In the OB/gyn dept at Kaiser. Great doctor. Listens, thoughtful, and I trust her 100%.

Kindest, most knowledgeable and capable OB-GYNs ever. You're in good hands with Dr. Ushigome.

I don't like writing reviews of people because I think it's very subjective and clients/patients could be unfair. When I moved to LA, a friend recommended me Cedars Sinai medical group, I chose Dr Ushigome because I thought I would feel more comfortable since she is female and Japanese descendent like me. She was my Obgyn from 2003-2010, then I started working close to the Southbay area and it was difficult to commute and decided to change to a medical group in the Southbay. At the beginning I used to go to my check ups with my British dude, he was concerned I was not able to understand English well, but Dr. Ushigome was great since the moment we met her, she always spoke slowly so I could understand her, even tried to speak some Spanish (which I think it's a plus). As my English was getting better and I became more independent, started going to my appointments alone, she would make sure I understood all our conversation and insisted that I ask all my questions(I'm the type of person that buys books to read and check everything online so always had a list of questions written on a piece of paper). She also showed interest on me not only as patient but also as a person. If you are looking for a sweet Obgyn probably she is not the right fit. However if you are interested in a knowledgeable, smart and pragmatic provider she is the right doctor. I'm currently working relatively close to BH area so I'm planning to switch back to Cedar Sinai medical group again. This was the hardest and most challenging review I've ever written, as I said at the beginning I don't like writing reviews of people. read more

There is nothing pleasant about going in for your annual gynecological exam. Dr. Ushigome is hands down the best gynecologist I've ever had. I've recommended her to several of my friends, and we all agree she knows how to make an uncomfortable visit, as pleasant as possible. She prudent, discreet & thorough, without taking forever. With so much medical information at our disposal on the Internet, it must drive doctors nuts when we try to self-diagnose ourselves. Dr. Ushigome never cuts me off when I begin a phrase with "I read on the Internet...." The hallmark of a good doctor is one who listens, writes things down and keeps their patients informed, letting them know what to expect when going through a procedure, or trying out a new prescription. I've had gynecologists, who have judged me based off their religious beliefs, which is the last thing you need when you're sitting in the stirrups. I've also have had a gynecologist prescribe me meds without writing them down in my chart, while also failing to mention that I needed to taper off gradually. You don't get that kind of experience with Dr. Ushigome. As with most Cedars Sinai doctors, you might end up waiting in the waiting room for awhile, but she's worth the wait (and I'm not usually patient when it comes to these things). Also, if you want to save yourself $5-7 dollars, park on the residential street one street over to the west. It's about a 5 minute walk. read more

Talk about spin-dry. I agree with the assessment that Dr. U. is cold and short. She started talking before even introducing herself. I told her about problems I've had with exams because of a tilted cervix and that the last MD finally realized that a different type of speculum made it easier. She tried 4 times doing it her way - painful is an understatement - then she finally said, "well, I think you're right." What the HELL? I waited about a week before calling back for test results. When she called back, she said she'd already called and I believe she said she left a message. I hope that wasn't my test results on someone else's voicemail. Very curt, very impersonal. Goes 100 mph. I didn't feel like she was listening or that she cared. Too bad. From some other reviews I bet she's really good at certain things. read more

I went to Dr Ushigome when I was pregnant but switched to a new doctor (Dr Aliabadi) and a new practice probably mid-way through. My most serious point of contention with the practice was that they lost my blood test results and didn't even realize it until I asked about it weeks later. I found the practice to be hectic and we always waited for our appointment for at least 30 minutes. Personally I do need a warm Gyno and good bedside manners -- those are very important to me. I did not get that from Dr Ushigome or any Dr. in this practice. read more

Not a fan. She is so cold and unpersonable. All my other doctors are so warm and seem to care genuinely. Not this doctor. I immediately got turned off by reading the paperwork they give you. "We will charge you for this" and "we will charge you for that" including talking to the doctor and filling out any paperwork. You can see where their focus is. I do not care for this doctor and will not return . read more

I didn't feel the positive energy (kindness) from Dr. Ushigome and other workers at the clinic. Dr. U did not take time with me and at the end she walked out the door as she replied to my question. Also, they made a mistake on my insurance and had to take my time to explain about their mistake. read more

