The BEST doctor ever!!! For over 30 years, has taken EXCELLENT care of my whole family!!!

BEWARE: If you don't give this lazy and apathetic doctor's office 72 HOURS NOTICE for your prescription, you won't get it when you need it, regardless of whether it is medication with serious consequences. Not knowing about this lovely policy, I called for a refill with one pill remaining. It took 4 days to get the refill, 2 calls and an electronic request from my pharmacy, and 3 calls from myself. The practice manager, Kimberly's response to her staff Natalie and Christina's unresponsiveness, was to tell me "you waited too long to call" and "I'm sorry." How about, "we'll try harder" or, "I'm sorry that 4 phone calls were ignored in the name of our ridiculous 72 hour policy." (BTW, Kimberly didn't bother to call me either; I had to go to the office personally to share my horrible experience. I actually felt that their treatment of me was CRUEL.) Bottom Line: GO ELSEWHERE FOR YOUR MEDICAL CARE. GO WHERE PEOPLE CARE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR NEEDS, UNDERSTAND IF YOU MAKE A MISTAKE AND GET DOWN TO ONE PILL LEFT, AND ACTUALLY WORK TO MAKE THINGS BETTER FOR YOU!!!! read more

The doctor is never at the office and you're stuck dealing with her horrible nurse practitioners who are flippant and ill-informed and don't know how to do their job. (One nurse was literally looking up our questions on her cell phone while we were in the office.) Absolutely horrible experience dealing with this office every time. Avoid like the plague. read more

This has been one of the best doctors offices' I have been to. They are kind, professional, efficient, and never make me feel like I am a burden or speak down to me. I have seen Dr. Berbeck, and Lucy the FNP. Both have been great. Lucy is especially wonderful and I really feel good about my visits with her. She seems to really care and I appreciate that very much. I am happy I found this wonderful doctors office several years ago, and would recommend this office to anyone. read more

I used to love Dr. Bernbeck. But, now all I see is her PA who I really do not like. I haven't seen Dr. Bernbeck herself since Covid started. All I would see is her PA. She also will hold and deny my needed prescriptions refills, basically she will hold my needed prescriptions hostage! Looking for a new Doctor and practice after so many years with Dr. Bernbeck and Beach Family Doctors. read more

I was a patient of Dr. Bernbeck's about 2 years ago. At that time, she would be very friendly but in hindsight I can see that her way of rushing in and out in 5 minutes is extremely poor care for her patients. The reason I left is because she prescribed me a birth control injection to help with menstrual pain that works for as birth control 3 months but, as she said, can have effects for a year. As she was rushing back out of the room I asked what the side effects are and she gave me a short response and left. The injection made me extremely sick 2 weeks later with symptoms that lasted for months. The reason I came back to review years later is during that appointment I also asked about hardened lumps on the bottoms of my feet that made it painful to walk. She told me they were corns, gave me insole recommendations and said they should go away once my insoles were better. I just found out from my current PCP that no, they are not corns they are plantar warts caused by a viral infection that need to be frozen off. Basically, everything I ever came to her for has been mistreated. This is malpractice. Thankfully my issues were relationship minor in the first place but I would never, never recommend Dr. Bernbeck. read more

Dr. Bernbeck and her nurse Priscilla are truly excellent! In fact, when I first found the practice I thought I found Nirvana! An old fashioned practice where you can still park right outside, where they still give flu shots (really, they ASK YOU if you'd like one!), and they do blood work in house! As I write this Dr. Bernbek's nurse, Priscilla, is actually scheduling a CT scan for ME! Truly, the medical staff believes in the personal touch and you will not be hurried through your appointment. I would recommend Beach Family Doctors without hesitation to anyone looking to upgrade their medical care. A note about my previous review... At the time I was stressed, as anyone scheduled for spinal surgery would be, and I had trouble getting through the front office staff to see my doctor. It was silly on my part to take my frustration out on the entire medical practice and I hope to fix that now with my new review. Obviously it's only a month later and I'm back so I can't stay away from Dr. Bernbeck. When I experienced the issue it only took two phone calls and becoming a little assertive and the problem was solved. I should have left it at that. read more

