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Robert S Alter, MD

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Robert S Alter, MD
(9 Reviews)
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30 PROSPECT AVE HACKENSACK, NJ 07601
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Consumer Feedback

(9 Reviews)
Service
4 star average for Service
Environment
5 star average for Environment
Expertise
4.5 star average for Expertise
Staff
4 star average for Staff
Recommended
4 star average for Recommended
Value
3.5 star average for Value
We are the son and wife of a deceased patient diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma who was under Dr. Robert Alter’s care. While we have no reason to believe the doctor did not provide the required standard of care, we can say with certainty that his bedside manner is absolutely abhorrent.

Dr. Alter showed complete indifference toward his patient, lacked sensitivity, and moreover behaved in an entirely tasteless manner. He made inappropriate jokes, appeared to always be in a hurry, abruptly cut appointments short, and during these short visits often pulled out and played on his cell phone without warning, appearing to ignore us.

While there are too many incidences to list, below are the most egregious, ending with the biggest offense at the end of the patient’s life:

After a routine blood test, the patient was sent home. Later that night, another doctor named Dr. Guttierez, whom we never met, called after looking at the results and left a message that we were unable to understand. Dr. Guttierez soon called back to make sure that we got his urgent message and explained that the patient should immediately go to the emergency room due to kidney failure. It was not until 24 hours later that Dr. Alter himself — the doctor who’s supposed to be caring for the patient — finally called to relay the same message. If not for Dr. Guttierez, Dr. Alter’s phone call would have been too late.

The least forgivable behavior came on the day of the patient’s final visit to Dr. Alter. Already suffering from liver failure, the patient was extremely weak, his arms were shaking uncontrollably, and he was experiencing extreme nausea. He was sitting helplessly on the patient chair like a child, looking down at the floor with the understanding that he was about to be given a death sentence. Dr. Alter walked in and first made a joke about how, with the patient’s belly swollen from retaining water due to poor kidney function, the patient looked “4 months pregnant.” Then he told us we had a few options. One is to do nothing, in which case “within a week…” and he made a throat-cutting gesture and a sound with his mouth, suggesting in an incredibly callous way that the patient will die. Another option was hospice. In the midst of our discussion of next steps, Dr. Alter suddenly picked up his cell phone and began reading something on it and typing with a slight smile on his face, evidently enjoying a personal text conversation. He didn’t even say, “Excuse me,” or anything. He just picked it up while we were talking to him. So we stopped talking until he was ready to hear us again.

Dr. Alter’s behavior does not amuse anyone but himself, and his silly jokes are of no comfort to the gravely ill, only an unwelcome annoyance.
by Vlada xxx.xxx.164.86
September 22, 2016
Did this doctor answer all of your questions?
Every question I had was answered thoroughly
Did you leave the office feeling satisfied with your visit?
Yes
Was this doctor's staff friendly?
Yes
Were the waiting room chairs comfortable at this doctor's office?
Yes
Did you leave the office feeling satisfied with your visit?
Yes
by Anonymous xxx.xxx.145.236
October 14, 2014
Was this doctor's staff friendly?
Yes, they went above and beyond
by Anonymous xxx.xxx.83.56
August 08, 2014
Were you able to get answers to simple questions from this provider without scheduling an appointment?
Not at all! I had to schedule an appointment for absolutely everything!
Did the staff make you feel uncomfortable when you called with questions or concerns?
Yes, they made me feel like I shouldn't have called
by Anonymous xxx.xxx.230.127
March 11, 2013
Does this provider use current and safe equipment?
Yes; the equipment is very advanced!
Is this business handicap-accessible?
Absolutely, even the bathrooms are handicap-accessible
Did you feel safe in this provider's care?
Absolutely! I knew I was being cared for by an expert!
Did this provider's staff seem to respect him/her?
Definitely! They staff spoke very highly of him/her
Did you spend a lot of time in the waiting room at this provider's office?
Absolutely not! I was seen right away!
by Anonymous xxx.xxx.15.58
November 27, 2012
by Anonymous xxx.xxx.179.113
August 31, 2012
It was very easy to get an appointment. They have a very flexible schedule and get me in quickly every time. I've been places before where they were argumentative and angry, so I was nervous that I would encounter that here as well. Instead, they were very calm and understanding the entire time. I could tell they really care about everyone who visits them. I've never had to worry about them being understaffed or not being able to help me right when I need it. They have a huge staff that's very knowledgeable and qualified. I will definitely recommend them to people I know.
by Robert
October 11, 2011
Does this provider offer any coupons, discounts or promotions?
Not that I have seen
Did you spend a lot of time in the waiting room at this provider's office?
The wait wasn't terrible, but it wasn't the best
Did this provider listen to your input and concerns?
Definitely not! I was constantly interrupted or cut off!
Did they follow up with you after your appointment?
Yes.
by Anonymous
July 05, 2011
Did this provider show attention to detail?
Absolutely! They are always very careful and meticulous
Did this provider have an entertaining selection of waiting room magazines?
Absolutely! They were very entertaining!
Did this provider seem up-to-date with the current advancements in their field?
Yes, they were informing me of new advancements that were extremely recent
by Anonymous
May 31, 2011
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30 PROSPECT AVE, HACKENSACK, NJ 07601