Awesome doctor, I get in when I need. I'm not the most compliant patient but I feel like he works with me

I'm a new patient to Dr Elia and had a great experience my first visit and would like to say thank you to the Dr Elia and his staff. The office is small and personal which was a nice feel. The front staff were very friendly and quickly helped me as I was greeted upon entering, it was nice to feel valued and my visit was important. Dr Elia was super friendly and listened and cared about my medical concerns. I left my visit with a smile and really felt cared for. Thanks again! read more

Awesome allergy shot. I've been taking a nasal mist WITH Claritin or Zyrtec for years just to take the edge off my allergies. I came in and got a shot and i haven't taken any allergy medication in over a month and i went from an overnight mouth breather to sleeping soundly in an instant. read more

I would like to make it clear that I am in no way discussing Dr. Elia's experience, knowledge or ability as a medical professional. This review is simply dedicated to his rude, unprofessional and childish front office; specifically Brittany and her manager. I was unable to obtain the manager's name because I was actually HUNG UP on. I have been in the medical profession for 12+ years and have dealt with numerous patients, providers, staff and insurance companies and have never been treated in such a disrespectful manner. I called on behalf of a family member, they have had several life threatening episodes and went for testing. The office staff told the patient to call back within a few days, following their direction, patient called several times, and each time was told to "call back in 2 weeks." I was fed up with this game as the patients health and safety is a concern. I called and spoke with Brittany, who was completely unhelpful and actually seemed annoyed that I had called and that I was asking questions. I do understand HIPPA however the questions I was asking were within my scope. She was completely obnoxious, rude and childish when I asked if there was an email address I could send to Doc, she said "no," which again, I can understand privacy; I proceeded to ask about a general email so that I may write in, she replied, "we don't do the email." Really? You "don't do the email?" Then what exactly do you do? You don't answer questions, provide customer service, provide solutions to concerns nor are you pleasant, concerned or nice. After a few excruciating minutes on the phone with Brittany, her "manager" snatched the phone from her and told me, "Brittany has to go, she has patients and the phone is ringing..." I said, "ok, well I still need help.." "We can't help you, we have to go.." "well can you take my phone number so you can call me back when you are done?" "No." CLICK She actually hung up. I am dumbfounded. I read one of the reviews which referred to her experience as "arguing with a child." I completely agree with them. In fact I think it is an insult to children because even my toddler God son can say please and thank you. Dr. Elia, I hope that you read this and understand, your front office is an extension of your medical services and yourself. I would expect professional, helpful staff with smiles on their faces...your patients that have true medical ailments, can do without the disgusting attitudes. read more

I defaulted to Dr. Elia after Dr. August Gerdes retired at the end of 2013. At first I thought he was doing a good job. Simple stuff likes colds, flu, etc. he's fine for. I however had some major unresolved medical issues that needed attention. I found myself ever more having to push to get medical tests done and referrals made to specialists. After I caught both the Dr. and office manager Lynn lying to me I was done in Sept 2014. Lynn can be very rude at times. I witnessed this several times and saw it happen to other patients. I tried to talk to the Dr. about the issue but he didn't seem to care. Patty and Brittney were always professional. Thank god I moved on to a better Dr., I got the tests done I needed. I narrowly avoided cancer and found out I had a major autoimmune disease that needed treatment. read more

Unfortunately, earlier comments about previous office staff seem to indicate the problem still exists. On the contrary. I have had such a wonderful experience with both front office staff and Dr. Elia. I've only been a patient of his for a little over a year, and I haven't had a single office staff issue. 5 stars for the staff. Dr. Elia is one of the most personable caring physicians I've ever had. He's very inquisitive and does not try to over medicate or over schedule you for appointments. He told me he's originally from the fig garden area and his care for the community shows. I've already referred my wife and 2 of my friends because I trust him. Great Job Dr. Elia! Keep up the outstanding work! read more

I've been seeing dr Elia for years now and always recommend him. Even when I moved to the Bay Area I would still make an appointment with him if I was going to be in town soon. He is honestly the first dr I had ever seen who didn't push pills or unnecessary treatments. It's so rare to find a dr who will be honest and say "no, you don't need antibiotics. Take ibuprofen and wait it out, trust me" and you know what? It worked and I realized my 'chronic sinus infections' were just severe allergies and every dr I had seen had just handed me an antibiotic rx. Guess what? I'm MUCH healthier than I was about 5 years ago thanks to dr Elia. THAT is what a real dr will do! And yes, I will agree that the receptionist is kind of a bitch but get over it. I can't believe someone complained on here that a receptionist needed to know what an appointment was for! That's what their job is! read more

