Bruce F. Garner, MD

I had approximately three or four visits with Dr. Bruce F. Garner at NYU Langone Ambulatory Care Bay Ridge for back pain. I completed the X-rays, blood work, and other testing he requested. Each visit cost me a $25 copay, with additional charges billed to my insurance, plus travel, waiting, and time away from work. I did not understand why so many separate appointments were necessary. A request for coverage of an expensive medication was denied by my insurer. Injections were then offered as another option, which I declined because I was not comfortable with them. An anti-inflammatory medication had previously been prescribed and helped relieve my back pain. When I requested a refill through the NYU Langone app, I was told I needed another appointment before it could be prescribed again. I asked for a video visit to avoid another trip and time off work, but the office told me Dr. Garner does not do video visits. The repeated paid appointments, combined with the lack of a video… option, left me feeling that generating billable visits was taking priority over making care practical for me. From my perspective, it felt like "milking the insurance." I wanted a clear explanation of why another in-person visit was required and a reasonable effort to accommodate my work schedule. I found the process costly, inconvenient, and frustrating. Patients considering this practice may want to ask about refill requirements, follow-up frequency, and video visits before scheduling.

If I can give him 0 stars I would. Made an appointment 2 years ago & had to reschedule that appointment for a later date. I accidently missed my appointment that I rescheduled because my wife just gave birth & it was so far in advance from when the appointment was made that it slipped my mind. Just tried making an appointment today (again first available is a month from now) & the secretary told me he will not see me because according to "their" records, I missed 5 appointments & I need to search for another doctor. Very unprofessional & dishonest!

I did not have a good experience with this doctor. When I sat down in the exam room he asked me if I had the covid vaccine and I said yes, and then he proceeded to remove his mask. He didn’t even ask me if I was comfortable with that. He told me I could take my mask off too if I wanted to and I said no. I didn’t even say how uncomfortable I felt by him removing his without asking because I didn’t want to make the visit awkward. He had classical music playing in the background the entire time I was in the exam room. During our time together someone knocked on the door and said when he has a few moments she wants to speak to him, then he proceeded to leave the room during the middle of the exam to speak to a colleague. He came back in and about 10 minutes later he received a phone call and then proceeded to answer the call and walk out of the exam room again, I’m guessing someone asked what he was up to because as he was exiting the room for the second time during our exam I heard him… say “nothing much, I’m just finishing …”. He tried telling me that all he could give me was his opinion and he kept brushing off what I was saying. I don’t feel like I got a good opinion on my concerns.

This "person", I do not respect him enough to call him a doctor! He diagnosed me with RA about 3 weeks ago and suggested that I get the covid vaccine the day of before taking the methotrexate that he put me on. First off, I was a bit hesitant in taking this particular treatment protocol knowing that it does suppress your immune system. However, getting back to the covid jab, I did NOT get it reason number 1..I had covid and still have antibodies and supposedly, you are NOT supposed to get the "jab" if you have antibodies (which I stated to him), his response was "that's a lie". Interesting! reason number 2. I do not plan on getting the "jab" until there is more reliable statistics. To knew of a vaccine and I do not trust putting it into my body. Moving forward, I did however take the medication because I wanted to see if my levels were improving. At my visit today, his first medical question to me was did you get the vaccine, I obviously said "no". He said "Well, I can not treat you… if you don't" I asked "why is that", he stated "that I have a high percentage of getting covid while taking this medication" me, "but I have the antibodies" him "I can not treat you!". My reaction was fine and I walked out. The did refund me my co-payment. My question is, how does a so called doctor refuse to treat someone because they do not agree with them. This man is rude, arrogant, and has no empathy about the feelings or concerns of his paitents. I would not recommend him to my worst enemy. Stay away.

I have never ever seen a doctor as dr Garner, he is very rude and disrespectful, doesn’t care about his patients, very rude and unprofessional doctor

I was very scared and nervous when I came here. The doctor mad me feel comfortable, listened to everything I had to say and took all the time in the world with me listening and then examining. Then he explained everything to my husband and me. This doctor is the best.

Takes time to review all symptoms and test results with you. Performs his own exam and maintains the highest standards

Kind, caring, and very funny doctor. Took his time and answered all of my questions in a very respectful manner. Glad my doctor referred me to Dr. Garner

awful bedside manner

I was sent here with a diagnosis of Lupus and scared out of my wits. Dr. Garner spent and hour talking with me and my sister and went over all my records and did a thorough exam and explained to me why thank G-d I did not have Lupus. He is truly a caring, intelligent, and compassionate doctor.