Robin Lipschitz, MD

I can’t help but be grateful to Dr. Lipschitz. I have a particularly aggressive case of Sjogren’s syndrome, we’re talking disabling fatigue, pain, and neuropathy here, not just the dry-​eye, dry-​mouth version that you usually hear about. He is the only doctor who really knew how to treat it aggressively and get me the relief I needed. He is knowledgeable, keeps up with research, and isn’t afraid to try innovative new treatments. After 2 infusions, I’ve got to say that he has really made a difference. I’ve read the other reviews here. They are largely unfair. His office is neither dirty nor chaotic. His staff has been nothing but courteous, polite, and helpful to me. Yes, he does spend a fair amount of time on his laptop with his back to you, but I think this means that he’s actually looking up your chart and researching something, not just winging it every time. I can relate to some of the people who are upset about his approach or long waiting times. He’s honestly not always the most sensitive or the most patient of people. He’s said a few blunt things to me that I have not appreciated. But I’ve got to shrug some of that off because when I’ve mentioned things to him about my symptoms, he’s always taken it seriously and either had the answers for me, or did some research and found them for me. And, he must be in demand because sometimes you do have to wait a while. But, honestly, that kind of stuff happens with a lot of doctor’s, especially specialists who have full schedules. The man is a brilliant doctor and a decent enough guy. I’d actually prefer a slightly harried and gruff guy who knows his stuff to a polite guy who doesn’t know what he’s doing. So, you want to be comforted? Get a puppy. Want to find a treatment to help you with a complicated medical condition? Go to Dr. Lipschitz!

I saw Dr. Lipschitz about three years ago for what I suspected was arthritis in my hands (I already had pretty bad arthritis in one foot). This was one of the worst medical experiences I’ve ever had. First of all, he was dirty — greasy hair, grubby fingernails. Second, his office felt unclean. Third, he sent me for hands and feet x-​rays. Why feet? When he had the results, he told me that I had no arthritis in my hands and none in my feet — just hammer toes. I’ve never had hammer toes in my life — those you can see with the naked eye! And I most certainly have arthritis in one foot. I need steroid injunctions for that. So, obviously, he was looking at another patient’s x-​rays. Fourth, he had no clue what was causing the pain in my hands, and he just didn’t care. No suggestions, no follow-​up, no nothing. A creep.

Dr. Lipschitz is a fantastic doctor. I have been seeing him every few months for about 3 years or so and have not had a single disappointment with the quality of care. He and his staff always exceed my expectations.
I always find him to be extremely thorough. Thanks to his thoroughness, he was able to make a very important diagnosis several other doctors had failed to make, which saved me from a lot of pain and suffering.
He is always sympathetic and concerned, but most importantly he is always rigorous when investigating symptoms, medicinal treatment, and my overall wellbeing.
His staff and office are the best medical staff and office I’ve ever interacted with and I very much enjoy visiting the office.
I thank them all for their caring, punctuality, and wonderful personalities — but mostly for successfully treating my RA.

I felt like I walked into the lions den when I arrived at Dr. Lipschitz office 15 minutes prior to my appointment. One of his patients complained that he had been waiting an hour and a half. His dysfunctional and frazzled receptionist wanted me to sign a form that allowed Dr. Lipschitz to charge me any denomination he wanted for the visit. I refused to sign it until I saw him.
An hour and 15 minutes later, Dr. Lipschitz rushed into the examination room, Pro Mac in hand, never acknowledging my presence and started typing for 30 minutes with his back turned to me. He was finishing up his prior patient’s info in my presence, as if this was supposed to make me feel that I was actually being seen.
He complained about my insurance. If you do not like my insurance Dr. Lipschitz, why do you take it? Money seems to be an issue for him. He has signs throughout his office demanding immediate payment. I was warned that I would be charged $ 75 if I did not cancel my appointment with him 72 hours in advance.
He diagnosed me with Fibromyalgia without a proper examination. He reluctantly gave me a blood test script to check for other Rheumatic issues. I found him dismissive, apathetic and uncaring and his office chaotic.
I guess the only good thing I can say is that Dean and Deluca is around the corner from his office. No need to rush to your appointment with Lipschitz, go shopping first because you’ll make the most of the time you will squander waiting for him and his staff to get it together.

