Michael D Kassels, DO

wooow!!! thanx for all the review’s… i am looking for a new new doc and i was only allowed one choice at a time. i chose him only because it was in a familiar area in concord. i called the office to set up a consultation but today they closed at 12. i see now it was a good thing they were. i then Unilocaled to read review’s and i can not believe out of all i read and i read many only one had given a good review with 4 stars. so i guess it’s back on the phone with members services. uuuugghh!!! seems to be a lot of incompetent doctors and poor staffing all over. this is going to be a big job for me i can see already. i need a doctor for many medical needs and meds so i really don’t need to go through this again as i did my last doc. if anyone knows of a real good family practice doc who cares about there patience who take cchp please feel free to respind back. thank you

Horrible practice, staff and billing department. Never saw Dr. Kassel’s either of the times I have been there. In order to get the results of my ultrasound they said I would have to make another apt (more $$ for them). Extremely rude front office staff. One year after seeing him I received a bill for $ 220 dollars stating my insurance did not cover the office visit then was sent to collections after 3 weeks. Paid it but will never go back and suggest if you want decent medical care steer very clear of this office everything about it is horrible.

We just had to switch my 88-​year-​old dad to a new primary care doctor. We were willing to stick with Dr. Kassels, even after we had to wait TWO hours to be seen at our last appointment. But our most recent experience was beyond frustrating. It was borderline negligent.
My dad lives in assisted living and can’t receive even over-​the-​counter medication without a physician signing off. He pulled a muscle in his back on a Friday. That Monday, I drove to the doctor’s office to discover they don’t keep office hours in Concord on that day. I left a phone message with the staff asking if 1) my dad could have ibuprofen and 2) could the doctor fax permission to the pharmacy at his assisted living facility. I was told someone would call back that day. Having not heard back, I called them later that afternoon and was told the records were at the Concord office and no one could access them until Tuesday (apparently they aren’t up to date with computerized records).
On Tuesday, I called at 11. The receptionist said the physician’s assistant would look at the records at 12:30 and call me back. Not getting a call by 4, I called them. I got their answering machine three times between 4 and 4:30. I left a message asking for a call first thing the next day.
On Wednesday, once again having heard nothing, I called at 11. I was told rudely that someone would call me «when they have a chance to look at the records.» I explained that my dad was in discomfort. If it was an issue to discuss this over the phone, I wanted to make an appointment. I was told they couldn’t see my dad for seven days. When I explained that was a long time for him to live with the pain, she said a pulled muscle wasn’t classified as «urgent.» I disagreed, saying at 88 years old, a pulled muscle is a big deal. I was told maybe I should bring him to the ER then.
On Thursday, my husband drove to the doctor’s office to discuss getting a copy of the medical records. Once again, the doors were locked. Apparently they didn’t have office hours on this particular Thursday either. And once again, we received no call back.
That same day, I called a different doctor’s office, hoping to find a new doctor for my dad. I got four calls back in 90 minutes from a staff that helped us select a new doctor, make an appointment (for Monday morning) and start the process of getting the medical records transferred. At the appointment on Monday, we were seen in 10 minutes. The doctor spent 20 minutes with us. We got an «as needed» order for the ibuprofen. (Plus, this office afforded more privacy and cleanliness than we found at Dr. Kassels’.) And never were we so appreciative for just getting simple, standard care.

I made an appt to see Milina and ended up seeing Kassels. I had seen him once before and did NOT like him. When I told him I was there to see Milina he said «She’s is very behind and I have time to see you «ugghh!!! He is very rude and makes u feel like whatever your there for is YOUR fault. Also accused me of not showing up to my physical when all I did was reschedule it. He also said there was no notes insinuating Milina hadn’t done her job when in fact we had an extensive talk and she gave me lab orders and prescription.
As other people have commented the same thing is STILL happening. Rotating new staff. Waits are extremely long and staff is rude. I’ve been dealing with this for the past 4yrs. I think it’s time to look for another primary care office. 0 stars from me.

This is the WORST doctors office I have ever been to. They are slow as molasses in the wintertime and RUDE as F#€K!!! I wouldn’t recommend them at all to anyone. I wouldn’t give them any stars but in order for this to b posted I have to give 1 star they don’t even deserve that.

