Plaza Towers OB/GYN

I went to Plaza Towers in Westchester because I found out I was pregnant and they were located near my house. Long story short I needed to terminate the pregnancy. The doctors at this clinic did not seem very comfortable with this procedure, which made the whole process very uncomfortable for me. They didn’t say that, they were all very polite. It was just their vibe, which I didn’t quite understand for a while. I’ve never been in this position before, so I didn’t know what the experience should or could have been like. They said they could handle the procedure, but that only one doctor there performs it. Then they started this process of setting up a personal consultation with that doctor before they would schedule anything else. In the consultation the doctor emphasizes that adoption is a good option I should consider, that I could get my life in order if I wanted to, that most people regret terminating pregnancies, and how unpleasant the process would be. He was always polite. But it was extremely paternalistic and I feel the doctor views himself as both a doctor and a therapist or father figure who knows what’s best for you. The receptionist there also had a similar vibe. Always polite, but a generally disproving demeanor when I was making choices it seemed she didn’t approve of, or more authentic smiles when I would do the opposite. Like it’s somehow her business what I’m doing or she somehow knows the right answers for me.
It exacerbated my anxiety about the situation quite significantly because I needed someone I could trust and rely on for information and services. Not for personal advice. On top of the already existing inner conflict inherent in this choice, this was very destabilizing to me. It bothered me to the point where I would schedule the procedure and then have to cancel when my nerves & emotions got the better of me. Causing delay after delay and more and more anxiety. Every time I tried to reschedule, they did the same obligatory office consultation with the Doctor before they’d schedule the procedure. Which just added on more delay. Finally, I decided to go to Planned Parenthood, where I knew I wouldn’t have to deal with that psychological resistance and multiple visit process.
Unfortunately, when I got there for my appointment they said they could not use any pain medication or sedation for the procedure I needed. Which I couldn’t physically handle as they were getting started. So I left there, adding more delay. I rescheduled at Plaza Towers, where they scheduled the «pre-​consultation» again. For like the 4^th time. This time the Doctor said that he’d only be willing to do a procedure where they induce labor and I would pass the pregnancy as a delivery. He said he was not comfortable doing a surgical abortion at the stage I was in because it wasn’t consistent with his beliefs and he felt it was safer. Even though I was at the stage I was in, in no small part, because of him and their clinic. But I didn’t know what my other options were, so I scheduled.
The next day I was imagining how traumatic the procedure was going to be. I felt that the Doctor was choosing to do what was best for him and what clearly had been his beliefs all along. He was not doing what I feel would have been in my best interests. Although he was very polite and I’m sure is fine to work with if there aren’t any discrepancies between him and the patient. So I called Cedars-​Sinai to see if there was any way they could help me. Come to find out that they are very well set up to handle people in my situation. They were able to schedule everything right there over the phone. No problems. No mind games. No judgement. No delays or obstacles. When I went to the appointment they were very friendly, supportive and professional. I would recommend that anyone needing this procedure avoid Plaza Towers all together and go straight to Cedars. Especially if it is in any way a complicated situation. And I’d recommend that the doctors at Plaza Towers just admit to themselves that they don’t want to do abortions. If you don’t like doing them, just don’t do them. Simply refer people who want or need one over to Cedars so it can all be handled correctly. It would be the best thing for everyone involved.

I shared this review at their other side… I feel that I should my review here as well…
Dr. Chang cared for and delivered my baby number 2. I had a difficult pregnancy but Dr. Chang made me feel at ease. I was able to ask him questions or thoughts that were bugging me about my pregnancy — some of which may have been silly or mundane.
Dr. Chang has great bedside manner. He was patient, taking time to answer my questions in a way that I did not feel rushed!!!
I valued the fact that Dr. Chang was very flexible… There were numerous occasions that I had concerns, pains and etc. and he was able to fit me in his schedule. His nurses were great too! They were sweet and always willing to assist!
If I were to have my 3^rd child, I would definitely choose Dr. Chang as my OB doc.