Sales pitch! The last time I saw Dr. Ushigome she asked me how old I was and whether or not I wanted to have a baby. Then she proceeded to tell me that insurance didn't cover freezing my fertilized eggs, but it only cost between $10K-$15K, and I could pay her by credit card. I said I didn't have that kind of money and then she asked me if I could get it from my parents! Excuse me? Ask for my inheritance or something so I could have a baby in the future. You're getting older, she said. It's time to think about it! Patients beware! Also, took months to get an appt. and I had the same thing happen: I never got a call back about my test results. When I called she said she'd already called me. Needless to say I'm not going back. read more

Please note: I have never actaully met with with Dr. U. My review is based soley on my care by one of the PA's in her office. I had gotten a new insurance plan so the hunt was on for a new vagina doctor. I tend to be picky and expect that my dr. be curdious and have time to spend with me talking about whatever it is brought me in for a visit. So off I went to try my luck with Dr. U's office. To my surprise..it worked out very well. I met with Elinore Pullen PA. She was high energy, which I loved. You shared my passion about my cocerns. She got excited when I got excited. Most importantly she made me feel like the things I was worried about were valid. She took time to explain things. If she wasn't sure or noticed I was doubtful, she would research it right online with me and show me why she thought what she did. I hope that Dr. U is only as great as the rest of her staff. I will agree with others though, the wait can be a little long. But so is everyone else's. read more

It is not nature to write reviews about people but this person changed my life. I suffered many years from chronic pain and debilitating headaches due to complications from my cycle. Dr. Mae greeted me with a smile, warm heart and determined spirit that I would good better. I looked forward to going to see her because I knew we would laugh, sometimes I cried and we would find a solution. For over 20 years, I suffered consistently. She listened as a friend but cared for me as the professional. As the news was released about her leaving the practice, I had another a health episode that required surgery. Afraid and cautious about who would care for me, Dr. Mae administered a plan of action, personally handed me to other doctors and checked in on me after her departure. All of the caregivers talked about the notes she left for my benefit even while I was hospitalized. My life is better now because Dr. Mae cared for me for over 13 years. She is one of the nicest people I have ever met. I understand no one can meet everyone's expectation. Dr. Mae Ushigome surpassed my expectations and helped me to heal my body and soul. I can honestly say I love her, for what she has done in my life. read more

I just switched to Dr. U because my insurance changed. I love my previous GYN and was very apprehensive about seeing someone new. I did have to book about 3 months in advance, but that seems to be the case with most doctors I see. Anyhoo ... I am SO happy I chose Dr. U. I felt comfortable with her right away. She's likable, hip in an unaffected way, efficient and straight forward. I recommend her highly. read more

I've been going to Dr. Ushigome for years and think she's wonderful. The two big issues I have is that it takes months to book an appointment with her. And to make matters worse, on several occassions I've had my appointments cancelled on me at the last mintue, at which point the practice has tried to book me with another doctor. I'm very particular about the doctor's I see, so it's really annoying for them to try to pawn me off on another doctor. I totally understand that it's the nature of the biz for that to happen especially in OB/GYN, but feel that over the years it's just gotten progressively worse. Anyway, I continue to go to Dr. Ushigome because I've been too lazy to find another doctor. And I've heard that it's pretty much the same no matter which doctor you go to in this field. read more

She's terrible. I went in today for my prenatal visit and the moment she went in, she was all about business. Her responses to my questions were short and lacked the empathy that I needed. I've been going through a lot of stress lately and her response was "why are you so anxious," as if I was abnormal for being the way I was. Her only remedy was to offer me Ativan or Xanax! She really did not care for my baby or me. Further told her about my concern for medications and she mistakenly told me acetaminophen was pregnancy category C, when in actually it is category B! This lack of care was just so frustrating! I'm switching my OBGYN! read more

WORST DOCTOR EVER!! Pls read this review bf u consider her. She has poor bedside manners--patronizing but I gave her the benefit of the doubt bc of a recommendation by one of the nurses. She refuses to return my multiple phone calls to verify dosage information and expected ovulation day. Im going by internet info since March. She never remembers me and even told one nurse that I was calling for a prescription refill by phone so I should be ignored!! Her nurses are great if you are ever lucky enough to only deal with them, otherwise RUN!!! read more

Dr. Ushigome has been the doctor I've chosen to handle my prenatal visits and I think she is awesome. I really don't need the lovey dovey warm feeling of a doctor I want someone who can inform me on all serious inquirements and who can make sure my baby gets the correct attention while in the womb and that's exactly what she gives. If your looking for a doctor to give help guide you through a healthy, safe pregnancy, Ushigome is your gal! Thanks so much! read more