Incredibly rude. I went here twice due to a friend’s recommendation. My apts have been rescheduled/​canceled and never called back. The office takes a two hour lunch which they are always late returning from. Everytime I have gone I have had to wait over 40 mins to be seen.
Today I had pain and actually needed help and to be seen. (first time i’ve ever called in pain) They told me it wasn’t their problem and that I should just go to the emergency room. They didn’t even pretend to care or ask questions. They said they wouldn’t do anything for me. I can’t believe that an office manager would be so rude. Incredibly offensive. I would not trust them with my health or anyone’s health that I care about.
I work in the health sector and have never heard of such treatment.

I wish I had listened to the reviews before coming to this office. The visit that I just had was the worse with a medical «professional» — In. My. Life. I have a formal complaint being drawn up, after my experience today.
A previous reviewer suggested that the many 1* reviews for this office are due to disgruntled former patients that were denied narcotic medications. I’m here to challenge that assumption, as it could not be further from the truth. My only regret is that I wish I had listened to my gut, and researched for a more competent M.D. after many disappointing visits here, then today would never have happened. I will stay as far away as I can from any D.O.‘s if Kassels is any indication of what represents that breed.
It takes an over the top amount of awfulness for me to write a negative review, especially in a public platform when my medical professional is a personal choice and one I prefer to keep private.
The one positive about this office is like to mention is Melina Bell, whom Kassels obviously doesn’t appreciate, since he spent a good amount of my appointment time berating her and her abilities.
Besides berating her — he insisted that her and I didn’t discuss details at my previous visits, that we did! He was demanding to know what my husband’s problem with him is, why he prefers Melina. I actually had to say to him after 20 minutes of him telling me he was confused looking at my chart, with all of the paper notes, which apparently also confused the front office staff into not scheduling enough time for my visit. He spent 20 mins straight scolding me for walking out on an appointment after waiting an hour, and missing an appointment — that i had to ask if this was a medical visit or lecture session. They keep an unwelcoming, closed, frosted widow at the front, minimal institution like décor, a crumbled up piece of printer paper with his name and ‘profession’ taped to the wall, and nobody available to notify of the extreme discomfort I had been in while waiting.
My appointment today was specifically scheduled with Melina (I confirmed with two office people) he said it was «against the law» for me to see Melina and not him. When I expressed I was uncomfortable with HIM specifically, and preferred a female for things such as breast and pelvic exams I was told he is the ONLY doctor in the office and if I didn’t see him I could never see her. He grabbed my chart, saw my previous doctor was male and asked if i was comfortable with him. I was and it’s extremely unfortunate he retired. Kassels insisted upon knowing how come I was comfortable with a male then but now I wasn’t!
My reason, which i didn’t feel comfortable sharing with him, alone, behind a closed door: I felt like he was a pervert — because the only time he’d ever shown an interest in me was when Melina was dressing a wound a year ago that was on my rear end, in a place where my genitals were exposed while Melina was examining me. Kassels felt the need to «have a look». In doing so, he pushed his way into a room that was so crowded I was exposed to the rest of the office because he couldn’t close the door while he had his look. Hell no you’re not doing a pelvic, breast, or any other touching of my body. I felt this time he hijacked my appointment just to bully me — he didn’t say a word about any of this to my husband at his visit, a few days ago. I’m 5’2″ 99 lbs, way easier to try to bully than my outspoken husband, who is certainly more intimidating than me. Despite repeatedly telling him I wasn’t comfortable with him he kept me back there for 35 minutes!
I took time to text my husband, during my visit, to tell him that I was being harassed by Kassels, and had been for the last 20 minutes. I only wish that I had put him on speakerphone, so he could heard the horrendous way I was being treated. I’d have a witness. After hearing a sampling of a few of the gems Kassels handed me out today my husband called, canceled the future appointments for us both, and fired him. We are blessed to have a choice as to which doctor’s treat our family.
He was rude, belittled his entire office staff behind their backs, tried to do the same to me, arrogant, tried to make it sound like he was doing me a favor for seeing me, and is an extreme bully so desperate for patients he’s telling people it’s against the law to see his PA!
He lost two patients today. Looking at the majority of the reviews, I have experienced much of the same and wonder how he’s still in business. Run!

