Ilona Brandeis, MD, FACOG, MPH

I have been Dr. Brandeis’ patient for over 20 years. I have learned to make a very early appt so won’t have to wait for her 1 to 3 hours. She seems to be a very knowledgeable doctor. Has helped me with some health problems successfully thru the years. Yes, she can be curt, and seem rude but she is good. It’s true that I have to make a consultation appt in order to get test results. This is frustrating. Since the inception of her computer program for keeping patient records, visits with her take longer than they should. She has had difficulty finding info amongst my records on her computer. I think she had a lousy program installed. Have had to resend diagnostic reports to her because she or her staff loses the originals. After all these years, I am considering finding a new gyn.

Upon arrival at Dr Brandeis’ office, the front desk told me it would be a $ 40 copay up front. I replied I was not there for a consultation visit, but was there for a «well woman preventative» routine visit that was covered 100% (no copay) by my insurance company. The reply was that they would bill me. In the examination room, I told the doctor what the front desk had said. She said she would decide whether it was a consultation or not. I clarified further that my being there was purely routine preventative and I would not be engaging in questions which would lead her to believe I was there for any other reason. Later, I received an invoice for the copay (consultation fee of $ 40) with a diagnostic code of «sick» visit, which implied I had come to her with a health question resulting in a consultation. I have gone to her for years for this preventative visit, and not been charged (as I mentioned, it is covered by my insurance), but recently she had been adding on to what should have been a routine (free of copay) visit. I was not sick at the time of my visit, so the diagnostic code of «sick visit» is incorrect. I am unhappy that she has chosen this path of conduct. She is a capable doctor, perhaps she is having money problems of her own… Or, her front desk is billing problematically?

If I could give negative stars, as Marcie C wrote in her review, I would do the same. I was Dr. Brandaeis for a few years up to March 6, 2014. I had always negative feeling about her not caring about patients, just money, but I was little bit lazy to change her. I would always wait for about 1 hour and half in the waiting area and than additional at least half hour in the room. The long wait was to much for her examination that lasted less than 5 minutes. But I guess that she need to calculate out wait time in her pricing to justify too expensive visit. I had annual checkup (preventive) on February 26, 2014. Everything was OK, I was told, just to continue to do what I was doing, exercising. As direct result of this visit and her «gentle» examination I had to go back as she caused some bleeding. I was back to her office on March 6, 2014. Usual wait of 2 hours and examination of 5 minutes. Everything was OK but I had to do sonogram (not there) and sonogram was good.
At that time I had Horizon Blue Cross Shield of New Jerrsey and when I asked do they accept this insurance they said yes. Guess what? She was not listed by my insurance and as you could imagine I ended billed for double than what she would get from insurance. My bill was for more than $ 1,000.00. I tried for more than year to negotiate and to get rid of some of her charges (like instead of 2 office visit of $ 250.00 just one as second was result of her examination). I was not able to talk to her directly and this was always done through her billing services. They only agree to make a plan and to pay $ 50.00 monthly to avoid being sent to collections. Yesterday (September 22, 2015) I went to pay my monthly payment and finally I saw Dr. Brandeis. I complained about her billing, she went to her office to check her notes and returned with more embarrassing explanation I have ever heard. First she said that her charges for annual were bellow her $ 350.00 (like what do I complain about when we have even under billing here). Also she said that during my first visit that I had several issues. I said what issues as I was not aware of any, and have never been informed about any of these «issues» and that If I had any I was not on any treatment. She said not issues but Diagnosis? What diagnosis, I asked. She said «osteopenia». By the way my osteopenia was discovered, 4.5 years ago, during bone density test and was diagnosed by dr reading the test nor by Dr. Brandaeis. I was shocked when Brandais said that she diagnosed me with osteopenia. And I, in shock, asked what was my treatment when she said additional embarrassing staff. My treatment was that she recommended exercises. I said that I’m not running out of my obligations but this was not fair, explanation given is not professional and she just lost a patient. She said it is what it is and she needs to pay her staff. She does’ t care, I know. She cares only about money. Embarrassig for her profession and I hope that somebody will read these reviews and should not take a chance and choose her as a doctor.

If I could give negative stars I would. Dr. Brandeis was completely rude and unprofessional. After waiting over 2 hours I received no apology and when I enquired about the wait (yes, I was frustrated but not rude) she snapped at me and threatened to not read my chart if I hate waiting so much! And she didn’t read it!
When I asked questions about my cyst or new birth control options she was not helpful and seemed Very annoyed that I had questions. She was rough in my routine exam and I bled and had cramps for 7 days after. The final icing on the cake is when she told me I could get dressed and as I started to, she widely opened the door while I was naked so everyone could see.
When I finally got back to work, I learned that many of my coworkers have gone to her and had similar or worse experiences. I wish I had known ahead of time.

Her front desk has one of the worst customer service people I’ve encountered. Was rude, didnt even face me to talk and shrugged when I asked when the doctor can see me (Brandeis was already running 30 minutes behind with two patients in front of me still). Will NEVER even entertain the possibility of going back there again.

