Chen M C MD Polyclinic

I had uncharacteristic throat pain on one side for over a week. I thought it was time to see a doctor, but instead of opting for a general doctor, I mistakenly thought a throat specialist would be more efficient.
Dr. Chen came across professional and direct, but he didn’t offer more insight on the issue than a Google search. He then asked if he could investigate my throat with a camera, which I had no problem with as long as it could offer more insight on what the problem is. He found redness and inflammation where I felt the pain.
Ultimately he had a feeling that it was an infection and offered me an ultimatum of either taking antibiotics or having surgery to look inside the tissue.
My takeaway was that he rushed to subscribe me antibiotics because it was an umbrella solution to something more simple than what it was. I didn’t end up getting the antibiotics that he prescribed and just hydrated and monitored the problem. Sure enough, it went away after another week.
I didn’t spend much time dwelling on the incomplete assessment and questionable solution he offered, other than briefly questioning the competency that was on display during my visit. I partially blamed myself for going to see Dr Chen for what maybe a viral doctor would have offered a better solution on.
Fast forward two weeks. I get an envelope in the mail with my invoice. $ 450. I did a double take and then a triple take. Sure, I didn’t hit my deductible yet on my insurance, but $ 450 for a wrong diagnosis is absurd. To add insult to injury, the camera that he used to look into my throat was considered a «surgery», which turned out to be most of the cost. I gave myself a month before writing a review so that I could regain some perspective on my experience, but needless to say that after a month, here I am writing a review on something I still passionately feel is unjust and ridiculous.
PS. Added a star because I take part of the blame for even going there.

Great physician. As others have said, he is not particularly warm and fuzzy. He is one of the most direct, precise, efficient, and intelligent doctors I have ever visited. He treats each case as a puzzle and WILL get to the bottom of the problem. I appreciated him being straightforward with me and not beating around the bush. He will do all he can to make the best use of your appointment time and not bring you back every 3 days for multiple weeks to run different tests. Highly recommend him.

I went to Dr Chen regarding anosmia that I’ve had most of my life, and finally resolved to have surgery after a year of trying to treat it with medication. Surgery consisted of septoplasty, turbinate reduction, and Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery. I am quite happy with how everything went, as I’m starting to get some sense of smell but also am much less congested with significantly improved airflow. While I was initially apprehensive about the surgery, I am very happy that I took the procedure.
As another reviewer mentioned though, Dr Chen is all business and somewhat austere in his approach. He will give you the data straight up and be quite frank about your situation. I certainly appreciate this approach, as I can then make a fully informed decision.
Overall, highly recommend.

Top Shelf Doctor. The knowledge, professionalism, courtesy and level of attention I was given is worth 5 stars. Dr. Chen is a no nonsense doctor. If you are looking for the super warm and fuzzy kind, this isn’t the man for you. If you are looking for someone to take care of business — well, that is pretty much what I am looking for…