ChapCare – Fair Oaks

WARNING: NEVER COME HERE.
They are severely incompetent. I looked on their website which shows the hours of operation, so I thought I’d come by on a Friday before 4pm. I also called to double check, and they said yes, it is alright to come before 4pm for what I needed. Mind you, I took an Über to this office.
I come in, let them know what I’m in for, and the receptionist literally goes, «UMMM. Ok, wait one sec. Just one sec.»
So I wait. 5 minutes later, he says no doctors are available. Unbelievable. He said though, that walk-​ins are available at a nearby location that same day, and I could just go there. So I told him, «Ok, can you call them before I head there right now, so the same thing doesn’t happen like here, where I look on the website and it says I can go in, AND I call and I am told that I may come in for a check up, only to be all completely false.»
He calls. Turns out, NO, they can’t take walk-​ins at that moment, their next availability is next week.
Absolutely ridiculous. I remember the first time I went to this place, the doctor kind of did this one test wrong. Whatever, I decided to give the clinic another visit and boy did I learn my lesson.
YOUR JOBS AND THE CLINIC ARE PROVIDED FOR BY OUR TAX MONEY.
Looking at the reviews here, they ought to shut this place down– how dare you do this to the community.

I have normal insurance and I’m not low income. I go to the Fair Oaks location and it was a little off putting at first because it’s not that well maintained or clean, but overall, it’s fine. I have a PA called Janice, and she’s fine. The other assistants and everyone else is generally OK — no major issues and many of the staff on the phone and otherwise are helpful. I get the feeling they are all just getting used to some new system or new influx of patients, or something. But it works. I got referrals to doctors I was happy with. I had surgery I was happy with. I think I will stick with this place even if I get fancier insurance because I kind of know their system now. And for my kids, I’m very happy with the pediatric department and Doctor Ward. I don’t feel at all like I’m settling for substandard healthcare that’s just for poor people. If your insurance tells you to come here, you’ll probably realize that it’s actually pretty good.

This review is for the clinic on VACCO ST IN EL MONTE only. I’ve been coming here since December of 2014 and I am really impressed with not only the place but the Doctor’s as well as the girls up front. My child see’s the pediatrician’s there and they are very sweet and listen to the concerns I have. They actually stay in the room to answer any questions you have and also talk to you about the medications being given. They don’t try to rush you out the door (like other doctors). After seeing how they were with my child I decided to change my doctor and go to Dr. Vu (they have 2 sides to their clinic one for kids and the other for adults) and I’m very happy that I did because not only does it kill 2 birds with 1 stone but they are just amazing there. We no longer have to wait months to see a doctor and they even offer to sign you up to their online chart for you to see and chat with your doctor if you have any questions without having to be on hold or go into the office for. It really is a great place and the doctors are just amazing and kind. Also the facility is very clean and well kept even the rooms are too.

Ohh I have a love hate relationship with CHAP.
First impression was a few years ago i had just gotten laid off and COBRA had not been processed thru the system I got sick not ER sick tho. I went as a walk in to the Fair Oaks branch and it was pretty for a free clinic. I was seen as a walk in in less than an hour. The Dr was great. The first problem I had was getting an appointment for follow up the person on the phone was RUDE RUDE Rude. I scheduled the appointment and got a call later that day saying there was a mix up and my appointment needed to be rescheduled for weeks later. By the the time of the appointment my COBRA was fixed so i just went back to my old PCP.
2015 My job switched insurance companys and i can no longer see my old PCP :((Very sad) CHAP was listed and I thought I was happy enough with them so i picked Del Mar as my clinic (close to home). My first appointment was great. It was at 10:30 they told me if i was not 45 min early they would cancel my appointment (WTH). I get there on the day of the anointment at 950 and the lady at the front told me i needed to be there 45 min before and i would be treated like a walk in because i was late. SMH I was less than 5 min late because i had to park on the street my truck is too long for those small parking spaces (crew cab and extended bed). So i waited I got seen about 1130 The Dr Medina was awesome she listened and was very kind. So over all OK visit.
Follow up with Medina this time was a 10 am appointment this time i was told just be there 15 min early. I got there at like 9:35 and i was seen in less than 10 min. Dr Medina was great again. Over all AWESOME appointment .
Today ⁵⁄₂₂ I had an appointment at 8:30 I again prefer to park on the street and walk in that parking lot is small. I had just parked and about to cross Del Mar when i get a call mind you we MUST BE THERE NO LESS THAN 10 min before of they will cxl your appointment. I get a call at 8:18 am from them saying they need to reschedule me because Dr is out with an emergency.
I was a bit irritated that they called me so late but people have stuff come up and my phone dropped so i just went in. I got to the desk and she was soooooo rude. They said i could still be seen today great… I asked what time she continued to explain that she had just been told that Dr Median was not going to make it. Ok What TIME? Then she continued talking about what ever I asked again WHAT TIME then she finally told me 10:30am. I need a girl exam and i prefer that a female and i asked MALE or FEMALE she said we have a PA and an NP, WTH does that mean? Again i said MALE or FEMALE then she explained to me what the differences were (i know already) I asked again male or female? She said the PA is male and the NP is female like i was supposed to know that. Um there is no gender assigned to those jobs.
Ok the female… By this time she said the time slot was taken… UGGGGG I wasted 20 min of my time talking to someone who cant answer a simple question. Then she said you could do a walk in… NO WAY I have to work. I said another day then and all of the days i can go they don’t have any early appointments (i work in the afternoon).
I have such mixed feelings about chap. Dr’s have all been great (the ones i have worked with).
The phone line is HORRIBLE the wait is at least 20min
The office staff is hit or miss
The MA’s are all wonderful
I am not sure if i will continue going to CHAP. I do like Dr Medina she gets 5 stars but the office staff and phone operators get –1 star

