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10/24/08 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
Very friendly and knowledgeable. All doctors have waits but the 4 times I've been I haven't waited at all (except for when she had an emergency patient, which is the kind of caring doctor you want!). The trick is to call and see if they're running behind, which all doctors do. The staff is great and Dr. Pieszak is on top of every symptom to make sure she doesn't miss anything. My sister and I both go to her and we've seen a lot of doctors. She is the best family doctor in Ventura and LA Counties hands down.
Insurance: Aetna
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9/10/08 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
Besides the usual 2 hour wait, Doctor Pieszak is very abrasive, rude, and greedy. The last time I waited 2 hours to see her, she finally came in briefly and her cell phone started ringing. She left the room to answer the call and left me waiting another 20 minutes. When she finally returned, she made no apology for the disruption. I particularly dislike how unnecessarily harsh she is to her staff. Those ladies are clearly intimidated by her and you can tell they hate their jobs. I have also experienced the doctor's multiple (expensive) test requests and then her requirement that I come in for follow up. I was charged over $1,000 for a test that I do feel I needed but she refused to tell me the results over the phone. She wanted me to pay her another $150 to come in and wait another inconvenient 2 hours for her feedback. Why would I stay with such an unfriendly and callous doctor when there are so many other capable and personable professionals to choose from?
Insurance: Blue Cross / Blue Shield
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7/26/08 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Always at least 1-1/2 to 3 hours late, she'd come into the exam room and then proceed to talk about her own problems and tell me about other patients.I had to come in person to get test results that could have been discussed over the phone. My other doctors do this as a courtesy. I finally had enough when I had just had hip-replacement surgery and was experiencing piercing migraines. Dr. Pieszak refused to talk to me over the phone and insisted that I come into the office. I explained to her staff that it was a struggle to even make my way to the bathroom and an office visit would be impossible. They told me it was her rule. Stuck at home in bed I explained that as my paid doctor she was entitled to take care of me. I was basically told "tough Luck". I told them she was worthless and to tell her she was fired. The next day I received a certified letter from her saying she was no longer going to keep me as a patient. I would never recommend her to anyone. My experience was horrible.
Insurance: Blue Cross / Blue Shield
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7/18/08 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
Always wait 2+ hours, Doctor orders too many lab tests. SCAM!!
Insurance: Aetna
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7/16/08 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
Dr Pieszak has been my family doctor for the last 3 years and has been wonderful. Yes, she sends me out for tests, but she listens to what I have to say so the tests are valid. I've only had to wait once for about 30 minutes - the rest of the time I've seen her within 15 minutes after my arrival. I've been there for 2 emergencies and she's seen me right away (probably making her late for everyone else - apologies). She's very good - one of the best I've been to.
Insurance: Aetna
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7/1/08 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
Terrible experience. Saw her a total of 3 times--late EVERY time even though I scheduled the first appt. of the day. Wait in the EXAM room for 1 1/2 hours with NO explanation as to why. No staff enters to explain why she's late. She does not allow you to discuss any other issues with her other than that for which your appt. is for--one question ONLY! If you try to ask another question, she will say, "Let's discuss it out here" which is at the front desk in full view & earshot of not only her staff, but the entire waiting room. She is abrupt, discourteous, unprofessional, rude and arrogant AND I am a medical professional myself!! By the way, her mother 'works' in the office which, by my experience, seems to be to soothe patients. She says things like, 'I know you wait a long time, but she's worth it.'--NOT by my experience she's NOT! She also brings 'Sam' into the office AND exam rooms--Sam is her dog--clean, but I'm sure something the Dept.of Health would not appreciate!
Insurance: Blue Cross / Blue Shield
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5/21/08 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Horrible experience. I, like the reviewer before me, tried scheduling the first appt. of the day thinking i would be in and out quickly. Never happened. Always had an excuse (surgery, emergency). She doesn't even do surgery! She doesn't even have privileges at the local hospital! I can tell you that every Dr. I went to for something else would see Dr. Piezak's name on my medical records and would just say to me, "Why are you going to her? Get out of there!" I finally did. I finally Googled her, and you should do the same. She was thrown out of medical school because of poor test results, etc. She retaliated by sueing the Dr.'s and the hospital she trained at. When I left the practice and received my records, there was stuff in there that she falsely related in her notes. Every visit she would indicate that I had gone to a specialist for a certain minor problem, when I absolutely never had. She is unhelpful, unkind and mostly, unprofessional.
Insurance: Blue Cross / Blue Shield
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5/20/08 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
Dr. Pieszak was my family doctor for about 3 years. I left after I got the feeling she refused to listen to me, even when I stated directly that she wasn't listening to me. On one visit she gave me a referral for a symptom I didn't have; I told her I didn't have that symptom and she ignored me and wrote out the referral anyway. I also waited in her office on every visit for up to 2 hours. Once I tried to overcome the waiting problem by scheduling the first appointment of the day. She was still an hour and a half late to the appointment because she said she had to take her daughter to school. I have children too!
