Dr. Engel Might be a good doctor but something has to be done about how his front desk demon speaks to people, she is totally rude and has absolutely no manners, the doctor protects her that is why she will never change nasty ways if you are easily offended go see someone else . read more

Dr. Engel is a wonderful doctor and if this review was about him alone, it would read 5 stars. He's been my primary care physician for the last four years and has always been thoughtful & direct, along with a pleasant and humorous bedside manner. He really is a superb doctor. However, I have been forced to give up this amazing doctor, something that is difficult to find in NYC, for the same reason so many other reviewers have mentioned: his vile and off-putting receptionist, Terry. With her unpleasant disposition, unruly and dismissive banter, over-the-phone rudeness, refusal to answer the phones in lieu of sending EVERY call straight to voicemail during business hours, Terry would be better suited as a guardian of the gates of hell. Just look at the last year's worth of reviews. What was once a glowing 5 star Yelp reputation (and the reason I decided to go with Dr. Engel in the first place) has now been dragged down to a mediocre 3 1/2 star rating, besmirched by the evil darkness that is his front desk: the three-headed-dog Cerberus. I'll miss you, Dr Engel. If you ever decide to kick Terry to the curb I'd be back in a heartbeat. read more

Dr. Engel has been my PCP since 2016. I was with my previous PCP for almost 20 years until he retired. I went to Dr. E on the recommendation of a good friend. He's great, friendly, if somewhat fast and VERY straight forward. I don't mind that. I'm the same. Life long New Yorker here, I don't need to be coddled. My problem is with Terry, the person you have to deal with to make appointments with and request prescription refills from. From day 1, I have been reluctant to ever call that office. As I said, I don't mind straightforward/honest/quick communication. She's a rude, condescending person. I rarely write reviews on here, especially negative ones, but I'm fuming. Basically, I moved to LA last October. Big life changes after a few years of some tough health challenges. (Very high blood pressure and Lyme disease). Dr. E has me on BP meds that I needed a refill for. I wanted to stay in his care since I go back to NYC every 10-12 weeks and I prefer to stay with doctors that know me and my health history - hence staying with my previous PCP for 20 years. I should have made an appointment to see him when I visited in the spring, but I was very short on time and didn't think of it. I'll be back in Aug/Sept. Anyway - I called Terry in June for a refill of my blood pressure medication. She said that I had to see the doctor first. I think my last check up was in the beginning of 2018, so I'm about 6 months over a year since my last visit. I just needed another 3 month refill until I am able to see the doctor in September when I'm home. I made an appointment with her for Sept 9. When I double checked that she was getting the prescription for 3 months (and not one), she answered me as if she was talking to an idiot. "Of course it will be 3 months." Well, it wasn't. It was for a month. I now have an appointment with a new PCP out here in LA. The first I could get is for Aug 1 so I am out of BLOOD PRESSURE meds as of last week. I've been taking them every other day to try to make it to my appointment with the new doc but my BP started to rise so I took myself to a clinic and they have prescribed the meds I needed to get me through until I see my new doctor out here. In fact, she prescribed 2 refills, "just in case something happens with my appointment"... The walk-in clinic gave me more care than this Doctors office. I'm not sure if he even knows what has been happening with this case, but he hired her and keeps her in his employ so, as my mother used to say, people judge you by the company you keep. I am leaving the care of Dr. Engel because of this treatment by his front desk secretary Terry. read more

Dr Engel was fine when I first went to him for checkups and routine visits. Recently his office seems poorly organized - often I have a hard time getting through to the main line and get forwarded to voicemail. When I do get through to someone, they always seem flustered and concerned about something other than speaking with me. They will tell you they will call you back and then not call you back. Appointments never seem to be available on less than a weeks' notice - don't they account for the possibility that patients will need care that is somewhere between routine and emergency and will want to come in on a few days' notice? I would recommend Dr Engel and would like to go back, but unfortunately dealing with his office has been too hard and I will be switching my PCP to an office that is capable of basic customer service such as answering phones, returning calls and scheduling appointments. read more

