Doctors like this is why I am disabled. He seems to have worked for most people. Probably because…read morethose patients where easy for his outdated knowledge. His bloated and fetid ego could handle the easy stuff, kids gloves for the little man. He sat there, almost didn't say anything, gaslit me and straight up lied (head so far up where the sun don't shine his little overly paid world probably couldn't comprehend). He didn't even say goodbye at the end of the appointment, just scurried out the door leaving some flakes of his chitinous hide sullying his floor. Guess his issue is I have more than one rare disease and I was looking to get checked out for a third. He acted like a rare disease specialist, talked over me like I didn't know what I was talking about. I listened to him respectfully, as you know doctors "do no harm" and the such. When I got into the car I immediately looked up the research papers I have saved on my disease and yes, sure enough, he was wrong and spewing outdated data and ignorant "facts". Technically one of my diseases was "cured" in 1940's and very little research went into it. He was thinking of the papers that came out in the 80's. Wild. Couldn't maybe pull something up more recent in your mind before punching down? I went without a diagnosis for 17 years, hence why I am disabled. If doctors like you didn't exist I would be living a much different life. There are more recent papers, much more recent. There is a more research now on how if your have one of the diseases I have, you have a much higher chance of getting another one that I've also been diagnosed with. Maybe you need to go back to school doc, you don't seem too well. My poor niece is in the same boat. Early 20's and has a full time care taker. Has a couple of the same rare diseases I have. But maybe in little Brent's mind that's not possible. I went to a gastro that took out a polyp, It is a sign of one of the diseases I have but they missed it. They didn't care about providing any information or answering any questions. Just in and out, charge my insurance. A mill. I said to Kovacs "Well they missed that". Poor little Kovacs got offended that I guess I didn't talk about his "college" in the highest regard when they can't do there job. When they're busy filling their pockets full of cash harvested from the sick and ailing. The California way. I'm once again glad you seemed to have showed some humanity to most of your patients. But Brent, I've seen so many doctors I lost track. I will say it's got to be 80-90% of you failed me. Gaslit me. Called me a liar. Made up some fantastical ideas of why I was experiencing my symptoms. I would believe you all. Why shouldn't I? Then say I would start puking blood and there must be something wrong. Rinse and repeat. I had to dog walk doctors to each one of my diagnosis'. Instead of blaming the patient Brent for shining a light on a dark spot of your knowledge maybe theirs something wrong with the system. You think Brent? Or is science by its fundamental nature set in stone, never to be questioned or changed. At least since when you went to school so you don't have to worry about updating your knowledge right? If you take all the rare diseases combined and lump them all together, they're not so rare anymore. There are forums and forums filled with people like me who doctors wouldn't listed, cast aside to die in the gutters. Being chased away and to try dangerous and untested medicine and treatments. I had a life to live and you took that away. You and the system. There is something wrong with the system and your too ego driven to see past your own fecal encrusted nose. I also have medical cPTSD, so thanks for bringing that up as well. Guess what Brent? Ive been tested 4 times for one of my rare diseases you wanted me to have tested again, all positive. I've been tested three times for another and the disease I was coming to you for a possible diagnosis? I have that as well. I went to a real doctor though in LA who you know, maybe kept up with the literature before stating some ignorant bile.

Dr. Kovaks performed my preventative colonoscopy and he was a great doctor and did a good job…read more Unfortunately his office staff is lacking in professionalism and general communication skills. I verified with my insurance and his office and my insurance carrier multiple times before my procedure that this is a free preventative procedure through my plan and they all verified it was free. I was shocked when I received a bill for over $4,000. I contacted their office multiple times the office manager Kim was never available and I would leave voice messages on her extension and never got a return call. Finally someone else in the office said maybe this person in another location can help you as I was very frustrated with this. I contacted Adrineh and she explained yes it should be free as it is preventative and their office put the wrong coding for my insurance and she would email them to fix it and contact me. She copied me in on it. My insurance said as well the Dr. Kovaks office had to change the coding so they could put it as preventative and free but his office had to do it. I never heard from Kim at his office on this. This has been going on for months. I reached out to Adrineh again for help even though this was not her responsibility. She sent a group email again to Kim, cottage hospital where performed and myself explaining again this had to be fixed and coded correctly as preventative and therefore free in my benefits. Once again I called and left messages for Kim and no return calls. My insurance company told me they sent in some extension on a code but still did not do the paperwork correctly and nobody responded to them. After not hearing again from Kim for a length of time I contacted my insurance company and they had not had any contact either and said since Dr. Kovaks office was not cooperative they would file a grievance to see if that would get them to correct their mistakes. I still have never received a call from Kim or anyone else at Dr. Kovaks office located in Santa Barbara so I am waiting for my insurance to resolve this. This is a huge part of their business doing preventative colonoscopies and at this point you would think they could at least get the coding right. It is unfortunate that Dr. Kovaks staff is incompetent and can not resolve a simple mistake on their part. I would avoid this office unless you have ample time to waste and enjoy aggravating situations and deep pockets for unnecessary charges...

