Avoid at all cost!!! If you want to be treated less than a human and like they are doing you a favor for coming to be seen this is the place to be! My experience with Dr. Distler at Westside GI was horrific and traumatic and deeply disappointing. I went in for an endoscopy with hopes of addressing new symptoms and concerns, but the entire process left me feeling neglected, ignored, and uncared for. Before the procedure, I attempted to communicate my symptoms and concerns to Dr. Distler, but unfortunately, I didn't have the opportunity to speak with him directly. Despite leaving a message with the receptionist requesting a call from the doctor, I never received one. This lack of communication set a concerning tone for the entire experience. My scheduled appointment for 10 am turned into a lengthy wait, with me not being seen until about 12:15 pm. This significant delay only added to my anxiety and frustration, especially considering my desire to communicate with the doctor beforehand. Throughout the entire process, I repeatedly requested to speak with Dr. Distler about my symptoms and concerns. However, my requests were ignored, and I was abruptly introduced to the anesthesiologist, Dr. Francisco Narvaez, without any prior introduction. Dr. Narvaez proceeded to administer anesthesia without addressing my concerns or providing any reassurance, resulting in a painful and distressing experience. As I was laying down requesting to speak with Dr. Distler, Dr. Narvaez shoved something around my mouth and the anesthesia in my arm while I'm asking him to stop while Dr. Distler was right there. The lack of empathy and communication from both Dr. Distler and Dr. Narvaez made me feel like nothing more than a paycheck, rather than a human being seeking medical care. Even after the procedure, during my recovery, Dr. Distler failed to check in on me or provide any post-operative care. The lack of follow-up and concern for my well-being further reinforced my belief that Dr. Distler prioritizes financial gain over patient care. Four days post-procedure, I still hadn't received any communication about my results. When I reached out, I was informed that I needed to call and make an appointment to receive them. This lack of proactive communication and the requirement to make an appointment solely for results delivery felt like another instance of prioritizing financial gain over patient care. I called multiple times leaving messages for him to call me back for the past two years and he still can't give me a call. In conclusion, my experience with Dr. Distler at Westside GI was deeply disappointing and traumatic. The lack of communication, empathy, and follow-up care demonstrated by Dr. Distler and his team left me feeling neglected and uncared for. As a result of this experience, I have lost trust in Dr. Distler and will not be returning to his practice. This traumatic experience has also left me hesitant to seek medical care in the future, as I no longer feel comfortable entrusting my health to healthcare professionals who prioritize profit over patient well-being. Also he has this one particular receptionist who answers the phone, she comes across as rude, unprofessional, unhelpful and lacking great customer service skills. read more

Dr. Disler is a deception. I have had good and bad experiences with him over the years. But, this last experience with him is disgusting and I am done with him. I find him to be more interested in money than my overall health and well being. Also, his staff, especially this one receptionist, was and is horrible. Her attitude is appalling and antagonizing. I asked to speak to the office manager, but she would not let me speak to her. I'm done with this doctor. I had written a good review for him years ago, but I totally take it back!! read more

I always go to see Dr. Peter Distler for all my digestion troubles. He's the best at his job.

Dr Distler is very personal, professional and caring doctor, he has been taking care of our family for years, I highly recommend him.

Horrified by these bad reviews. I have not had a bad experiences with Dr. Distler, but I do agree the office is awful and crowded and the rooms are dirty and ancient. However, the procedure at West Side GI, went well, but it is factory like. Yes, you wait a long time, because they're scoping so many patients one after another. West Side GI has not emailed me my last colonoscopy results after a few requests. Now, I've switched doctors and getting a colonoscopy from someone else this week, and that doc wants to see the results from the prior test Distler did. Dr. D is a personable guy so I see why some stick with him as I did. read more

it's been two and a half hours and I am still waiting for my procedure. Quit your job.

