Holtorf Medical Group

Amazing place with really amazing/​friendly staff. I’m a big fan of Dr. Wightman. You will not be disappointed.

I would like to preface this by saying this is my first, and only review on Unilocal.Becoming a patient at Holtorf was an extremely draining experience, mentally, physically and financially. When I began seeing them, I had just been diagnosed with Hashimotos, and I could barely make the drive down to their office from where I lived. I had really high hopes that they could begin to unwind my illness. Firstly, it seems as if my illness was just a vehicle for them to sell me the supplements they own and distribute. My first visit was over $ 1500, not including labs. I was willing to pay since they seemed confident they could make progress. After taking the first round of supplements my condition got significantly worse, I was having heart palpitations, and incredible dizziness, as well as neuropathy. I kept on asking the doctor why I was dizzy and his response each and every time was that my adrenals were under pressure from my thyroid not working. I had been on Armour Thyroid at that point for several months, and I repeatedly told him that shortly after I take the medication I feel dizzy and exhausted (which was a symptom I never had before the medication). Once again, he reassured me that my body was just getting used to the medication. They also had me go down the road of checking for Lymes disease, which I felt was fair enough because I had similar symptoms, but they weren’t willing to let me know what my results were until I booked another appointment. Finally, after 6 months of a worsening condition and a drained bank account I decided to move on. After what would be 18 months of debilitating symptoms I discovered that I was EXTREMELY allergic to gluten, and that armor thyroid has gluten fillers in it. I also discovered that I had SIBO, something they never would have checked me for, and had they done it eventually I would have already been in the hole for tens of thousands of dollars with them. If someone recommends that you go to the Holtorf Clinic, RUN don’t walk in the opposite direction. Best thing to do is read, educate yourself, and then ask your MD’s for very specific testing based on your own knowledge. If you can afford to complement with naturopathic experts and appropriate supplementation that is ultimately the best, but do your homework first.

Dr. Whiteman was truly unprofessional and does not care for his patients. He ordered lyme tests for me because of a suspicious bug bite he saw on my arm. I went to west medical to get my lab work done in early September and had my appointment on October 5^th where called me for a quick 20 minute call to go over the 25 different labs he ordered. He spoke so fast I could not understand him and failed to answer any of my questions. it was as though he was reading a script and did not want to veer away from what he was «supposed» to say. On October 10 I received a call from the Orange County Department of Health stating they wanted to ask me a few questions because I tested positive with Lyme disease. Getting a phone call like this was unsettling and shocking to say the least and they were shocked my doctor had not reached out to me to go over these results. She assured me everything will be fine and to call my doctor. Sure enough I called the doctors office and I asked to speak with Dr. Whiteman because I received a call from the Department of Health, the nurse promised over and over that he would 100% give me a call before he left the office that day and she would make sure of it. Well 20 min later I received a call from another nurse who said he left for the day (unreal). Dr. whiteman finally called the following day stating how serious this condition was and that we would have to go over it in an appointment (where I would have to pay $ 375) to talk about it. I can’t stress how unethical this place is. They could not even give me the courtesy of letting me know my results instead they insisted on my making an appointment because I could not get this information for free. These doctors do not care for their patients they are just looking to stuff you with their medication and take your money when you feel vulnerable. You should not have to pay to hear that you are positive for LYME disease. They will never see another dime from me! I hope I can save a least one other person from wasting their time and money from a money hungry practice.

Dr. Holtorf is amazing! I have been battling Lupus and Ulcerative Colitis for 10 years and have been on every type of treatment and drug as well as countless doctors. I was recently told from my GI doctor that my current treatment is my last option or I will be forced to do surgery and remove my entire colon. Dr. Holtorf prescribed me a bundle of holistic medicine to help with my pain and disease. So far, it has been working great for me and I have a lot of hope now. He has so much passion for what he does and he’s one of the few doctors I know that truly cares for his patients’ well being. I admire the work Dr. Holtorf does. The only downside to his practice is his staff. They’re not very friendly or professional which is a shame as many people let that reflect his work. However, Dr. Holtorf is an amazing doctor and has helped me in so many ways with my health!

Just saying… If I could rate it any lower, I would. I cannot begin to express how disgusted I am with their business model and lack of professional medical care. I have never felt worse in my life and my medical issues have only grown under their «care»…This organization is nothing but a scam and anyone considering turning over your medical issues would be better off to do so with a snake oil salesman. The only real thing they are doing is collecting large sums of hard earned money and not providing anything other than drugs and so called vitamins. Don’t expect to speak with a doctor more than 3 – 5 minutes max but do expect to pay $ 500 per visit at a minimum. I have never been treated so poorly by their office staff as well. They act like its a privilege to even be in their presence. Even after repeated attempts to speak with my quack… I mean Doctor, I was unable to do so. I cannot believe anyone would consider using Holtorf as there are so many other viable alternatives that truly care about their patients.
Buyer beware!

