I cannot express my gratitude for Dr Wishingrad, the office staff and the Surgical Center Staff. Everyone was so kind and caring. The worst part of the colonoscopy/endoscopy was my unnecessary anxiety. I felt so cared for!!! read more

This dude is amazing. In 2001 he handled a gastric lipoma I had with amazing professional wisdom. Super good doc. Trust me. The guy is amazing. However, he's getting shit on here in alternating reviews and I'll tell you why - his staff sucks and it always has. But I think this is an endemic problem in medicine. Great docs are not necessarily any good at admin, in fact, they suck at it. Until there is a fantastic, easy plug-in administrative system for great docs to use, they are going to have horrible staffs who fuck up massively. I'm sure Wishingrad wishes he had a great staff, he just doesn't know how to get one. They don't teach it at med school and it isn't really something he knows how to solve. But trust me. The doc himself is amazing. He's just surrounded by idiots. Prepare to suffer from a staff that is stupid, incompetent and dysfunctional. But the doc himself is truly worth it. read more

Very kind, and knowledgeable He will spend a lot of time with you going over your concerns.

If you have SIBO run AWAY from this doctor. It took him six months and multiple visits to recommend the first test or treatment for SIBO, while I had a history of SIBO with prior test to prove it. - till my condition became extremely bad. Plus the getting a medication order from this office -good luck with that...They just don't care. If you want GOLD standard of treatment have your primary GI refer you to GI Motility Clinic for SIBO at Cedars Hospital in LA not Santa Monica read more

Dr Wishengrad has the best bedside manner, professional and very in formative . i really was very happy with the service, the private owned facility, warm blankets, friendly atmosphere, and the office had a great follow up calling to see if everything was ok the day after and advised me to call for a follow up appt but didnt need to if all results were good you get an idea day or or in days to come . read more

I debated writing a review about this because, well, who wants to admit they went here on Yelp; but, since reviews of M.D.'s on Yelp, I find, are super helpful, I wanted to share. They got me in the room right one time, and Dr. Wishingrad came in, apologized for the whopping 5 minute wait (seriously, if it was actually 5 minutes past my appointment time, I would've been shocked), looked me in the eye, asked questions, and had, probably, one of the best "bedside manners" I have ever seen. He was sympathetic to my insurance situation (let's not go there right now) and, while I didn't want to actually HEAR his advice (which amounted to me having to give up everything I love to eat) it was sound and, like other physicians, he wasn't in a rush to fix the issue with medication; he wanted to try diet first, and was super adamant (Like, repeating quite a few times) that I should call and please let him know how the diet is doing for the symptoms. While I can say that I hope to never see him again, if I had to go again, I'd do so in a second; I had a really good experience here. (well, as good as one can be discussing such things without wanting to die of embarrassment). read more

After listening to a lengthy phone message which gives you the number for the doctor only at the end, I had to leave a message asking for a call back to schedule an appointment (!) because nobody picked up the phone there. I didn't receive a call back so I called back again today. Same thing, go through the motions like you're calling a cable company. Finally get through to the doctor's office only to get a machine again. At 11am! Dialed '0' for the operator and she said the assistant is at a doctor's appointment. So, nobody else is covering the desk? Wow. Receptionist was very friendly and tried to help and said I should leave a message again. I did not, since to me this just shows disregard for a patient if you have to jump through so many hoops just to make an appointment. Just saw other complaints about this. read more

Dr. Wishingrad is very knowledgeable and has been able to help me more than three other GI doctors over the past year. I agree with some of the other reviews that the office staff can be challenging to work with. But here's the thing: Once you've established a relationship with Dr. Wishingrad, he's extremely responsive and does his best to fit you in if something acute is happening. He genuinely cares if I'm not feeling well and wants to find a solution. I also have dealt with a nurse of his who went out of her way to accommodate me during Covid. read more