I have no idea why the lower rating for Plaza Towers OBGYN? I have seen Dr. Chang most of the time for both my babies, and had both my babies delivered by Dr. Rastigar from the same group! Both experiences were wonderful!
Even the staff (Faye my favorite receptionists) and Indira (my favorite nurse) were such a delight to see everytime I go there… they’re super attentive and even try to help me watch my toddler when I had ultrasound for my 2ns child sometimes!
I have to say the parking is easier with their Westchester office on Lincoln Bl. (Free!) so I try to schedule most my appointments there instead of the Santa Monica office, which is a bit harder to park and you do have to pay in the parking structure.
But sll in all, I love my experience with this OBGYN, and I would definitely recommend them to any new expecting moms! ;-)

Another good experience with Dr. Rastegar today!
She is so professional, pleasant & compassion. Even though, I only see her once a year, she is truly concerned & caring. I shared her with my recent «challenge» with insurance coverage. She offered to help me if I wasn’t able to get it resolved in the next several days. I thought that was very nice of her to offer to help out.
Dr. Rastegar refilled a prescription that I needed. She also said that she would check with the primary doctor to see if I needed to take calcium, besides the current prescription that I’m taking. I told her about an exercise program that I’m doing for those that have osteoporosis. She was very interested in this program, even though she doesn’t have many patients with osteoporosis.
I’ve referred friends, acquaintances & colleagues to this office over the years. No one has ever been disappointed.

Love love LOVE this group. Dr. Bruksch is so experienced that all my worry melted away. I had a major in office procedure and he and his whole staff made me feel very cared for. I am so grateful.

I’ve had both good and bad experiences here but mostly not so good. The woman doctor is the best. I think the biggest problem with this office is their support staff. They keep you waiting in the wait-​room waaaayyy over your actual appointment time. I’ve waited for almost an hour before. They don’t keep track of their billing and bill for amounts that have already been paid for and the front desk staff are just flat out rude in person and over the phone. I asked for my medical records to be sent to a new doctor and they never did it. Probably, my absolute worst experience here was when I was trying to get by lab results and they would not call me back!!! It was horrible.

Dr. Brukch has been my gyno at Plaza towers since 2005. The reception girls are so nice and helpfull. Never had a problem with them, they always answer my questions, get back to me the same day, take care of any problems i have or concerns.
Dr. Brukch, is my Angel, because of him my baby and i are alive. my pregnancy started out perfect but at 5 months i started having spotting, cramping, and pain. Dr. Brukch put me on bed rest because i had 2 cysts on my cervyx. He pretty much told me «you stay in bed or you loose your baby». I was scarred, as i should, i was in danger and so was my baby. If i had some other Dr. down playing my complications i probably would of continued working and going on with my life. He can be misunderstood a lot. I was one of those woman who was upset with him because of his bedside manners. I CHANGED gyno, biggest mistake i ever made, if a stayed with Dr. Brukch he would of seen and known because of my symptoms that i had endometriosis and would of removed it. Because i got pregnant with endomitriosis, thats how i got the cysts. Any way its a long story. Bottom line is that Dr. Brukch is not, the funny, giggly Dr. he is PROFESSIONAL AND TO THE POINT. I perfer a Dr. like him then some one who does not take me serious. If i had any other Dr i truly believe MY BABY AND I would not be alive today.DR. BRUKCH, put together a team of 20 Dr. at Cedars Sinai that watched over me for two weeks. I was prepered by him emtotionaly and mentaly on what was going to happen for weeks. I was rushed to the O. R on September 16, 2012, i was bleeding so bad, they had to take my baby at 25.5 weeks in order to servive. My baby is now 6 months old (preeme age) and 3 months old (gestationly), its been a roller coster ride, I would never change my DR, he rocks!

I saw Dr Jitsen Chang beginning with my very first prenatal appointment around 5 weeks pregnant. From the beginning, his bedside manner was incredible and he took his time answering all my questions thoroughly. I had a pretty routine pregnancy until my water broke at 30 weeks pregnant. Of course I freaked out and was hospitalized at St Johns right away. Dr Chang visited me frequently while I was there on bed rest for a week and made sure I was getting everything I needed. This was a very tough time but he made all the difference in easing our fears. There was never a doubt in our minds that he had mine and my babies best interest in mind. I would recommend Dr Chang to anyone and we are truly forever thankful for his knowledge and for sincerely caring for us. I also saw dr rastegar and dr bruksch (who ended up being on call and delivering my baby) and they were both also great.