We have a Blue Shield HMO policy. There is no service differentiation if you do or don’t have insurance. (Not a negative) The front desk staff are not happy people nor is the office manager. Medical records are a mess. Be sure to make a copy of whatever it is you give to them. There is a high probability it will not make it to your medical file. (See office staff note)
The medical staff are excellent. From the MD’s, PA’s to med tech’s. I imagine they give the same attention to patients without insurance. PA Bendi Patel is knowledgeable and terrific. If she doesn’t know the answer, she finds out.
Referrals are a total mess. It takes at 4 – 5 weeks to get a medical specialist referral. And when you eventually get a letter with the doctor you are to see, it is someone far from home or the CHAPS clinic and who does not have privileges at any hospitals in or around your home.

Seeing the doc. s making sure this olé
man aint dieing. Good clean offices for folks witk little to no insurance.

This review is for the VACCO, EL MONTE clinic only.
I have been seeing Dr. Vu for about a year now, she is amazing! Not only is she super sweet but also listens to my concerns, educates me on my diagnosis, and thoroughly goes over my follow up plans. She was out on maternity leave for a few months, and while I was in the waiting room, I kept hearing patients asking for her and her return date. It was comforting to see I wasn’t the only one who loved her health care services.
I’ve also been seeing Dr. Huynh (ob-​gyn) for almost a year. She is also super patient, listens to my concerns, and provides excellent care. I had ongoing pelvic pain, and when I had kaiser insurance, I was brushed off and told I was ovulating or given the wrong diagnosis and treatment. It wasn’t until I saw Dr. Huynh that I got proper lab work, correct diagnosis and treatment (which required surgery… that she performed!) I’ve had better care with Dr. Huynh and Dr. Vu than I ever received at Kaiser. Dr. Huynh new exactly what was wrong with me in the first exam and ordered appropriate follow up. It was nice to know she was also performing my surgery. I had several concerns and a bit of anxiety during recovery from my surgery. She was extremely patient, did not baby me, and reassured me I was healing well. Her husband also works there as an OB-​gyn, he is also super nice, listens, and provides great care. It is so hard to find providers that listen to you! I’m glad I was able to find 3 here!
The girls in the front desk and MAs are nice, respectful, patient, and super helpful. The five star is only for the VACCO clinic.
If i had to rate the call center…1 star. They either seem tired or unhappy, which they may be. Also, I think they have problems with their phone system sometimes because it’ll just hang up. And good luck trying to get a hold of the person in charge of your referral. I also haven’t heard great things from the other chap clinics. I work in a non profit clinic so I sympathize with them and know sometimes it’s not the people, but the system, high patient volume, scheduling, short staffed, etc. So someone «upstairs» needs to get it together. Employees unhappiness is sometimes reflective of how they are being treated by upper management. (I could totally be wrong and just venting on my own job. lol) Anywho, Dr. Huynh and Dr. Vu rock!

