The Staff has been very nice and Dr Rivera and Alicia Gill PAC have been really good listening…read moreto my concerns and prescribing the right medication for me i am so much better now thank you so much

I was trying to hold off on this review until I had a few more visits in. But I cannot. I called…read moreto get an appointment as a first time patient (doctor recommendation) and the only available was two months out. I've waited this long, I can wait a little longer. Happily, a cancellation opened up a spot for me much sooner. I hurriedly filled out the requisite forms that were emailed to me, very convenient. The office is located in a small medical/business building that, fortunately, has quite a few handicapped parking spots. I was early, lunch time for the office, but was let in to wait which was very nice. I can't say enough of how lovely everyone in this office is. Very nice, accommodating and friendly. I felt very comfortable. I'm also very hopeful Dr. Rivera can help me with my health issues. For now, I am waiting on the results of a blood panel which may determine my diagnosis. Either way, there seems to be options on helping me feel better. Did I mention how wonderful everyone in this office is?

The Doctor was very kind and understanding. He took his time to review my file and to perform…read morecertain tests. Was very knowledgeable and answered every question of my situation clearly and simplified it for my understanding. Definitely would recommend to others.

I was being treated by one of the doctors there when the prescription they gave me may be nauseated…read moreso she told me to stop taking it and come back into the office and see her. When I came into my next appointment, Dr. Riviera was there instead of the other doctor and she looked at me as if confused why I was there. She asked me what she could do for me. I was dumbfounded. Now they charge me $150 fee for I'm not sure, what five minutes of their time? I will never ever go back there again. Their office staff is immature and unprofessional. They gossip and make fun of the patients as they sit in the waiting room. They have absolutely no shame at all. Terrible experience overall.

This isn't the location I saw this practice at. I am not sure why she has several locations listed…read moreon Yelp. I, like many others, had an incredibly poor experience here. I have a severe autoimmune condition that really needs a physician's attention, but the staff said I could only see a PA. Ok, fine, at least I would be a patient at the practice and could maybe see the doctor next time. I saw the PA and it was a nightmare. She spent the entire appointment typing, didn't do any kind of exam (I was sitting in the chair next to her the whole time) and I don't think even looked up at me once. She then hastily told me she thought I had a disease that I do not have, ordered labs, and then never communicated the abnormalities to me when I returned for a follow up visit. She brushed off a few very obvious abnormalities and prescribed a strong medication for--again--a disease another actual physician rheumatologist confirmed I don't have, and was completely unaware that a previous infusion medication I had been given has ongoing effects on bloodwork. e.g., masking some results. So I don't know about the doctor here, but the PA I saw did not seem knowledgeable about rheumatology in the least. Maybe seeing Dr. Rivera is better, I am unsure since I never saw her. I asked the PA if she had reviewed my case with Dr. Rivera and she said yes, so I don't know if the whole practice is bad, or just the PA's. Also--the office is up a couple of flights of stairs, with no elevator. They don't mention that when you make an appointment. And that can be really hard for people with rheumatologic issues. So overall, they don't seem to provide solid care or diagnostic help.

I've been going to Doctor Brion for 10 years and he has managed my condition to the highest degree…read more He is kind , professional and his primary concern is your health. Earlier in the year I had a life threatening condition which put me in hospital for a month. My wife who was understandably frazzle was calling Doctors who I had pending appts. Dr Brion was one. He offered and did help my wife and contacted various people to explain my condition. She really had a load taken off her. Bottom line Dr Brion is not only a great doctor but also a great person

I was an established patient there in the midst of a cardiology work up with the doctor who Dr…read more Brion referred me to. Suddenly, (2025) I was told they no longer accepted my insurance. Today, while trying to locate a rheumatologist through my health insurance app, Dr. Paul Brion's name was listed as a contracted provider. I called United Healthcare (UHC), and Gabby confirmed that I am indeed listed as an active member with the policy and that Dr. Brion is contracted. We then called Sharp Medical Group (SMG) on three-way, and we spoke w Jonathan. He also told me that I am active w both UHC and SMG, and so is Dr. Brion. Jonathan confirmed that there was an auth on file. I was given the auth number and the dates that the auth was good for (5/1 - 10/28). When Jonathan called on four-way for us, Dr. Brion's answering srvc picked up, so Jonathan left a msg for them to call me to sch the appt. I called Dr. Brion's ofc a bit later to get sch'd. I just barely missed their call. The person didn't leave their name, but they did leave me a vm, asking me to call back to schedule. So I attempted to do so. (if I am able, I'll attach the transcribed message left by their ofc). When I called (solo), Brenda answered. She told me my info wasnt listed online in the Sharp portal, and there was no auth on file. She said there was NO record of me in the Sharp database. When I asked her if we could plz call them on three-way to clear up the misunderstanding, she literally said to me, "No; I have other calls." She acted as if I was inconveniencing her by calling. She left me on hold for an extended period of time before telling me she would not do anything to assist. I asked who the manager was and if I could speak with that person. She told me her name was Tiffany, and "she only works remotely." she says she's left Tiffany a msg to call me. So, I hv to call Sharp back to try to get assistance with sch'ing w Dr.Brion's ofc. Everyone was on the same page except the Dr. B's ofc. I spk w Amanda with SMG. She confirmed all the info I had gotten from the previous call w Jonathan and Gabby. Amanda calls Dr. B's ofc again, on three-way. Rosio picked up. Amanda again asked to speak with Brenda, who we were told "was tied up." After a couple of minutes, Rosio found my info online, and she noted I had been an est'd patient there since 2024. After Amanda offered her an auth and a ref number, Rosio said she DID see an active referral and authorization on file for me... They just needed my PCP to change one of my procedure codes from a "99215 to a 99214" (A procedure code ofcs use for billing purposes. If Im able, I'll attach a pic of the comparison between the two billing codes. After establishing it was a procedure code holding things up, Amanda directly asked Rosio why Brenda turned me away. She said was bc Brenda told me I needed to have those codes updated. That was absolutely not the case. Brenda gaslit me, and she stonewalled the appointment process. She never mentioned a procedure code. I would've been happy to contact my PCP's office to request the update on the auth. Brenda told me I wa in the system at all. There's no authorization. Open and shut. "Leave me alone." My professional and personal lives hv been consumed with medicine and Public Health. other pts would give up. I'm not trying to rob a bank. I'm trying to sch a follow up appt w my doctor. Ultimately, I wasn't able to sch the appt I've been working on all day. Fortunately, I felt very seen and heard by Amanda w SMG. She also noted the way in which we were brushed off, and Rosio was covering for Brenda in that call. Amanda commented to me that Brenda's behavior was completely unacceptable (she actually used the word "embarrassing") , and she'll be reporting his ofc and staff to management within SMG. She apologized to me for the way I was treated, though she doesn't work for his ofc. It's challenging to hv many different specialists and continually be given pushback as if I am (you are) doing something wrong by trying to sch an appt. Pts shouldn't end up in tears after calling your ofc. If you treat me that way, you treat other patients the same. We all know the expression, "one bad seed..." This is unfortunate. Dr. Brion is an excellent doctor. As a patient, you have options. If the staff is abusive, try to find another doctor.