I was referred to this practice by my GP, and had a good experience. They are not perfect, but I was well cared for, never had any billing or insurance problems, their office manager who dealt with insurance was great, front office and nurses super friendly, and Dr. Bruksch delivered our healthy baby by C-​section with no complications.
It seems like the doctors in the office change pretty often so you have to take all the reviews about specific doctors with a grain of salt. Dr. Chang is great, and spends a lot of time with his patients, but as a result always runs late. Dr. Bruksch is more old school and is definitely not one to hold your hand much but he has been an OBGYN forever and knows what he’s doing — I definitely trust his judgement. His consultations are fast, but he runs on time. I had limited experience with Dr. Rastegar but she seemed pretty good.
Parking in the structure is expensive, but one learns where to find meters and free parking in adjacent streets.

I use to love this place till my regular GYN left the practice. I went a couple of weeks ago for my annual. I saw Dr. Bruksch. He seemed rushed and impersonal. He was quick and not compassionate. It was in and out and he was pretty rough with me. I have never experienced an exam like that. I was really disappointed. I also tried to ask him a question at the end of the exam and he was demeaning and rude. I DO NOT recommend this place at all. I wish my old doctor was still there. Parking at the Santa Monica office is a nightmare as well. 35 minutes there=$ 7 at their structure. That’s outrageous!

The doctors at Plaza Towers delivered both of my daughters. The reception staff was always so friendly and remembered me by name. During my last pregnancy, I saw each and every doctor at the practice (Chang, Bruksch, Shukri, and Rastegar) for my prenatal visits. They were all professional, efficient and were patient answering the zillion questions I had. I would recommend any doctor in this practice without exception.

I started seeing Dr. Shukri back in February of 2013 so my annual but soon started seeing her for strange pains for about a year. Throughout the year she assured me she was running tests to help figure it out and it wasn’t until I found a new doctor that I realized she didn’t so much at all. So, long story short, she made me think I was in good hands and she was running tests and doing all she could when in reality, she didn’t do much at all to help me. There was even an occasion where I was in near tears over the frustration of the pain and all she did was smile, hold back what looked like a laugh, and say we can just keep trying.
I thought enough was enough so I found a new doctor who recommended an outpatient diagnostic surgery and found the problem two weeks after I started seeing him. She could have recommended this as an option but didn’t. Why? I wasted an entire year and who knows how much money with her only to have answers given to me by someone else almost instantaneously. So, if you are JUST going for a pap, Id say Shukri is an average doctor to go to but if you are going for something more serious, go somewhere else.

I have no idea why people hate this practice so much — I have had nothing but good experiences here. I first saw Dr. Pelino, who left halfway through my pregnancy to practice closer to her home, and decided to see Dr. Chang. Let me say, despite appearing young and «inexperienced», Dr. Chang is fantastic! He has a great sense of humor and really listens when you tell him what’s going on. Dr. Bruksch is old school, but he knows what he’s doing and also listens. When I didn’t want to start Pitocin after a failed induction, he saw both my and my baby’s vitals were fine, so he let me go home to labor. In other words, he listens to his patients and their needs/​wants. Plus, this practice has a really low C-​section rate and they have privileges at Cedars, Saint John’s, and UCLA Santa Monica. I have had long wait times, but this is an OB/​GYN office. They deliver babies so sometimes, there are delays. If you ask the receptionists nicely what’s going on, they are totally polite and helpful and will even reschedule your appointment for a more convenient time. I’d recommend them to anyone.
It would be nice if they validated, but I don’t know if the Santa Monica parking garage accepts validation.

TERRIFIED.
That was how I felt after checking in to this office and then using my waitroom time to browse reviews for this place. I was a new patient, and as I have HMO insurance my options are somewhat limited for specialty care… so I was expecting the worst.
Even though I was running a little late, I didn’t wait longer than 10 minutes in the waiting room. But instead of going straight to an examination room, Dr. Bruksch had me sit down with him to go over my medical history. That’s the first time that a discussion has preceded the exam, and it was a welcome departure from what I’m used to. Dr. Bruksch seemed friendly and amiable; not at all like the cold dismissive person he’s made out to be here. Although I wasn’t being seen for a pregnancy or any other out-​of-​the-​ordinary reason, my brief contact was pleasant.
I was out of the office in less than a half hour… which I think sets the record for expedient service, especially given my minimal healthcare needs. I’m happy to add a good review to this business listing and reassure others that it’s not the operation that its reviews would have you believe!
Only thing that would make this 5 stars is if they validated for parking. Because of my great coverage, my $ 8 parking fee was pretty much the only thing I paid for here.