Her website with Beach Family Doctors states that she is accepting new patients, however when I tried to make an appointment I found out that she does not accept my insurance. I am a Navy Veteran with 21 years of service... but my Medicare and Tricare for Life Insurance is not good enough for her. I feel completely devalued. read more

I've suffered from migraines for almost 20 years and for the last 10 years have opted to not see a Doctor because either the treatment options were limited or I couldn't seem to find a Doctor who was genuinely interested in finding a successful form of treatment that suited my needs. In the past I've been shuffled like cattle into waiting rooms where some faceless person gobbles up my money and sends me on my way with various expensive prescriptions. I began to suffer from migraines every 2-3 days it was affecting my work, my family and my everyday life. Having a migraine is like loosing a day that you'll never get back. I was tired of losing days and although skeptical began researching Doctors. What I was unable to find in 20 years I found in Dr. Bernbeck in 30 minutes. We sat and discussed my previous health care, my frustrations with my migraines and my desire for an overall better quality of life. She suggested a treatment plan that I have been on now for just over a week and guess what? Its working. I haven't had a migraine in 9 days. This just a small milestone but it gives me faith that I am finally on the right track. For anyone looking for a caring Doctor that actually listens to you I would recommend Dr. Bernbeck a billion times over. read more

Being new to an area is a stressful situation when trying to relocate services like a good doctor. I read reviews here before choosing Dr. Bernbeck and when I did finally go in two months ago--she was in fact amazing! Funny, attentive, very good at caring for patients BUT its not all about the doctor, at least for me. Her office is not well run. Lots of people at the front desk, yet the average hold time (I have called at least 5 times) is over five minutes, up to ten--which is when I hung up. I had an issue with a transposed insurance number and tried to call back between meetings (oh yeah, I too have a job and life) and was on hold too long, so I showed up to be greeted by a very annoyed lady who made me wait 15 minutes while she processed the number because "You didn't return my call." I explained about the holding and she said it would delay me. No smile, no welcome as a new patient, just you will be delayed. Then I waited for an hour from my set appointment time to actually see the doctor....cause I got nothing else to do! Doc wanted me to get tested for some things, I have to follow up with the office to be sure they were ordered--twice I had to call. They sent me test results for a test I didn't do and when I called about it they blamed it on short staffed. I DON'T CARE ABOUT YOUR STAFFING ISSUES--I GOT MY OWN JOB. My medical records have still not been requested, even after I signed off twice to get them and that was two months ago. Its one fax people, dial and hit send, my old doctor is waiting. Called today hold, hold, hold, hold, hold......8 long minutes of "sorry for the wait" recordings. its a dilemma for sure. Go for the doctor and be treated like yesterdays trash by her staff? or find someone who can manage their medical business? read more

I don't know why I haven't yelped Dr. Bernbeck years ago, but it's better late then never. She is the only Dr. I know that specializes in paps-meres/women's needs. I wouldn't go to any other Dr. I once had gone to another Dr. because at the time it was closer to my house and had a urinary infection. The meds they prescribed to me didn't work. I was in dire need of some fixin'! So, after kicking myself in the ass I went to Dr. Super Woman and there I was treated right away with the right meds...go figure. It also helps that she use to attend the same church as I did and knew her aside from her work zone. But never the less, the fact that we knew each other outside of her work zone didn't interfere with my liking her as a Doctor. read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Bernbeck's since November 2011, and she has never spent over 10 minutes with me. As a result of our hasty visits, she misdiagnosed me and prescribed me antibiotics, now the condition that I have has gotten worse and she claims, "there is nothing else she can do." I understand that being a doctor is strenuous and that she has many patients to tend to, but she is not doing her job right when a patient has to call several times over the span of three weeks about a worsening condition only to have antibiotics thrown at her like candy. If my health insurance permitted, I would change doctor's in a heart beat. A likable personality can only take a physician so far in the eyes of a patient. read more

