As her patient I was grateful for Dr. Saruwatari's medical advice but never more so than when I had to find a cancer surgeon for my wife. The first thing she made clear was that we remain positive and were not alone in this fight. As our PCP she has a great network of doctors with different specialties. After performing a successful surgery on my wife, the cancer surgeon Dr. Saruwatari recommended had her own network of radiologists and oncologists to help us. My wife has been well looked after and has been cancer free. In the future if we have a daunting medical situation to face , we could have no one better than Dr. Saruwatari on our side to guide us. read more

Ugh. Wish I had read all these reviews before I chose this doc as my new PCP. In my very first appt with her she barely listened to me, had no interest in looking at the test results from prior docs that I shared with her, and literally scoffed at most of my questions about addressing some ongoing health conditions. Sounds like this is more or less her M.O. Does not listen. Just wants to charge for ordering the same tests all over again. Her office doesn't validate so you have to pay a huge sum for parking at her downtown location. And it's impossible getting through to her office by phone. What a waste of time. IMPOSSIBLE finding a decent PCP these days. read more

I needed a new primary care physician, I did extensive research to find one and finely settled with Dr. Saruwatari. A few factors I considered was her location, I do not want to take off work to see my doctor, she's in town, 2 blocks away from our office, so I can take a break to see her when needed. She is also into nutrition and fitness which I'm also into, she also speaks Swedish which makes her unique when compared to other physicians. Initial meetings are usually through zoom, but doctor accepted my request to do an office visit instead, which is greatly appreciated. She was quick, down to the point, blunt - which is something that I want in a doctor, no sugar-coating for me. I greatly appreciate her process and I feel she will be a positive contribution to my health. I'm thankful to have her as my PCP. read more

Cliff Notes Version: She called me fat and crazy. This is a very overdue review, as in about 12 years overdue. I saw her for a few years in my early 20's. She seemed bossy but knew enough overall for my liking. When I was about 25 I became grossed out by food for some unknown reason. I force fed myself everyday. I'm 5'7" and went from weighing 122lbs to 104lbs. I looked gross and was embarrassed. She never said anything about my loosing weight which I found odd. I started adding ice cream to my diet to put on some weight since it's the only thing that didn't make me want to puke. I put on about 4lbs and was super proud of myself that I was starting to look more normal. At my appointment Dr. Saruwatari pointed out that I gained weight. She shunned me for eating ice cream and that I had to be careful bc I was "getting older." (thank goodness I didn't have eating disorders, a comment like that could have destroyed someone). In that same appointment she asked how often I went to therapy and told her twice a month. She made a grossed out face and said, "wow that's a lot." If someone is going to therapy it means they need to go. As a doctor (or any normal human being for that matter) you should applauded them for taking steps to getting their mental health back on track. Also, she doesn't know what trauma I had in my life, how dare you belittle someone like that. And that was the last time I saw her. What a nightmare of a human being. read more

I felt extremely uncomfortable upon meeting Dr. Saruwatari. I felt discriminated by the way she treated me based on my personal healthcare decisions; despite me being in excellent physical health. She talked over me in an allusively derogatory manor, was extremely pushy, and completely disregarded my feelings and decisions. I have never in my life wanted less to be in a place where normally I should feel welcomed, safe, and heard. I will never be coming back to Dr. Saruwatari's office ever again. read more

I chose to see her because her office was located across the street from my work place. My coworker also saw her separately. I found out she told us both that we should be put on cholesterol medication. She was really pushy about giving me and my coworker a prescription for this. She did not know that we knew each other. I got a second opinion from another doctor (someone with great reviews) who said that the chance of me developing heart disease within the next 10 years was 0.6% (I am really low risk for heart disease) and that medicine should only be prescribed if my chance of getting heart disease was over 7.5%. I feel like I dodged a bullet by getting a second opinion. Statins can have serious side effects and you shouldn't take them if you don't need them! Don't be afraid to get a second opinion, especially if what she's saying seems really off to you. I should add that the ladies working in the office were very professional and kind. They were great. read more