I have been through many surgeries recently and some have been in the Los Angeles area for various…read morereasons because of expertise and knowledge. I say this only because I did do a lot of research after finding out I had an Inguinal Hernia and found Dr. David Thoman to not only have that knowledge and expertise, but also thousands of surgeries performed. I am an avid tennis player and my biggest concern was to get back on the court to play competitively again after the surgery. As far as surgeries go this was one of the more pleasant I have had. 8 weeks later I am back on the court playing tennis again pain free. I would recommend Dr. Thoman to anyone that wants a surgeon that will get you back up to speed quickly and with less pain. You can find top surgeons right here in Santa Barbara if you do the research. Thank you Dr. Thoman and your wonderful staff, the anesthesiologist, and the caring Cottage hospital surgery center nurses.

Had my VSG surgery 2 years ago....August 24, 2023 HW: 322…read moreLW: 135 Current weight: 151 NO Complications to date, surgery... extremely fast Under for less than 50 mins 1 day hospital stay and home the next Man of few words, but what is there to say when his work speaks for itself. He's HONEST. The population of clientele he works with deserves honesty and it takes accountability as a patient The work doesn't happen itself, doesn't happen overnight, but it does happen I would never recommend the Santa Maria Weight loss clinic , a complete mess...you can see why yourself Make the drive to Santa Barbara Advanced Surgical Associates Amazing work. I don't regret the surgery It's permanent, it's a tool If you don't stay the course, you will gain weight back remember YOU NEED TO DO THE WORK AS WELL the hard part is after the 1st year, once your appetite and cravings begin to return Nothing in this life is easy, but again thank you to Dr. Thoman and Cindy and the whole team for their amazing work. Highly recommend to anyone SERIOUSLY interested in the procedure Chefs Kiss !!!!!

Dr. Kovacs really takes the time and attention to address all my concerns. Office staff are first…read morerate, and the location is very convenient. 5 stars!

Update on healing urself and getting answers . I went to…read moreSB Herbal Clinic and saw Chinese herbalist. Pham Tram is amazing! . A true healer. She made sum special herbs to drink like tea for few weeks and did a acupuncture . Have been doing acupuncture 2x week also at downtown community acupuncture for maintenence. Really helps with nausea and digestion. Changed my diet alot more added way more veggies. Eating a more clean vegetarian diet. I highly recommend Santa Barbara Herbal Clinic.

Very kind and caring Doctor and staff. Very attentive and…read moreprofessional. I would highly recommend Dr. David Phrainer to anyone looking for excellent health care.

Nothing but 5 stars for my longtime pcp, Dr, Phreaner who is the most concscientius doctor I've…read moreever had the pleasure of knowing. 5 stars for his staff, especially Natalie who are always so helpful and kind. Dr. Phreaner is an easy going doctor, very thorough and very informative.

Dr. Ponce in my experience dealing consistantly with unforseen medical issues that might come…read moreup..has ALWAYS taken my input regarding how i am feeling and happening in my body..he is a great listener and by far he has always made me feel like we are partners in my journey of maintaining a better way to a healthier life never ignoring anything that be pertinent to my health my highest recommendation to his level of empathy and commitment to his experience..which also reflects on the professional approach in which his team and office staff keep their high standards of service...I know those people who are under his care understand what I am saying and I'm not planning on changing doctors at ast until he retires. Thank you so very much Dr. Ponce With kind Regards Hugo

Dr. Ponce is my primary physician and he has given me excellent care , service and advice for many…read moreyears. I would recommend him to anyone who is looking for a physician here in Santa Barbara.

They are awful, the doctor is basically retired, so his nurse practioner with a terrible bedside…read moremanner is the one that sees you. She does not listen or care even though she keeps repeating the words establishing care. They just want to pump you full of drugs regardless of your individual needs. I do not recommend this office, I was very stressed from the experience.

Definitely the best primary physician I've experienced. If you want someone who honors your values…read moreand addresses your medical concerns with honesty and detail, Dr. A and his NP's are your best deal! Great office staff as well, always enthusiastic.

After many doctors suggesting a radical procedure for my navel condition, I saw Dr. Thoman. In a…read morefew minutes, he defined what I had, and said it would heal on it's own, and sent me back home with a smile. I am very impressed with his knowledge. He seems to be the only specialist in this area within Santa Barbara.

Dr. Thoman is a wonderful surgeon! My husband recently had hernia surgery with Dr. Thoman and…read moreeverything went smoothly. Dr. Thoman is knowledgeable, confident, and gets directly to the point. His staff is AMAZING as well! Deanna at the front desk is very sweet, extremely helpful, and professional. She always has a smile on her face and that goes a long way especially when patients are in need. Cyndi is also just as amazing! She went above and beyond to coordinate my husband's surgery. She was kind and attentive and went out of her way to help. Micheline was also so sweet! Thank you so much to Dr. Thoman and his wonderful team. Grateful for you all!!

Dr.Liang is by far the best primary care physician I've ever had…read more She's incredibly smart, personable and responsive. I feel very fortunate to have her as my primary care physician. I wish every physician I've dealt with was the same..

Dr Liang has been my primary care physician for 10 years and I am very happy with her care. She has…read moreguided me through weight loss, cardiac issues and more. She is easy to reach in case you have an illness or injury, her staff is friendly, and the location at 27 W Micheltorena is much easier to get in to than some medical clinics in town.