Katherine E Forte, MD

This review is solely based on the office itself and not the doctor at all because Dr. Forte is absolutely wonderful, an intelligent and caring woman and doctor.
That being said, it is IMPOSSIBLE to get an appointment. One could never actually reach someone on the phone, they make you use an online portal, which yes could be nice because you could see your labs and appointment details at any given time, but it is really frustrating and wrong to make people wait forever to get someone on the phone but prioritize answering those who contact them via the portal or email. I get it, we are progressing in the tech world, but for goodness sake this is people’s health and private documents we are talking about. I am young yes therefore, I am more adjusted and willing to use a computer or app to do just about anything but that doesn’t mean everyone is. Therefore, since telephones have been the main form in getting a hold of your doctor’s office I say we stick to that. Just about anytime I call they seem to be «out for a moment» «on lunch» «closed for the day». As you could probably tell I was not kidding about the impossibility of getting a hold of someone or an appointment. They also moved recently to Pasadena and have not updated any listings anywhere, the Unilocal page is just about it and that is even done by the clients and users of Unilocal mostly.
I really really hope they pick up their communication and follow up with clients because it is upsetting when you have found a wonderful doctor, but the office and office staff make you want to give up and just find another doctor. It truly is a shame.

I have seen several gynecologists over the past decade and I have never left an office emotionally scarred and in tears like I did from Katherine Forte. The exam was uncomfortable and invasive. Her office staff is difficult and makes constant mistakes. She has several phone numbers to her office listed online and most are not in service. I had to actually call my pharmacy in order to find the proper phone number for her (they even had 3 on file). I even missed my first appointment because her address listed online was incorrect and 20 minutes from her actual location. When I got an infection from an error her office staff made they wouldn’t even prescribe the one pill it would take to clear it up. This office is a joke. Avoid avoid avoid!

I’ve been meaning to write this for awhile. I’ve been going to Dr Forte for maybe 5 years or more? It’s been awhile… It’s been fine. I like the Dr, but I’ve recently been tipped over the edge to find a new one. As in other reviews you see here, the office staff, particularly the office manager, is rude. The actual receptionist was very nice and listened, but the office manager continuously cut me off when trying to tell them they have the wrong address for one of their referrals in their system. Because of that, I showed up extremely late to an appt and was never seen. If I’m trying to do you and your future referrals a solid, don’t cut me off and argue about the addresses that I physically went to as listed on the sheet your office gave me. So… unfortunately I’m in need of a new gynecologist.

I went to Dr. Forte because of her reviews. Sadly I was not pleased and would not go back. I have been getting a certain prescription for years. She would be my new dr so I asked her for my prescription and she refused to write it because she said she didn’t like the drug. Um is that her choice? I think it’s mine. I know my own body. I probably could have gotten past that but upon check out, I waited at the counter for the woman on the phone who never acknowledged I was standing there. It took so long I finally just walked out. I finally got a bill like 2 months later and then if it’s not paid within a super short time… I started getting harassing emails from the system they use. Not a professional, friendly staff or a great dr.

Had the greatest experience with Dr. Forte, really listened to my needs for birth control options and answered all of it in detail. Also had an infection at the time and within 2 days from my visit I had results and a prescription. Very professional and knowledgable. Thanks Dr. Forte!

Dr. Forte is matter of fact, offered helpful tips and provided a thorough exam. I especially like the virtual patient portal available to patients where you can access test results and message Dr. Forte. She is patient, but a no frills kind of gal. The nurses aids and lab techs are extremely nice.
I would give 4 stars, but I reduced my rating because of the receptionist staff. They are extremely rude on the phone and in-​person. The first time I called to inquire about making an appointment, the receptionist who answered the phone was short, impolite, and didn’t seem to want to help a potential new patient. Apparently, the receptionist has a medical degree (note sarcastic tone here). When I told them the reason I wanted to make an appointment, the receptionist misheard me and «diagnosed» me over the phone, with a completely opposite diagnosis than my chief complaint. Further, when I asked if they had an ultrasound machine, she had the nerve to say that they wouldn’t use it on me during my office visit. I didn’t ask if they would use it on me during my visit! I was asking if they had one in the office! Sheesh. That was my first encounter with this office staff, so I figured it was a fluke and perhaps I would have a more positive experience once I stepped foot into the office. NOT!
Once in the office, the customer service skills did not improve. It seems like the culture of the receptionist staff is for them to be rude and for them to get away with it. Further, the office staff can be heard bickering amongst each other.

I love Dr. Forte. She really cares about her patients. The building she was in for years was torn down and she had to find a new location so it is understandable that there may have been some administrative issues through the move — nonetheless, she is a great doctor and I’ll continue going to her regardless of her location.

