Elisabeth Kandel, MD

I really like every PA I’ve seen here. They have all been very competent and I never have to wait in the lobby, they have always run on time (can’t remember the last time I had a doc like that). Apptmts are quick but thorough. No complaints.

The pros: It’s pretty easy to get an appointment, and they do call you back.
The cons: It’s easy to get an appointment because you’ll never see the doctor. I’ve been with this doctor for almost a year and have yet to so much as see her walking in the hallway. All of your visits will be with her PA, who is nice, but not exactly what I’m paying for.
Speaking of paying, be prepared to be told that you need to come in for *everything.* I was given a prescription for a daily med to manage migraines less than a month ago. The prescription was for 30 pills, and said «no refills — dr. auth required» on the bottle. So I called the PA today to ask for a refill authorization. Nope. I have to come in for a «med checkup». This «med checkup» was never mentioned when she wrote the prescription. If it had been, I would have asked for more than 30 days, since 30 days happens to be July 7^th. Real easy weekend to get an appointment, right? I probably would have made one in advance.
In addition to requiring an office visit (and a $ 30 copay) for the «med check,» I was informed that I «had to» schedule my annual physical before they would refill the prescription. Note the part where I said I’ve been with this doctor for *less than* a year? It’s not time for my annual physical, and I don’t «have to» schedule one regardless. Frankly, I’m waiting to schedule one until after I find a new doctor. These people just want the money.
Don’t believe me yet? How about this: A couple of months ago, I had a really bad migraine (hence the need for the prescription). My vertigo and dizziness was so bad that I could barely sit up. My eyes were actually crossed and I couldn’t track a person walking across the room. My girlfriend called the office and asked what she should do. Their response? Schedule an appointment. Yeah, thanks. So helpful. Thankfully, my parents are pharmacists and immediately suggested that I try over-​the-​counter Meclazine so that I could at least attempt to function. Could the doctor have suggested that? No, because that wouldn’t have come with a $ 30 copay.
Avoid this doctor. She may be good, but since you’ll never meet her, you’ll never know for sure.