These days I have to take «bad» review with a grain of salt. I find people have odd or self-​righteous views of how the should be treated. Or they are just unrealistic.
I will give you as honest and realistic a review as possible. I was and had been in the medical field (for the one who said the same). I think it is tough for a physician to do his job. Very few can be as dynamic as Dr. L. And it can be annoying to the patient when things come up in regards to other patients while you are having your visit, but shit happens. If you were the patient in a pharmacy or a hospital and needed your doctor’s signature, etc. to get hospital care or medicine – well, again. shit happens. He sometimes sends for lots of tests, especially, if you are complaining about things. Sometimes, he does not. I don’t go to a doctor for the service. I don’t care if he is friendly or has bedside manners. Dr. L is nice enough and professional. He is a good doctor. Period.

I’ve had to see him 3x in the past few months for various joint pain. Each time I waited close to an hour or more and even after asking about how much longer at 20 – 30 mins it wasn’t addressed. Each time I just wanted to leave. Finally got in each time and felt like I had 2 mins left to visit with the doctor. But he takes a lot of time to discuss. Today I complained about the wait, he shrugged his shoulders and said something about there’s nothing he can do. Ridiculous. Even the nurse complained that the women who sets up appts is nice but clueless how to set them up and aggravates all patients. Then the doctor talks in medical jargon only, barely looked at me each time, just reading the charts and lab results, out loud. Each time I left without any further sense of how to take care of it. Often he referred to my right knee today when it was my left. 2 yrs ago I asked for an MRI on my knee along with other areas and he sent me to lab without any info about my knee so I had to go back another time. Not a listener at all. Never again.

I saw this guy a few years ago. I have been meaning to write a Unilocal review ever since. I chose him as my primary care doctor since I had arthritis. He really loves to send patients for any and every odd test for which he gets paid a referral fee. He argues with his wife on the phone while you’re on the examining table. You can be waiting for your appt. in the waiting area and he walks out right in front of you to go do a house call for a patient in a nursing home. When I finally got to see him an hour after my scheduled time, I asked him about leaving when he saw he had a patient waiting for him. His response was that he is the doctor and gets to decide how to best use his time. I was dangerously depressed and my insurance required authorizations for the medication he prescribed. But then he told me that he really didn’t want his staff using up what little time they had doing those kinds of things. Only when I pushed him on it and asked him where I was supposed to go for help since he was my primary care doctor and didn’t want to do the work required by my plan, did he make sure that I got the medication. I really liked him at first, which is how I think he reels you in. It doesn’t take long for the arrogance and narcissism to surface. Beware.

Dr. Lipschitz is the best rheumatologist in NYC, I am convinced.
Not only is he a genius, but he is the first doctor that I’ve ever had that doesn’t rush and really takes his time with every patient.
His medical expertise has helped me get my Lupus under control and I’m indebted to both him and his (super friendly) office staff for life because of this.
Lipschitz is the only doctor who (a) always returns my phone calls (b) calls my other doctors and © isn’t afraid to break the mold and suggest treatment options that are out of the norm. He actually knows what email and iPhones are. Who knew! Doctors live in the 21^st century too! I also like that he has a sense of humor. He’s completely real and not blind to the fact that Lupus and other illnesses are painful (both physically and emotionally).
I love Dr. Lipschitz. Even if I moved to Japan, I’d still find a way to still have this guy as my rheumatologist.

This Rheumatologist saved my knees from pain without surgery. Bring a book, he really spends quality time with each patient. I am so grateful I found him & you will be too.