Jeremy Herman, MD

I went in because I have a severe medical issue that causes me to be sick often. I waited several weeks for my appointment, and when that day came, I was physically ill. I called in to say I would be late, and was told if I would be longer than 15 minutes I would have to reschedule. I was 10 minutes late, and the only person in the waiting room. I was told he would see me «this one time» that I was late. Gee, thanks. I waited longer to be greeted in the waiting room than I was late. I know that the clipboard where I signed in hadn’t been moved because I was a few feet away from it. So the doctor hadn’t even been notified within the «15 minute grace period» that I had even arrived.
As the receptionists avoided eye contact while they were on the phone, I started to feel like would be sick again. I walked over with «the look», the one everyone recognizes instantly, that «I’m going to be sick» look. I waited as long as I could, holding my mouth as my cheeks puffed with the promise of expulsion, until the receptionist, Judy Burke, after much eye-​rolling and finger-​raising to show me she was occupied (I expected a little more professionalism in a Beverly Hills clinic), continued on her call, and it wasn’t until I blurted out I was going to be sick that she pointed at the key and told me to go around the corner. I’m not sure how good this doctor is, but he is certainly not worth enduring reception.
Another oddity — they were playing a violent movie in the waiting room. Really?
I left a message for the doctor, but I doubt he’ll call back. What a strange office.

The best it gets!!! I had stomach pains my whole life, as a child id always have stomaches after eating. I have been dealing with the worst pain for about the 4 past yrs in the upper right part of my stomach (gallbladder). For years I would have this pain send me straight to the ER and basically every test run and no answers. Doctors would always suspect that I had gallbladder issues, I had all the risk factors I was severely overweight as well as having all the classic symptoms of a gallbladder issue. I really was just so frustrated to the point that I even was just ready to want to jump off a cliff. its so frustrating when no one can figure out what’s going on with you. Each year I was deteriorating and I decided to start a vegetarian diet, we always had thought I had a meat allergy because this pain would always start after me eating meat (specifically beef, steak). I was able to lose 100lb. from 300lb (I gained due to ovarian cyst pain I was very immobile), and I was now very active working out and my stomach issues in the gallbladder area seemed to calm down while being vegetarian. after losing a 100lb. I was like well i’m going to treat myself lol so I began to eat meat again and some fatty foods just as an occasional treat at times now. I noticed that my stomach problems were sort of creeping up again but I kinda was so use to this pain in my stomach for years shooting thru my shoulder blade I just was so use to the doctors saying nothing was wrong just figuring oh well. Well we went on vacation so I decided to treat my self with junk foods the whole week and of course was gonna work it off when I got home. that was the worst idea ever! OOPS that’s where it all started! I noticed that I ate a chicken quesadilla and WHAM I had this SEVERE pain in my side shooting thru my back and going thru my chest. I was just on the bed just tossing and turning moaning in pain. I never experienced this before this severe. It lasted for about 2 hours or more I just decided to just turn the lights off and sleep it off. the next day my tummy area sorta felt tender. We then had our last day of vacation pigging out, I made fish tacos and this time I felt like I was Dying! I couldn’t even believe the severe pain I was in. I had to go to the ER I couldn’t take it. I felt like a brick was under my ribcage on the rightside, spasms, as well as a feeling of a knife going thru and to my back. I was in tears, sweating, high BP. The doctors could not figure out what was going all tests were normal, but I did notice when I got home it said my hepatic panel was abnormal. I felt so stressed going home because I was still in pain and had no answers. I spoke to my friend Meghan who had her gallbladder removed and she said that the only way they can figure out whats going on is a HIDA scan. I thought hmm wow, I have to do this, I really think that it is my gallbladder! I quickly got a referral in and to see Dr. Herman, I was of course extremely nervous, I’ve had every test run colonoscopy, endoscopy, etc. as well as misdiagnosed IBS, diverticulitis. I was very unsure if Dr. herman would want to run more tests. When he came in I was very nervous, Im not every great at explaining things sometimes when im under so much pain but once I really explained everything deep down he really listened and I told him about the HIDA scan and when he ordered it I was so relieved I was closer to answers finally after all these years! Everytime my tummy was pushed by a doctor it would put me in the worst pain of my life, I was sleepless and restless from all the pain, and just an emotional wreck! I did have wait a while for the HIDA scan which was extremely hard and frustrating waiting for my insurance to approve it. During the test the ensure drink caused the Attack episode it was like wham once again! I had burping right after, chest pain, sharp pain in my side going thru to my back! I was so nervous during the test as well, lol I could barely even sit still just so eager to figure out what was going on and so nervous what the results would be cause I don’t know what else the pain could be. I spent my whole day just so eager to get my results the next day, I didn’t sleep all night! I was very unsure if I was going to get a call back either today or a while and I had to know these results ASAP so I did kinda of email the office a little ancy and nervous and I apologized for that (being in pain like this a whole month I just was so impatient now and just ripping my hair out pretty much) probally the lack of sleep added to me being ancy. When I got the phonecall about the results and told that it was my gallbladder I just was so relieved when I got off the phone I got so emotional like OMG I finally have an answer after all these years! I immediately called my gma and mom. The next step will be getting my gallbladder removed so this nagging constant pain and emergency room trips can finally end! I am so greatful for having this amazing doc! best ever!