Really aggressively pushed the (expensive) supplements he sells on-​site. Bought them all, though and no results except to my bank account and my stomach. No follow-​up offered. Office personnel were rude and disorganized. No help here at all, my $$$$$ better spent elsewhere. Their little closet-​sized blood lab was dirty — I worried about catching something in there and leaving with something I didn’t have when I walked in. Dr. himself was impersonal, brusque and hurried. Just because he has a verrrrrry long name on his medical practice, doesn’t mean he’s any good. Time and money better spent to many of the other, reputable and more helpful doctors available everywhere.

I went to see Dr. Wightman not because of any particular problem or illness, but just to try human growth hormone/​Testosterone therapy which I had been considering for a while. Shorty prior, I had done a full check up at my regular doctor and everything was fine. So I see Dr. Wightman for a half an hour, and he discovered that I had a host of problems besides the possible hgh and testosterone deficiency.
Being a flooring contractor and a pretty good salesman, it did not take me long to see that he wanted to sell me everything all at once. Testosterone, hgh, cortisol, thyroid meds T3, iodine pills, and so much more that my first bill was around $ 2,500!
Since I really wanted to try the hormone therapy, I went ahead with it. After a few days, I noticed a lot of heart palpitation and anxiety. I have a full head of hair, but my hair started to fall out rapidly. I made an immediate appmnt with a board certified endocrinologist. He was already familiar with Holtorf clinic and their unethetical system of practice. He said that the extremely high dosage of T3 Wightman had put me on combined with all the other unnecessary medications was the cause of my symptoms. He asked me to immediately stop the meds prescribed by Dr. Wightman or risk having a heart attack or a stroke.
These people promise you the moon as long as you have the $$$$! They could care less about your health. It’s sad but true. I guess Dr. Wightman has forgotten a crucial oath, «If you can not help, don’t HURT».
If something looks too good to be true, it …
Fateh A

I decided to try the Holtorf Medical clinic because my co-​worker RAVED about Dr. Wightman. I was very intrigued because he saved her life. I thought maybe he was a miracle worker lol the way she spoke about him. I was ready to try something new. She’s hypothyroid and her story was very compelling. Maybe she’s the rare case that his style works.
I have Grave’s dis-​ease with thyroid eye dis-​ease (TED) and have been dealing with this for alittle over two years now.
I started to have my doubts from the beginning. The price alone was a hard pill to swallow but I’d been seeing a Tibetan healer, as I call her, who gives me herbs, and she’s also an alternative doctor.
But I felt like if I didn’t see what this doctor was all about, I would always be left wondering.
My co-​worker reminded me that I don’t have to be talked into doing my blood work with them. I have insurance and there’s a Quest Diagnostic office, two buildings over. She also warned me he can be alittle aggressive in his approach.
The first time I saw him he wanted me to do extensive blood work. He kept saying that they have their own doctors, and it may cost me $ 200 but he wasn’t completely sure. I hadn’t eaten anything for breakfast, so right after my appointment, I walked over to the Quest Diagnostic building. The woman who drew my blood, said the blood work would cost over $ 1,000 and I may have to pay $ 200 of that.
When I did get my bill, I only had to pay $ 15!!!
He also wanted me to get an ultrasound of my throat. Again, he suggested his own clinic and said it would be very cheap, probably $ 100, which would be less expensive than other places. Again, I went through my insurance. When I finally got my bill, it only cost md $ 20, out of $ 100! He suggested I buy their melatonin, which I did for $ 25. I realized later that I could’ve found it cheaper elsewhere.
On my second visit, we spoke for about an hour. I can’t remember everything we talked about because he spoke very quickly. I felt like I couldn’t speak because I didn’t want to interrupt him. He mentioned that my liver was irritated, and wanted me to take (their) LIV52 supplement. He wanted me to boost my immune system, and increase my Vit D supplement by 5,000 IU’s, take probiotics, their «Immune stem,» bulgeweed, progesterone pill, another thyroid supplement and continue taking mezimole (the thyroid medication that I’m currently taking). He also said I had candida. When I was checking out for my appointment, I decided against purchasing all their supplements. My appointment alone was $ 400, but if I got everything else, it would’ve cost me an unnecessary $ 200 more.
If anything, I got some very valuable (and expensive) advice! I started taking a probiotic and after doing some online research, started having an apple cider vinegar elixir first thing in the morning.
He also suggested meditation, regular exercise, and eating healthy (I have green smoothies every day!)
*I also started using essential oils, which have changed my life!
Other than that, there were too many red flags!
Dr. Wightman ISNT a board certified endocrinologist, just PRACTICING endocrinology! This can be scary when dealing with medication and people’s health! I was alittle overwhelmed with how many supplements and medications he wanted me to take. I went to my neighborhood’s pharmacist’s, who’s practically like family. She was alittle concerned that he wanted me to take dueling thyroid medications and a progesterone pill. When she called his office, he told her what he was doing but didn’t explain WHY he was doing it. My pharmacist was still concerned. Her daughter just graduated from pharmacologically school and was also concerned. They said there wasn’t a need to take progesterone. She said to stick with mezimole and find a new doctor under my insurance.
I hadn’t checked the Unilocal reviews until after my second appointment and felt alittle angry. They warn you up front that seeing these doctors will be expensive but I feel duped. I’m glad I didn’t use their in-​house lab testing. If I started take all those pills and supplements that he suggested, who knows how they would’ve made me feel.
Maybe this type of treatment will work for you, but I didn’t want to take anymore chances.

