Perry Kamel, MD

Wow, this place is pretty awful. I’ve never seen or met Dr. Kamel, and maybe I don’t have a clear understanding of how healthcare appointments work at small practices, but if a patient on the phone says that he/​she is in pain, I wouldn’t suggest to the patient that the next availability is 2 months from now. After a trip to the ER and Urgent Care clinic, I was told to make an appointment with a GI specialist as soon as I can since I had some pretty alarming symptons. I would imagine that a good majority of patients who call in are suffering from some type of gastro pain. When the receptionist said without questioning my level of pain that I’d have to wait another 2 months, I immediately had a bad taste in my mouth and it wasn’t from my stomach pain issues either. I’ll pass.

Dr. Kamel is an empathic and caring physician. He knows his specialty and communicates that to his patient. He anticipated my questions and concerns before I voiced them. He is patient and gives all the time one needs to ask questions. His kindness and support are appreciated and valued. I highly recommend him.

I wish that my experience was as positive as the others, but it was not and a couple months ago was the last straw. I have never even reviewed a doctor before, but know as a patient every little bit of info. can help in making an informed decision, so here we go.
I saw Dr. Kamel back in February for some ongoing abdominal pain and nausea upon a recommendation from my GP. After leaving 2 messages for the front desk and calling multiple times on multiple days it took me 2 weeks to even speak to someone to get an appointment. Despite this disappointment I persisted because I trust my GP. Moving on… he spent a lot of time with me on my first visit and asked me a lot of questions, which I completely appreciate in a doctor. However, I was not that impressed with the way he asked the questions or «listened», but I liked that there was at least a plan of action and he seemed to know what he was talking about, so we proceeded.
After testing he advised me of the results and gave me a treatment plan. The abridged version was: I’ve taken almost everything available for what I have, but there were 2 more medications I could try; the first having a risk-​factor when taken long-​term. So, the solution was to take this for 3 months, report back. At that time, if it worked he would switch me to another form. Three months pass, I find no relief. I call him as advised & not only does he begin the conversation asking what I need (as if I bothered him… just what a patient wants to hear) he then proceeds to condescendingly tell me that we agreed that I should have been stepping the doses up, as if I had somehow missed this conversation, ya know, the one I took notes on. He went further, saying that I should actually start bumping up the doses then follow-​up. I was so put off by his demeanor I didn’t even bother arguing that I would in fact be going over the 3-​month mark and it was my understanding (conveyed by him) that there was an increased risk for a specific dangerous side effect. Given this fact and what I had already been through, I just felt really uncomfortable. So, I discontinued my care with him.
Now, the reason that finally prompted me to write this review and even contemplate filing a complaint was his billing practices. It took a while for my insurance to process his claims, which meant it was a while before I actually paid anything, simply because I was waiting to get the correct amount. In many cases a doctor’s office will work with you and wants to wait because it is easier for them to not reimburse you for the overage later, especially when you are forthcoming and proactive. Well, the earlier problem I had with getting an initial appointment reared its ugly head again later when I called about the billing. In short, no one called me back… ever. So, you can imagine my surprise when I started getting collection notices urging me to call my doctor’s office and pay. The topper though, was a creepy guy finally calling me from his «billing office». Mind you, he called from a blocked number and seemed to be familiar with Dr. Kamel’s information, but sounded like a scammer and made me extremely uncomfortable. Nevertheless, I just wanted to be done with it. The day he called I was on the road so I asked him to give me a call on a Tuesday when I knew I’d be home to make the payment.
Well, not only did he call and leave me a message first thing in the morning that Tuesday, but he called me 7 more times in the next hour before I was even awake to check the first message. I was truly appalled, and so uncomfortable. And, even after he told me he’d call me back with a confirmation number and I politely declined (simply because I never wanted this man calling me again) and asked for something in writing to be mailed, he still called me once more! Additionally, weeks later even *after* the balance was paid, I continued to receive collection notices. The whole experience was disgusting, unusual and uncomfortable. I would never recommend this doctor or his terrible staff. Ever.