Insurance: Blue Cross / Blue Shield
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5/16/08 |
2 |
1 |
5 |
5 |
Dr Pieszak has always been worth the wait. She is very thorough and I feel she knows other doctors in the area well, which is necessary when she recommends you to a specialist. I have sent many friends to her. So, just bring a book and a bottle of water.
Insurance: Blue Cross / Blue Shield
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3/5/08 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
Long, long wait. Lots of test that seem to come out negative. Very hard to get results.
Insurance: Blue Cross / Blue Shield
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2/27/08 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
This doctor runs 2-3 hours late, rushes in with wet hair and some excuse which sounds like a lie ("emergency surgery" when I KNOW she no longer assists in surgery!) Brings her dog and her daughter into the office with her, then spends 5 minutes with me, orders a bunch of unnecessary and expensive tests without letting me know the results. She does not keep notes on most of her patients and argues with you about medications she forgets she prescribed. It is like a circus. I left there feeling angry and abused. This woman does not know what she is doing!!!!!!
Insurance: Blue Cross / Blue Shield
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2/5/08 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
4 |
I just became a patient a few months ago and I'm very upset over how I was treated by her. First, she is always late. I've waited 1 1/2 hours EVERY visit. Most importantly, she was extremely rude to me, snapping at me when I said I couldn't afford something, and then calling me childish. She talks more than she listens and doesn't give you the time to express your thoughts or questions. She may be knowledgeable but she is also high strung, overbooked and unprofessional. Without being able to get a word in edgewise, I waited for her to finish her rant and then said I needed to find another doctor. She agreed. I would never recommend her to anyone.
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1/22/08 |
5 |
1 |
2 |
4 |
The first time I saw her she was very sympathetic and worked furiously to get to the problem. The next time I saw her I was kept waiting for two hours and every other time thereafter for two hours. She would spend most of the time talking about her personal problems and it was hard for me to get a word in edgewise about why I was there. She always had her dog in the office which I find very unprofessional. When she asked if the dog could be in his room, I said no. She was very rude after that. I think a medical office is no place for a dog where people have allergies, fears, etc. I have since switched doctors and would not recommend Dr. Pieszak to anyone. She is inconsiderate of other's time and does not listen. She has her own agenda and does not care about the patient. Also the fact that when you check out, she talks about the patient's problem at the counter where people in the waiting room can hear.
Insurance: Aetna
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9/12/07 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
Over 8 office visits my shortest wait was 45-minutes, longest over 2-hours. No excuses, no apologies, no consideration. During my last visit, both the Dr and her nurse questioned me on a particular physical condition, without checking my chart to see that I had had surgery (on her recommendation/referral) 180-days prior to correct the issue. I was there for my post-op appointment. When I suggested that she refer to my chart, she was offended and cut my visit short. She ordered a miriad of blood tests etc. and told me to come back after I had accomplished the tests. I did not return...and 15-months later, she has never contacted me to followup. She obviously has too many patients and too little time. She cannot provide quality, attentive, supportive medical care to those willing to wait "hours" for her. She is not worth waiting for.
Insurance: Blue Cross / Blue Shield
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7/19/07 |
5 |
3 |
5 |
5 |
Waiting does happen but it is well worth it when you see the doctor. She knows what she's talking about and is always helpful to my needs. I always feel 100% better after seeing her. I'm very glad that she is thorough in everything she does because what if she was quick and skipped over something important? She's helped me a lot over the years and I'm very thankful. I'd recomend her to anyone who's looking for someone to take care of them. The staff is also very helpful and courteous willing to help you in whatever way they can. When the doctor is late which happens she is always very sympathetic and apologetic. She's a doctor who knows what she's doing and truley is out there to help the patient which is what all doctors should be.
Insurance: HealthPartners
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6/20/07 |
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1 |
1 |
1 |
Dr Pieszak was my physician for a few years, only because she was a provider on my plan and close to my home. It was not unusual to wait over 2 hours past the appt time for her to see me. She ordered an unbelievable amount of tests an MRI technician even asked me once what my symptoms were since the order was for so many tests (eveything was negative). She was very disrespectful of my time, and once when I asked why she wanted a specific lab test I was told I wouldnt understand because I didnt have a medical degree. I found her to be very rude, and although she did seem to care, I would never recommend her to anyone.
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4/25/07 |
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1 |
2 |
4 |
consistantly late 45 mins to 1 1/2 for routine follow up care
Insurance: Blue Cross / Blue Shield
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4/9/07 |
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1 |
2 |
3 |
she is very arrogant and makes you wait for two hours. when she is with you she doesn't listen, rushes in and out of the room, and you typical time with her is about 7 minutes. i think she acts phony and rude and she is very interested in being RIGHT. i am so happy i left and went to another doctor who actually took the time to listen to me. when i wanted my medical records she had the nerve to charge me a 25 dollar, "record releasing" fee. i felt really ripped off by her and would not recommend her to anyone. maybe she has some knowledge, but the experience of visiting her office is so unpleasant i'd rather go to urgent care.