I have never experienced a more crappy practice than CHAP clinic. My daughter’s pediatrician is Dr. Perez and while she’s pretty awesome (and I mean really awesome), the rest of the clinic is an absolute joke. I’ve gone to and have worked for a number of non-​profit health organizations. I have never experienced one so unorganized and so matter-​of-​fact about their shitty service than CHAP clinic.
I can never get an appointment with Dr. Perez when my daughter has a fever or is sick and in need of antibiotics. Literally 10 out of 12 times I go to urgent care because my daughter can’t be seen. WTF? What’s the point of having a pediatrician when she only sees my daughter for the mandatory check-​ups. Yet, when we really need to see her, we can’t. I understand the bureaucracy of it all, but c’mon! We go more to urgent care then we do to the doctor.
The phone conversations I have with the people at the front desk often leads to nothing — and that’s after a 15 — 25 min wait that often ends up with them hanging up on me and me recalling them and waiting yet another 15 min. Finally, when I do have the pleasure of getting through to them, they tell me that Dr. Perez is not available for another 3 weeks, but I can bring my kid as a walk in. Which, of course, is no guarantee that the Doctor will see you. I’ve gone 3 times and have waited over 4 hours each time only to go home without anyone seeing my kid. These guys are basically an urgent care referral program. I’m just about to receive actual insurance through my new job. I was planning on continuing to go to this place, once my insurance kicks in, because Dr. Perez is great, but it’s like trying to get an appointment with the president.
So today, when I finally got through to a rep after an hour, I told one her that I think it’s time for me to take my daughter to another practice, to which she responded, «that’s ok, we don’t mind.» Lol. What a disappointment, because Dr. Perez is a great pediatrician.
There is a reason why all of the people who have given this place a low rating, say the same thing — the receptionists/​staff are rude. Unbelievably rude. … Geez! Ain’t nobody got time for that.

This review is for the Fair Oaks location (staff) and Dr. Floutsis. First off, I do have insurance. I’ve been paying $ 170/​month for the past 8 months and finally decided to see a doc. There is not much parking at this location so I had to park a few blocks away and it’s not in the best neighborhood.
When I walked in it was a bit confusing about where to go and the elevator was broken. After filling out all my info they then sent me upstairs to wait. Once I got called into the doctors office I had to wait again for the nurse, then the doctor. All waiting took between 2 – 3 hours.
I finally got a urine test only even though I came for a check-​up and blood work as well. You have to come back a second day apparently if you want blood wok done. Turns out you have to create an account online to see test results. One of my tests ended up coming back positive. No one called me. I had to call and email myself to get a script.
CVS ended up printing the wrong directions on my antibiotics and therefore, i took the meds incorrectly. Even though it’s the pharmacies fault they are making me get a new script from the doc. I emailed Dr. Floutsis 3 days ago with no response. I’ve left her and the nurse messages yesterday and today with no response.
Every time I call the health center I’m put on hold for at least 13 – 14 minutes each time.
In a nutshell this place is a complete nightmare. Once someone finally calls me back and I get a new script, I will immediately start looking for a new doctor.

Well, I first would like to make it clear, that this review is for the reception/​customer care. I have not yet seen the Dr. But to see Dr Floutsis its 1 month & ½ wait. I don’t plan on being a regular here. Need to switch ASAP!
Well, the first time I called to try and make an appointment, the guy who’s name might have been Boris, had a real short temper, I had questions about the clinic and the doctor. But he seemed to get really frustrated, kept putting me on hold, while laughing loudly and talking to others. I then finally called back a week later to try to reschedule. The girl (Cynthia) that answered this time, was also very rude. I told her I was a new patient and as she began taking my information she realized it was in their system already and rudely said to me: «you should have told me you were in the system already, so I didn’t have to take your information twice» REALLY? like I knew the other RUDE receptionist saved my info. Or even paid attention to my info. Well, I asked her a few questions, and each time gave me a real smart ass answer. Although her English was very poor… she felt smart LOL She had a difficult time understanding that I wanted to make 2 appointments, for 2 different doctors. Reason, she clearly said that Dr Floutsis is only in 2 days a week, so to see her would be a while, and I should schedule with Dr Payton, which the reception said she may or may not be able to help me, and that Dr Payton would refer to another doctor in their office. So this is why I felt it was in my benefit to schedule 2 appointments now!