Avoid this practice. It is a "factory". The staff is disorganized, and not entirely truthful about their paperwork and communication. You will be sent to a "clinic" that he owns, to perform your colonoscopy, endoscopy or whatever. You will wait for hours. You will shiver because the temperature in the procedure room is untolerably cold. He will not give you results, unless you schedule another appointment (of course you have to pay for it). I was over anesthetized. It took days for me to get back to normal. They/He NEVER followed up with me. After a month, when I called his office, his staff told me that I had to follow up with him. Go to a gastro that doesn't have a conveyor belt practice. Sure he's "nice". But you don't get quality and thorough service. Avoid this practice, if you can. If you are a union member, you can get better doctors. If you are on Medicaid, contact your insurance provider to get your records. read more

If you have to get a colonoscopy, Dr. Peter Distler is your go-to man! Great bed-side manner, personable, humorous but professional and an expert in his field. My procedure at Westside GI performed by Dr. Distler was quick and easy. And I was not groggy afterwards. Went home, changed and took the subway to work. Dr. Distler (via a consultation) tells you exactly how to prep and what to expect. Follow the prep to the letter and you'll be fine. Due to my early surgery time (6:30am), I started my prep (drinking the icky stiff) the day before at 3:00pm and again at 7:00pm and was in bed by 9:30pm. It helps to "curb" solid foods 2-3 days before (mostly broth, smoothies), then ONLY clear liquids the day before. read more

Great guy, very friendly, makes great conversation about fluff things. Definitely in the business of selling colonoscopies though, would not recommend as a physician. Referred to him to see about an external hemorrhoid removal- he strongly recommended a colonoscopy in addition to the removal even without examining. On my next visit I asked for just a lower intestinal check instead of the colonoscopy after consulting with two other doctors, and in hindsight I see that I was then coerced by him into the full procedure. Agreed to the colonoscopy, went through with the procedure. Found out right after that it went well but he didn't have the tools to do the removal. Was then referred to a plastic surgeon for the removal. I understand doing the colonoscopy to check for warning signs, but I was not given all of the information prior to the procedure to help me make the best decision for myself. If he didn't have the tools or might not be able to handle my chief complaint, why not tell me? Why not do a check in the office to make sure he could handle my complaint? And if he couldn't, open up a dialogue about all of my options and his best recommendations going forward? I deserve this information in order to make the best decision for myself. And now I have to pay for a procedure that I feel was unnecessary, against my initial wishes, and not what we had discussed. Really man, the truth isn't that hard and we could have had a conversation of the best course of action with all the information in light. I am young and take care of myself, and I wish that doctors didn't ring the alarms of concern for insurance money but for the actual sake of the patient. Very dissatisfied with how this played out, and I haven't even received the bill yet. Would not recommend- I believe the doctor is untrustworthy and mostly a salesman. read more

Agreed. Dr. Distler is in the business of selling colonoscopies. He is deceivingly affable. I reported him to my insurance company. My colonoscopy back in March was a breeze. I give him that. He said, all clear, just a little polyp on the way out. I was in the waiting room longer than the procedure. Seriously. Never did he say, I will biopsy this and get back to you. So I was happy and proud of myself... BUT he will insist that you come in for a follow up, as he did with me, which you have to pay for. Told me he found a carcinoid polyp that was benign, a non-issue... was a 1 on a scale of 1-10 but insisted that I have another colonoscopy done immediately. Why!!?? I asked if this is a non-issue? We would like to watch these things, he says. And I recommend regular check ups, he said. For a benign polyp, which is a 1 in a scale of 1-10!!?? Which I understand is pretty damn normal. Even from my 75 year old mother who has had many a colonoscopy with polyps present. The nurse practitioner handed me a prep kit for special patients like myself, she said. Saving me a trip t the pharmacy. I guess I should be grateful. Also, he "palpitated" my stomach, while I was seated, saying he was checking my liver. Unbelievable!!!! I guess he needed to touch me to validate me coming in. Never will I go back. I fear that he preys on the elderly and ESL folks who might easily be alarmed by his "suggestions". I spent a $40 co-pay with another $40 round trip taxi ride... all for results that he could have easily said on the phone. Go figure! Tell me I am blowing this out of proportion, because I take my health seriously. But I am sick of doctors taking advantage of our already failing healthcare system. read more