I had an experience that pushed me to update this page for the rest of you. Dr. Engel is an excellent physician, I saw him once and he picked up all the little things about me without me pointing them out. But Teri made the experience so horrible I'd never go back until she is replaced. She insisted I pay a copay even after pointing out that my insurance card clearly states no co pay for preventative visits. I then had to do the work to get the money back. She then refused two requests for a refill for a medication I've been taking for 10 years with no change in dosage that Dr. Engel wrote a script for (just a maintenance med, not an opioid or anything intense) claiming I had to come in for an office visit 9 months after a physical. If a non medical professional can refuse a prescription refill without consulting the doctor, this is not a practice I'd recommend you affiliate yourself with. read more

One time I found a $100 bill in the street. That's how I felt when I found Dr. Engel. The dude went to Brown and is tremendous. I'm set for life with him. I thank my lucky stars to have been only 30 when I arrived at this incomparably brilliant, incomparably kind doctor out of all the thousands of them in the city. He puts all the other ones to shame and I would buy him an island if I had the means. No joke I am fiercely proud to support his practice. Sixteen out of five stars, 1000% my doctor till I literally die, and then my kids' doctor (once I have some, they will inherit him as a precious family heirloom.) EDIT: I see there are a lot of people on here who don't like his receptionist Terry. She is a real straight talker and not for the faint of heart, but mostly sounds harsher than she actually is. I have embraced her as I've embraced Dr. Engel, and also the payment man Julio. Don't be discouraged by the tone of Terry; people are beating down the door to see Dr. Engel and she does a good job gatekeeping and fielding all kinds of crazy questions. EDIT EDIT: im 34 now and decided having children is a dub so i guess i will be getting Dr. Engel to myself. that is fine then, more for me read more

Dr. Jeff is an amazing physician. In a world of robotic compasionless doctors Jeff stands out. About 10 years ago, I needed a new physician and pulled out my HMO's directory. I took a leap of faith on Dr, Engel because I liked his name and his address was close to mine. I struck gold. If I still lived in NY, he'd still be my doctor. Never before or since have I been so comfortable with a doctor, read more

Dr. Engel has been my PCP for years. I've never met a doc with a better bedside manner. Considering how damn smart he is, you'll not find a more humble, kindhearted person. He remembers all the little details of my history, no matter how long between visits. He genuinely cares about what is going on in my life, even though he must have 304850 patients. He spends far more time with me than any other doc I've known. He's thorough and careful. I never leave with questions or doubts. His staff is great as well. Couldn't recommend him higher. Love him! read more

I read the positive reviews so called to make a first time appointment. Receptionist was so rude, so so rude that I had to just hang up and move on to the next GP. Sorry :( read more

Incredibly rude, condescending, defensive receptionist who Dr. Engel defends to the death. Today's appointment involved being scolded at length by Dr. Engel for not remembering that my anti-depressant required me to visit once every 3 months for a refill authorization - something I don't recall ever being told about that medication. I was told about a difficult patient situation he'd had that had made him late for our appointment, but not once did he ask if I was ok, since I had run out of the scrip and they had not called in authorization for a refill as I had requested 3 days earlier (no call back to acknowledge that request or anything... it was all on me to follow up) - just told that I was rude to his receptionist and should know better after seeing him for over 20 years. Most other providers call or text me when it's time to make another appointment, answer their phones or call back promptly... maybe he's overloaded with patients, but I've had it with the constant bad attitude I get from office staff - and increasingly from Dr. Engel. read more

Such an abrupt, bordering rude receptionist. I simply called to make an appointment and got a very unpleasant response from the women answering the phone. read more

Unfortunately I have not had many positive experiences with Dr. Engel or Ms. Katzman. Let me preface this review that I am healthy and do not get sick often. There are three doctors, all in private practice, in my immediate family, so I have a good idea of what proper healthcare is. I have visited Dr. Engels office four times, each time hoping the last was a fluke because of the positive reviews. I also have a friend who sees Dr. Engel and raves about him. I agree with other reviewers: the staff is friendly; they return your calls; and you can get an appointment that same day. Now, Dr. Engel is brief but slightly condescending and too quick to get you out of the office. One time he sent me home with a fever and a 4-day old sore throat and said it was a cold. When I questioned him I was slighted. He did not feel my tonsils, which were swollen, and no throat swab. Nothing. Within two days I was so sick that I couldn't go to work (I never miss work), still with a sore throat, and the infection coming out of my eyes, that I went to another doctor who prescribed me eye and pill antibiotics. I was better within days. I went in the other day with a swollen finger that had been bothering me for one week. Thankfully Ms. Katzman could see me the same day I called to make an appointment. At the office she felt my finger and even though I can't move it side to side, I can bend it and I am not writhing in pain. She told me that an x-ray would not tell us much! (what? it will tell you if there is even a small tear) or perform blood work, for what she was suspecting rheumatoid arthritis. I am only 33. Handed me the number for an orthopedist to "assess" my problem. I left the office with no suggestions to alleviate the inflammation (icing, split?) but was still charged for a visit anyway. Unfortunately I cannot get an appointment with the specialist until next week. I recommend Dr. Engel for check-ups. If you have anything abnormal you want looked at, even for your peace of mind - go to another, more thorough doctor. In my experience his office might as well be a revolving door. read more

