Hwang Kalena, MD

I’ve been a patient for about three years. I really couldn’t be more impressed. Dr. Hwang is very professional, and you can tell that she puts a lot of thought into your care. She has a logical approach to match an outstanding academic background.
You can have blood tests done in her office — now that is convenient. She actually responds to emails (not her staff, Dr. Hwang responds) the same day! I have never once felt that Dr. Hwang or her staff were anything but kind and professional. She is on time for her appointments and has a kind disposition that puts you at ease.
I have no reservations in saying that Dr. Hwang is the very best primary care physician I have ever had.

I’ve visited this office two times since my initial visit and i have to say everything was great both times. The check in process was easy and the receptionists were really nice. The nurses and Dr. Hwang were always great as well.
Dr. Hwang is very helpful and responds to messages online really quickly. I highly recommend this office.

I decided to change doctors after hating to be rushed through my appointment and not getting all my questions answered by my previous doctor. Dr. Hwang was recommended to me, and I thought she was awesome. I did have to wait about 6 weeks to get in for an appointment, but it was worth it. Once there, I was seen within 5 minutes of sitting down. Her front office staff was friendly enough, and her nurse was very nice. But Dr. Hwang is what made the visit 5 stars. She spent about 25-​minutes with me, which is unheard of in Dr. offices! She let me voice all my concerns, she addressed them, and then she did something no Dr has ever done… she reviewed my medical history with me, and asked me about everything I had written down. My pet peeve is that 99% of offices have you fill out this extensive medical history form, and then they never look at it. She made recommendations for what changes to make with supplements, etc. Then she said she is going to get my records from my last doctor to look at more. She talked fast, and I first I thought she was in a hurry, but then realized she just has a lot to say, taking time to explain things in detail. She is knowledgable and professional, but also warm. I would recommend her to anyone wanting a doctor who knows what they are doing and is friendly.

Needed a prescription last minute. Dr. Hwang personally called me back after work hours before a long weekend.

When my wonderful doctor moved, I found that her files (including mine) had been transferred to Dr. Hwang, a doctor I didn’t know at all. I’ve seen Dr. Hwang now for several things and have found her to be very knowledgeable, patient, caring, and current on medical issues. She has a calm manner. She doesn’t make you feel rushed and she has seen me for a few emergencies by squeezing me into her day. She is thorough and listens to what you have to say. She even called me at home! I would recommend her to anyone looking for a caring physician. She will do her best to get you on the road to recovery.

Kalena Hwang is the most responsive doctor I have ever had. I am busy all day at work and sometimes don’t have time to ask her advice about something until after hours. I send her an email over the NextMD system, usually late at night, and I have a response waiting for me when I wake up. For example, I have an abcessed tooth and was wondering if my dentist put me on the best antibiotic. I emailed Dr. Hwang with this question Friday night around 7 p.m. Friday night at 9:30 p.m., I had a response, a new prescription, and a referral to an oral surgeon. When I woke up Saturday morning, my new prescription for a better antibiotic was ready. That is unbelievable service. Usually you can’t get doctors at all on the weekend.
Her office is beautiful and staff people are efficient and friendly. I never have to wait more than a few minutes, but there is a computer in the waiting room if you want to use it. Dr. Hwang is always able to see me on short notice. I have even found that she researches things and goes above and beyond what is required. She always spends a lot of time with me and really listens to what I am saying. I never feel she is rushing to get to the next patient. She really seems like she cares about my well-​being, even just for routine matters. Have been seeing Dr. Hwang for several years now and can’t recommend her enough.

I’ve been going to Dr. Hwany for several years now. And I think she’s the best internist I’ve ever been to. She treated me for several problems over the years, and I’ve never felt she was arrogant or did not care about me. To the contrary, she listens very well, encourages me to ask any questions I may have, and thus far, have given me good diagnosis every time. She is also the tops when it comes to responding to emails and getting test results to me (through NexMd emails) without me even asking for them first. I’m very happy that I’ve found her, and I’ve referred several of my friends to her.

Dr Hwang only wants your money. I went to see her 3 times for severe bronchitis and all she ever prescribed me was cough syrup with codeine, said I needed rest, and told me to come back to see her if I’m not better! My cough lasted for 2 months! So I finally went to see a new doctor who knew what she was doing and was prescribed inhaled steroids. My cough finally got treated. Can’t believe I wasted so much time and money with Dr Hwang. I definitely would not recommend her at all. She’s not a knowledgeable doctor.

I have been a patient of Dr. Hwnag for three years. She is professional and always takes the time to make sure all of my questions are answered and that I am up to date will all of my yearly appts. and meds. She responds to all of my emails on their medical website within hours. Every time I leave her office I have a feeling of privilege that she is my Dr. Also, she has a Nurse (Sara) who is just as wonderful. They are an awesome team.

I’ve been seeing Dr. Hwang for a few years now and I’m a bit perplexed about the bad reviews. Dr. Hwang has been nothing short of professional, knowledgeable, thorough and personable. I’ve never had a bad experience with her office staff and wait time has been an issue maybe once or twice, but that’s understandable from time to time. I’ve never felt rushed and Dr. Hwang always takes the time to answer all my questions. I especially like that she is young and her knowledge base is so up-​to-​date and current.
I also love that I can correspond with her and get test results via email. I welcome convenience and quick test results! She will also occasionally send out an article to her patients keeping us updated on any new findings in the medical field. There are very few Dr’s these days that are as proactive as she is and don’t make you feel like a number. I feel lucky to have found her!

I have been here twice recently due to a change with healthcare. Unfortunately my switch from Kaiser has been a downgrade to this doctor. The staff is extremely rude and apathetic. They have had scheduling issues with both of the appointments I have scheduled. Dr. Hwang seems fine, but her staff is unprofessional and inappropriate. I will be changing primary doctors after today.

Knowledgeable, I’m sure, but between the doctor’s arrogance, and the apathy of the front office staff, not a fit for me.

Dr. Hwang is very nice and friendly. She is very knowledgeable and actually cares about her patients. She always takes the time to explain things to me and makes me feel very comfortable.
Even though each appointment is 20 – 30 minutes, she will make sure all of my questions are answered. One time I was going over 30 minutes and she had to attend to the next patient, but she quickly finished up and came back to me to answering more of my questions. Unlike many Irvine doctors, she would never push patients out the door just because she wants to go home.
I’ve lived in Irvine for almost 8 years now and been through many doctors, I finally found a good primary care physician after 8 years of searching!!! I have been telling many of my female friends and acquaintances about Dr. Hwang, some of them did come see her and they all liked her.
Btw, the wait is always short, I’ve never waited for more than 3 minutes.

Dr. Hwang is knowledgeable and helpful. She was a Chief Resident — aka high achiever.
The wait is never too long in the waiting room — 10 to 15 minutes or so.
She e-​mails and the office is on board with appointments and questions that can be made online, which is completely efficient and effective.
Cheers!