Dr Distler is a " colonoscopy predator." I was referred to him after the death of my mother in 2009 at 82 yr from colon cancer. Consequently, I was a sitting duck to his friendly spiel about my being "high risk" and and as a result needing a colonoscopy every 3 years ( more frequently than the 5-10 interval that is typically recommended). I did not have Any personal history of digestive problems or poylps etc and each of my procedures with him was mostly unremarkable except the last. It was after this third procedure, done in the physician owned West Side "colonoscopy factory" that I finally wised up. And yes his office staff was sometimes rude and seemed disorganized but I ignored it for the most part because he was affable and I had to see him only 3 yrs However for this third time even the insertion of IV was botched. I was left with a badly swollen arm and nobody expressed any concern. I also don't know what happened during the procedure but I had very scary digestive problems for almost two weeks after. Called the doctor and was told that I had to come in to the office visit At this visit I was recommended and scheduled for an exploratory "endoscopy. " Finally, I wised up !! seeing this practice for what it was. Day of I cancelled the procedure and slowly pampered my digestive back to normal. Fast forward years later Dr. Dislar's office would not provide any records to share with my new gastroenterologist. until I showed up in person demanding my rights to copies of my records. They provided me with only a one page summary, of the last colonoscopy. It of course detailed No suspicious findings in my colon. However the insurance summary showed were fabricated by citing multiple family members with colon cancer to justify these more frequent procedures. My current gastroenterologist assured me by reviewing and reading from medical regulatory documents that this frequency of procedures were not justified. With her my colonoscopy was clean, professional and even the prep were more easily tolerated . Dr. Distler was a menace. My advice Stay Away ! read more

I loved the Doctor! He's very nice and positive attitude. He remembers his patients and their problems, asks follow up questions. He made me feel super comfortable and relaxed. read more

This is one of the worst doctor's appointment experiences I've ever had. I don't know where all the good reviews come from, but I was waiting for OVER TWO hours in a very small, hot, cramped room, STANDING the entire time. The waiting room had so many people in it, that people were standing, and sitting, and some standing in the hall (including me). It was hot, stressful and filthy. This office has no regard for patients time, and on top of it I am sick with IBD and left feeling stressed, and more sick. You cannot do that to people who have serious diseases and are coming to you to be treated to feel better. Dr Distler was heard running back and forth and enthusiastically speaking to his patients, shooting the breeze, while all of use were standing, frustrated and me, personally, very tired. One patient waiting to see Dr. Distler said that his appointment was for the same exact time as mine, 3 PM. Same Doctor, same time. why would the office do this? After two hours of standing, I was brought to the waiting room where I waited even longer, but at least I was sitting. The rooms are dirty, the bathroom was dirty with an open cup of urine by the sink. I am taking a drug for my digestive disease that lowers my immune system and did not feel ok being in this office. Dr Distler came in and looked through my many records, spoke with me for about 10 minutes, and decided that I did not have the disease I had been diagnosed with after many tests before seeing him. I did not go to Dr Distler for a second opinion, I went to treat my diagnosis, which is correct, as everything else has been ruled out. I have had 1 year and a half of testing done. He did not ask me anything about my diet, or any other personal question, no questions about prior testing that would have brought me to this definitive diagnosis, he just decided that he did not think I had what I do in fact have. This was unacceptable to me. The nurse took my blood, and I was told that I could call in a few days for results. When I did call, the office said I would have to make an appointment to get blood test results. I asked if something was wrong with the blood and she responded with "no". Why would i make an appointment??? Upon meeting Dr Distler I knew I would not keep him as a doctor. Ever. I then asked if she would send my results over to my new GI Doctor. She said she would have to ask him? Nothing was faxed to the new doctor. Currently trying to get through again to get MY blood test results faxed to my new doctor and cannot get through. This is a terrible office, a doctor that is trying to fit in as many patients as possible, but not for patients benefit. And they are not giving my normal results over to my new doctor. I can't even get through to the office. I would certainly avoid this doctor at all costs, and also I would not trust the positive reviews. If you have anything of a serious nature to be treated this is not the place/ not the doctor. read more

Worst ever!!!!! Please read this!!!! Do not go to DR Distler!!! First off I will start with his team at front desk is the most un organized ever! They do not have a computer there or store your information (Call them and ask!) ! I called around 10-15 times and asked about\ my insurance called them need a pre authorization for a medication he prescribed me(which they never call back or anyone) and also sent a letter to there office. I called and asked where do you store my files? She said we dont and she has no clue where they are!!! They never refilled my prescriptions because they dont call back pharmacy's or have anything email system. Its sad this was my worst experience ever at a Gastroenterolgist and would like for everyone to find another dr that fits with there insurance! Do not waste your time this place is a joke and completely not organized. You can call and ask for yourself. They dont store you information at all!!!!!!! WORST EVER EXPERIENCE!!!!!!! read more