I am writing a 2 star review for Dr. Perry Kamel, MD. I challenge Dr. Kamel to refute anything written here as untrue. He is an average doctor at best and I suggest that any fellow sufferers of Crohn’s disease seek other medical advice (and certainly better care) elsewhere. Here’s my story (in a nutshell):
1. After a flex sig and colonoscopy, I was diagnosed by the University of Chicago with Crohn’s disease in 2005 (it runs in my family too and I am of Jewish decent so my chances were higher of getting crohns. don’t feel too bad yet :) I’m doing great, well not great but better).
2. On October 12, 2009, I hired Dr. Kamel as my GI. Since 2009, Dr. Kamel has exclusively served as my GI doctor and he has prescribed numerous medications for me including 6MP, Imuran/​Azathiapurine, Prednisone, and now Humira. Additionally, Dr. Kamel has performed 2 colonoscopies on me; one in January 2013 (which was normal showing only scar tissue) and one May 2010 (which showed active Crohn’s). Sharing the pictures can be done privately if you really want to see.
3. Dr. Kamel does not have a nurse in his office and his «support staff» consists of a one (1) woman who is not a brainiac. She is his «everything.» I don’t even know her name that’s how bad she is — you know the incompetent office type times 100.
4. On the bright side of things, Dr. Kamel was there for me in 2010 when I was on a cruise ship and got sick and almost always returns phone messages the same day. He loves calling people back — his calls all go straight to his «confidential voicemail.» You will rarely get ahold of Dr. Kamel «live» unless he is paged. He loves doing lots of colonoscopies (that’s how he makes his money). Oh, he also made sure my colonoscopies were comfortable and that was nice.
Why am I giving him only 2 stars then? Well, «Meh, I’ve experienced better.» That’s why! I have a serious illness and his medical advice, help, and counseling were «MEH!»
5. Just recently, I am going through a flareup and Dr. Kamel prescribed me Humira pen injection needles (by the way, I hate needles) which arrived in a refrigerated packing carton almost 3 weeks ago on July 31, 2013. Yes, you can go online and watch the videos about how to inject yourself but I’m freaked out of needles. Certainly this is not unreasonable?
6. On July 31, I called Dr. Kamel by phone and actually he was in the office! I couldn’t believe it actually. Dr. Kamel then came on the phone and I asked him «Ok, now how do I get these Humira needles in me?» Dr. Kamel again explained that normal procedure was to call the pharmaceutical company that made the drug Humira and they would provide a nurse or that I could watch the video online. He again gave me Humira’s phone number but that was it. This would take another week then to have someone get the needles in me right? Dr. Kamel provided no other options nurse options for that same day and certainly did not offer to just inject the shots into me. You would think that’s what he would have said/​done but he didn’t. What good is a doctor if he/​she can’t simply inject their patients with the prescribed medicine?! Again, I am suffering and needed the refrigerated meds in me ASAP.
7. So, instead, on that Wednesday, I hung up frustrated with Dr. Kamel with 6 needles staring me in the face (4 for today and 2 in 2 weeks). I was/​am suffering from a bad flare up and COULD NOT WAIT TO GET THE HUMIRA INSIDE ME. I called my friend who recently graduated from nurse school to inject me on that Wednesday with 4 pens. She did and thank G-​d. I certainly needed Dr. Kamel and he left me hanging!
8. If you still don’t think he has left me hanging get this: He has not called me back since July 31, 2013. I called the office the following Tuesday and his secretary said he had a message for me (and then she reads me his messages which is another reason why he gets 2 stars from me). The message from Dr. Kamel was: have you gotten the Humira injected?
9. On August 5, 2013, I ordered my medical record from Dr. Kamel for «copying» and never formally fired him. Since then, his office has complied with my requests for records but Dr. Kamel has failed to call me once regarding the Humira injections which he prescribed.
So, I am now through my first 2 rounds of Humira (6 shots) and I am seeing a new doctor named Dr. Konicek who I like so far. I am feeling better (still weening off prednisone) and keeping my spirits up. Dr. Kamel has still not called me.
When I asked Dr. Konicek whether he would inject me with Humira pens unlike Dr. Kamel he said «ofourse.» I am giving Dr. Kamel 2 Stars and formally ending my relationship with him on Unilocal.Henry M., you can do better and I would not suggest Dr. Kamel to anyone with any «real» gastro problems. Dr. Kamel’s practice is not well-​equipped to deal with serious gastro cases and he is average, at best, if you just need a doctor for colonoscopy and nothing more.

I could not say enough good things about Dr. Kamel! He literally gave me my life back after years of gastro difficulties that were both painful and disruptive to my life. I have seen him for over 10 years and recently had a flare up which he has monitored and helped me through. If you want a patient and patient oriented doctor, he is the best.

Doctor Kamel is an excellent doctor. He has gone out of his way to help me and try to figure my problems. He always hears my messages and calls me back. His assistant is excellent as well. Very caring doctor. Highly recommend him. I am so grateful to have finally found a doctor so great.

A coworker of mine referred me to Dr. Kamel because we had just about the same symptoms and he got her in tip top shape. He agreed with a previous doctor that diagnosed me with two problems, but gave me a lot of information that could ease the pain and doubles. I really appreciate how kind and informative he is. He even hand wrote everything out for me. I’ve never been to a doctor that has taken the time out to write everything for me before. I’m going to take all his suggestions and hopefully they’ll get me where I need to be. One thing’s for sure, I know I won’t be afraid to come visit him again. I wish all doctors were like him.

Dr. Kamel has seen 4 people in my family and many friends. He is not only an outstanding doctor, he is very kind and deeply cares for his
patients. I am an patient and so is my daughter. My daughter was constantly sick and Dr Kamel took the time to care for her and try different medications. During her pregnancy he did an amazing job helping her. She is doing so well now, thanks to Dr. Kamel. He has an outstanding bedside manor. He treats everyone with respect and kindness.

Dr. Kamel is the best. From the time I made the appt, to the time of
my first colonoscopy, everything went very smoothly. I was nervous and
would have bailed if the receptionist hadnt been so understanding to
begin with.
The procedure is a breeze and painless. I would recommend Dr. Kamel to
anyone who wants a pro.

Dr Kamel saved my life. He was thrust into the position as my attending with barely a chance to meet me and learn of my case. He managed a very complicated medical situation very well. He coordinated my care among several other specialists and fought on my behalf to get me the treatment I needed when I needed it. He had the best bedside manner of all those doctors and took the time to explain things to me and answer my questions. I don’t think I would be alive today if it wasn’t for Dr. Kamel. This is a quality doctor who I highly recommend.