I went to several Doctors at this facility due to illness complications. Not only did they misdiagnose me but I was put on a whole bunch of medicine and supplements I needed to buy from them.
I felt sold, hard pressed to do the entire program which after months I wound up in the ER. Of course I called my doctor. Three days later I got a call back. I was shocked my treatment was the standard box treatment they give most patients.
Sadly I was recommended to them and recommended another 2 patients. All four of us got sicker. And that was the talk we received — you will get sicker before getting better… Yet under their treatment I just got sicker.
I’m now well and under another doctors care who doesn’t sell me anything.
I would save your money and go somewhere else. Plus the office is super disorganized.

They have changed my life. This isn’t like going to any other doctor where you feel like you have very few options and you are not being heard or taken seriously. They really listen! From the beginning, I was told «I want you to feel your very best» and that was a wonderful thing to hear and to look forward to.
Their treatment protocol has really made me feel so much better and I’m so glad I moved forward with it.

So far, so good. I have my follow-​up in two weeks — but, feeling better than I have in a long time… and, am finally sleeping!
I’m surprised at all the negative reviews. So, I will see what happens as I go forward with my care here. But, so far, so good.

Updating my review:
Dr Evans is much better than Dr Rashell!
She is very understanding and listens to my concerns.
My meds are working much better not yet perfectly matched but a definite improvement .It is a shame that they do not accept Medicare as the fee is really too high and not covered by insurance. I wish they had some plan for us on Medicare to make life easier:(
Their dispensary on the other hand is awful!
You are put on hold for ever and service is unreliable will switch it to have my meds filled by my pharmacy from now on as cannot handle the wait on the phone or the unprofessional service!
That is why my rating is only 3 stars
Wish there was another clinic that is good and knows what they are doing in regards to hypothyroid meds so I do not have to spend $ 325 per visit plus $ 500 per blood test
Would like to hear if anyone has a good endocrinology doctor that accepts insurance or Medicare ??