dr. engel and nurse practitioner fishkin are awesome. totally totally awesome. i picked his name out of a large book about 2 years ago when i became a grown up and finally got a job with health insurance. he was only a block away from my office, so i did zero research and signed myself up as a patient. the office is small and pleasant - the front desk staff is always nice. both dr. engel and ms. fishkin are awesome - you never feel rushed, they take detailed notes in their computer system, and they always get me the treatment or meds that i need. they are both so nice and i feel 100% comfortable when i'm in their care. it's never too difficult to get a good appointment. i love the casual vibe and the relaxed atmosphere about this practice! highly recommended. on all levels. read more

Dr. Engel is, in short, fantastic. He's professional, he's personable, and he obviously cares about his patients. One thing that pretty much sums up why he's so great is that after your annual physical, he calls you personally to let you know the results of all the standard blood tests (you know, cholesterol, etc.) - not someone random from the office, and always, not just if there is an issue. How many other doctors do that these days, especially in NYC? Both my fiance and I have been seeing him for nearly three years and I've gladly recommended him several times to friends and colleagues looking for a PCP. As long as I live in Manhattan and he's still practicing, Dr. Engel will be my doctor of choice. read more

2012.07.03 1st visit Great doctor (better than the ones in my family!) My friend StaceyD said "dude go see a DR, it's been 15 years(yes i'm one of those MEN)! I really like my Dr here is his name and info..." This guy rocks. He just freakin cares about you. office was in transition to computerised everything and he was all over the place but his sincerity came through. If you generally hate Dr's go see this guy. Took 2 weeks to get appoint for new patients. Not the nicest office staff. But the guy knows customer service and took the time talk to me as a person. Go see him, he's sincere... read more

Dr. Engel is very thorough and personable. He is an amazing physician. I found the perfect primary care physician and staff. he calls you personally to let you know the results of all the standard blood tests - not someone random from the office, and always, not just if there is an issue. I always feel comfortable with him. read more

I've been seeing Dr Engel as my General Practitioner for over 10 years and have always received top-notch. He takes the extra time to really get to know you. You're always treated special and unique. Dr. Engel really cares about his patients well being. A true Gem. read more

never met the doctor, but was told its two weeks to make an appointment, even if its for an urgent matter (i.e. flu like symptoms) unlike a specialist the ability to promptly see a GP is paramount, having quoted me 2 week wait is not reasonable in my book. read more

OMG The rudest receptionist I have ever dealt with. She should be FIRED immediately. Tried to make an appointment and she was so nasty. Actually recommended I look for another doctor because Dr Engel was so busy. I told her "based on your attitude I don't think this office is the right one for me." I hung up. What a bummer. This doctor was recommended to me but has a really crappy person running the show. If he only knew. read more

I've been going to dr engel's office for several years and recommend him to everyone. To second these reviews, both he and his staff are warm and attentive. I usually see fishkin and she's incredible but so is doctor engel. Best of all their office coordinator Vivian is incredible. We all know that having good office staff makes a huge difference and Vivian is just that. Only downside is that there's usually a wait for your appointment but there's good lobby reading so just plan a little extra time-you'll see the reason for the wait when the doctor doesn't rush you out the door! read more

I love Dr. Engel and Terry the receptionist. Both have been great and are caring, thoughtful and thorough. Terry is really special and an asset to the office. My 86 year old parents have been using the practice for years. and now my son is using the practice for his pcp. Cannot praise Terry and Dr. Engel enough. read more

Best primary care physician I have ever had. He is a perfect combination of smart and compassionate. I have seen him for 10 years and have been happy the whole time. read more

The hardest part of making an appointment is deciding whether I want to see Adria Fishkin or Dr. Engel. They are both smart and warm and have a way of making a medical appointment be a pleasurable experience. I have NEVER had that icky "I'm a patient" feeling. I always feel respected and like an adult. I also trust them completely with my health. read more

Dr. Engel and everyone in his practice are amazing. They are friendly and accommodating like you want to find in a service provider. I can't remember when I've had such a good experience with a doctor's office. Dr. Engel is very thorough and personable. I could not be more pleased with this practice and am thrilled that I found the perfect primary care physician and staff. read more

Engel is warm, friendly and he takes his time. I didn't feel rushed and had all of my questions answered. Happy I found him.