OMG! You mean nobody has interviewed the amazing, stupendous and brilliant Dr. Bernbeck yet? Yay! Another first for me! Dr. Bernbeck is, like, the totally most caring doctor, who is like, a surfer chick, but she doesn't like, talk or act like a surfer chick, because she's like, A Doctor. But when you go see her, she doesn't like, make you feel totally gnarly. You kind of like, wanna hang out some more, but it's like, a doctor's office, so you kind of like, wanna go, too... But don't go yet, cuz, she's like, multilingual. As in she speaks German, Spanish, English, and maybe she'll humor you and speak a little surf... But rarely will she speak Medical-Jargon to her patients. I think she'd speak any other language just so you understand what's going on with your bod. So if you're feeling sea sick or any other ick... Go see Dr. B at Beach Family Doctors! Yeah Brah! Surf's Up! read more

Dr. Bernbeck is the best GP I've ever had. She alone, deserves the best rating. I like her nurses and all the staff. NextMD email access is THE BEST. I always hear back either at lunch time or at the end of the day. She is personable, lovable and friendly. Honest with high, positive energy! And I love her German accent. read more

Wonderful, thoughtful, caring, answers endless questions, sooths your paranoia...answers your phone calls at midnight, and is always there for you.... Best Dr. , she treats myself, my husband and all 4 kids for 13 years... I can't live without this woman! read more

This doctor is currently on call for my regular Dr at Beach Family Medicine in Huntington Beach. I have NEVER been so badly by a doctor with a GOD complex in my life. I called because the medication that I ordered through my pharmacy was not filled and was told that my Dr did not opt into a fax to refill the prescription. I therefore called the Dr and due to the weekend got the Dr on call. My husband has a heart condition, hypertension, diabetes and has had 3 strokes so I monitor his health closely. The first thing this doctor says is that it is the weekend. She was very curt and I said I am aware. My husband only has one pill left of his needed medication that's why I called. She then said I should plan better. Unbelievable!!! I said I take very good care of my husband and didn't appreciate the comment. She then said I was yelling at her, which I was not. She then said she would review my husband's records and maybe she will fill it or maybe she won't!!!!! She then without another word HUNG THE PHONE UP ON ME. If my husband suffers any setback from not having his medication I'm going to LAWER UP SO FAST IT WILL MAKE HER HEAD SPIN! Do not go to this arrogant doctor!!! read more

Dr. Bernbeck has been an excellent doctor for me. She addressed my issues and is concerned for my overall health and wellbeing. I was able to get an appointment quickly and did not have to wait in the lobby long. I highly recommend her. read more

I'm appalled by the bad reviews that have been posted about Dr. Bernbeck's medical expertise and professionalism. I've received NOTHING BUT THE BEST CARE. THE GOOD: Six years ago, I had been misdiagnosed by another physician as having acid reflux and was given free boxes of Prilosec. It was Dr. Bernbeck who took the time to listen to me and ordered an ultrasound. They found that I had a serious cyst condition and was scheduled immediately for surgery. More recently, I had a hyperthyroid condition. When I was asked by the radiation technician at Hoag Hospital how long it took for me to get diagnosed, I told him 2-3 months. He was surprised because he says that normally it takes patients 1-2 years. Dr Bernbeck then referred me to an equally good endocrinologist and even followed up to ask how good the endocrinologist's services were. Needless to say, I'm grateful for Dr. Bernbeck. She has clearly demonstrated that she's an excellent doctor. The fact that she's even careful about her referrals shows how meticulous she is. This is where Dr. Bernbeck's German roots shine through, most notably the German precision and engineering! :-) THE BAD: Yes, sometimes you have a long wait. And yes, it takes time on the phone to schedule an appointment or talk to someone. And yes, she has a snooty receptionist staff. However, there's a simple solution. Dr. Bernbeck strongly recommends using the online system for scheduling, emailing questions and getting test results. Again, it's a part of the German efficiency. CONCLUSION: For me, MY health is worth the small inconveniences considering my experiences with other doctors. When I faced serious health risks, Dr. Bernbeck quickly diagnosed my conditions and got me the proper care. It's up to you to decide if you think the inconveniences are worth the troubles for YOUR health. read more