I'm 31 years old and I have seen a few number of doctors and other professionals and hands down. This doctor really cares. He actually listens! that's a first-- I know, i'm not the only one who's been to the doctor and felt that i'm just a number on a paper, but when you see Dr. Elia, you become a person again. I recommended my mom to him and I definitely feel confident that my mother is in good hands. I recommend him to anyone, especially to family with kids, when i have kids, i definitely will bring my kids to see him. I am really glad to have him as our doctor. Plus, when he suggests medication for you, you'll know that he's suggesting it out of concern for your health, there are many doctors out there that are paid by drug companies to push their drugs, but not this one. Anyone can check their doctors out if they've been receiving money by the pharmaceutical company at http://projects.propublica.org/docdollars/ You can trust Dr. Elia, and you will not regret it. p.s. you can also check out www.vitals.com, that's a place where you can "see" if a doctor is worth going to or not. read more

Richard K Elia, MD - Waiting Room - Family Practice Near Me - Fresno, California

Not a better doctor out there Dr Elia cares about his patients and puts them first. You never have to wait by the time you sit down you are in the room being seen. read more

Dr. Elia has been my doctor since I was a kid and he has helped me with any problem I've had up until present day. No complaints about anything, very warming welcoming staff. read more

I have seen Dr. Elia twice now: first for an allergy shot and second for a head cold. Both times I was able to get appointments very quickly. On my last visit, I waited for a total of 30 minutes and Dr. Elia was professional and apologetic for the long wait time. My last doctor had me wait for hours, so I was more than happy with only 30 minutes. I like his approach: he doesn't seem to write a RX for whatever the latest drug is and he recommended I take a homeopathic remedy on top of my appropriate RX. I like this a lot. The only reason he didn't get five stars is because of his front staff. They are rude, condescending, and terse. Bottom line: Dr. Elia is well qualified, friendly, professional, and caring. His staff...not so much. read more

I began seeing Dr. Elia after Dr. Gerdes retired and Dr. Elia took over his practice. My initial impression of the office staff over the phone was not pleasant, however I knew it was possible she was just having a bad day. When my appointment came and I met the doctor I was pleasantly surprised. Dr. Elia was kind, patient, knowledgeable. My issues were addressed in a timely manor and the doctor was pleasant and compassionate. Fast forward two months and I called to get a prescription refilled. The lady who answered the phone stated they had no record of the doctor ever prescribing me any medication. When I insisted that he had in fact written me multiple scripts the "office manager" got on the phone and then stated that she looked through my file and I was correct. She told me I could not have my prescription refilled until I saw the doctor again, even though it's a monthly prescription and I had just seen him two weeks prior. When I asked her when the last date was that I was in the office she responded by saying, "I don't know. You were here you should know", The office manager continue to be disrespectful and demeaning until I asked her to have the doctor call me back. At that time she became even more verbally aggressive and stated that she would leave him a message, but that he wouldn't call back a patient like me! I have never felt so disrespected and humiliated by a medical professional in my life. I hope no other patient has to be exposed to the treatment I received from this woman. If I were you I would find a well rounded doctor with a considerate staff who displays professionalism. It is unfortunate that Dr. Elia has received so many negative reviews due to the disrespect displayed by his staff, but hopefully he will make the necessary changes and have a successful practice. read more

I had a previous review regarding some front office staff and the Dr resolved the issues with removal of that staff.

Was seen today for the first time. Loved Loved Dr Elia...independent physician who you actually see and can build a doctor/patient relationship with...I love the fact you actually see him vs a NP/PA. I will definitely recommend Dr Elia to my co-workers family etc...I found the staff to be pleasant and warm. He also is update with EMR and all electronic prescribing. This is the way to go! read more

I totally agree with the comments about the staff and physician. VERY INCOMPETENT PHYSICIAN. I am furious with the lack of participation from the Dr Elia. NEVER AGAIN! Horrible customer service experience. Do NOT go this doctor if you have ongoing medical issues or need to be referred to a specialist. read more

I've been with Dr. Elia for a few years now, and I do not know what I would do without him. He is what a Dr. should want to be. Caring, Listens, Talks to you like a human being and most of all, has turned into a good friend (even though I only see him at the Dr.). I highly recommend him to anyone who wants a good lifetime doctor who will not fill you up with pills and tell you to go away. A truly caring Doctor who should train other doctors on his philosophy. In one word, AWESOME! read more

Great staff, Dr. Elia was wonderful, would definitely recommend. .

Dr. Richard Elia is the best. I have been with him for several years now and would go NO WHERE ELSE! Dr. Elia is completely in tune with me and I always feel I have made a friend AND have a wonderful DR. Almost time for my annual visit! read more

I decided not to seek Dr. Elia as a physician due to his incompetent and unprofessional front office person, Lynne. I tried to confirm an appointment with her and also ask her if my first visit would allow extra time I felt I needed in order to go over my medical history. She wanted to specifically know what ailed me, I tried to explain I didn't know since I'm not a doctor and I have a variety of problems. She turned this into a debate. She continually asked me what specific reason I wanted to see the doctor. Again, I said I had a variety of concerns. She again asked. It felt like I was arguing with a child. I let her know that I thought it was sad she was now the reason Dr. Elia was losing a potential patient. I told her to cancel my appointment. read more

