Cathy Riker, MD

while visiting family i became ill and needed to find a rheumatologist quickly. outstanding experience.

I had an unpleasant experience with Dr Riker. I arrived to my first appointment with her, which was scheduled three weeks back, and the receptionist said the appointment appears to be canceled. I had not been aware of this, and had driven a long way to get there. So the receptionist asked me to wait while they sorted this out. After waiting for 40 minutes, the nurse called me in, and told me they have spoken with Dr Riker, but she has said she is busy and can not see me. The nurse suggested to make another appointment to see the doctor in 4 weeks. I understand that the staff may make a mistake and cancel an appointment, they may make a mistake and not let the patient know about this, but at least I expected the Dr to make herself available to see me, even if for only 10 minutes, after making me wait for 40 minutes there. Or at least tell her staff to give me an appointment that is not 1 month away. This shows lack of responsibility of Dr Riker. I really believe an irresponsible… doctor can hardly be a good one.

Dr. Riker has been my rheumatologist for 10 years and she is an excellent physician in every aspect. She provides me with great care and advocates aggressively for me when my insurance provider tries to deny coverage for treatment that I need. She is very adept at navigating the insurance maze which is invaluable when you have an illness with high cost treatments and tests. Her bedside manner is perfect for me--kind and caring but not "maternal". She treats me like an intelligent adult and involves me in decisions about my medical treatment.