I really, really wish I had checked these reviews before making Dr. Saruwatari my primary care provider. Initially, she was wonderful-- almost like a doting auntie. She really did help me start getting my health on track. But like a doting elder, she wasn't keen on listening to me. At all. To the point where I had (and still have) a tumor in my jawbone and tried explaining the previous care I'd received and tried to desperately convey how much pain I was in... She told me to make an appointment with the dentist next door and to "take an Aleve." I made an appointment with a dentist, though not the one next door, who didn't even bother to look in my mouth. He viewed my x-rays and was in utter shock that I was in to see him at all. He gave Dr. Saruwatari the benefit of the doubt, citing that many physicians don't fully understand oral pathology, so maybe that was the case. I am grateful that she got me my upcoming appointment to see a well-regarded oncologist in the area, but looking back on my 4 appointments in less than two months-- I deserved better. I deserve a doctor who will listen and who wants to help me get well. read more

I've been seeing Dr. Saru for about two years. It is difficult to find doctors who can take in new patients. In the past, I've been reluctant to go to one because that would mean sitting in the waiting room for hours, even if an appointment is made. I changed to Dr. Saru and I am in and out very quickly. She is near to work so I can go and take my labs there, and see her at the appointed time. Yes, she is no-nonsense, and if you are looking for a hand-holder, she is not for you. But she is responsive, provides me with great care and efficient. read more

I haven't been to see Dr. Saruwatari in a minute, but she's the one who got my diagnosis with something that others couldn't help with. She's so nice and her staff is so friendly. read more

I've been seeing Dr. Saru for about 20 years now. I find her to be professional and knowledgeable and she cares about preventive care, which is nice. She takes the time to listen to me and my concerns, then also takes time to lecture me about what I should be doing (kind of sounds like my mom at times). She rarely runs behind time, which is nice because you don't need to rearrange your whole day on the chance that you won't get out in time. If you're looking for a warm and cuddly doc, she is not for you. But if you're looking for a no-nonsense professional who looks at the whole health picture, then give Dr. Saru a call. Plus she has a great office staff. read more

For people that are wanting to transfer from Straub to a better doctor, I think Lois Saruwatari is your best bet. I thought a doctor's office close to home would be convenient, but I was wrong. I had me searching high and low for someone that I felt good with and that's when I found Dr. Lois Saruwatari after Straub Mililani was giving me too much of a headache. Dr. Saruwatari is able to get information easily from Straub since they use the same systems, she was able to see my medications. My first visit to her was nice, she sat down with me and we addressed my concerns. She ordered various tests and I was to return in a couple of days. I returned for my second visit and we went over my results. She made everything clear and I was the only patient there both times that I went. She has someone that conducts blood tests starting at 730s most mornings. I went there and was in and out in 7 minutes. I don't know about parking, since it's a 5 minute walk from my work. However, there is ample parking downtown--of course it depends when you go. She also said if you call early in the morning she has same day appointments available. I am excited for a doctor who is in to preventive medicine. Most I encounter don't really care. I'm happy I found her. read more

I asked for a seasick patch for my cruise. She gave me Dramamine. I didn't find out until I made a special trip to Longs. I was scholded for not going in for appt but I always go in when they give me appt. Good enough but lacks patient relationship skills read more

Dr. Saruwatari is definitely a no-nonsense physician in a good way. It's difficult to find doctors on the island who are taking new patients, but her terrific staff squeezed me in on short notice. She is very thorough and clearly cares about her patients. She also does a good job of explaining conditions and treatment options. Top notch! read more

Very good doctor. Very Thorough and complete with examinations. She can be tough at times when she sees things that concern her but it's all in the best interest of your health. Parking is hard because she does not validate but you can park across the street in the state parking lot for very cheap and she usually does not run behind! Staff is very kind and courteous and she has in house blood drawing available which is convenient.. Recommend doctor saruwatari if you are looking for an internist in the downtown area.. read more

I do NOT recommend Dr. Saruwatari. She is just interested in billing your insurance. I answer the same questions at each visit. She does a full work up, which I appreciate, but requires you to come back for results even with a 100% clean bill of health. This is so she can charge 2 copayments. The office is rude when you question other charges. which they can't explain on the invoice. read more