I have had Dr. Bernbeck for my primary physician for years. She is knowledgeable, attentive and follows-up on my condition's developments. She is a very personable and upbeat doctor and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her to anyone! read more

I tried getting care for a burning sore throat over the holiday weekend and she did call me back promptly. However she blasted me for wanting to see a doctor with having a sore throat for one day. I called the service and said I woke up to a burning sore throat among other symptoms. I've never had these go away by themselves. New patients should look elsewhere. read more

After reading all the great reviews on Dr. Bernbeck I decided to switch over to her as my PCP. When calling in to make my first appointment the receptionist (who is very sweet) told me that Dr. Bernbeck is booked and I couldnt get an appointment until next month. I explained to the receptionist that its an urgent matter, she then told me that they have a P.A that works under her and I can come in earlier n see her instead. Disappointed as I was I had to settle for the PA, but even booking an appt with her was hard, I couldnt get in until 2 weeks later! Anyways, my appt was set for 4pm and on that day I drove 30 mins through traffic barley exiting knowing that I was going to be 5 mins late I did a courtesy call to the office just to imform them. Little did I know the receptionist told me the PA couldn't see me anymore because im holding up all the other appts! I was livid!!!!! First thing I wanted to do was call the insurance to complain and change doctors! By the time I got home I was calm so I decided to give this office the benefit of doubt n give it another shot. So today I called in trying to get another appt with Dr. Bernbeck, same S*** happened again! She's booked for another month and I was offered the PA AGAIN! I needed to see a doctor asap so again I tried booking the and this time they wouldnt work with my schedule! I told the receptionist I get off work at 330 n it takes me 30 mins to get there n she kept offering me an appt at 345 and I cant be late so how am I suppose to get there on time? This office is one disappointment after another... I cant even see my own PCP why should I keep her as one and gets paid for me being on her capitation list when she cant even see me! I finally called and changed doctors and im finally being seen next week. Overall... if you are a new patient and need to be seen asap DO NOT even attempt to come here. read more

Before you make this doc your primary physician, call and make an appointment....I week minimum wait is what I got....NEXT!

Dr. Bernbeck is an amazing physician with a loving heart. I travel all the way to from Pasadena to Huntington Beach to see her. She has great bed side manner and truly cares about her patients. When you go and see her you are treated like family. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for an extraordinary physician. read more

Recently, I had a medical concern and I needed advice from my doctor's office. However, this happened on the weekend and Dr. Bernbeck was the on call doctor at the time. What transpired during our 2 minute phone call is hard for me to explain and describe because it happened so fast. Plus, I am still in shock that it actually happened in the first place. Basically, from the start, my conversation with Dr. Bernbeck went very badly; her tone made me feel devalued, disrespected, and foolish. I was already feeling overwhelmed, scared, and unwell. So, I became defensive quickly. However, I could not handle one more second of Dr. Bernbeck's condescending tone towards me. As a result, I think that my flight or fight response kicked in and I hung up the phone on her without being able to explain my concerns and receive the medical advice that I was seeking. I am not proud of the fact that I hung up on her without first getting the conversation back in control after it was clear to both of us that the conversation was not going well. But is that really the patients job? This experience has left me thinking about leaving my doctor that I have been happy with over the past 10 years. Part of the patient experience is knowing that if I have a medical concern after hours that I will be treated with dignity and respect and not arrogance, snarkiness and irritation. read more

Dr Bernbeck is a very bright and knowledgeable physician, a straight shooter with a warm personality. A perfect combination for delivering sound medical care and advice. Her staff is excellent. She follows up quickly with test results and recommendations. I trust her. read more

Dr. Bernbeck is my doctor and my daughters doctor who is 11 months old. She is kind, patient, and understanding. She has answered calls on weekends and late at night. We are lucky to have her taking care of our family. My husband also goes to beach family doctors and we are very happy. I would highly recommend them!! read more

