in Friday for an appointment, and then came back the following Monday accompanying my friend in the exam room - she didn't recognize me. So, great interviewing manner. However, her support staff is terrible. They have never sent my insurance info when sending labs out, meaning I always get the bill, and then need to call the lab and give them my insurance. Right now, I'm leaving a message because the lab never received from them my "diagnosis for billing." The reason I started going to Dr. Miyakawa was because of stomach trouble; I've now racked up about $1000 in uncovered bills due to tests, with the end result finding nothing. I ultimately self-diagnosed with something never even suggested by her. Pretty frustrated; won't go back unless really necessary. read more

Thank goodness for healthcare such as Dr. Miyakawa provides. She is thorough, professional, and considerate. She understands one's whole healthcare picture and presents all alternatives, which can help one make the right decision. When someone can provide great healthcare and also exhibit humanity, it is a wonderful thing. read more

While I understand some of the comments from other reviewers regarding the support staff, I judge my doctor primarily on the doctor and not on the office. Dr. Miyakawa is one of the best family practitioners I have been too. She is really interested in total health, not just solving the symptom at hand. She really is concerned about the patient and gets to know you on a personal basis. She works with many of the local doctors and I have gotten several specialist referrals from her. Every single one has been great. In terms of support staff & office -- I've never had an issue with billing, and I've been to her several times and taken many tests. The most frustrating thing about seeing her is often a long wait at the office, but they are aware of the issue and actively working on resolving this -- the last time I went a nurse specifically asked me about my wait time. In the large scheme of things, I take it as a good sign that a doctor has many patients...if the office was empty, I would be somewhat concerned. read more

Dr. Miyakawa is the best doctor I have ever visited. She is thorough, very clear, holistic in her approach, current, compassionate and even funny. During my first appointment with her, she spent more time with me than any other doctor I have visited. She asks probing questions, but does so politely. She offers constructive advice, but does not preach. She is NOT quick to judge or prescribe; rather, she looks at alternative ways that may address the issue. All that being said, visits take longer than they should. The staff, albeit in her new office, is not exactly efficient. Bring a book, prepare for a long wait, but know that it will be worth it. read more

I'm really happy to have Dr. Miyakawa as a doctor. I am 25 and had really high blood pressure, and instead of telling me to just take medication she helped me try to figure out the root of the problem. I think it's so important to look at lifestyle changes and alternative ways to change problems you have for life, instead of going straight to medicine and possibly create more problems for the future. She doesn't take the easy way out and really works with you to make you the healthiest person you can be. I definitely recommend her! read more

I adore Dr Miyakawa! She is caring and thorough. And she listens! Which is why you may wait a minute. But she give you her all so I never mind. Plus she's open to alternative ideas which is very important to me. read more

Dr. Miyakawa is an excellent, incredibly intelligent, and caring doctor. She always takes her time with me; I never feel rushed. She actually talks to me about any issues I may be having, as if we're having a relaxed conversation. I always feel comfortable asking as many questions as I need to. I've also seen two other doctors at this office, but I wasn't nearly as impressed with them. Unlike Dr. Miyakawa, I have felt with other doctors there that I've been hustled right out of the exam room to save time and money. Despite this, I always get quality care there. Their staff are mostly friendly (and all women, apparently, for whatever weird reason). I highly recommend Dr. Miyakawa. read more

So my friend had been a patient of Dr. Miyakawa for years. She went for her appointment and needed a mammogram referral. She waited for an hour and a half and never got to see her. She later called my friend apologizing and ultimately sent my friend a mammogram referral. My friend completed her mammogram and Dr. Miyakawa contacted my friend to tell her she had breast cancer. Dr. Miyakawa never called my friend again. No referrals and never even called to see how she was doing. Seems very impersonal for a doctor who had been someone's PCP for years. read more

Dr. Miyakawa is a thoughtful thorough diagninostitian. She takes time with each patient and finds a solution only after careful analysis of the issue. This unhurried consultation often results in long waits prior to being able to see her but it's well worth a wait. She is a true physician in the best sense of the word. read more

Long wait. Doctor was very amiable when she finally appeared. She checked me out for my concerns then suggested that I get some other preventative exams. She seemed overwhelmed w/ patients so she recommended that I consult with some of her colleagues. read more