Back in 2009, I had some of the worst symptoms that are in textbooks about hypothyroidism. I had severe narcolepsy where I would have to sleep in the middle of the workday and feeling like I couldn’t go on without a nap. I would sleep 9 hours but still feel exhausted. I was training for a triathlon and working out 2 – 3 hours a day, 5 days a week, but I had gained 12 pounds without changing my diet. My hair was dry and coarse, my skin felt like sandpaper, and I was cold indoors when the thermometer read 79 degrees.
I consider myself an educated consumer and I know that you have to be responsible for your own health care. As a researcher and psychologist, I did some of my own literature review online and thought I should get tested for possible thyroid issues. I went to several specialty endocrinologists at UCLA, and none of them would diagnose me with hypothyroidism because my blood tests were indicating that my condition was borderline and not severe. Even though my symptoms were extremely debilitating, they didn’t consider that in their diagnostic workup. I felt like I wasn’t being listened to and frustrated that I wasn’t able to find an answer to my symptoms which were worsening by the day.
As I did more research I found Holtorf Medical Group, and even though they are out of network and I have to pay for everything out of pocket, I decided to give them a try. By the time I had got to them, my blood tests were showing that I DEFINITELY met diagnosis for hypothyroidism. I wish I didn’t waste those months for my condition to worsen before I started seeing the doctors at Holtorf.
The doctors at Holtorf are well-​trained, scientific, and holistic. They utilize various approaches to treat thyroid conditions and they are ahead of the «conventional» methods of treating the thyroid, which really does not mean that it is best practices. It just means that 90% of endocrinologists are doing one thing, and only 10% are really extending themselves beyond that to really listen to their patients, and keep at it until they find the best mix of medications. There are only a handful of these endocrinologists in the country and the ones at Holtorf are examples of these forward thinking doctors.
I have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism since 2009 and recently learned that I have the autoimmune disorder Hashimoto’s which means that my thyroid condition can be extra finicky and difficult to manage. I am now very symptomatic again which is frustrating, but I am not discouraged by it because I know that I am in the best hands.
Endocrinology is really not an exact science like certain other disciplines of medicine, and there are SO many factors that can play a role in your hormonal functions. Often times when the thyroid is out of balance, so are many other hormonal systems such as your adrenals, cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, dopamine, serotonin, etc. These systems can be exacerbated by stress, diet, exercise, etc. and it can be very confusing. I love Holtorf Medical Group because they don’t practice cookie cutter medicine. They are cutting edge, stay on top of the newest research, and aren’t afraid to experiment with various combinations of treatment until their patients feel better.
My doctor at Holtorf is Dr. Moses Laufer. He is really amazing, listens carefully to my symptoms, has great bedside manner as he is very empathetic, and I never feel like he rushes me out of the office. When I was really suffering I called him and left a message over the weekend and he called me right back and adjusted my medications so I could feel better over the weekend. I have been with him for almost two years now and I have no complaints. He orders the right types of tests to make sure that I am doing well on all fronts, and is very good about answering my questions. I highly recommend him if you are looking for someone who is a very well-​trained and caring doctor.
Also, the staff there is fantastic. They are helpful, nice, and very efficient. I love that in my more than a dozen visits, they (and Dr. Laufer) have NEVER made me wait more than 5 minutes for my appointment. They always bring me back right away, and then I am seated in Dr. Laufer’s office no more than 1 – 2 minutes before he comes in. It’s really amazing because most of my doctors do run behind and make me wait for my appointments a bit, which is tough on a workday when I really have to get back to my job!

The lobby is very nice and the coffee is great. But the positives don’t stop there. Yes, the supplements are pricey. I think for the most part, the supplements have cost as much as each visit, if not more. BUT, YOU DON’T HAVE TO BUY THEM. There website even says you don’t have to purchase them
The supplements (that you don’t have to purchase) are GREAT quality but they are also expensive. What you do have to do is your own research to find other great quality supplements that don’t cost a small fortune. I highly recommend buying their B12 supplement though. I love the stuff. It’s the perfect pep, in my mid-​day step.
I see Dr. Evans and she’s been amazing so far. My second appointment was shorter and she seemed to be done talking with me after about 15 minutes but I pulled out my list of questions and she was more than happy to go over each one with me. I have another appointment at the end of October and another list of questions. She’s also been fantastic about returning my phone calls and has never rushed to get off the phone with me. This place is expensive and insurance may cover some of it but you know what… it’s worth every penny.
My life has changed for the better. I have Hashimoto’s and CFS and can finally get out of bed and live a normal life 90% of the time. I still have my ups and downs but the ups are far better and greater than the downs. My last doctor did nothing for me. Absolutely nothing. He gave me a pill that didn’t even come close to addressing the problem. I was on the verge of going on anti-​depressants. I carried my anti-​anxiety meds with me everywhere. Now… I laugh all day and I smile for no reason. I’m just happy. And it feels good!