I went to Dr. Bernbeck for a sore shoulder---so painful and swollen I couldn't move it. During her exam alone, I was brought to tears from the pain and all she did during was to move it slightly and attempt to test it's resistance. She did NOT order X-rays. She did NOT send me to a specialist. Instead, she concluded that I had pulled a tendon for which I needed physical therapy. After six weeks of excruciating pain from PT and little relief, I went on my own to a Specialist---wish I hadn't trusted Bernbeck and gone to a specialist sooner because I had a BROKEN BONE in my shoulder! I should have known her diagnosis was off, as she was not that interested in my shoulder during my visit, and spent most of her time telling me to get my annual exams, exercise and keep my shots up-to-date---in fact she insisted I get one. My appointment was for my shoulder. She did give me some pain killer, but soon learned I was allergic to it. I repeatedly attempted to talk with the Dr. again due to my reaction, as I wanted a replacement pain med, but I was only able to speak with some office help who told me to stop taking the prescription and take tylenol. Thanks for the help Doc. read more

Literally created this yelp account to write a bad review on her. I've been a patient of Dr. Bernbeck for the past 3 years, yet I rarely see her. 3 years ago I caught a bad case of whooping cough and when I set an appointment Bernbeck was booked for months so I was forced to see Pretty. Pretty is as dumb as they come. She diagnosed me with a cough and sent me on my way with antibiotics. The antibiotics did not work and I was back 2 weeks later. Again Bernbeck was not available and again I settled for Pretty. She gave me another round of antibiotics and again sent me on my way. Again this did not take so I needed to make yet another appointment. I went to schedule and not to my surprise Bernbeck was unavailable. I was livid and told the staff if I couldn't see her I was changing doctors. I didn't get to see Bernbeck but I at least got a referral to an ear nose and throat doctor. After having whooping cough for 3 months he told me the treatment I was given was all wrong and actually made me worse. 1 year later I had been avoiding the doctors because of this incidence. Due to my avoidance Bernbeck decided to hold my birth control hostage until I came in for a pap. So I unwillingly set an appointment. They again tried to put me with Pretty and this time I refused and told them I would wait for my Doctor the one I pay to come here for. I got an appointment 2 months from then. This was the first time I ever met my doctor after a year and a half of being a patient. As she had the clamp inside of me she looked down and said, "so I hear you don't like me" This women needs to work on her bedside manner!!! I was already in a compromising position getting my first pap and all and to make matters worse she tried starting a fight with me. Flash forward to today she again is holding my birth control hostage and again is forcing me to see Pretty. read more

Dr. Bernbeck was nice and I like doctors who look like they are fit and take care of their own health. However, she didn't comment on not being in a healthy weight range. I mean shouldn't a doctor examining your general health let you know when you're general health isn't good? She is a bland generalist who isn't trying to go out of her way to help you reach optimal health, she is only looking for obvious red flags, and even then she missed one. Also, if you are an inquisitive patient, she has limited tolerance for answering your questions. For example, I had a question on some elevated levels in my blood work. She had her staff return my message. You should call or email your patient back when it comes to a personal medical concern, don't have your staff do it. And when I called her back asking why has my level doubled in a year. Her annoyed answer - it's in a healthy range, don't worry about it. Riiiighht, but why has it doubled when I've been doing these three things that should negate it?? Her answer - "I feel like you need to get it in your head" it's a healthy level. Sigh, maybe I've watched one too many episodes of House, but can you really not get out of your box and try to explain why something is going up when I am actively doing things to bring it down? All she sees is a healthy range, end of story; she is not interested in preventative medicine, but simply treating red flags. My advice is if you're a well read patient and want a brilliant, intuitive, well read doctor who is up to date on the latest medical journals and can guide you towards optimal health, she is not for you. If you are interested in a nice doctor with a good bedside manner who does the standard, minimal thing and only looks for red flags, she's your girl. read more

Am a new patient and called for a appointment. Very rude office person. Said the next appointment was in 90 days. I could be dead by then. Sounds to me like they are very busy and do not care. read more

I love Dr. Bernbeck. She is very direct, but at the same time, very caring and nice. She even called me back to discuss my lab results and prescribe medication over the phone so I wouldn't have to leave work and pay a co-pay for another visit. I don't know if that's common, but I've never had a doctor do that. I think she's great. read more

Our family has been seeing Dr. Bernbeck for over 3 years and are extremely happy with her.