I’ve only seen her twice and have waited 2 – 3 hours both times. No one bothers to apologize for the wait, or explain what the hold up is, which only builds frustration.
The staff at the reception desk is respectful when you are speaking with them but the whole waiting lounge can hear their unprofessional and loud discussions. I thought about mentioning it but then there were a ton of other things that took priority.
I have never been so infuriated in the presence of a doctor until I met Dr. Brandeis. She was cold and dismissive of all of my concerns. She listed off personal information about finances and her health to explain why she gets behind schedule and works such long hours. While she was performing the procedure on me, she was discussing the leaky faucet in the bathroom and the $ 300 she is going to have to pay to fix it. TMI all over the place. After the procedure, her assistant handed me a sanitary pad and a paper with what I should expect. Thanks. The information on that paper was not verbally explained at all.
A couple of the one liners I got during my second appointment:
«You’re not going to die tomorrow.»
«Afterwards, you can go out and get a drink for the both of us.»
«I already have a mother.»
«I have bills to pay and I just had back surgery.»
I would rather not get into the nity grity of the conversation we had during this visit. It was both unpleasant and unprofessional. I was a nervous patient who needed compassion, explanation, and respect. Instead of sympathizing with me or apoloziging for my experience, she suggested that I could find a new doctor. Such a «quick fix» dismissive attitude. Apparently she has been in this situation numerous times.
Some people start off as great professionals early in their career and then things happen somewhere down the line. I don’t know what the situation is here, but I will be finding a new doctor.

I waited over a week for test results when she said 5 – 7 days and she was also over an hour late to my appointment. The biggest pain in my ass.

Do NOT go here! Besides the fact that the place is a dump, the front desk staff have the communication skills of a 4^th grader. Additionally, they are extremely abrupt and rude. I almost think they pulled in someone off the street to be their «medical assistants». I waited an hour and still no Doctor, nor does anyone communicate what’s going on. When I ask them, their response is «well there are patients ahead of you». No kidding, however they should be SCHEDULED as such. Still no idea when the Doctor would ever be ready. I would never go there again, extremely unprofessional.

Dr. Brandeis saved my life! But that isn’t the only reason she gets 5 stars. She is the most patient, caring and gentle gynecologist I have ever been to. (I can’t even tell when the pap smear has been done. Never feel a thing!)
I don’t believe any of the low ratings — except for the long wait issue. That is what happens when a NYC doctor is in high demand. (Get over it peeps!)
Dr. Brandeis, you are my hero and my savior! God bless you, and thank you for all that you have done for me over these past 17 years.

First time I met with her she was great! Super nice and was happy I found her.
AND THEN…
I called her and left a message to call me back — she called me back a week later and proceeded to tell me that if I don’t leave a detailed message she doesn’t call back. EXCUSE ME?!
Would have been nice if her front desk staff told me this.
The front desk staff is so disorganized! Every time I call I’m put on hold for over 5 minutes!
Never going back!
Wish I was exaggerating but unfortunately I’m not

Dr Brandeis is a very nice lady and spends time with you. But if you have a real problem or don’t want to wait for hours, then find someone more professional. I called four times to confirm her office had received my MRI, on the 4^th call I finally told the receptionist that I would not wait for a callback, I had been told that lie before and I needed an answer. After putting me on hold three times and forgetting my name twice, she finally found my records – 7 days after they’d been sent.
Her staff is disorganized and you have the pleasure of sitting in the waiting room while a parade of other patients arrive and leave while you go nowhere. And you get the same treatment for a serious problem than if you are having your annual.
There are too many gynos in Manhattan, no reason to use this one unless you have hours to waste.

This office is by far the worst I have ever encountered. The wait times are consistently over an hour and you have to call the office 10 times to get records or prescription. Dr Brandeis herself is a good doctor but the overall experience is miserable.

Dr brandeis is very smart, thorough and thoughtful in her work. She will spend as much time with you as is needed. She is not overtly friendly but she is still nice and not abrasive. The staff is also very nice. However, the wait to see her is absurdly long. I was in the examination room for 2 hours before she came in. Her tendency to spend more time with patients means she is chronically behind schedule. If I hadn’t had to wait so long I would have given her 4 or so stars. That being said the wait is just too much and I will not be back.

I did my internship here when I was going to school for medical assisting years ago and I agree with all the bad reviews this doctor has gotten. While in the room assisting I saw patients uncomfortable getting a routine pap smear almost like in pain. The staff is also very rude to patients I seen this first hand. The doctor she is rude, she almost seems annoyed when patients ask her questions and she is always seeing patients late. Definitely the worst OB/​GYN in nyc. If you want a good OB/​GYN see Dr Cullotta she is truly amazing I see her and has an amazing bedside manner not to mention amazing patient care and follow up staff is stellar

I have been seeing Dr. Brandies for over a year now. I was very surprised to see that her popularity is so low on Unilocal.
Dr. Brandies have been nothing but amazing with me. I have had a few OB/​GYN doctors that have been really nice but not as committed to my gynological health like DR. Illona Brandies. In a matter of two visits she was able to diagnose me help me balmance my hormones while my other doctors in the past have just claimed that abnormal period are just normal, without digging in.
I couldn’t have asked for a better GYN
Tips:
DR. Brandies specialize in PCOS, Adnemoyosis and difficult pregnancies.

