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Russ Shimizu, MD

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Russ Shimizu, MD
Neurological Associates
(15 Reviews)
> Get Phone Number & Directions
2811 Wilshire Blvd Suite 790 Santa Monica, CA 90403
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Consumer Feedback

(15 Reviews)
Service
4.5 star average for Service
Environment
4.5 star average for Environment
Expertise
5 star average for Expertise
Staff
4 star average for Staff
Recommended
4.5 star average for Recommended
Value
1 star average for Value
Dr. Shimizu is absolutely outstanding. He's been my doctor for twelve years, and I'm very grateful for his excellent care and insightful advice
in treating me for a serious autoimmune neurological illness. In searching for answers at the beginning I saw so called experts throughout the US, and I can say with certainty that Russ Shimizu is the best. He is extremely intelligent, and really cares about his patients. I feel blessed that he is my doctor.
by Martin xxx.xxx.118.52
May 23, 2014
Horrible experience with this doctor and his office staff. Rude, incompetent, and uncaring all around.

I have a history of herniated discs and when mine flared up again I went to this neurologist.

The first appointment was okay. My goal was to get prescriptions for a sciatic pain med I knew worked for me, an MRI, and physical therapy. As we talked after my initial exam he wrote all those prescriptions quickly and handed them off to me. He repeatedly asked me if I had ever had a spinal injection in my back for the problem, 3 or 4 times I had to say no. Then he said "I'm surprised you got better." THEN the nightmare began.

1. Had to call his office something like 5 times over 4 days (while in a lot of pain) to get my prescription because he didn't specify the type of release (fast/slow) for the medication. Instead of making a judgment call on such he required me to read off an old prescription bottle from a previous doctor. The office people kept saying they would call the pharmacy and correct it and each time I gave them 2-4 hours leeway but whenever I called the pharmacy, nope no call from the office. Really?! Tired of the crap, I asked if the staff could confirm something with the doctor while I was on the phone with them (to make sure they actually did what they said they would do) and I was rebuffed with "we won't page the doctor unless it's seizure medication." The office didn't call the pharmacy until I left a message on Day 4 begging them to please get it to the pharmacy before Xmas and everything closed because I was in a lot of pain.

2. The pharmacy wouldn't fill another non-urgent prescription because he wrote my name wrong- like totally a different name wrong.

3. I had to wait 30 minutes in an empty office before I was seen for my follow-up. No one greeted me, looked at the sign-in chart, or said anything to me about delays. I had to ask when I'd be seen and I was rudely responded to by office staff. I don't mind waiting, but please acknowledge my existence, it's basic customer service.

4. When I finally saw Dr. Shimizu he didn't seem like he had recently reviewed my file and kept pushing for a spinal injection despite me telling him that I want to stick with conservative treatment. I asked questions about decompression and other things, he didn't seem to be up to date on the latest research.

5. I stopped by the office in between appointments and asked if he would provide a written note to my employer explaining my work limitations so I could work from home while recovering. I dropped off my request a week in advance of when I needed it. They told me the doctor usually charges for notes, seems a bit ridiculous but okay. One week later, I had a follow-up appointment and I asked him about the letter and he had no idea what I was talking about. Either his staff didn't give him the letter or he straight up forgot/ignored it.

While checking out I discussed with him the gist what it needed to say. I asked if he could write it today since my employer was expecting it today and I gave it to him a week ago. He said maybe, it depends on how busy he gets. Alright, not a helpful answer especially since they were the ones that messed up.

I called the next day to follow-up and I took a firmer tone and his staff went full-bitch on me and snapped that he's busy and will get to when he does. I informed them that I was cancelling my next appointment and I wasn't returning. The staff said "Oh so you're cancelling your appointment because he won't write you a note?" To which I responded, "No, I'm cancelling my appointment because of the utterly poor treatment I have received from both the doctor and this staff." Now it's war. It took a call literally every hour all day long to get them to actually write the note (handwritten and did not follow the simple directions provided), which I suspect was done by the staff and signed by the doctor. Ultimately my employer rejected it.

In any event, RUDE and DISRESPECTFUL staff and an ignorant doctor. I was treated so poorly that after speaking with his staff I was brought to tears. AWFUL people.



by Local Angeleno xxx.xxx.189.187
March 06, 2014
Did you have to wait long after you arrived for your appointment?
No, they were ready for me right after I arrived.
Does this provider maintain a professional appearance?
Absolutely! You can tell that he/she really makes an effort to look professional
Are you confident that this provider will continue working with you until a solution is reached?
Absolutely! I'm confident they will work hard to find the best solution for me
Were the staff members able to answer your questions?
Yes! They were the most knowledgeable staff I've ever seen!
Did this provider leave you unattended for an extended period of time?
Not at all! They were always present and attentive
by danielle xxx.xxx.183.27
October 18, 2012
Did this provider answer all of your questions?
Every question I had was answered thoroughly
Was this provider's staff friendly?
Yes, they went above and beyond
Did you leave the office feeling satisfied with your visit?
Completely!
Was this provider's office easy to locate?
Absolutely! It couldn't have been easier!
by Anonymous xxx.xxx.249.137
September 17, 2012
Did this provider answer all of your questions?
Yes
Was this provider's staff friendly?
Yes
Did you leave the office feeling satisfied with your visit?
Completely!
Was this provider's office easy to locate?
Absolutely! It couldn't have been easier!
by Anonymous xxx.xxx.11.109
July 27, 2012
Dr Shimizu is of the best physicians I've encountered in LA. And I've ended up seeing him for a number of problems over the years. I started there just for migraines 9 years ago. Then a few years ago, had a grand mal seizure. And since, other more serious problems. I'm very fortunate to have been referred to him by Dr. LIsa Benya. The staff at Dr Shimizu's is not always easy to reach and sometimes they gently complain to patients about the long hours, etc. But they're still a strong staff. Reaching the nursing support is the only area of weaness. I know refills or fearful questions are a pain but sometimes it's scary to be a patient. Anyway all is all, I am a big fan of Dr Shimizu and a doctor and a person, and of his support staff.
by TG xxx.xxx.90.49
April 23, 2012
Did this provider answer all of your questions?
No, I left confused and frustrated
by Anonymous xxx.xxx.141.90
March 21, 2012
How would you compare this provider to others in his/her field that you have visited?
Among the best I have seen
Did this provider thoroughly explain the risks and benefits of your treatment?
Yes, they made sure I had all the information I needed to make a decision
Do you feel that you could have received better service somewhere else?
Definitely not; I received the best service ever!
by Anonymous
December 26, 2011
Did this provider answer all of your questions?
Yes
Is this provider's business conveniently located?
Yes, it is very conveniently located
Did you spend a lot of time in the waiting room at this provider's office?
No, my appointment started at the scheduled time
Did this provider listen to your input and concerns?
Yes
by Anonymous
October 13, 2011
Does this provider leave you on hold for a long time when you call?
Never! I don't think I've ever been put on hold here for a long time
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!
by Anonymous
July 25, 2011
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Map and Directions
2811 Wilshire Blvd Suite 790, Santa Monica, CA 90403