I do not recommend Lois Saruwatari. Patient Care - She is not interested in what you have to say. Like others have said, she'd rather go through her own checklist, then be done with you. I will add that she likes to bring in patients for unnecessary follow-ups (and will CHARGE your insurance for every visit, of course). When I go in for my annual check-up, she tells me I need to do my annual lab tests, but she doesn't warn me prior to my appointment that I should have fasted for 12-hours in order to do the tests there. Okay, no problem, I can go to a clinical lab on a weekend to do my tests. Then she wants to schedule a follow-up to share the results. So I ask her, "could this be done over the phone? My OBGYN calls me with results all the time and I only need to go back if there's additional exams or tests that need to be done." NOPE. She doesn't do phone appointments, probably because she can't charge me for it. And at this follow-up appointment, all she does is give you a sheet of paper with cholesterol results and says everything looks good. Why can't that be done over the phone? It wasn't as much of an issue when I worked downtown, but I don't anymore so I have to use more of my leave to go see her. Office - Neat and clean. Her office is located in the Pauahi Tower downtown. Parking - Her office does not validate for parking, but she recommends parking at Alii Place across the street. The cost for parking isn't too bad, about $1.50 per hour. Or you could attempt to find street parking. Staff - Friendly, but slow. Be prepared to repeat yourself often. I've been seeing her for several years now and finally found a different doctor to transfer to. If you're in the downtown area, maybe she'd be okay because she's conveniently located and you don't have to pay for parking, but there's probably someone better out there. read more

Dr. Saruwatari office is designed to make money and not appropriately care for patients. My husband saw Dr. Saruwatari for a simple check-up... and she made him come back 4 times in less than two months. She did not listen to a thing he said or ask questions that would assist with getting a better picture--she came in with her predetermined diagnosis and idea of who we were. She wrote for a multitude of labs--beyond the appropriate expected labs for a check-up--despite the fact that my husband is a healthy 30 yo male without significant medical history (simple psoriasis being his only history). Everything was normal and she had the gall to refer him to a dermatologist to manage his psoriasis...well, maybe she should have sent him to an endocrinologist and rheumatologist to interrupter the labs she ordered too. useless, incompetent, hides behind her forceful manner, doesn't care about the patient health. Watch out ... you will leave without a bill, but shortly you will find the bills coming in droves through the mail. read more

Dr. Saruwatari saved my life. Her diligence and care in preventive medicine and tracking my health measures for many years led her to send me for a CT scan that incidentally identified a pancreatic tumor. This early detection before I had any symptoms enabled me to have surgery that caught the tumor before it could spread and was found to be benign. There are not enough stars to thank her for her life-saving work. read more

I have been seeing Dr. Lois for a few years simply because her office is in town, she has an on-site lab and I can get a 7:30 a.m. appointment (before work). Those are the good points. I agree with most of the other reviewers and have exactly the same experiences. What annoys me most is the fact that she doesn't listen to me. She will ask me a question and before I have answered she will be over-talking me to ask the next one. The words that I have been able to get out, I have to repeat in her next questions because she has not been paying attention to what I have been telling her. She insists on seeing me every 3 months so her lab tech can take numerous vials of blood and whatever shot she can think of giving me at that time. Her favorite one at the moment is the "super shingles shot" - I have already had 2 shingles shots in the past year - oh, and of course, the flu shot! I then have to go back for the results - another co-pay! She then asks me If I have checked my lab results on line and if not, why not, which kinda defeats the object of me being at her office for the results in the first place. If I have read them on line, why do I have to get my results at her office - the co-pay of course. There seems to be a constant turn round of staff. The only members that have been working for her for any length of time is the lab tech and the receptionist - is this an indication that she is difficult to work with? Each time I have an appointment with her I get more and more frustrated and leave feeling totally dissatisfied, unheard and that her aim is to get me in and out as quickly as possible. Think its time to find anther doctor. read more

After reading the two reviews posted here, I thought I'd add mine even though my experiences are from two years ago. For the record, my sister-in-law also sees Dr. Saruwatari and thinks she's great. But, here's my experience. I scheduled an appointment to see her for my neck, which had been a problem for at least 3 months at this point (i.e. it has no intention of healing itself). She walks in, checks out my stats (looks in my mouth and ears, talks about my weight), asks me if I've gotten a flu shot, to which I reply that I had not. She directed me to get one (without asking if I even wanted one) and starts to open the door. I had to stop her and ask, "What about the reason I'm here?" Her reply was cavalier, she did not really care about my neck even though it stated on the form that that was the reason I was there, but succumbed to my "pestering" and referred me to a physical therapist (who was wonderful and fixed the problem!). I'd like to say this was a one-time deal, but really, the level of service I received from Dr. Saruwatari over several visits was awful. She was right across the street from where I worked, so she was convenient, but I quit going to her because she treated me like she did not care about my health and found my concerns petty. That's not what I'm looking for in a doctor. She will get you in to see her quickly though and she is convenient to downtown Bishop Street. read more