While Dr. Wishengrad has the potential to be a great doctor (he always has had a good bedside manner and seems knowledgeable) , the office situation makes for a horrible situation and leaves you feeling very unsure you have gotten good medical care. First they never answer the phone. As others mentioned, believe it or not, its worse than dealing with the cable company or airline in terms of getting bounced around endlessly. If you finally get his assistant, she acts like she is doing you the hugest favor by scheduling you in for an appointment two weeks later even though you are a repeat patient. Second, after any procedure, they schedule your follow up where you get the results for 6 weeks later. Really?? Lastly, god forbid you have any issues and need to see the doctor on short notice: forget it, it won't happen. This place is a factory and they care nothing about the patient. I have no confidence that they even look at the biopsy reports that I saw floating around on a messy desk. In short, don't even get started with this office. Or if you are there, best to move on. read more

Dr. Wishingrad and his office should be avoided. First, he is patronizing and can't handle being asked more than a couple of questions. He might be overworked, which could be the cause of his ineptitude. Dr. Wishingrad is also unprepared for appointments and easily gets upset and dismissive. Finally, getting in contact with his office is difficult. His assistant is clearly overburdened and takes a long time to follow up. read more

Dr. Wishingrad was highly recommended by my husbands primary doctor 3 years ago. My husband does not like to drive out of our town to see a doctor by he has no problem driving to Santa Monica from Simi to this Dr. He has been completely pleased with his experience, bed side manner, ability to listen and take action and request the proper authorizations for services/procedures. His staff is super helpful with any issue/questions I have had. My only complaint would be that they do not answer the phone and that you have to leave a message and be patient for a day to get a call back. Worth the wait in our opinion!! read more

Even in your most far-flung fantasy of what kind of doctor you'd hope to have for your very first colonoscopy, you wouldn't dream up the gem that is Dr. Wishingrad. Wow! Once in the waiting room for my first appointment, it was a speedy 5-minute fly-by until I heard "The Dr. will see you now," (I didn't even get past the cover of the magazine I had picked up). I was surprised a second time when, within mere minutes of being ushered into an examination room, Dr. Wishingrad entered with a warm, radiant smile, a firm handshake and a bedside manner I thought for sure was extinct. He takes his time to explain everything to you, answers every question, and leaves you feeling as though you just stumbled upon Olympic Gold in the medical profession. I honestly cannot say enough nice things about him and recommend him to everyone. The 'procedure' was flawless, the follow-up instructions were clear, and the office called twice post-op to see how I was doing. Who does that anymore? If you need a GI doctor, look no further. Dr. Wishingrad is an A+ (and recommended by my primary doctor). I drive from SFV to see him. More than worth it. read more

Dr. Wishingrad performed my first screening colonoscopy about two years ago. Colonoscopies aren't the most fun experience, but Dr. Wishingrad made it an almost pleasant experience. He is a very warm, kind man with a terrific bedside manner. If you're at all anxious about having a colonoscopy, he will definitely calm you down. In my initial office visit, he answered all of my questions, didn't rush me and explained in detail exactly what would happen. On the day of the procedure, the OR was a little backed up and Dr. Wishingrad was extremely apolgetic about the delay. After I went home, he personally called me to see how I was doing, and later sent me color photographs of my colon (interesting but not the most attractive part of the body!). I have never needed to see a gastroenterologist for any other reason, but if I ever do, he's my man - I highy recommend him. read more

I understand that Dr. Wishingrad now uses email to communicate with patients. This may resolve the communication issues that I experienced.

10 a.m. and no one answers the phone at the listed office and phone for the doctor that my insurance company provided on Wilshire. No one answered another office and different phone at Santa Monica Hospital which I found on Yelp. I found a third number and had to leave a message there also at about 10 a.m. -- since no one answers the phone. What kind of physician/practice never answers their phones? Because he had good yelp ratings, I called all three and left messages, while I proceeded calling other doctors whose office can bother to answer their phones. Someone from one of MW's many alleged locations finally calls me back. That person asked me about my symptoms, which include days of steady, constant and worsening pain to the point of not being able to function without pain meds, and I explained if I cannot see a doctor in the next day or so, I will just have to go to an ER. I have none of the symptoms of a common stomach bug or virus. "The doctor can see you next Thursday afternoon," he said (over 7 days away). 'What part of severe pain and having to go into an ER if I cannot see the doctor in the next 24 hours do you not understand?' Problem with half these doctors is the brain dead people they have representing them out front. Their hire, their reputation at stake. I called another, more highly ranked dr at SM hospital who answers their phones and got me in the next day. If I am impressed, I will post that docs name here so sick people needing to see a doctor in less than a week will be saved the search and wasted unaswered calls that wishingrad inflicts. If you cannot manage a small business with the most rudimentary courtesies and basic functionality, I surely am not going to trust you with my life. read more