The front desk is UNPROFESSIONAL!!!! I am not a doctor I do know my health concerns and/or symptoms. I called to inquire about a prescription prescribed for a procedure (colonoscopy/endoscopy) and the receptionist was nasty and rude, for no reason! After repeatedly being addressed in a disrespectful and demeaning tone, I asked to speak with the doctor to get a better explanation and the receptionist returned with attitude saying he wont be able to speak with me because he is too busy. Really from what I saw the two times I was there he is with patients less than 10 minutes from start to finish. I had my husband call and he was met with the same attitude nastiness and rudeness. I am so disgusted by these people. Great thing is I can go to someone else! read more

I see Doctor Distler every 2-3 years. I consider him an expert. I believe everything he does is in the patients best interest. He has a personable bedside manner. I recommend him without hesitation. read more

My grandmother just was referred to doc. Distler It's been 2 weeks maybe a month now. But within this month she has seen doctor Distler 3 times with great results. She was with her doctor for many years and no results at all before i transfer her to Distler. He's awesome. I give him 4 stars because we don't know him for many years however if we did I'm sure it'll be 5 stars. read more

I really like Dr. Distler. As a person of color, I cannot tell you how rare it is to find a medical professional who truly listens to you and treats you with respect. He listens.That's important. He didn't condescend to me. At no point did he talk to me like a 5 year old just because I don't have a medical degree. My first name is not easy to pronounce. Medical professionals will not call me by my preferred name even when requested. They also do not pay me the respect of calling me by my last name either. This usually makes my medical appointments a little dehumanizing; when no one bothers to call you by your name you just another walking pile of flesh. Dr. Distler calls me by my last name and his nurses call me beautiful, I'll take that any day over some bastardtazation of my given name. All this put me at an ease I don't often experience in a medical office. Yes, the wait is a little long but he's a busy man and he even apologized for the additional time which most medical professionals, don't bother to do. So yes, I recommend Dr. Distler. It's not an easy job, but I'm glad he does it. read more

Dr. Distler is in the business of selling colonoscopies. He had a nice Upper east side address, but the office is gross. He was a friendly, affable man who chatted away with me during the office visit. He didn't examine me BUT he scheduled a colonoscopy! A week before the procedure his office called to give me to a different doctor to do the colonoscopy. Suddenly he would NOT take my insurance for the procedure. Is he proffering procedures to his colleagues in exchange for other work? Why would I have a procedure with a doctor I'd never met? He's DISHONEST! Avoid him. read more

He needs to start e-filing his prescriptions. He claims it's a waste of his time to e-file them, but he's wasting his patients' time by writing them out by hand: we all have to go to the pharmacy twice. He claims it takes him 10 minutes to e-file a prescription. I've never seen it take a doctor longer than a minute to do it, tops. I don't know why he refuses to do it, but its irritating. read more

I first saw Dr. Distler a few years ago and I was having issues after having had abdominal surgery so he said I should do an endoscopy and colonoscopy. He found a few polyps and that I had a hernia. So I was quite happy and the quality of service I received was very good. However, fall of last year, I had a follow up colonoscopy and had an experience that was completely the opposite. First off, his office is always crowded and I usually end up standing. The bathroom toilet can not handle toilet paper (there is a sign). I find that ironic for a gastroenterologist's office. At least, have a functioning toilet for your patients, especially ones who may have stomach issues. When I went for my colonoscopy, I was early, and the waiting room kept getting more and more crowded. I waited about 2 hours before actually going in and I had an important appointment that afternoon so I was getting a little upset. It seemed as if he was heavily overbooked and no explanation was being given to the patients in the waiting area. When I was brought in, he apologized for the wait but he seemed a little rushed. As a patient, I never want to feel as if my surgeon is rushing. It made me feel quite anxious and uncomfortable. Then, near the end, of my colonoscopy, I woke up with the tube still inside me! I was frightened, and I screamed for him to get it out! It was removed and it was painful. I never want to experience that again. It seems like he is overbooking and then feeling rushed. As a patient, I felt very unsafe and no apologies were made for the incident or my discomfort even at my followup. I have found a new gastroenterologist and will not be returning to Dr. Distler. read more