I had a very pleasant experience at Dr. Forte’s office. I read some negative reviews about her and her staff, so I wanted to put in my 2 cents.
I made an appointment for Wednesday on a Monday. And that experience was very pleasant. The woman who answered phone was very kind and helpful. I also love their patient portal, which allows you to fill out all your paperwork before you even get to the office. I ended up coming down with a horrible UTI infection and called Tuesday morning to see if they could get me in on Tuesday. The woman, again was very kind and helpful and was able to squeeze me in at 11;20.
The office is very pleasant. It is in a larger building but very easy to get to (right off freeway) and tons of free parking. The office itself has an intimate feel with a nice comfortable lobby. The receptionist was very nice and I hardly had to wait at all to go back. I felt the whole staff was very nice and sincerely cared about their patients. They made me feel very comfortable.
Dr. Forte herself was very nice. She is very down to earth, matter of fact and direct. She provided me with tons of information and advice and I felt like she took the time to give me all the info and answer all my questions. She was very personable and we had a nice chat about travels, languages an dance. I felt comfortable and that I was in safe hands.
The only drawback is that she is a 100% medical doctor. Really tried to push the mammogram, which I 100% do not believe in. I would love to find a medical doctor who was more in tune with alternative and holistic healthcare. I am frustrated with the medical community when it comes to women’s health. I feel like the approach to women’s health is screening and screening just waiting for when the disease is going to happen. Well, it’s not going to happen, because I am healthy and my body is an efficient functioning machine. I would love to find a doctor that supports that view. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
In closure, If you are looking for an efficient and knowledgeable gynecologist with a kind and helpful office staff, Dr. Forte’s will do the trick.

I visited Dr. Forte’s office for the first time last week (note she’s now at the Angeles Crest Women’s Care Center) – and was extremely impressed. In fact, I’ve never had a better gynecological exam. She was thorough, took time to explain the different options available for my issue and weighed the pros and cons. She suggested basic over-​the-​counter remedies, natural/​holistic approaches and more serious prescribed meds. I’m thrilled with my new totally awesome doctor!

I found this doctor condescending, rude and slightly bizarre in her behavior towards me. I would never recommend her. I told two other physicians some of the things she said to me during our appointment and they were both appalled. It’s not that she was bad diagnostically but her «bedside manner» was vile. It was a very bad experience.

As of March, 2014, Dr. Forte’s office has moved to 1808 Verdugo Blvd., Ste. 208, Glendale, CA. The phone number remains the same. She is now part of Angeles Crest Women’s Care. The building is in front of Verdugo Hospital (the building that faces Verdugo Blvd.)
I just set up an appointment, and the woman that helped me was extremely pleasant and helpful.
Due to several moves, I have seen many GYNs. Dr. Forte is probably my favorite of them all. She is very down-​to-​earth, takes her time with me, and makes me feel very comfortable. I feel comfortable asking her anything I need to know. She reminds me of the type of doctors that use to make house calls — very genuine.

I feel like its totally unfair for some of the other Unilocalers to be rating Dr. Forte solely on the personality or demeanor of her staff. Lets get real here, if you can find a doctor that can treat you well and with respect while your legs are up in the air in stirrups, I don’t really care if her receptionist may have had a grumpy tone of voice on the phone (by the way, the receptionists and nurses were always kind to me).
Five stars for Dr. Forte. She was kind, sweet, gentle, personable, she made the situation easy and comfortable for me, she was conversational and caring. Her office was clean, she was professional, and really I don’t see what else I can ask for in a vagina doctor.

Best Gyn doc I have ever been too. She had amazing bedside manner, explained my body to me so well, really listened, and her skill on inserting the speculum was pain free. I hate that part, and it was a breeze. I am soo appreciative to have found her! Thank you!

Dr. Forte has an efficiently run office. She’s straightforward, knowledgeable, and friendly. I have only been there once but I had a very nice experience.

The most amazing Dr. everr! She cares about ur health and spends time with patients :) so thankful to know her. Highly recommended!!!

I love Dr. Forte and have been going to her for years. I will make sure my 18 year old daughter goes to her before she takes off for college. I trust her completely; she has a terrific bedside manner and answers all my questions thoroughly. I don’t have much interaction with her staff and only really care about my experience with HER. The nurse that walks me back and takes my weight and BP spends about 5 mins with me, so no complaints. I have only had to go once a year for years, but I love her approach to health and that her husband is a doctor and her daughter is going to be a doctor and that confirms somebody is doing something right. I wish I looked and felt as healthy and vibrant as she does. She has wonderful communication skills for a doc.

Dr. Forte was great. She was a wonderful bedside manner and is incredibly helpful in explaining anything you need more details on.
I also did not have any problems with her office staff. I recently called in for an emergency prescription and they were very prompt and helpful.
I am surprised by all the negative reviews. The relationship between patient and doctor is critical. With my last doctor, the physician herself had terrible manners while the office staff were great. I felt very uncomfortable to ask questions during our sessions. Dr. Forte makes it easy and I would take that any day. A good doctor is hard to find.

I’ll reserve final judgement for once I’ve been… but so far so good. Perhaps I got «the good one» or perhaps the staff has had a turn over but I had a great experience when i made my appointment.
I’m a new patient, and a nervous one and the appointment process was simple and clear. No insurance problems and when I asked about parking (since I’ll be nipping out from work for this) I got some really terrific and detailed instructions.
Hopefully Dr Forte is as good as most of these reviews say she is. Going to see a doc about lady business is never something to look forward to.

I just got off the phone to make an appointment as a new patient. I was referred to her by my primary care physician.
The woman who took my call was so unbelievably rude that I had a bad feeling about going to this office. So, I came here to check reviews and this is all I needed to call right back and cancel.

Dr Forte was professional, kind and made me feel very comfortable.
Her nurse took time to call my pharmacy to resolve a mix up and was also very personable.
I highly recommend Dr Forte.