Dr Wishingrad is the worst doctor I've ever had, from the visit to the out patient surgery. He literally was always too busy to actually be present. Never returned a call and literally couldn't be bothered to speak with you after your procedure. Never folllowed-up after procedure and when I called his office he never returned a call (I called over 10X). My primary doctor literally had to call his office and get my information. My primary doctor said I should report him for negligence, he was appauled by his behavior. Not to mention, he doesn't listen to your symptoms and just tells you to have an upper or lower GI. All he wants is the insurance money...HORRIBLE!!!! Not to mention, he is never available and his assistant never answers....HORRIBLE!!!! Clearly, his priorities are making money and not helping patients resolve their medical concerns. read more

I absolutely adore Dr. Wishingrad. I have been his patient for about 16 years now. He is the only doctor I trust. I have referred 6 people I know to him as well. All were very pleased with Dr. Wishingrad. They now have also been with him for several years. I have read some of the reviews and it was like they were speaking of a different doctor then the one I know. read more

Wow - what everyone else said about no one answering the phone, not being called back or even being able to schedule an appointment is correct. I called at multiple times throughout various days, left 3 messages over a period of 1 week and never got a call back. Finally called a 7th time and spoke to the operator and asked if another doctor within the group was taking calls/patients and she referred me to one of the other doctors. read more

There were complications with my endoscopy but Dr. Wishingrad ran off to perform another procedure and left me in the hands of nurses. As my condition got worse, the nurses took me to the emergency room to be treated as Dr. Wishingrad could not be reached for the rest of the day. To make matters worse, he never called back with the results. After leaving him 4 messages over the course of the next 10 days, his assistant finally called back and asked that I book an appointment to see him for the results. He wasn't available for two weeks. Nervous that this could mean bad news, I pressed for more info. I was told that "if it was bad news, he'd call you back immediately." I finally had my chart moved to another doctor who gave me my results over the telephone. Lack of bedside manners and follow-up. I recommend Dr. Hertz or Dr. Frankel. read more

This doctor is extraordinary. HE IS THE BEST! After the first visit, I trusted him instantly. If you have any qualms or hesitation in going for an exam about problems you're having, or need to have an endoscopy or colonoscopy, you will not worry after speaking with this man. His manner is so nice, so easy, extremely thorough and knowledgeable, more so than any doctor I had seen. For 9 months, I'd gone to someone else, in my insurance plan. He did nothing for my issues, except tell me I had allergies to dairy, wheat, raw veggies, etc; after eliminating all of them from my diet, the symptoms persisted. In disgust, I demanded a second opinion. Thank God, my primary physician was able to refer me to Dr. Wishingrad. In one visit, Dr. Wishingrad diagnosed my problem; the symptoms disappeared, in 2 days. He did want to do a total upper and lower cope, though, just to be thorough, to check for small ulcers or cancers Because I trusted him completely, I agreed (I'd resisted for 10 years, before this). All was fine, thankfully. Dr. W did everything so professionally, so expertly and easily, the whole thing was not an ordeal; and, his medical team during the process was amazing!! THIS IS YOUR MAN. Sharon Daly read more

I adore Dr Wishingrad - I have been to him several times over the years and he an exemplary doctor! He is unparalleled in his bed side manner, his caring, integrity, and kind disposition. Dr Wishingrad is one of the best doctors I have and you can trust that he will go above and beyond to ensure your issues get resolved. I have sent numerous of referrals his way and everyone has been extremely pleased. He is the BEST. read more

I LOVE DR. Wishingrad! He's amazing! He diagnosed me with colon cancer almost 13 years ago at the age of have referred many people to Dr. Wishingrad and they all love him! Looking forward to seeing him again in April 2016! read more

His assistant never picks up the phone. I feel like I have a relationship with their voice machine. Every time I call I have to push half a dozen buttons and wait few minutes just to a voice mail. Terrible service. read more