I have been going to Plaza Towers OB/​GYN since my first pregnancy in 2007. This was the ONLY OB/​GYN my PCP group referred to (that has since changed but I will explain later). During my first pregnancy in ²⁰⁰⁶⁄₂₀₀₇ I primarily saw Dr. Aminah Bliss who was honestly the best, kindest and most competent doctor I’ve ever met. She has excellent bedside manner, and gives you credit for having a brain. I saw other doctors in the group practice (as was their policy since any doctor may deliver you). The other doctors, most who have since left were fine for the most part. I was lucky enough to be delivered by Dr. Bliss and was very pleased with my birth experience. Fast forward to 2012. I got pregnant again only Dr. Bliss had since left the practice and struck out on her own. She only accepts PPO insurance now, and I seriously considered changing insurance just so I could go to her but it would have been about $ 5,000 more for the delivery. So I thought, the other doctors weren’t so bad, I might as well stick with Plaza Towers. What a mistake. First off, I found that Dr. Bruksch (one of the founders of the practice) to be dismissive and paternalistic. He scoffed at my questions about having my twins vaginally (even though I had a successful vaginal birth with my older daughter). I then saw Dr. Valle who was impatient and never made eye contact with me. I often made appointments at the end of the day to minimize time off from work, and I felt that she could not wait to be done with me. Drs. Shukri and Stancz were very nice and thorough, but I could not always schedule with them. Dr. Chang explained things well, and welcomed questions but I seriously doubt his competency. At all of my previous visits (prior to 20 weeks) I was told I was having fraternal di/​di boy/​girl twins. At my anatomy ultrasound he hmm’d and hawed and declared that they were mono-​di identical girl/​girl twins with possible twin to twin transfusion and weight discordance which is a much scarier/​riskier situation. I spent two weeks freaking out and waiting to see the maternal fetal specialist who within 2 minuted of switching on the US machine told me I was indeed having fraternal di/​di boy girl twins and that Dr. Chang was essentially on crack.
I’m running out of time and energy on this review, but suffice it to say the I had tons of problems with the office from ridiculously long waits at appointments (like not being called for 1.5 hrs WITH an appt) to billing nightmares. I actually came out of the process with great respect for my insurance company. Everything they said was covered was, but I just had a hell of a time getting plaza towers to bill it. They refused to bill for my maternal fetal consult, NT scan and anatomy scan even though I had previously confirmed with my insurance that they were covered. They made me pay cash and pursue reimbursement through the insurance company directly. I got reimbursed, but no thanks to them. WTF, Plaza Towers? Fast forward to delivery – I had to have a c section due to the twins position. I’m in the OR getting my spinal tap and Dr. Bruksh is actually HECKLING the anesthesiologist yelling «just knock her out! Knock her out! This is taking too long!» The anesthesiologist was great and whispered to me to ignore him because he always does that. How is that professional?! Then Dr. Bruksh and Dr. Chang come in, don’t say a word to me, don’t walk me through the process – nothing. I was so disappointed. The anesthesiologist was so wonderful and soothing, he told me what was going on, what to expect every step of the way. If I didn’t have him I would have freaked out.
Thankfully my primary group dropped Plaza Towers as their OB/​GYN mid-​contract. Don’t know why – don’t care. I’m just thrilled I don’t have to deal with their lackluster care anymore!

I am extremely unhappy with this practice. I went in on November 1 with symptoms of a UTI and was told I didn’t have one… then 4 weeks later I ended up in the hospital for five days with a sever kidney infection… as a result of an untreated UTI.
I have called and left messages (both voicemail and to a person) multiple times since mid-​November with not a single returned call.
This is not quality patient care.