I really don’t want to hate on a place that is a nonprofit community health center but the prices here are kind of unreasonable and they seem to be a little sneaky with price estimates and such. I can’t speak for the other locations of CHAP, but I came to the Pasadena branch and was almost mortified by this clinic. I came here for a TB test because I needed one for my job and because they were only charging $ 25 which was supposed to include the return visit to see the results of my test since a TB shot is done in two stages.
The first stage was fine. I came in, waited maybe 25 minutes, received my shot and walked out. I returned two days later for my results and was told that I needed to meet with Dr. Samuel Pierce. I spoke to two different nurses before the doctor came into see me, and they all told me that my TB shot was in fact negative. However, Dr. Pierce glanced at my arm for maybe 5 seconds and determined that it was positive. Now, I don’t necessarily have a problem with it being positive because I could always get a x-​ray done to clear myself but it was Dr. Pierce’s attitude that really disturbed me. I actually had to stop him from running out the door for him to look at my arm a bit more closely. He determined that it was positive once again after a second visit. Now, I already knew that the next step for me was an x-​ray, and as I was bringing it up with Dr. Pierce, he actually told me to be quiet and listen because I needed to be educated. Um, excuse me? At that point, I was ready to go and told him in a slightly harsher words that I was leaving and to give me my x-​ray recommendation form. He spent the next 20 minutes walking in and out of my office while complaining about how everyone was slow today. So in total, he saw me for maybe a maximum of 5 minutes.
Fast forward, I get my chest x-​rayed, and came up clean. I received a bill from CHAP a few weeks later for not only my TB shot but a doctor’s consultation. I called them back immediately and said that I had already paid for my TB shot and asked about this mysterious consultation charge of close to $ 100. They told me that Dr. Pierce had told the nurses to mark my return visit for a TB shot as a consultation because he spent 20 minutes with me. At this point, I was angry. I spoke to their supervisor and told them to clean this mess up and to remind Dr. Pierce that he only saw me for 5 minutes tops and that I was not paying for this service when he was nothing but incompetent and rude. It took a month for Dr. Pierce to respond to their emails. But in the end, he waived the consultation fee probably because he knew he was in the wrong. I don’t want to hate on CHAP, but I will say that Dr. Pierce probably shouldn’t be working here if he doesn’t want to spend more time with his patients, is rude and condescending, and falsely making up payments. Avoid like crazy! ¹⁄₅

This clinic charges $ 300 for a physical exam that takes a few minutes. Not worth the wait time or the cost. RIP OFF!!! And please remove your name from the list of Los Angeles free or discounted clinics, since you obviously are not.

THIS IS THE WORST clinic that I have EVER been to. I paid $ 25 and took a TB test at their Del Mar location, and I had to come to this location to get it read (since the other clinic is closed on Saturday). I chose CHAP because they had TBs in stock, it SEEMED cheap, and fast. Unfortunately, it wasn’t.
I came here and waited for over 30 minutes. Saw the doctor (apparently named Dr. Pierce) for literally under 60 seconds, and he took a quick look at my arm and said I was positive. He then left the room and started glaring at me as he was chatting with the nurses.
He never came back, nor told me what it means to have a positive TB reading. It started to freak me out because I had no idea what anything meant. The nurse had to come talk to me (which we only spoke for about two minutes and 30 seconds because I kept asking her questions) about how I have to take an X-​Ray to double check the reading.
BECAUSE the incompetent doctor told the nurse to tell me to take an X-​ray this was considered a consultation — which cost $ 70 that I had to pay on the spot. (They later mailed me a check saying that I owe an additional $ 36 for god knows why). The nurse told me to go back downstairs and make a follow up appointment. As I was walking downstairs, the same obnoxious doctor started speaking loudly again — in a condescending voice, asking the NURSE why I’m leaving without scheduling an X-​ray. I NEVER felt so violated and annoyed at a doctor.
Later that day, I met with another doctor as well as a physician assistant, who ALSO took a look at my arm and said it was negative. In addition, I took a blood test at another clinic just to double check my TB results. It turns out that I’m NEGATIVE. I tried to make complaints to CHAP but there was no way that I could get my money back because of the «consultation». Regardless– I took this experience as a terrible $ 106 lesson and learned to NEVER come here again. They are extremely unprofessional and do not care one bit about their patients.