Dr. Wishingrad is fantastic! Having colon cancer in my family I had to start having colonoscopies at the age of 40...so far I have had two and both were performed by Dr. Wishingrad and his staff. Great bedside manner and Dr. Wishingrad and his staff made it a breeze! If colon cancer runs in your family don't wait!!! Get screened when you are supposed to!!! If you live in the West Los Angeles area make an appointment with Dr. Wishingrad!!!! read more

Dr. Wishengrad's follow through is horrible. He, nor anyone form his office returns calls on a timely basis and frequently not at all. It does not matter whether it's to set up appointments, get test results, or discuss a medical strategy it's impossible to get a response. Results aren't even emailed in a timely. A very disfunctional office that should be avoided. The worst service ever. read more

Dr. Marc Wishingrad: I was a patient for 12 years. Until I got sick. Dr. Wishingrad is in over his head in a high volume practice at the expense of quality care for the individual patient. After 2 intrusive tests he ordered for my serious bowel condition--involving barium and IV--with happily negative results--I did not receive a phone call or follow up from Dr. Wishingrad, and my problem--and suffering--persisted, for a long time. Virtually all of my care was delegated to physician's assistants and office staff, i.e. medical practice "by proxy." read more

Totally dissatisfied. Unprofessional and inconsiderate. I had a colonoscopy scheduled for yesterday. i followed the directions i was given for starting the evening before. i was eight hours into my cleansing process with no success. i contacted the emergency number before i went to bed and spoke to the consulting physician - his partner, and was assured all would be fine. i called again first thing in the morning to the consulting physician and to his surgery facility when it opened a 6am letting them know that i had not been totally cleansed and had only begun to partially cleanse at 3am. when i arrived the nurses seemed surprised i was asked to use the cleansing method indicated but they went ahead with the procedure anyway...know full well of the situation as was dr wishengrad. so coming out of recovery they told me i wasn't cleared enough. first of all, they never should have put me under in the first place considering anesthesia is always given with a cautionary explanation as to complications. 2nd they could have given me a choice as to whether i should reschedule in the first place. then they gave me another dose of something to clean me out which took forever and marc NEVER came to see how i was doing or to explain that i might now have to wait until he could fit me in. I'd been fasting and taking the medication since 6pm the day before and now i was told he'd "try to fit me in" money was his only consideration. like a delicatessen they were lined up outside in the waiting room. he should have advised me of the situation like a dr with some regard to the patient. but it took me getting fed up and taking out my aggravation on a nurse (which of course i shouldn't have but i was still having to go to the bathroom with no end in sight) and further been told he'd fit me in...the point being if i hadn't have made a fuss, god knows when i would have seen him. never been treated so disrespectfully - but then again...i was simply another piece of meet on the table. he comes off very nice in his office and setting you up...but then he's simply a man with a production line...henry ford with different set of tools. be smart find someone else. the outside sweetness covers a doctor concerned only with the next patient. humiliating and so unprofessional. and especially since i'd kept them informed EVER STEP OF THE WAY as to how the process was going. AVOID. can't wait to see how he tries to explain this...something only a donald trump could flip flop on. completely unconcerned about the needs of his patients and a total disregard for advising options as to not miss an opportunity to get a fee! too bad there wasn't a "minus star" review option. yes he takes insurance - i've already contacted blue shield about this. i suggested they refuse to pay. read more

Don't look anywhere else for your colon needs. Dr. Wishingrad is the gold standard. I've had two procedures with him, and I remember neither one...which is always a good sign. read more

Dr. Wishingrad is a fantastic doctor! He sets my mind at ease every time I see him and he is always helpful. Would recommend him to anyone!