I can not say enough GREAT things about Holtorf medical group and in particular my fabulous doc, Dr. Wightman. He literally saved my life.
For years and years, I had gone to several doctors complaining about a series of problems including but not limited to rashes, hives, irritable bowel syndrome, heartburn, weight gain, lose of energy, brain fog… and nobody could figure out what was wrong.
After months of stomach pain, my doctor could not figure out what was wrong. So I went to my OBGYN and literally gave him permission to cut me open to see what was wrong. During pre-​op my OBGYN said he didn’t like the cardiology reading and wanted my doctor to approve. My doctor had been telling me I had a low pulse for years (around 50 – 55) but when he tested my thyroid with his tests, everything was fine.
My friend had told me several months before that she had visited Dr. Wightman who discovered her thyroid was off. She swore I needed to go to him. Since nobody else could find out what was wrong, I went in desperation.
Before my appointment they had me fill out a novel of information and questions about my day to day health. When I went to my visit, I was a little confused by the medical office which didn’t resemble a typical doctor’s office. Dr. Wightman reviewed my answers, asked questions then had me stand for a physical examination. He noticed my tongue had a white coating and explained that was Candida Albicanas. He said looking at my thin hair line, thin eyebrows and dry heels it appeared I had a thyroid problem but he needed to test my blood to confirm. He explained that he would run more extensive tests than what insurance companies approve for doctors to look for thyroid problems. You have to pay cash and turn into your insurance yourself but so worth it.
Within a couple of months my health began to improve incredibly. I learned that the rash I had was over my liver and was the Candida overgrowth. My stomach problems were all associated with Leaky Gut from Candida and was healing. All of my problems that I had suffered from for years were all disappearing at the same time. Everything from heartburn to frequent urination were all gone, poof.
Eight months later I have lost 24 pounds and feel fantastic. He truly saved my life. I absolutely am in awe of how easily he figured out what stumped all the other Doctors.
I read the other reviews and can’t help but think something is fishy. Dr. Wightman healed my friend and with her recommendation, he saved me from a life of health issues. I recommend him to all of my friends. When they see my new figure and my glowing skin, they beg for his contact information.

Wow! I am so glad I did not see all of the negative reviews before I went to Holtorf Medical. It might have scared me off! After a lot of searching for help with Hashimotos — it was great to find a medical practice that was not simply about billing and symptom treatment.
It has been 5 months and I feel better than I have felt in the last 2 years. It is pricey, but at this point I know it has been worth the expense (they are out of network for me). I find that they are professional and respectful of my time. I appreciate that even if Dr. Nancy Evans is on the clock she does not seem rushed or anxious about completing our visit. She is knowledgeable and thorough.
I also like that I feel like I am collaborating with my doctor — that’s a new experience for me. It is a 2-​way conversation. She is only as knowledgable about my health as my observations and the test results convey. She listens to my observations and assessments and takes them into consideration in making recommendations. She also asks about and considers the impact of my lifestyle choices/​habits.
So far when levels have come up prescriptions and supplements are discontinued. I am doing my part to optimize my health and fully expect Holtorf to do their professional best to assist me.

From the moment I arrived in their lovely lobby which is tranquil and inviting, to the warm greeting I received from the receptionist, I was treated with respect and care. After the loss of my former specialist who was affiliated with Holtorf, I needed a new specialist focused on endo issues, in particular, thyroid. Dr. Nancy Evans was assigned to my care. She listened to my concerns and explained my lab results in a conversational and visual way that I understood.
If you need an HMO type, cost effective clinic, Holtorf may not be for you. If you have issues that are unresolved and need an in-​depth assessment with specialized protocol, then Holtorf is the place for you. I recommend this clinic without reservation.
Susan B.

I have been going to Holtorf for two years now and feel so much better.
I have my two daughters going now as well. We all have Hashimotos Disease which resulted from low thyroid. With adding T3 and Thyroid supplements we have improved our thyroid and well being!

I heard decent things about their office but once I showed up I was fairly shocked. — Dr. Wightman was ready to give me drugs before he even gave me an exam. He barely looked over my medical records. I sent them in a month early and he did not look at them until I arrived. — Because I had heard decent things about the office I continued on. The person taking my blood wiggled the needle so much in order to find a vein I passed out. Then then charged me over $ 2,000 for the visit.
I did reschedule for a month later. When I showed up they said my appointment was changed from 10:00 am to 11:00 am and I must have changed it. The office manager started blaming me. No sorry we messed up. It was all my fault.
I was so utterly disgusted I simply walked out. In my opinion I would not go here or suggest this place to anyone.
They are an expensive hack shop in my opinion.
Andy Wexler

My mother had Hashimotos, and the thyroid disorder ran in the family. I’ve had almost every symptom of Hypothyroid disorder. I had my thyroid tested over and over again and it’s always came back low but normal. I have never had enough sleep. I was always tired.
I’ve been seeing Dr. Laufer for maybe 6 months, and my life has already changed. I SLEEP, I have ENERGY, I have my Libido back. I’m 30 and I have never felt more alive.
I know they cost a lot, and I know they don’t talk about what exactly is going on, but if you hang in there. It takes time to get the thyroid balanced. You can’t just have it done over night or your adrenals will go out. This will be the most magical experience of your life. Get ready to live again.