What an amazing Doctor! So intelligent, patient, and caring! I've been going to him for 20 years and with every visit I'm happier and happier with his care. Office is always busy with patients who love him. Although sometimes I have to wait a bit I understand because he is such a well liked busy doctor! read more

If you can ever have a good experience when you visit the doctor's office, this is the best one I've ever had in my life. I just turned 50. I was scared out of my mind up until the doctor came up to me smiling at put my mind at ease in 5 seconds. Here is what I remember of the entire visit: 1) Nice doctor and extremely polite and helpful staff, 2) Doctor greeted me and explained what is gonna happen 3) We will give you a sedative 4) Tap on the shoulder: "You are ready to go home"!! Thank you, Dr. Distler. You are the best! read more

He is and excellent doctor with as wonderful sense of humor. I have been going to him for over 10 yrs. I even have my husband going to him and he likes him very much. I would refer his service to friends and family because he great. read more

This was my second procedure with Dr. Distler. He has an excellent bed-side manner, very personable and attentive. His staff is attentive, polite, intelligent and helpful. The GI Center he uses for procedures is top notch - extremely professional, attentive and comforting to be in. The staff there are also really good. The only drawback is his waiting room at 83rd Street - sometimes crowded and not enough chairs - but once you get past that, the service and caring is excellent. read more

Dr. Distler and his team at West Side Gi were remarkable. The facility was perfect, the staff was gracious and well-trained. Dr. Distler was his usual charming self. I can't reiterate enough about my amazing experience with my colonoscopy and Dr. Distler's team. read more

I've been seeing Dr. Distler for twenty years for my regular colonoscopies. He is an awesome Gastroenterologist who is incredibly energetic, efficient, and hard working. I don't know how he does it, but he's always cheerful and attentive and that trickles down to his wonderful staff who always treat me like family. I've had polyps removed a few times and there's never any pain or complications. The hardest part is drinking the prep solution the night before. He gets me in and out quickly and I go on with my day as if nothing happened. He's incredibly accomodating and will operate as early as 3 AM (but he usually starts at 6:30a). This is a really smart guy who entered med school at 17 years old and is gifted with natural high energy. You can't do any better. A word of warning: he says he's seen a sharp rise in colon cancer in younger and younger patients coresponding to the rise in GMO's. Key takeaway: regular colon exams are more important than ever. read more

I was very pleased with my office visit and procedure. Dr. Distler is a personable doctor, rare find! I was so nervous about my colonoscopy, but he was so caring and I felt much better. It was performed at a very clean and professional facility. I didn't feel any pain. The staff was very nice and attended to all of my needs. read more

I had the most traumatizing experience with this doctor . He did not help me in Any way right after he got his money from my insurance I never heard from him again . I feel like he's only interested in getting the money from colonoscopies and other tests . My questions were not answered much les he had Any clue of what's wrong with me . He subscribed a medicine that was hard to find and I contacted their office to get a different prescription and I was not even given a call back to let me know what I could do , much less receive a call from the doctor himself . I waited a month for a call back and nothing happened. He had the audacity to tell me that it was okay for me to eat spicy food , when that's the Very first thing that makes me sick , he told me this right after he gave me my results. I was very clear with him about my issues on the first visit , but I do feel he didn't even have a clue of my issues when we spoke the second time about my results . By far the worse experience I've Ever had with a doctor . He's only there to make money and that's repulsive coming from a doctor . TAKE CARE OF YOUR PATIENTS . We matter !. read more

I dreaded this visit. Although somewhat of a routine colonoscopy, it was my first and I was not looking forward to it. I met with Dr. Distler prior to the procedure date, and he immediately put me at ease. He also has a pleasant manner about him. He's friendly, and was chatting pleasantly with the other patients when I arrived. When I spoke with him, He explained the procedure in a detailed manner, and eased lots of my worries. On procedure day, he spoke with me first and once again, his manner somehow managed to calm me once again. The procedure itself was quick, painless, and in other words nothing like the stories one hears. I will continue to see Dr. Distler in the future. I would have rated this five stars, except the desk staff at his office was not very friendly, and did not accurately represent Dr. Distler's kind and professional manner at all. read more