Dr. W performed my colonoscopy at the Endoscopy Center of Santa Monica facility at 12400 Wilshire. Great facility, very nice, well organized with compassionate and attentive staff. Dr. W has a great manner. I would recommend him and this facility, based on my experience. read more

AVOID THIS OFFICE AT ALL COSTS!!! I have lived in three countries and traveled through some 50 more. I have never encountered a more DYSFUNCTIONAL operation (medical, third-world governmental, commercial nor charitable.) I was referred to Frankel and Wishingrad by a nutritionist because I wanted to try the FODMAP diet. She insisted on a SIBO test. Nurse A checked me out and was quit professional referring me to my other doctors also, and scheduling my SIBO test. She quickly flashed the results in front of me and I clearly had a problem with fructose. Dr. Wishingrad came in and told me he was getting me a two week prescription for Xifaxin which delighted me. I had taken it some ten years before (in an effort to cure fibromyalgia) when they only allowed three days for pills to treat Moctezuma's revenge. I realize that my then doctor had gotten me into a trial with this drug for IBS. I told the DR and Nurse A it had lasted six months so this would get me through a three month overseas trip I had planned. Five days into the dosage Nurse A called and all was well. The next Friday (10 days into treatment) I had a terrible attack and called. No answer but I was switched to an extension for nurses. I left Nurse A a tearful message. NO RETURN CALL. I expected a call-back on Monday but NO CALL. Tuesday my medicine ran out and I assumed they would call. NOTHING. Such innocence! Wednesday I took matters into my hands and called the pharmacy that delivered a new supply the next day. I called for direction. Over the course of several days I talked to 5 different women. Friday "Nurse B" took my information, said she would catch Dr. W between patients. She called back six hours later to tell me to take three pills a day and call on Monday or Tuesday. Tuesday I could not get Nurse A or B but a woman answered to whom I had never spoken. She wanted to take a message and questioned me expensively about my feces. I asked who she was. I had been describing my feces to the RECEPTIONIST! Sophia had been answering the phone and this was J. I got transferred to T., Dr.W "secretary" and she sounded capable. He finally called that afternoon but the call was immediately cut off. I waited five minutes. No call back. I called the usual number and told the girl our call had been dropped and I was awaiting a call back. She said he was on the phone with "another patient!" (probably me on the phone with the receptionist.) The next morning Nurse A called me yelling that I had called the office 11 times! DAH!!!! She did not inquire about my condition but she did explain her silence: "I only text!!!!" SHE HAD NOT TOLD ME THAT for I would have told her I do NOT text nor do I own a phone that can do it. She was so indignant I had a difficult time getting any information, indignant also that I was still taking the three daily pills as "Nurse B" had told me Dr.W had instructed. Nurse A said I was supposed to wait two weeks to see what effect the first two weeks of pills had. She insisted that she had told me that. SHE HAD NOT mention two weeks off, maybe because I jumped in, delighted telling Dr.W and Nurse A of my previous experience with the drug. Maybe she assumed I knew from ten years ago to wait two weeks after the first dosage. She was furious insisting that I say that it must have been my fault, that I must not have been listening. She would not let go of the demand that I take the blame for her. I have a Ph.D. and have taught foreign language for decades. My job was to listen and to teach listening. I was not about to accept blame for her 1) not telling me to rest for two weeks; 2.) not returning my calls; 3.) taking extra pills at their direction and 4.) certainly not for not knowing I could only contact her by text. What happened to all the messages I left with receptionists? Did she never get even one in 10 days? No answer. Nurse A only wanted to hear me accept the blame for her errors, so the call ended. TOTAL DYSFUNCTION BY THE STAFF AND DISINTEREST BY THE DOCTOR AND NURSE. read more

The worst example of communication and follow-up for procedures performed on a patient I have ever experienced. The office was extremely unprofessional, they never return repeated phone or email requests for help. Physician never called with patient results from tests or seemed the least bit interested in resolving health issues. Physician lied and became angry when asked to explain his actions. Unprofessional and uncaring. read more

Dr. Wishingrad is great! He has a superb bedside manner and seems to actually care for his patients. He calls when he says he is going to call and calls me back when I can't reach him. I've gone to see him for various GI issues and have always been happy with him. I would definitely recommend him to my friends and family. read more

Dr. Wishingrad was very easy to talk with about my issues. He doesn't look much at the forms you fill out, he looks at YOU and listens to the reason you're there. I could tell he was busy, but he doesn't have a "rushed" personality, which is a relief. He stayed until my questions were answered. I recommend him. The front desk receptionist and nursing staff were also total pro. The place is immaculate. read more

Dr. Wishingrad is simply The Best! It would take too long to write all that he did for me. He helped save my life, and got me back to living an active life again. I am forever thankful for him being there and giving all with such brilliance and kindness. read more