I have been seeing Dr. Kassels since ¹⁄₂₀₁₄. I have not had a problem with him or his staff. They treat me very nicely and I hardly ever have to wait. Yes doctors do get behind and if you think you will never or should not have to wait you are living in a dream world and good luck with that one. I see him as my Primary Doctor and he seems to know his business. He doesn’t rush me and he listens to my concerns. Not much else to say about him or his staff except they all seem quite capable of handling their jobs to the best of their ability.

One visit here and I can tell they are in medicine for the money. This is not the type of doctor I want for a long term relationship.

i firmly agree with all reviews…

As a medical professional, I expect a certain standard of care at least in the 21^st century style! I understand limited time with patients, etc. This doctors office is way below standard and the staff are on the same caliber. DO NOT GO HERE if you expect immediate care for a specific issue, attentive, experienced, competent staff, or fair, customary billing. Do NOT expect to have your issues addressed in a timely manner. They have horrible hours, are never in, phone goes to voice-​mail and they don’t return calls. They have 2 offices and you can’t get in the one closest to you…
Be aware of being billed for every little thing including paperwork that most physicians would not charge for. Be ready to hear complaints of lost money from competitors reduced prices, while you are trying to impart the seriousness of your problem.
Also, if you are going to file SSDI paperwork, they don’t know how to do it and you have to repeatedly call to ask if they have done it yet (after you paid) then it gets returned to you completed incorrectly… Also be advised in the state of California you DO NOT NEED A REFERRAL to any Gynecologist!!! You can call anyone you choose under your plan and make an appointment. saving you weeks of delaying your care and time lost waiting… and money!!! This doctor is all about the money!!! I will be following up with the department of managed care!

My GF has been going to this Doctor for the past year because he was close by and was one of the few accepting new patients (I can see why). I personally believe he leans toward misdiagnosing people with fibromylgia instead of doing further testing… and when we went home and read about it to me it was a misdiagnosis and to make matters worse he put her on a perscription dosage 4 TIMES HIGHER than any other person we read about that actually has this disease — the perscription gave her bad side affects. I had her wean off it and she has been FINE without it. She likely never had fibromyligia.
It’s not the most convenient office to get a hold of to get an appointment — they seem to take a very long lunch hours. My GF tried for 3 hours in the middle of the day to get a hold of them, which I though was weird.
They had scheduled a Physical for her and then when she went in they told her she was only scheduled for a regular doctor visit not a physical, so she had to re-​schedule.
What really bugs us though is that she wanted a very routine referral to see a OBGYN, first when she finally reached them they told her it would be at least a week — just to get a routine referral??? then a few days later they called because Dr Kassel wants to see her… She has ZERO desire talking to HIM about female related issue’s. I am sorry — that’s creepy!
His saving grace is his NP Melina… she is opposite of him, seems very concerned and you actually have her attention.

Why isn’t there a negative star rating on here? Minus 3 from me! Dr. Kassels is the rudest most uncaring doctor I’ve ever been to. Most of the staff are very sweet & helpful but the office manager is always snapping at the other girls treating them like idiots. It takes forever to get an appointment & then if he’s running behind he finds a reason to make you come back another day. He doesn’t make eye contact with you during your visit & asks questions but then cuts you off when you try to answer. None of the staff is ever smiling, that usually means the boss is a jerk! I’ve been to him three times for my fibromyalgia. He’s never once asked me to describe my pain or ever touched any of my sore spots to see if it hurt here or there or how tender they were. He ordered blood work but I had to insist on being tested for autoimmune diseases. When the tests came back positive he said that doesn’t always mean anything; but wouldn’t prescribe further testing. He says he’ll only refill my medications if I do massage therapy at his office twice a week. He added a new medication at my visit in October, when I followed up 2 months later he asked why I thought I needed to be seen, but never asked about the new medication. This man is a horrible, sick, abusive man, and a deplorable excuse for a doctor. If your choice is to come here or go to the county hospital & wait six hours in a room of homeless people to be seen and then told they can’t help you… choose that one. An incompetent doctor would at least pretend he cares.

The office administration and record keeping is a disaster. Dr. Kassels was redundantly paid by myself and my insurance company. The office has been unable to reply to my complaints and request for reimbursement after more than two years of repeated requests. I’ve referred the matter to the district attorney. Save your self the health risk and headache-​go to another doctor.

