Been a patient for over 5 years and i think ive only seen the guy once in the several visits. Billing is atrocious, they'll get you with anything they can think of and wont send a bill till theres late fees. And watch out if you switch insurance, theyll wait for you to make an appointment and get there to tell you off.

Submitted Oct. 11, 2022

I had been a patient of Dr. Sockolov for over a decade. I had recommended him and his practice to many friends and family. I have changed my PCP and hope to never have to return to his practice. I found myself never able to actually see him. I would get shuffled off to a Nurse Practitioner or another Dr. in the practice. It occurred to me that in 5 years I had only been seen by my Dr. 2, maybe 3 times! The final straw was my last appointment. I had a couple issues, the largest being my back. I had just injured it lifting a heaving box and could hardly walk. I certainly couldn't walk upright. I had a couple other things I wanted to ask him about; moles and things like that. When he walked into the exam room he asked me what was wrong. I responded, "Well, kind of a laundry list." I had barely gotten it out of my mouth when he snapped, "Whoa, whoa, whoa I don't DO laundry lists. What is the issue you booked the appointment for?" Needless to say I was a bit put off. I gave him the benefit of the doubt at that point and didn't walk right out. Had my back been in better shape I probably would have. I went on the tell him what had happened and how I was in a great deal of pain but my greatest concern was the pain was radiating to my groin and that greatly concerned me. He explained that I could not be feeling what I WAS feeling as the nerves that would be affected by my back injury do not go into the groin and that it made no sense for me to feel the pain I was feeling. I was thinking, "That's why I came to a DOCTOR! I know I'm not right and that's why I'm here!" The good Dr. went on to ask me if I played sports in High School. I thought that was a bit strange because his practice (not him mind you; seeing a trend here?) conducted all of my H.S. physicals. Well, I told him that I had and his response was, "Well, that's probably it. Your back is probably wearing out." WTF?!?!?! I'm 35 years old!!! My back is wearing out because I ran cross country and played golf in High School?!?!?! You must be kidding me!!! Needless to say the rest of the exam was rather "chilly." Upon leaving the office I had a prescription for a few pain pills. I hate taking medication and I didn't want pills, I wanted to know what was wrong with me and how to fix it. He never ONCE touched me. How can you examine someone without touching them? I drove to the Chiropractor down the street from my house out of desperation. I had nothing to lose. Heck, I could barely walk as it was and was in tremendous pain. How much worse could she make it? What did I have to lose? Well, Dr. Lawhorn spent 5 minutes listening and 2 minutes poking and prodding. Some therapy and an adjustment later I was walking again. All told, it took about 30-40 minutes. I was far from 100% but I could walk like a human being at least. It took 3-4 weeks of treatment to get me back to normal. I never took the pain pills and have never been back to Dr. Sockolov. I will NEVER be back. I strongly recommend you look elsewhere for your medical needs. Dr. Sockolov MAY have cared for his patients at some time. Now it seems all he's interested in is his research which is in an office down the hall from his actual practice. He may have gotten the last laugh though, he charged me $30 to send my records over to my new PCP. I say last laugh as it took the office guy about 2 minutes to look me up in the computer and click a few buttons. For that I had to pay $30 cash or check only! Run, if you can, far away from this uncaring Dr. and his practice.

Submitted May 15, 2015

I was a patient for over 10 years and was "let go" as Dr. Alvin Sockolov's patient and the letter I received to inform me stated it was because I was "non-compliant". Looking back the last couple of mos, I opted not to get a mammogram and a colonoscopy. I don't have a family history of cancer and it is my choice not to get irradiated. He told me of the risks and that's fine but to kick me out? Several mos prior, I broke 2 of my fingers in 3 places on a Sunday. I came in on Monday and was only able to get in with a nurse practitioner. I brought the xrays taken at the urgent care. She said to wait 2 weeks and then it will be re-evaluated. Re-evaluated after 2 weeks???!!! My full-time occupation requires that I type my entire shift. I asked for a referral to see an orthopedic specialist and she stepped out to say she would get an opinion of a doctor. When she came back, she said he was in agreement with her. Fortunately, I had double coverage (HMO as well as PPO) so I used my PPO (though I had much less coverage) to see an orthopedic specialist. He said I was definitely a candidate for surgery, and fully explained what to expect if I didn't get surgery. I also received proper splint, which I didn't receive at Sockolov's office. I'm happy to have been "let go" from Sockolov's office.

Submitted Oct. 15, 2014

This was the worse experience ever! The staff was rude and had no empathy to my concerns. The office felt crowded and people were rushed in and out. The only appointment I could get was with a NP because there months to actually make an appointment with the Dr. The sad part is that this old lady that was in the waiting room told me "you'll get used to it"! What kind of treatment is this? This is not a free health clinic, I pay my insurance, why is blueshield not surveying their clients? I'm already looking for another doctor!

Submitted June 26, 2013

Long time patient had to use emergency line a couple of times over the years never getting a response. This last time I finally got a doctor (Alvin) to call back. I answered the phone the call dropped (so I thought) I called the number back the call dropped (so I thought)he finally called me back and told me he was hanging up on me because he was at a graduation. Really I'm supposed to know his schedule. And why is he stupid enough to carry the emergency phone when he does not want to be bothered by patients ??? Basically they are about the bottom dollar not the patients.

Submitted May 26, 2011

I went here for a physical, and it was perhaps the worst one I've ever had. They looked at my throat with a dirty household flashlight, didn't bother to even take my height or weight, and just rushed through the whole examination. The front desk staff was pretty rude, and very unhelpful. They neglected to mention they only do physicals AFTER 4:30 (weird, right?) and that you absolutely positively must pay in cash. All they care about is getting the next patient in so they can get their stupid money. And they are very slow and inefficient. After filling out the forms and paying, it was at least 45 mins. before i was given the examination. Glad i only went in for a physical, and not something serious

Submitted March 18, 2011

Dr. Alvin Sockolov has more than once misdiagnosed me. He won't refer out and makes you feel like a hypochondriac. I would never refer this man to any one. He doesn't listen to his patients!

Submitted Nov. 29, 2010

Dr. Alvin is the best. No matter how busy he is, he has never given me the rush act. He is always kind, caring, and very supportive, and he is also very knowledgeable in diagnosing the problem.

Submitted Nov. 19, 2010

I have been a patient of Dr. Alvin for many years, and have received nothing but excellent care. Despite what is said in some of the other reviews, I have had problems with a getting a referral when needed (GI, cardiology, and others). Dr. Alvin takes the time to explain the why's of my conditions and why he is suggesting a course of treatment. He does expect you to take some responsibiity for your own health, but that is modern health care - it is a partnership between you and your doctor. I trust Dr. Alvin and his care completely.

Submitted Oct. 7, 2010

Good doctors and good staff, but horrible PAs and NPs... I will no longer let myself see anyone there except Joelson, and Drs. Al and Ron themselves. Was wrongly diagnosed by THREE different Physician Assistants in the office who prescribed me myriad medications (with interactions that were only revealed by my pharmacy I might add) for the wrong condition to avoid referring me to the appropriate specialists in a timely manner despite persistence.

Submitted April 19, 2010