I'd give another star if they'd let me. If you're normally scared of doctor's offices, this is the place to go. The new nurse practitioner Jenna Katzman is a wonderful addition to an office where you'll always feel listened to and cared about. On my last visit, Jenna discovered a mistake in my medication (from another doctor, not from this group) that could have had scary complications down the line. Just really smart, caring people. read more

I couldn't have had a better experience with Dr. Engel. He is kind, caring, funny, and compassionate. He spent over an hour with me throughout the appointment time, which is so rare these days. Go see him, you won't regret it! read more

I've been going to Dr. Engel for YEARS now and have never regretted the decision. Both he and Adria have the warmest of hearts and show true, genuine care for their patients. I have seen both of them and the quality has never dipped. If you are looking for a doctor, this is the office to come to...unparalleled in NYC. There is a level of comfort you have with both of them that you can tell them EVERYTHING (as well you should with a doctor) and know that they will help you with ANYTHING. I had a medical scare a little over a year ago and I called in, got the doctor paged, and had an appointment set up for first thing the following morning. You cannot go wrong with Dr. Enge and Adria Fishkin....seriously.... read more

Dr. Engel is fabulous, one of the best doctors I've ever had. He's warm, friendly, and has a great sense of humor. Most importantly, you can ask him as many questions as you want and he's never impatient and never rushes you. He also seems to keep to keep up with the latest medical research; and if he doesn't know something, he freely admits it. He is truly awesome. And when I need a referral request sent to my insurance company, unlike with other NYC medical offices I've been to, his staff gets it done without my having to call three times to remind them. read more

Yesterday I had my first visit with Dr. Engel and I've already recommended him to all my friends. By far the most understanding, engaged, and caring doctor I've ever come across. He actually took the time to listen through my long list of hypochondriacal symptoms without making me feel like I was a loony. Not only is he a great doctor, he's also HILARIOUS. I felt like I was talking to my buddy rather than my GP. This man is a gem. read more

I've been meaning to write a review for quite a while but the other day when I literally dropped into Dr Engel's office in between meetings, was seen within 15 minutes and received a prescription (all without an appointment) I decided I really had to follow through. To boot, he personally left me a message a couple days later with my test results. I can't say enough nice things about him. I have been his patient for about five years and going to the doctor is actually not a drag. He is thorough, professional, friendly and approachable. He remembers things we discussed during previous appointments and I believe he truly cares about his patients. The office is modern and conveniently located and his staff could not be any nicer. Truly the best there is. read more

His office has gone down hill fast lately. It seems he has sold his practice to a larger medical firm and it is not a good change. The new receptionist is just about clueless and it seems that the new standard is each patient gets 10 min and a referral. Very disappointing given how great Dr. Engel's practice used to be. read more

No if you are ever actually ill. During the two years I was a patient of Dr. Engel I was uncharacteristically ill but saw him perhaps 2 or 3 times; every time I was sick I ended up at an Urgent Care Center because the office receptionist would subject me to harsh interrogation when I asked to schedule an appt and would inevitable tell me the doctor was unavailable. I used to dread calling the office with the thought of having to speak to the receptionist - Terri. When I finally moved on to another doctor who wasn't so difficult to schedule with, the new doctor was smart and conscientious and ran a bunch of tests which led to the discovery that I had an underlying condition which explained the spate of infections I'd had during the years when Dr. Engel's receptionist turned me away. Would Dr. Engel have run those tests had I gotten past Terri? Who knows, but I do think a doctor is responsible for all aspects of patient care including at the front desk interface phase where the patient learns (perhaps through the choice of administrative staff) whether the doctor takes their medical well being seriously, or, alternatively, considers them a nuisance in an overextended caseload. I am grateful that I moved on to a medical office that was run in a compassionate and professional way. read more