I've been seeing Dr. Ushigome for years, and she never remembers me. I'm not surprised, since it takes months to get an appointment with her, so I'm assuming she has many, many patients. And I don't even need my doctor to be super warm and friendly. She gets in, gets the job done and gets out -- that's fine by me. Three years ago, she brought up my age and asked me if I wanted children. At the time I was single, so it wasn't a long discussion. The next time she brought it up, I told her I had finally found the man I wanted, and she urged me to get on with the baby-making, because she sees many women my age (mid-30s) who can't conceive. I told her I had to be married first, and she told me to get off the pill asap and hit the court house. I honestly didn't mind the urging, because it did get me thinking about it. When I finally told her that I was married, and we were going to start trying, she seemed happy for me and immediately scheduled me for pre-pregnancy STD tests. I was blessed enough to get pregnant in less than 3 months. Getting in to see Dr. U was difficult, and my husband and I often met with PA Pullen instead. Wow, what an eye-opener that was. (Pullen was warm, friendly and funny, and we loved her.) At what was to be our final appt with Dr. U, I asked her when we would discuss our birth plan. Given the statistics of C-sections at Cedars, I was concerned that we wouldn't be able to have the natural childbirth we wanted. Dr. U was honest and told me about their high (40%) rates and sort of shrugged her shoulders about my concerns. When I asked her if I'd be able to move around during labor, eat a snack if I'm hungry (or even drink water), be able to labor without being attached to monitors -- and other questions regarding a natural birth with as few unnecessary medical interventions as possible -- she pretty much shot me down and said no to every one. She didn't seem to care that I was concerned, nor did she offer any alternatives or understanding about where I was coming from. My husband and I had been considering a home birth, and when she left the room, I turned to him and said, "That decision just got easier." We cancelled our appts with the docs at Cedars and found some midwives instead and are planning a home birth. I expected a phone call at least, checking up on our absence since I'm in my third trimester now, but we haven't gotten any. I know Cedars is a great hospital, but the entire experience was disappointing to us. Except for a few appointments with Pullen, we felt like sheep, corralled in and out as fast as they could, with no care as to what we wanted. Dr. Ushigome is a good doctor and for basic yearly checkups, she's fine, but I just need to feel connected to the person who's going to help me deliver my child (or possibly help, as you are assigned a group of doctors on call, and you won't know who will be there when the time comes). I would recommend Dr. Ushigome for basic gyno care, but beyond that, I don't think I would. read more

Dr. Ushigome is Excellent Dr. Ushigome has been my doctor for over 10 years and has delivered my two babies. She is incredibly bright, and contrary to the other reviews, is a very kind person. No, she doesn't skip into the room smiling and asking me in-depth questions about my life. And yes, she is down to business. But not in a bad way. Before we went through my pregnancies I felt that our visits were pretty basic and short, but once I had complications with my first pregnancy I realized why- she spent a LOT of extra time with me when I needed her. She balances her time and makes sure she can be there for emergencies (and they do come up!). She has never let me down. On top of it all, she is a rock star in the delivery room. There is nobody brighter and more competent than this doctor. read more

Dr. Ushigome is as good as everyone says she is. She takes her time with you, you never feel rushed, she encourages questions, etc. But 3 months to book an appointment? That's a problem for me. read more

She didn't seem to care about any of the questions that I had about my health, didn't bother to respond to my emails for days and when she did respond she'd simply dismiss my queries without any explanation in the most offensive manner as if I'm an idiot to even be concerned about my health issues. read more

I'm in agreement with the previous reviewer ---Dr Mae is fantastic to visit. Her manner indicates she takes your ideas about your body seriously, even if you do appear armed with lots of vague internet research to back up your feelings. She achieves a great deal during the consult, her focus is absolute and she listens really hard to the patient and tries to find out what methods of testing/birth control/family planning will really work for you as an individual. I left another ob/gyn who made me feel rushed and unheard before luckily finding Dr Ushigome through a friend who loves Cedars. And I have to say the whole experience of Cedars Sinai Women's group is a good one, from registration through labs and results. If I were to have a baby, I would feel safe going though the process with them. Long live Dr Mae! read more