I LOVE Dr. Elia, but his front office staff is out of control. Completely agree with what Angela G. wrote in a previous review. The front office girl does not know how to "listen" to patients, is rude, and talks over you. A physician's office should treat patients with respect from the front office staff to to the physician. Three of my friends have left Dr. Elia's practice due to the lack of professionalism of the front office staff. Dr. Elia just lost two more patients today. read more

If I scoring solely based on my experience with Dr. Elia, then I would give him a 10 (if that were possible), short wait time and the best bedside manner I have experienced. He is very active in finding out what the issue is and finding a resolution. Unfortunately his front office is horrible!!! I called trying to make an appointment for my husband, as I have done many times in the past and never had an issue as we have signed the HIPPA forms and put eachothers info as ok to share medical records and make appointments. I called and said "Hello, I would like to make an appoint..." I was cut off with a very abrasive, yelling even, "HOLD ON HOLD ON I DON'T EVEN KNOW OF YOU ARE A PATIENT!". I apologized and said my name and I would like to make an appointment for my husband. Then I was told " No, I can't do that, he will have to call himself". I asked who am I speaking with and if she was new. She was offended by my question, and said "I have been here as long as you". Dumbfounded, I said "I am sorry I didn't mean to offend I have never had an issue making my husbands appointments.". She continued with the attitude and I had enough, I said I am taking my business elsewhere. Prior to this, i haf a refill request sent over multiple times whivh wad denied. I emailed Dr. Elia and asked him if i needed to go in, he confirmed no. After the third denial, i took a pic of the writting on the denial (her handwriting) and sent it to him. It was promptly filled. I have a friend who also went to this doctor, I guess she has some sort of relationship with the doctor, which makes sense, as he seems like the type of doctor who would otherwise value customer service. read more

Right away I had very negative experiences with the office staff very similar to what other reviewers have stated. I decided that I could deal with their rudeness if I liked the doctor. He seemed like a nice guy and I chose remain under his care for almost 2 years. However my condition kept worsening and as I have a PPO plan and the freedom to see a specialist without a referral I did just that. After suffering for 18 months the specialist diagnosed my problem in one appointment and I felt better in a couple weeks time. When I went back to see Dr. Eliah he was upset that I saw the specialist and said he didn't believe the diagnosis! He wanted all of my tests sent over and I did just that but Lynn in the office claimed that they never received my tests even though they were sent multiple times and I finally got a confirmation that they were sent from the other doctors office. i tried to make an appointment with Lynn over the phone and was going to hand deliver the documents as they were mysteriously "missing". I was told there were no appointments and hung up on. I called back thinking it was a mistake and was told to stop calling. You would think I had been a real jerk to deserve that treatment but I can tell you that as a former secretary I am always polite over the phone and did or said nothing to deserve such treatment. There is some serious dysfunction going on in that office and I would advise to avoid! read more

I was so surprised when I read the reviews about Dr. Elia's staff. I thought it was just me. I had a terrible experience when I went there the first and definitely the last time. I was feeling so bad about myself and I didn't want them to weigh me. The young gal seemed sympathetic until she returned with some gal who walked in crossed her arms and made it very clear I was being weighed if I wanted to see the doctor. If she had simply explained it was necessary because the Dr. needed height and weight to know what strength of allergy medicine to give me (any explanation would have sufficed). Instead she stood in the room like some kind of weight nazi until it was over. It was such a humiliating experience. If I hadn't been suffering with such severe allergies I would have walked out. As it was I was one inch shorter and 10 pounds heavier than I thought I was. What a depressing day. read more

Dr. Elia is a good doctor but his office workers were very rude not only in person but on the phone after leaving his office and Arguing with the lady I turn to shut the door and she is still looking at me and made another rude remark seriously be professional read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Gerdes for 10 plus years and a new patient of Dr. Elia. In no way does this reflect on Dr. Elia this is for the 2 ladies who work in front (did not get there names becuse I walked out so livid.) I had the worst experience EVER at his office today! Had an apt today, first apt of the year. Need referrals and lab work. My insurance company just sent out new insurance card so was unable to have card in hand. Called the office prior to inform them. I was told to provide member ID number and Group #. Well I get to apt today and was refused due to no card?!? She told me if I went to any Dr or hospital I would be turned away? I guess hospitals can turn away patients now? Lol. She told me that they don't have time to call my insurance and verify. There was nobody in the office, nobody in the parking lot. I don't even know if the doctor himself was there. I informed her that I would call on my personal phone and I did. Took 2 min to connect to insurance company. Front office manager refuse the speak with them, and told me that they could not verify that it was me?! I have my driver licence and ss card in me.....I guess they needed a DNA sample? Idk. I guess I will go back to comunity medical providers. Thanks front office for ANOTHER patient (s) lost. So sad, especially for such a nice doctor. read more