Four years later and time to update my review. Dr. Herman again went out of his way to make sure I was comfortable, patiently answered my barrage of question, and after the appointment he got back to me quickly when I had a concern. I can’t recommend him enough.

All of my doctor’s offices are in the Ceders Network and this office is by far the worst. Dr Herman recommended me for a test in February and after at least 30 attempts, I’ve still yet to receive the official results; it’s JUNE! Beyond frustrated with his staff and the lack of info that they provide. I would recommend the doctor, but I’ve only seen him twice and he wasn’t super helpful. I’m even more upset that he’s been less than helpful with following up.

Dr Herman is simply the best. I cannot thank him enough for the care he has for me not only as a patient but as a human being. Every time I go to his office he always takes the time to listen to every symptom I have and answers the list of questions I come in with.
Being diagnosed with UC at a young age is scary and I was at risk of losing my colon. With the help and care Dr. Herman gave me I have been able to save my colon and successfully reached remission after a long and hard battle.
Dr. Herman recommended for me to go on biological treatment right away. Being the stubborn and somewhat leery person I am I told him I was not comfortable with going on such a strong treatment right away. He listened to my wishes and let me exhaust all other options of UC treatments before going on infusion treatment. He was right from the start when he told me in my severe case only biologicals will work. But he was patient and worked with me every step of the way as I tried countless other drugs that didn’t work. And he respected the fact that was hesitant to go on such serious drugs without first trying the less serious ones (so I could have peace of mind and never wonder «what if the other less serious drugs would have worked.»). He never pushed colon removal on me, he always said that is the very very last option. In times where I felt awful he gave hope that I can keep my colon and that he will concoct the perfect treatment for me to go in to remission. He consulted a fellow Dr at the IBD center at Cedars in helping solve my case. He is so gracious and welcoming, I’ve never felt uncomfortable around him and always know he is looking out to give me the best treatment I can get.
When I was hospitalized for almost 2 weeks because of the severity of the disease he always came to the hospital to check up on me, even though his office is not on hospital grounds. He would come by well after office hours to take time and see how I was feeling and really pushed to get me back on my feet as soon as possible. The days he couldn’t stop by my room he took the time to call me and see how I was doing.
He clearly has great bedside manner and even when my mom would email and call him with questions about my condition and suggestions from research she found on treating it, he always addressed every question and let her be involved in the whole process of reaching remission.
If anyone is young and has incurable GI issues such as myself I recommend you go to him right away. I could not be happier with the time he has taken to review my case, the time he takes with me in the office, and his responsiveness to all of my questions and concerns. I trust him with all advice he gives, and he did everything he could to save my colon, and he succeeded!

Dr. Jeremy Herman is one of the most thoughtful, intelligent, and experienced doctors around. Every aspect of his practice is unparalleled. From the initial consultation, to answering questions/​concerns of the patient, Dr. Herman exemplified uncanny professionalism that made the patient feel well-​informed and comfortable every step of the way. I would recommend Dr. Herman, without hesitation, to all my friends, family, and people I’ve never met because he is just that good!

The glowing Unilocal reviews led me to this gastroenterologist and I went to the consultation with very high hopes, expecting a terrific outcome. But, I was disappointed. He dismissed my complaints of IBS (saying it wasn’t really a disease) and showed no knowledge (I mean *none*) of how my existing fibromyalgia — or the significant stress I’d been under — impacts my digestive system. He listened, but attributed my ailments to my excess weight even though I explained that I’ve had the same symptoms since childhood at a ‘normal’ weight. He didn’t examine me – didn’t palpate for pain anywhere even though I explained that I hurt in several places up and down my digestive tract, and had various troubling symptoms. My feeling was simply that I was dismissed as another obese patient with reflux — and, really Doc, the fat isn’t catching; checking for pain is safe. Unfortunately, he also prescribed medicines I couldn’t afford. When I emailed him to say I couldn’t afford the meds he prescribed ($ 300 for one bottle, for a 30-​day supply), he did try another prescription which was still too expensive ($ 200). In reply to my second email he simply said he had no control over prices, which frankly made my stomach pain worse since it was like a kick in the gut to be out of options. Ultimately, the consult was a waste of time — and having fibromyalgia, believe me, the severe pain and fatigue make it a huge effort to drive across town for two hours round trip only to come back empty-​handed, and without any hope. He was also very condescending about my being disabled: «You must get bored at home doing nothing.» I mean, what an insensitive prig.
I didn’t bother with him again and have since continued to work with my pain specialist — even though his area is not gastroenterology, he has compassion and follow-​through, as well as a good understanding of the link between fibro and GI problems. On my own, I’ve also added supplements, medicinal herbal teas, and probiotics. I wish I had the happy success story many of you have shared, but it simply wasn’t my experience with this guy. His staff, however, was attentive and organized — which can be very hard to find at Cedars. Best of luck, and I hope you enjoy better health.