RECEPTION IS HORRIFIC HERE.
I can’t comment on the health care because reception was so incompetent that I was never seen. Here are the highlights:
1. I got a list of doctors who accept my insurance from my insurance company.
2. I called Plaza Towers to ensure that they accept my insurance – I gave them my policy name, number, HMO status and general practice doctor. They assured me that they do.
3. They rescheduled my appointment THREE times.
4. When I took the morning off work and came to my appointment and filled out all the paperwork, they told me they don’t take my insurance. And that was it. Speaking with the woman behind the reception desk was like dealing with a five year old with circular logic.
Lastly, the only doctor they said I could see (Dr. Shukri) does not have her name on the door and does not have a business card in the big stack of cards on the reception desk. That didn’t appeal to me at all.
AVOID.

Nobody likes going to the gyno but Dr. Chang is the most professional and knowledgeable gynecologist I have ever had to go to. He patiently answered my questions about everything from whether or not it’s ok to eat sushi or cured Italian ham to what kinds of exercises are ok to do. He had great recommendations on the different brands of prenatal vitamins and supplements that would benefit the babies growth. He seems to keep up with all the research about obstetrics and women’s health and even printed out an article for me about how new research shows vibrations are bad for the baby… which is very good to know. I was surprised when he knew a thing or two about how to prevent stretch marks too even though I heard they were mostly determined by genetics.
When I found out I was pregnant I made it a priority to find a doctor who had a reputation for delivering babies safely and doing fantastic perineum repairs if necessary because everyone needs a little putting back together no matter how much olive oil you apply to your taint beforehand. It was also important that my doctor would be on board with my birth plan as long as there were no complications during labor. Ideally I wanted a girl doctor but I’m so happy I went with this Dr. and will be going to him for my annuals now as well.

I would not recommend going here if you have a choice. I originally wanted to try this office because I had heard great things about Dr. Bliss, but she is no longer with the practice. I decided to give it a shot anyway.
After having my appointment moved because Dr. Kiseleva had surgery, I waited an hour before walking out because she had two back-​to-​back surgeries today. While it is completely understandable that obstetricians have unpredictable schedules, if you know in the morning that there are two surgeries scheduled, you should reschedule that day’s appointments.
After waiting for 50 minutes, I asked if the receptionists if they had any idea when she’d be back, and they didn’t. They had not heard from the doctor, and she wasn’t responding to their messages. They did not offer to see if another doctor was available to perform the exam. I can only assume that there were other doctors there because there were several receptionists working, and I saw some patients leaving.
They offered to reschedule the appointment, but I declined. It is entirely possible that the doctors here are amazing, but the way that it is run is just not acceptable. If your doctors are frequently called away for emergencies, then you should be prepared to call your patients ahead of time to reschedule, or have someone else on site (maybe a nurse practitioner?) who could see them.

Unfortunately, being on HMO insurance means you’re at the mercy of your primary care doctor and insurance for anything. My doctor (or Aetna) gave me a referral to Dr. Angela Shay at this office for my annual exam a few months ago.
First of all, it was a 3 week wait to get an appointment. I’m guessing they get many poor souls dumped on them by HMO referrals.
I was rushed into the exam room because Dr. Shay had surgery like, in 15 minutes and she would have to do my appointment really quick. Not a good sign. I scheduled an appointment 3 weeks in advance and they squeezed me in 15 minutes before a surgery?
Dr. Shay is young and nice, and I wanted to like her but she rushed through the appointment because of this surgery and kind of shrugged off my questions. One of the reasons I had been referred to an actual gynecologist was because of some major concerns that my doctor couldn’t figure out, but my concerns were not solved here either. Dr. Shay said she’d give me a couple of samples of medicine to try out, but since she was rushing off to surgery, she never told me any information about them (dosage etc) and none of the assistants were able to reach her for an answer 5 minutes after she left, so I took it upon myself to read the fine print in the box and found an average dose listed, which they said was probably fine. WTF. I also never received any followup about any lab results, nor did they tell me if I should expect one.
Parking is outrageous at the medical center and the office doesn’t validate. I think I paid about $ 10 to park for an hour and a half.
I’m switching to a PPO when my open enrollment comes around and I’ll choose my own gynecologist.