Since I moved this office has been nothing but a hassle. Everything seemed to be going well, I was told that I just needed my information sent over (mind you, i moved 3000 miles away from my home) and I could refill my prescriptions. Not receiving any calls regarding my account I assumed everything had been transferred, when I called to refill I was told I would need an office visit before I could refill anything...this is pretty nerve racking contradictory information for someone needing to refill anxiety medicine...so I explained that they should probably inform their front desk of this info so they don't tell other people.....well..I got a very snobby remark, and was then put immediately on hold and transferred to someone else without my knowledge. When the new woman picked up the phone she had none of my information which confused me because I didn't even know I had been transferred.....after asking for my name I was hung up on. I got an appointment with a PA, not even the doctor, but have to wait a few days before refilling anything. I was also told today that the office is not receiving any new PPO patients, so be aware. Two months ago when I called no one informed me of this change and apparently it has been in effect for 3+ months. That also would have been nice to know before I went through all of this hassle of sending them my information.....I would have immediately found a new doctor. Now, because my mom happens to go there too...i was able to make an appointment. JUST BE AWARE. no new patients.... I wish there had been some sort of apology for the incorrect information their office provided me with...instead I was snapped at, scoffed at, and hung up on. read more

Dr. Bernbeck is the best Doctor i have ever gone too. She has been my Doctor for 10 years. She is very thorough and has a great sense of humor. and knows how to put you at ease. She will never over prescribe prescriptions. BECAUSE Your total best health condition comes first and foremost. I am appalled at some comments I have read.Why complain about waiting on a phone call when this practice uses NEXTMD .com for prompt answers from all staff to questions and appointments.. Answers routinely are processed day of receipt You receive an answer from the correct person that processes your type of question-be it Front office , Nurse Practitioner, PA , Nurse of Doctor . is the most efficient way to run a practice. The office is very busy treating patients who are in the office. Phone calls can come in multiples during busy and critical times while medical staff are caring for patients that are in the the office. Don't expect a Doctor to leave a patient to answer phone call questions while they are examining a patient. If you have a real emergency -go to Hoag or another emergency room or urgent care facility if he practice is busy treating patients. You could also try to go directly to the office to get an answer but why bother. Sign up for and use NEXTMD.. I do! read more

I have been going to Dr. Bernbeck for quite some time, and she is sweet and down to earth every time I go in. The last time I was in for my well woman, she sat down, caught up with me, and answered all my questions, even though the nurse had rudely informed me "Anything not having to do with your exam means you'll be charged the co-pay." Well. I am blessed to be in good health, and only see the doctor once unless something is really wrong, but I felt I needed to ask her important health questions, and I did. Not only did she not seem rushed, but she hugged me twice and asked about my new fiance, and answered all my questions. I don't know how she gets bad reviews. YES she is very hard to get in to right away because she's AMAZING and therefore is booked up fast. I normally make my well woman VERY early in advance, like 5-6 months, because I love this doctor. No, the nurses are not as amazing or friendly, but hey, they're nurses. I am not there to see them. I do use the phone system, which is also not wonderful, but for me it's worth it to know I am in good hands when I do go in. read more

Excellent, well mannered and good sense of humor. Knows her stuff as well. It is a pity she doesn't do the Obstetrics anymore. When my wife got pregnant we had to find another Dr. read more

Dr. Bernbeck is an amazing doctor!! I highly recommend her and her staff. So highly supportive of different parenting styles while remaining firm in her beliefs. I respect her so much! read more