I overheard another patient yelling at her before my appointment. I should have left at that point, but I didn’t — and now I get why that patient was yelling. She’s terrible! Doesn’t even let you speak — just dictates. Rude, unkind, and SO late. Her poor staff!

Submitted April 3, 2024

I've been seeing Dr. Alcalay for about a year now and I should have never returned after the first visit, but today was the worst visit to date.

I had a video appointment with Dr. Allison Alcalay scheduled for last week and after waiting more than 40 minutes for her to show up, I had to leave the call. After speaking with her support person and reviewing exactly what the appointment was for, the call was rescheduled for today.

This morning, the doctor was rushed, condescending, impolite, inaccurate regarding my medical history (and combative when I tried to correct her), and unprofessional, and she rambled about irrelevant issues -- when I tried to redirect the conversation in the interest of time, she shushed me. She then told me she could not address my concerns unless I came to the office in person. The doctor's tone was insulting and the appointment was a complete waste of time.

Submitted Jan. 24, 2024

For Diabetes care Dr. Ackalay is brilliant. For being a GP doc, she's terrible in the diagnostic department outside of endocrinology and doesn't really care to do any of the required tests to find out what's really going on. Referrals are to one star rated doctors and treatment centers without doing the required diagnostics. I feel as though I am not wanted as a patient. She has a "scribe" that listens in on the personal visits to "take notes" even though she's putting data into the computer while I'm sitting there. I'm left with the impression she's not trying to treat my symptoms but rather to cover her issues in case things go wrong. This is not a doctor to see for anything outside her wheelhouse.

Submitted Aug. 8, 2023

Dr. Alcalay is a great doctor and I can say with certainty that she saved my wife's life when she was a hospitalist at Sutter Hospital some years ago when she recognized that she had been mis-diagnosed and wasn't getting better, but getting worse. Yes, she is direct, thank God, and informative. We trust and love her completely.

Submitted May 5, 2020

Dr. Alcalay has been our primary physician for several years caring for 2 seniors and 1 elderly patient. Dr. Alcalay is direct and informative, providing useful explanations for diagnosis and treatment. She will not just tell us what we want to hear. She has been responsive when we challenge treatment options, if we provide information or data she can verify. Dr. Alcalay respects our attitude about being responsible and knowledgeable about our own health issues. We respect and have remained with her mostly due to the level of usefull communication, even when we have different opinions. On the down side, she does not hide her opinion of some of our input and this can challenge our confidence. What makes it work for us is that Dr. Alcalay continues to work with us to maintain or improve our health. We do recommend Dr. Alcalay to those who are responsible for their own lifestyle and health. Not recommended If you want a Dr. Kildare stereotype.

Submitted May 20, 2014

I found Dr. Alcalay to be rigid,judgmental and a poor communicator. She appears unable to consider information that doesn't agree with her preconceived notions. She is not open to the possibility that she might be mistaken.I would not recommend her to a friend.

Submitted April 16, 2013

Dr alcalay has been fabulous. I feel like she really cares about my well-being and is always very helpful.

Submitted Dec. 23, 2010

I agree with the other patient. What a terrible,terrible, terrible doctor. Did not listen, has an attitude problem and I fear that someone will probably loose their life at the hands of this doctor. She refusses to listen, is condesending,rude and refused to give me a pap smear even after explaining to her that I had no tests in five years because I had lost my healtcare insurance. I had horrific menopause symptoms and a family history of gynocological problems.Her nurse set up all the instruments for the examination however, she wanted to push antidepressants.I left without a pap smear or breast exam after intaking information for 30 mins.Incredibly arrogant and should turn in her license before she kills someone. I left her office crying and feeling humiliated by her. Please avoid her like the plagueWhat a piece of work!

Submitted Oct. 27, 2009

I felt like she just wanted to get me out of her office as fast as possible. She had a tone like she really didn't believe what I was saying and I did not feel like I was being heard. I've leave the office mad at myself for not pushing harder but have since decided to change my doctor. Maybe it's just me or maybe it's her - either way I'm not happy.

Submitted April 23, 2009