Mina Ganapathy, MD

Two and a half stars for the first visit, with adjustments as I visit more often.
Good: Sharp, frank, critical mind at work. Which is what you want in a doctor when you’re – like me – beset with health issues in your middle ages. She’s honest in her assessments and does not sugar-​coat things, but is quite professional and detached in presenting this information. Which I like – after all, I’m not a child seeking a pediatrician; if I need rainbows and hugs, I’ll go to a bourgie spa and get my ego and body massaged by someone sweet.
Also: Her staff seemed fairly on top of things. When I called ahead of time to confirm methods of payment and length of first visit, the person answering the phone not only said that, but addressed me by my name, though I hadn’t given it. They seemed pretty on-​it, that way. Some good attention to detail, I noticed, as they processed me with the standard intake forms and her two staffers (uh, I’m guessing a nurse and perhaps a physician’s assistant) prepped me before she came into the exam room.
Not sure about…: How well she pays attention to what patients say, in terms of qualitative oral and self-​reporting data, rather than quantitative data (numbers, stats, labs, etc.). She added one more blood pressure med to my regimen, saying it was good for the kidneys and my other medical condition, because my pressure was up when her staff had measured it. However, I explained that since I’d been on the other pressure med, the numbers have been down, just that today, being both sick with a cold and stressed with our ever-​extending move process, I was unusually running around and exhausting my body. She still prescribed it immediately, rather than have me re-​measure my own pressure at home after healing from the cold and after the move (I told her I have a BP monitor at home), then deciding. I think she is super on top of things and tries to get things done right away, but sometimes, this leads to not paying attention to what the patient says.
Also, she asked if I’d been to diabetes education. I said yes, and that I’ve taken it recently (uh, like in the past two months, though I didn’t specify this) and several times in the past. But she ran over me verbally and said the name of the company her office works with that does this kind of education, and also that she’d hook me up with them later. I was like, hey, lady, if you LISTENED, you would learn from talking with me that I’ve been through a whole series offered by Straub that this summer, and also have been to the Taking Control of Your Diabetes conference super recently.
She was not interested in getting my older medical records, only the ones from this year, which she said was most up to date. This was also a bit of a concern, though in my experience, most doctors don’t care much for personal medical history, beyond what runs in your family and what’s immediate ailing you now.
In some ways, very efficient and focused, but in others, pretty rushed. I understand everyone has to make a living, but I grew up with old-​school country doctors who took the time to listen and know you, before making quick judgements or putting together makeshift analyses based on snapshot numerical data. Still, I know doctors today – especially private practices like hers, which struggle to compete with large hospitals and efficiency-​oriented healthcare organizations – operate under a lot of time and economic pressure, so in a way, everything becomes a bit standardized, like a factory. Too bad.
So, the jury’s out. Think she’ll be competent, but am waiting to see how this develops.

1^st off this building that she’s in is OLD! The elevators seem as though it needs a kick start before it moves! That was scary. Her office is a little up for a make over & seems kinda gloomy! Like it says… if you’re here… YOU’RE SICK! Ugh! @ first She seemed really nice & caring. I kinda felt comfortable with her & felt a liking to her. However as the months went by… it seemed as though she got too dam comfortable because She didn’t seem as caring or compassionate! She seemed to dislike that I wasn’t getting better so She was upset with me!!! Wth??? So I left & never turned back! So much better Dr’s & Compassionate ones @ Straub Hawaii Kai…

well i just chose the nearest doctor that was a female. but she really nice and does a good job. but i wish i had a doctor that was sure of things