When my general doctor diagnosed my stomach pain as a virus, I knew he was terrible wrong. I knew I had to go to see a specialist. I called every GI in town on a Friday afternoon, and Dr. Herman was the only one who pushed me into his already tight schedule.
When seeing Dr. Herman, he told me that I had to go to the ER immediately. Turns out my appendix was very inflamed and about to burst! Dr. Herman called me over the weekend after surgery, and cared for me every step of the way. He has also helped treat symptoms have have existed for years and performed a colonscopy on me.
The PA in office, Mariana Fayman also is great. She is extremely knowledgeable, and has been extremely helpful and accommodating to me.

Dr Herman is the first doctor in over a decade to prescribe the correct meds for my sons constant stomach pain. He had lost many jobs and working hours due to his pain and now he is pain free. Dr Herman spent the time listening to my son and with his expert knowledge, he knew what Jordan needed. We highly recommend Dr Herman. He is honestly one of the most awesome doctors we have ever worked with. Thanks so much hardly expresses our gratitude
— Susan and Jordan

Thank you Dr. Herman! I found an answer after looking for 10+ years.
In just 1 visit he had my answer.
Now I feel much better thanks to the best doctor.

Several years ago I went to Dr. Herman for a pre-​colonoscopy appointment. I mentioned to him I was having real problems with a problem in my left side. Something would feel like it’s rolling around. Oh, it’s painful! Four other doctors dismissed this as «not really serious.» In fact one physician told mer it was merely a «stitch in my side. Dr. Herman immediately ordered an ultra-​sound. This is the kind of physician he is.
In the past week, I went to his office for a procedure. I was a bit nervous, but Dr. Herman reassured me in his caring, gentle manner. I became relaxed, and everything went smoothly.
I’d like to note that he always takes time to make sure I understand what is going on. He’s always there to answer any questions and concerns.
I feel most fortunate to have Dr. Herman as my gastroenterologist!

Dr. Herman is super-​duper.
I got referred to this doc by the receptionist. She asked what doc I wanted to see and I said, «a good one.» She laughed and booked me with Dr. Herman. Well is he good! This doc is super and has that new puppy smell. I’m kind of shocked to have the level of attention and extended tests to actually find a solution. He listens, wants to answer all my questions and with this doc I don’t really have any questions because I know I am in good hands kind of instinctively. He seems highly intelligent, and not to mention gorgeously handsome which is a bit strange when discussing my bodily functions… He emails back instantly and his bedside manner is the best ever. Example I recently had a procedure and a nurse said, «How old are you?» I thought this was the Alzheimers test for surgerical procedures so I yelled out my age. The nurses looked at me like I had Tourettes. Dr Herman came up to me and said very gently,“Just so you know, she didn’t ask how old are you, she said she was going to put a blanket under you.“
I said, «Oh.» I then had the best nap of my life and he came by when woke up to go over my results and answer and questions personally. I think I’m in love.

Dr. Herman is a doctor who recently moved to the clinical field from a background in research. This has both its benefits and risks, namely, you might think he’d lack a good bedside manner as a man of bench science, yet then again, he’d know the latest and greatest in his field. I’d say the former is false and the latter is mostly true. He is a new doctor, which means he’s not swallowed up by millions of patients… yet, so as a patient of his now, you find he gives you his ear. If you have a question, you can ask, and he will respond – either in person or via email. Yes, email. He’s a younger doctor, so he is able and willing to communicate that way (although that can’t substitute for a real appointment or a request for drugs; he’s going to ask you to come in for that). And, he knows what he’s talking about; he’s young enough to know what’s new and diligent enough to know what’s traditional.
The only drawback is that he is human like every other doctor. Have you heard of geographic variation? It means that doctors in certain areas are more likely to practice certain procedures regardless of what science shows (yet, of course, medicine isn’t an exact science, which is why Obama and others have pushed for comparative effectiveness to try to make it more so). My point is, he and those at Cedars seem to like to push for surgery as an option for ulcerative colitis. It is an option among many milder treatments, but the equivocation with which he and the others have presented it is something I’ve found a bit disturbing (then again, maybe they are all just scientists talking from textbooks so as to keep you calm about your options). Other gastros often say it’s a last resort; after all, it’s surgery, i.e., risky. Maybe this is geographic variation at its best and worst, so do like you do with any other human doctor, keep your head about things: do your own research and don’t be afraid to be your own advocate against geographic variation, statistical evidence (if Obama succeeds with making medicine a harder science), or anything you think has a better option for your life and health.