How this guy got through medical school is mystery to me. His staff is rude and quick give you the bum’s rush out the door or off the phone.
Thank you Heald Medical School, this is where he must have graduated from.
I wouldn’t send my goldfish to this quack, he is incompetent and not focused. I can easily see him wearing a paper hat and asking «would you like fries with that?»
This is what our medical profession as become, idiots with white smocks, he could care less about his patients. Overhearing his staff, they seem to hate him too, but, they are not exactly road maps to quality patient care either.
Run, Forest, Run!

Run, don’t walk away from Dr. Kassels. I was a patient of his for the past 5 to 7 years and got to know him and his wife pretty well. Here are the top five reasons you should stay away.
1: He can’t keep staff, I do not think I have ever seen the same person twice in all the years I used to go to him. Not being able to keep staff is usually indicative of a larger problem in the organization.
2: Just takes hand written notes and NOTHING is ever transcribed. Good luck If you want to know what your cholesterol level was a year ago or you want to transfer records to another Dr.
3: A request to refill a prescription is always (in my case) met with «you need to make an appointment». A good way to generate extra revenue for the Dr., not very convenient for the patient though.
4: He does not seem to invest anything in his practice. The building, a renovated home is weirdly laid out with the entrance in the back and a small, uncomfortable, poorly decorated waiting room. The computers are from the late 90’s.
5: My wife has been seeing Dr. Kassels for the past couple of years complaining about stomach pains. On her last visit around ⁸⁄₁₀ she again complained of the pain and this time the Dr’s response was «at least you are not dead». She was later diagnosed with stomach cancer and had a full gastrectomy. Her entire stomach lining was riddled with cancer and according to the gastric cancer specialists at UCSF there is «95 to 100% chance of it returning.»
On the plus side him and his wife are nice enough folks.
So if you don’t mind all of the above issues then by all means Dr. Kassels is the right Dr. for you and your family.

OK, I have never written a bad review on Unilocal but felt that my experience with this doctor’s office was worthy of one. I made a doctor’s appointment here because he was listed in my Blue Cross network. Even though, my medical allocation for the year is up I thought it would be good to go to someone in the network. I called the office and scheduled an appointment for some bronchial symptoms I was having. I was told that my office visit would be $ 150.00 because of the situation with my insurance. I agreed and paid by credit card prior to seeing the doctor. They soon called me back for my appointment which was not actually with the doctor but with a RN which was fine by me but would have been nice to tell me this when making my appointment. A few days after my appointment I get a bill in the mail from the office. I called the office knowing that there must be some kind of a mistake because I already paid my $ 150 for my 30 minute appointment with the RN. I called Dr. Kassels office and was told by the receptionist that my appointment was actually $ 225.00 «because the first one costs a little more» and I was charged $ 85.00 for the breathing test that they gave me (which consisted of me blowing in a cardboard tube). So the whole trip to the RN has now cost me $ 310.00. Needless to say, I am really disappointed by the whole experience and will not be going back. I have also disputed the additional charges. It is important to me to find an honest doctor who treats their patients with integrity.

If I could give this doctor 0 stars I would. I went here one time and had the worst doctor experience of my life.
An hour after my scheduled appointment, the doctor finally came in and, in a rushed manner and voice, told me that he was waiting for a very important phone call. 30 seconds later, there was a knock on the door and he ran out but paused at the door and said «what are you here for anyway?» I told him I think I have strep, my throat hurts and I have a fever of 102. At this point he was about 15 feet away and told me to open my mouth and say «ah». I did and he said, «no, that’s not strep» and ran out and yelled to the nurse «can you do a throat swab?» She said, «I’ve never done it before, but I will.» He obviously said «OK» since she came in and fumbled around and took a throat swab which I can’t trust was right.
They all came in about 10 – 15 minutes later with a negative result. Surprise, surprise. Yet, I still have a sore throat and swollen lymph nodes a week later. You would think a doctor would try another avenue based on my symptoms (bacterial infection?) I spent another 2 minutes with the doctor while he took a history interview where he rushed me through the process and cut me off several times to move on to the next thing. He told me to make another appointment a month later for the symptoms I thought might be related to my current illness. He was very dismissive and unwilling to listen to anything I said about my past illnesses, conditions, surgeries, etc.
I felt like I wasted my $ 25 co-​payment. I also must mention the examination room was filthy. I will never ever ever go back there.