I first saw the PA (physician's assistant) in the office as Dr. Ushigome was too booked to be seen before my second month of pregnancy. Elinor Pullen was very pleasant, informative, and thorough. I left feeling great and hoping that the OBGYN was just as nice. I had to book my follow-up appointment with Ushigome 6 weeks in advance to be seen at an appointment time that I was able to make. A couple days before my appointment they call to cancel it and I have to reschedule another 2 weeks out. Then again a couple days before the rescheduled appointment they call to cancel. Then changed their minds about cancelling. The day finally comes and I'm really looking forward to my prenatal appointment and meeting the Dr. Ushigome is cold, unpleasant, condescending and establishes no rapport whatsoever. She made me feel like the village idiot for asking questions and my responses to her responses. She did not even fake a smile when I tried several times to ease my own unease by cracking a couple of weak jokes. She completely dismissed some of my concerns and answered others by telling me to set up an appointment with my PCP, even though these were pregnancy-related concerns. I felt un-reassured in all my concerns. All of them. There is a nice way to tell people what they don't want to hear and that they feel better afterwards, even though it was something they didn't want to hear. She is not capable of this. At least she did listen to everything, even though her responses and manners fell short. Maybe she just woke up on the wrong side of the bed that morning. I also found it strange that she did not as me any questions aside from "have you had any tests done since your last visit." And that was it. Seriously. I felt like I don't even need to go to these appointments if all they're going to do is take my blood pressure and not run any tests on me for the new medication, to check my anemia, etc. I left feeling very disheartened and this appointment ruined the rest of my day, maybe because I was looking forward to it too much and was expecting to meet a pleasant person who would help me in my eventual delivery. For prenatal care, you need a Dr that is much more available, as you need much more monitoring than for a pap smear. She'd be good enough for me for just a PAP as you want to be just in and out. And no wonder she seemed unhappy during the appointment, I later learned that her appointments are booked at 15-minute slots and are commonly double-booked. Sorry, I'm going to need a little more than 7 minutes with my prenatal appointments. read more

After reading these latest reviews, I feel I need to weigh in. Dr. Ushigome left her practice at Cedars last month..I was heartbroken. I was her patient for over 12 yrs (when she took over Dr. Faulkner's spot) and from day 1 I have found her fantastic, upfront, and completely knowledgeable. She always called me personally with any result. Along the way I got married, had a baby and she got to know all of us. I wish her nothing but the best and miss her immensely. All of you who gave a 1 star rating must need a lot of hand holding and reassuring during your check ups...maybe she's not for you. But for us grown ups, Dr. Ushigome is perfection. Thank you for everything, Dr.! read more

Dr. Ushigome is a terrific gynecologist. She's knowledgeable and thorough. Nurses in the office are great. Having said that, to get to them you have to get through the front office staff and appointment bookers, who can be a bit rude. It's hard, but try to ignore them. read more

I just saw Dr. Ushigome today, after calling yesterday for a second opinion appointment regarding some possible surgery. I was extremely impressed by her no frills, lay it out there plain and straight way of explaining my condition and my options. She was acting only as a second opinion, so will not be involved in my care or after care, and so I was even more impressed by the amount of time she gave me and her desire to help me understand what I have ahead of me. I want to change my medical network so she can be my OBGYN in the future, and would recommend her to anyone. read more

Terrible bedside manner! Plus she occasionally cancels appointments on you -- even after you've waited several weeks just to get squeezed into her crazy schedule. She's unapologetic that she probably won't make it to your labor. Talks down to you. In general, she acts as if you're lucky just to be seen by her. Please! Overall, not impressed. Avoid her if possible. There are better OBs out there. read more

I've been seeing Dr Ushigome every year (for my annual exams) for the past 11 years and I cannot begin to say how much I appreciate her care. She always does her best to make herself available- even when I've called because of food poisoning! She is warm, caring, remembers the thoughtful details that make a difference, and yet she gets to the point, is honest, and doesn't give you a run-around. She has never been judgemental or condescending no matter the topic or question. It isn't always easy getting in for an appt, and though that's not convenient if you don't have lots of flexibility, I would rather have a doctor with a full practice and a good reputation rather than one that's always available -for not such good reasons! I am thankful that I was referred to her over 10years ago by one of her own colleagues- which says a lot! read more

Mae is the one of the best doctors I've ever had. She's patient and kind, and listens (and considers!) without interrupting. I've never had the feeling that I was being rushed through the appointment. She always asks about my family (she delivered my second child), and genuinely cares. The only problem I've ever run into--and this applies to the entire medical group--is that the office staff is chronically rushed and confused. I don't know if it's because they're overworked or simply mismanaged, but this problem has been going on for years. However, the small amount of inconvenience this causes me is worth having access to a great doctor. read more