Great doctor. Cares about her patients. I feel comfortable with her medical advise. Yes, you might have to wait, but someone else has to wait while she's consulting with me, so I don't mind. She really listens and researches on your particular situation. I like not feeling as if I'm on an assembly line when I visit my doctor. read more

My wife and I both feel extremely lucky to be patients of Dr. Miyakawa. My previous experience of American doctors has been very rushed - I always felt they couldn't wait to get out of the room. Dr. Miyakawa on the contrary takes as long as is needed and is very thorough. read more

I did have a 20 minute wait before I was seen, but Dr. Miyakawa was attentive, caring, and extremely thorough at my visit today. I didn't feel rushed at all and she took the time to answer all my questions. She was aware that her patients have had long waits in the past and is trying to speed up without compromising the quality of care she is providing. I'm always extremely critical of doctors and I honestly can't fault Dr. Miyakawa. read more

"Miyakawa is great. Her staff is not." -Jessica W. This a thousand times. Her current tenure at the UCLA clinic needs to end. I waited for over an hour before being informed that it would probably be another 40 minutes. To top it off, there was a lady sitting with me in the office (obviously in pain) who was also there to see Dr. Miyakawa at the exact same time as my appointment and had been waiting for just as long. If I'm rolling into the ER at 12:30 AM on a Friday, I expect several hours to be taken up with waiting. If I schedule an appointment in advance at a clinic, not so much. This is precisely the problem that clinic visits are supposed to solve. Also, what's up with paying your co-pay before you even see a doctor? That just seems a little shady to me. Bottom line: Avoid UCLA clinics like the plague. PS Dr. Miyakawa, please get to a more reputable facility, you're better than this. read more

I've gone to this woman for years since I left college. But as of yesterday, no more. I unfortunately have the all-too-common HPV virus which has been and continues to wreak havoc. When I got into a discussion with her about my very serious test result, she made the comment that I might want to be a bit more discerning (in who I choose to sleep with)! Not that it's anyone's business, but I've been with very few people, one of which was my husband for over seven years. When I told her this, she apologized and said something to the effect of, "Oh you have been exceedingly careful." It doesn't matter if someone has slept with three people or 25. That has nothing to do with being careful (one could be careful with 25 but careless with one), being discerning (sometimes things just work out a certain way), or with acquiring that virus (is apparently very common so one would think being discerning wouldn't necessarily apply). I was offended by her comment, offended by her judgement, and offended by her apology. It was wrong on so many levels. I was flabbergasted and still am. read more

She is the best. She's been my doctor for over 25 years, and she is excellent. Yes, bring a book, you will wait. If you know that going in, it makes things easier. I also ride my bike to save on parking. But you are never rushed by her, ask a question and it gets a thoughtful answer, she will follow up when needed and if you are her patient and end up in the hospital she visits. She also looks at you as a whole person, not just the ailment. Really the best, worth the wait for me. read more

Excellent, smart and knowledgeable doctor. She's awesome. Only 4 stars because you will have to wait, otherwise 5 plus.

Dr. Miyakawa has been my primary care doctor for about 2 years now and I used to see her many more years ago while she was at her old practice. I think Dr. MIyakawa has one of the best bed-side manners I have ever seen in a doctor. She is caring, shows she is concerned about you, is open-minded to other options you may be considering. Sometimes the wait can be long (up to an hour or so), but in the past 6 months or so, the wait time has gotten better (maybe 30 minutes or less). read more

Dr. Miyakawa is a remarkable doctor. When we tell other doctors who our primary doctor is, they say, "SHE'S a real doctor." One specialist she sent me to told me, "She is an outstanding diagnostician. There are not 3 doctors in all of Los Angeles who would have correctly diagnosed your condition." She spends as much time as you need to have spent in order to help you. Her explanations are outstanding. Yes, she may be on time or you may wait. But you will not get only 10-15 hurried minutes and then have her rush out. Take a book with you if you are bothered about waiting. It you want the most outstanding care, then go to Dr. Miyakawa. She is amazing at rooting out the issues--whether they are physical or personal issues. I have been going to her for 30 years and am 75, physically active and in outstanding health. Her recommendations for other supportive doctors have always been excellent. I worry that she may retire and I'll still need her! She's the best. Everyone I have sent to her has been thrilled. read more