Insurance: Blue Cross / Blue Shield
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12/6/06 |
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1 |
1 |
1 |
My wife had the worst expoerience of her life with a professional. She was very upset with the way she was treated by Caroline Pieszak. My wife had an appointment of 11:00AM. She was admitted to the office and waited 3 hours for the Dr. When she showed up she attended other patients first. She comes to my wife's room and refuses service to her. Asking my wife to go to another Dr. or anything she wants to do. The Dr. basically kicked my wife out of the office. I would like to make this a turning point for this doctor so she does not do this un-welcome treatment to any other patient. Please pass this other friends and relatives so no one would signed up with Caroline Pieszak.
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12/6/06 |
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1 |
1 |
2 |
I feel the doctor is very unrespectful of patient's time in every appointment. She is arrogant and manipulative to both patients and her staff. Her choice of words is unprofessional and disrespectful to her staff.
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9/25/06 |
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1 |
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1 |
absolutely horrific. dr. pieszak is a little off center and oblivious to her patient's needs. she is too wound up in being "right". she doesn't listen and chatters on about nothing, takes up your time, and makes others wait. she has apparently instructed her staff to say on a regular basis "dr. pieszak is in an emergency right now". no one in the office realizes how crazy this sounds (actually, soometimes i think even they are embarrassed to keep repeating this mantra knowing its not true)...no dr. could be in that many energencies, partcularly a family practioner. her personality is a front, she seems nice SOMETIMES, but actually she is only nice if you agree with her. she is confrontational. the worst thing about her has got to be her arrogance in making patients wait for hours well after your appt. time to see her. also, she hardly has any hours that she is actually in the office.
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8/21/06 |
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2 |
5 |
5 |
Yes, waiting is the norm at her office. However, my family has gone to her office a few times this past year and most of the time it was only a 5-10 minute wait. Waiting an hour or so has happened but that is because she was handling someone's emergency. But, as others have mentioned, when it's your turn, you appreciate the fact that her attention is solely focused on you at that moment in time. I now book with the expectation of waiting. I must mention that when my daughter had an asthma attack and she had to be reached at a teaching conference, she took the time to follow-up with the treating doctor and call me throughout the day 3 TIMES! Her staff are amazing with the follow-up and the conveniences, yes you wait, but they'll take care of the pharmacy and other appointments for you. In terms of her knowledge and skill, she's proven herself many times over the last 3 years as a very thorough and knowledgeable doctor. I highly recommend her and we are healthy and happy thanks to her.
Insurance: Blue Cross / Blue Shield
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5/20/06 |
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1 |
5 |
5 |
Yes, I've been to see Dr. Pieszak twice, and both times, I waited over 1.5 hours to see her. Both times she was *extremely* apologetic and genuine. She runs her office with a firm hand, and I think she has very high expectations of her staff. The thing is, as long as I had to wait for her... when she was with me, I had her undivided and focused attention. I didn't feel rushed - unlike many other doctors. She's the kind of person who will take as much time as she needs to, even if it throws the schedule off. Good when it's for YOU, inconvenient when it's not. I guess that's the trade off. That said, she's *incredibly* thorough (even the lab nurse across town said that!!) and while it might seem like she's being overly cautious - I'd rather have that, than the alternative!! This is my wordy way of saying - yes, I have to clear my morning for her, but I think she's worth it.
Insurance: Blue Cross / Blue Shield
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3/19/06 |
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1 |
5 |
5 |
always makes you wait. Never on time
Insurance: Aetna
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3/17/06 |
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1 |
2 |
3 |
Waited for 2 hours. unacceptable
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1/31/06 |
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1 |
4 |
4 |
I went to Dr. Pieszak for a long overdue physical. A blood test revealed I had an elevated calcium level. More blood tests revealed an elevated PTH (parathyroid) level. It turns out that I have a tumor on my parathyroid gland. Without her detection, I might not have discovered this for years. Yes, I always have to wait - but when she comes in, she is not in a rush to leave and answer questions for as long as it takes.
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1/28/06 |
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1 |
1 |
1 |
Saw her for a year and she made me wait atleast an hour and a 1/2 to two hours every single time! I put up with it for a while because I did not want to start over with another doctor, I had a lot of problems with a long history. She'd always apologize for her tardiness but it gets old after a while. She was very agressive and overly cautious and ended up sending me to 4 specialists for procedures I did not need to have done. She really scared me into thinking there was something seriously wrong with me and it turned out she was wrong. In the beginning I really liked her because she seemed like she genuinely cared about me but it turns out she is quite the actress and very superficial...fake. I saw her dark side one day when she snapped at me for coming out of my room and going to the front desk to see what was taking so long because I had been waiting 2 hours and 15 minutes freezing in that little gown. That was the last straw. She was the worst M.D I have ever seen in my life.
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1/17/06 |
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1 |
4 |
5 |
She's never on time but she always cures me, and for that I don't mind waiting.
Insurance: Aetna
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5/21/05 |
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1 |
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