Dr. Ushigome had been my doctor for several years and all was fine (despite the typical complaints about the office itself - long lag time to get an appointment, constantly sitting for extended periods in the waiting room, etc). She always seemed curt and lacked bedside manners, but to be honest I do not care to spend any more time than necessary in a doctor's office. It took an actual problem needing diagnosis that I changed my opinion AND my choice in doctor. Dr. Ushigome hastily and incorrectly diagnosed my condition using a method that by design could not rule out a second potential explanation for the condition. When her diagnosis reduced me to tears, she asked me why I was upset in a way that suggested she could not understand my emotion (despite having just been told that my condition required an operation that would take me out of work for weeks, would not go away for good without a hysterectomy, and that I would have to plan having children around an operation). Being completely dismayed at the prognosis, I chose to receive a second opinion from a well-regarded member of the Cedars faculty. Unlike Dr. Ushigome, he performed an exam that explored both possibilities and in doing so found the actual cause of my problems. Rather than a debilitating surgery, I learned that the cure was one out patient procedure away and maybe, at most, three days off work. I scheduled the procedure in 2009 and have been worry-free for over 3 years. While I think that everyone has their own taste in the personality of their doctor, it is paramount to me that my doctor never rush to judgment - especially when doing so would be negligent and, dare I say it, malpractice. read more

she's the best--very calm, understanding and knowledgeable. she actually listens to you and she makes a very unpleasant experience, seem, well, not so bad. actually, i've never been disappointed with any of the docs at cedars. but dr. ushigome really shines. read more

Dr. Ushigome, was not my OBGYN, but did deliver my daughter. I was a VBAC patient (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) so I was nervous that she would not go along with my decision. Everything turned out great. My baby girl almost didn't wait for her to arrive. When she did, she was very friendly and reassuring at 2AM. Several of my Mommy friends were her patients and she remembered them and we talked briefly about them. She got right to work, getting our cord blood collection kit ready and making sure I was comfortable and OK. She was calm and made me relaxed. We talked about the song playing on my iPod. I am most thankful for her diligence with my birth and the immediate aftercare. She massaged my belly and made sure that everything was OK. When she discovered I needed stitches she took her time and I never felt like she was rushing to go back to sleep. She was absolutely wonderful. read more

We lost our OBGYN due to an insurance change, so I had find another. I went through several (and using yelp to help me only go to the good ones). It took me over a year to find a kind, intelligent, patient doctor. Dr Ushigome is articulate, explains everything in detail, and takes time to talk to her patients. The wait to see her for new patients is unfortunate, but I'd say worth the wait. My husband and I couldn't have been happier when we found her. Been her patient for about a year now, and hoping to get pregnant and have her deliver our first (giving 4 stars since we haven't gone thru pregnancy with her as our doc yet) read more

I really like Dr. Ushigome! Her office gets me in and out without feeling rushed, and she is very thorough with her exams and answering any questions that you may have. I feel that her approach to medicine and being personable is at a perfect balance. I received my pap results within 2 days and really enjoy that she calls personally to deliver results. I like that she has a positive attitude and is willing to be of support it she is needed. LOVE THIS DOCTOR. read more

I don't really understand why all the negative feedback. I only gave 3 stars but was inclined to give 4 stars but held back since I have only met with her once. I personally thought she was very friendly and was shocked anyone would say anything different. I was given a pregnancy test and she even waited with me for the result and was disappointed like I was at the negative result, which to me showed she cared... or at least pretended to LOL She spent a lot of time with me asked if I had any questions and went over them all with me in detail. I will be making another appointment with her if and when I get pregnant. read more

First went to Dr. Ushigome last summer for some issues I had with breast pain, & like a lot of reviews said, she is very frank & straightforward, but she was also very nice. As soon as she came in to the room, she introduced herself, shook my hand, & then asked what the problem was. After she talked with me regarding my issues & explained to me in detail as to why I didn't have breast cancer, even though I'd convinced myself I did, she then went ahead & gave me my pap, since I was due for one. She took the time to call me several times & finally tracked me down on my cell (was out of town on vacation) to let me know my results & that we needed to schedule follow up. Actually, I've played phone tag with her on a few different occasions, so I'm surprised that some people are saying how she never calls back, when I've found her to be the total opposite. No, she isn't super warm & fuzzy, but I find her to be pleasant, very knowledgeable & a straight shooter. I was very pleased with the service I received from her & her staff. read more