I went to him because I suspected having RA. His attention to detail was impressive. He found no…read morecompelling evidence of that disease in me. Again, I am under his care for another issue that was flagged in the ER when I went there for stomach and back pain. He sought me out and is taking lead of investigating my condition. Again, I find him to be meticulous and smart as well as caring. I like him very much. I feel well cared for.

Dr Teh is very kind, thoughtful and throughout. When I came to his office with random complaints…read morethat didn't exactly resemble a rheumatology issue he was kind enough to refer me to a different department and acknowledge my complaints and not make me feel like it's all in my head. He also prescribed a med that could potentially help me with some of my nerve pain until I figured out exactly what was going on. As quick as our visit was he took great care of thinking through my complaints and allowing me to follow up post visit. Thanks!

I have been sick a long as I remember . I have seen multiple rheumatologist over the years…read more I have been told that the pain is in my head, I am just being a drama queen and on. I finally was lucky to get an appointment with Dr McLean Dr McLean is compassionate, smart, she is not reluctant about diagnosing your symptoms . When I am visiting her office the staff is super friendly and patient. They are respectful and know that you are in pain. They listen to you and if there is anything that needs to be done , it gets done. I am humbled to be under Dr McLean care Her compassion and knowledge speaks volumes about her practice. Thank you Dr McLean .

Dr Kaplan is brilliant. Spent 2 hours with me & my husband explaining reactive arthritis to us. He…read moretreats the person, really listens to what you have to say. His bedside manner is exceptional. His office called my home the next day to check up on me. I am so fortunate to have found Dr Kaplan.

Etieva Bejko is an amazing doctor. She listens to what…read moreproblems you are having with your arthritis and recommends the medications that will help you feel better.

Dr Bejko is wonderful. Communicates well and doesn't rush you out of the office. She is truly…read moreconcerned with all my issues and has been a great help.

Dr.J as I knew him was one outstanding doctor. I have Behcet's (and Neuro-Behcet's), sero-negative…read moreLupus, and what turned out to be all forms of dystonia, TOS, neuropathy everywhere. After using oral prednisone in high doses without success he went to trigger injections and started me on hydroxychloroquine which treats both rheumatological conditions. That was in 1995 before it was a drug in wide use in rheumatology. He was kind, considerate and got me to Dr. Stuart, an awesome pain management specialist. Best of all, he did not treat me like a disease first and a person second. I have had doctors treat me like that and it is dehumanizing.

I was a patient seen by Dr. Malinak from approximately 2011-2015 (I'm sort of guessing). At that…read moretime I received wonderful care and he also managed my pain reasonably and without any prescribing issues. I was also always well-advised when it came to using steroid injections for management of my RA . He followed protocol and they were performed perfectly. His super star moment was when he correctly diagnosed me with primary lower extremity lymphedema which words cannot express how wonderful it was to actually know why my legs were so swollen. I had to leave Dr. Malinak due to my insurance changing but I did so on a very happy note as one might say. So here we are in 2023 and my insurance has once again changed and I was able to select Dr. Malinak as my doctor again! I also live much closer to his office which is a plus after driving to La Jolla on numerous occasions from La Mesa. I cannot see him until after the new year but I hope that all of these changes mentioned really are not true because I never encountered any rudeness from front desk staff, etc. I'll update in 2024 after my first/returning visit.

Jacob is my provider at this location, he is wonderful! very informative and helpful. he genuinely…read morelistens to his patients. I've been with Azam since I was a child, and always thought he was a good doctor. His staff is very friendly and they pay attention to the details! WHICH IS RARE IN A BUSY OFFICE. I highly recommend Jacob!

i've been going to this doctor for 20 years unfortunately I will no longer be a patient mainly…read morebecause it's a two month wait for an appointment which is absolutely ridiculous and the main reason for this is he no longer has an assistant. I just booked an appointment with a different doctor in my plan and they got me in less than 12 days. Maybe Dr. Azam should get another assistant like he used to have and stop pennypinching and make patients wait months.