This review is specifically for a doctor Samuel Pierce. I recently moved to L. A and had to find a primary doctor after having been admitted to the E.R. after waiting a while, he strolls in the room, ignores my husband’s «hello“and kicks him out of the room. Then while he messes with the computer, he had me repeat my answers several times and at the end of the visit, he told me that it was all in my head, that there was nothing wrong. And mind you, he did this without ever giving me a physical (no auscultation of the heart or lungs, didn’t check any reflexes or anything). Extremely disappointed, of course I requested a new doctor, will update review after next visit.

I have been coming here for about 6 months now and it is always a good experience. The staff is really nice and my appointments usually never take more than 30 to 40 minutes in and out. It is very nice being a Pasadena resident and being able to visit this location

I came here to get my shots for Peru. I know, not fun, especially since I live on the west side. The reason why I came here is because it was a little cheaper and they don’t charge you for a consultation fee. Everyone was nice and pleasant, but there was one lady who was extremely sweet and lovely. It was one of the security guards :) She was hilarious and I loved the few minutes we spent talking and laughing. It’s the little things in life that I cherish and this was one of them. I would go back just because of her.

NEVER see Dr. Pierce, and if you do, please be sure to write him up if he treats you unjustly.
He was arrogant, impatient, unsympathetic, neurotic and downright rude. He stormed out of our consult because he was frustrated, never returning. I left in a sea of tears.
He was absolutely no help what-​so-​ever.
Luckily, my sister called from Sacramento and caught me upset, her husband, a excellent doctor, happened to be with her and knew of my problems. He called in some med;s for me to a local pharmacy. With-​in three days my symptoms are rapidly decreasing.
My regular doctor, Cindy Evangelista, would never behave in any manner like that of Dr. Pierce. No doctor should. He should not be seeing patients.

One of the best represented nonprofit community health centers around; offering medical, dental, and behavioral health services at three convenient locations to serve you in the San Gabriel Valley:
CHAP/​Fair Oaks Health Center 1855 N. Fair Oaks Avenue Pasadena, CA 91 103
CHAP/​Del Mar Health Center 3160 Del Mar Boulevard Pasadena, CA 91 107
CHAP/​Lake Health Center 1800 Lake Avenue Pasadena, CA 91 104
I know Dr. Ward at the Lake Ave. location and have had the pleasure of speaking with her about how she loves what she does as a Pediatrician. Not only does she enjoy her work, but also shows that she cares for what she does by taking good care of her patients. Dr. Ward has said that CHAP is the best hospital she’s ever been with because they are progressive and want to get things accomplished. The staff is always professional and very quick about getting you the right paperwork and sending you to the right departments. Located next door at the Lake Ave. location is their lab, where blood work and allergy tests can be done. I hopefully plan on doing some volunteer work or shadowing one of the doctors here soon. This a good neighborhood hospital to have.
For appointment: (626) 398‑6300

I take my daughter to see the pediatrician at CHAP, and have loved all the doctors my daughter has seen. I always get an appointment for her quickly, and they give her a book at her check ups. They are very quick, and get you in quickly if there is an emergency.
As for my own doctors and experience… I wait forever and the doctors and nurses are RUDE! They talk in the hallway with no regard for the clients and time schedules. The doctors and nurses don’t care about the patients, and they dont want to be there themselves.

This review is specifically for the Travel Clinic.
Nothing says romantic honeymoon like getting shots for polio, yellow fever, typhoid, malaria!!!
Note to travelers to exotic destinations: don’t put off getting your recommended shots! If you try and use your insurance, you’ll be told that 1) shots are 2 – 3 weeks out, if not longer, 2) most doctors offices do not carry these shots because they’re expensive and not that many people get them or, 3) you need to look into a specialty clinic.
#3 is what happened to us. It was suggested by the CDC to get an array of shots at least 60 – 90 days prior to departure for maximum effectiveness. We remembered this recommendation 45 days before our wedding and 46 days before we were to take off to our honeymoon. Needless to say, time was of the essence.
After lots of searching, I stumbled across CHAP in Pasadena which mans a full time travel clinic with drop in hours. There was no pricing online so it wasn’t until we got there that we realized one person’s «low cost» is another person’s «wtf?!»
The entire process was convoluted and annoying. Take an elevator down to the clinic. Fill out a form. Get it stamped. Take the elevator back up. Pay for the shots. Go back downstairs. Wait in line. Give them your paperwork. Go down the hall. Wait again. Get your shots.
It got the job done, but took far too long and cost $ 300+ for the two of us. The average cost of a shot was $ 75. Next time, «get shots,» will be up there with «book flight» and «get visa.»