I wish i could give 0 stars.
I have seen a few doctors in my almost 30 years, and this appt was by far one of the worst experiences of my life! where to begin:
1. the office staff is incredibly rude and abrupt, just not friendly at all!
2. my appt was at 11:30, she saw me at 12:30. come on, 1 hour wait??? thats the longest i have ever had to wait for anyone.
3. the doctor was one of the rudest people i have ever come across in my life. she seemed annoyed to be in the room. she did not want to talk to me, or even ask me about plans or anything — no questions about bf, husband, sexlife, or even if i plan to get pregnant (which i do!). she didnt even ask me about my history, i had to tell her. then when i asked her for advice on birth control — and i asked a few times — she rudely told me its not her job to tell me what BC to take, its my job to research and she will just write the script!!! WHAT??? that is what your degree is for you crazy awful woman! she did not help me with anything, was beyond rude and abrupt, and annoyed. did not care to ask me anything. plus, when i felt a bit of pain, and mentioned it to her, she didnt say «oh im sorry» or «oh it will pass soon» she just said «ok».
4. so beyond an awful experience, i gave the reception staff a number for my pharmacy and within 5 minutes called back to change to another location. Well, somehow they had already called it in to the original place. i found out 3 days later, and when i called the doctors office, they yelled at me for being wrong and that they could NOT change anything now whatsoever. just plain awful people.
long story short — i can not even believe how terrible this doctor and her staff were. DO NOT GO SEE ANYONE HERE!!!
(i have already made an appt with another doctor and staff, they were extremely nice on the phone so far — already a vast improvement over this horrendous establishment!)

My appointment was for 12:15. I arrived way early to complete my paperwork on time. It is currently 1:50pm and I am still waiting in a freezing room to be seen. Based on my wait thus far, and no sign of anyone even coming to check in on me, I will never come back again.

AWFUL office policy. I have been going to Dr. Brandeis for years (not my fave. dr. but was fine). I just called the office because I want to change dr’s. and they are CHARGING ME $.75 per page of my records to fax/​email/​hand to me/​send my new doctor!!! I have never heard of this ever! This office is THE WORST! this should be (if it’s not already) illegal! I will never ever recommend this office to anyone!

I’ve moved on but the bad memories of this doctor remain. I saw her maybe 4 – 5 times and she was never friendly or helpful, was always late, seemed annoyed at questions, didn’t tell me what was in my chart. She told me that the pain I felt during a uterine biopsy was «impossible» and to be quiet (I couldn’t help crying out in pain).
I still recall that she’d often be talking about dieting, how hungry she was; and she’d ask me how much I was exercising. I’m not overweight and I go to the gym and but she told me 3x/​week wasn’t enough, I should go every day. I didn’t need her body issue stuff mixed up in a GYN appt.
The staff was bad as well, often ignored me, cursed, didn’t call to remind about appts, told me I was done and to go home when I was supposed to schedule an urgent follow-​up. A nurse also took blood badly and I still had pain in my arm months later. The final kicker was the nasty signs about paper towels in the bathroom; they say, don’t even ask about getting paper towels, past patients have been too careless with them, so use toilet paper for drying your hands. No air dryer, no other option. And no «thank you for your understanding.»

You know, I believe I’m a sweet girl that tries to see the best in everyone and normally I find one redeeming quality in every person, but this one woman tests all my virtues and forces me to bite my tongue and wring my hands in prevention of wringing her neck and cussing her out. I’ve seen her all but twice, thinking after the first time that my awful experience was just because it was my first time seeing a gyno. That was my first mistake, and my last with her.
She’s rude, she rushes, and she doesn’t give a damn about her patients if they are below the age of 30, 40, and if they aren’t pregnant or trying. She inflicts pain when there shouldn’t be, and makes the whole experience utterly wretched and uncomfortable. Stay away! Every question I asked she would answer rudely and hasty, and I knew from the moment I walked in that she had no interest in doing a simple checkup and wanted to be done and over with me asap.
I was right. In the MIDDLE of my check up she got a phone call on her cellphone and said that she had to take the call. While she chatted about non-​work related stuff (dinner plans?!), she put her friend on hold and told me «We’re done here», but hang on lady, I haven’t gotten the chance to ask any questions and you haven’t given me any feedback on the check up! Didn’t matter, she left the room on the phone leaving me and my poor legs spread-​eagled on the stirrups.
I NEVER want to be in that situation again, so I warn you ladies: bring your business elsewhere… anywhere but here! Her partner is just as awful, if not worse! (also, not fluent in English whatsoever.) Trust me, stay away!!!