Dr. Ildefonso Ruz Cruz, MD

I've been going to Dr, Cruz since I was a young woman. I am now 57. I absolutely love this doctor. He is patient, kind, respectful and open-minded. He listens and never rushes me. The first thing he does is shake my hand and ask about my family. He allows me to choose among the best specialists. He cares. He is not perfect. Sometimes, I have to remind him of a prescription. Always has a good nature. I will see him until he no longer practices.

I've been a patient of Dr Cruz since I arrived to California in 1989. He's a wonderful Dr. His staff has been good and helpful to me, always. This is the only time in all these years that the thought of changing to another Dr crossed my mind, but I love Dr Cruz obviously I trust him with my life The sad thing is that last week I was try to get my blood pressure medication. I called the Pharmacy (Walgreens). They told me that my meds (Benicar) had been denied. I was surprised. I'd never had that happen. I had already been given the emergency pills the week before, so the pharmacist wouldn't allow me anymore until he had the Dr' prescription. I called Dr Cruz's office. I spoke to the nurse. so she calls herself. I'll call her "DUH!!!" She asked me " why are you telling me this?" I couldn't believe such stupidity!! My head spun!! Why would I be telling HER??!! HUM?? I was at Walgreens at the moment. I asked her to hold while the gal at the register finished with… another customer ( not more than 1 minute). The pharmacy gal told me, "Tell her I'll call her right back". Which is understandable. ( She didn't know who I had dialed). About 30 seconds later the gal calls 2 or 3 times and no one answers!!! I called 3 times and no one answered. The answering machine would go on. I then drove to Dr Cruz's office. I told the front desk gal. She went back and told "Duh!!" Well Duh didn't come out. I then told the office gal. "I'll wait until Dr Cruz comes out ." She went back again. " Duh" then comes out. When I confronted her about the incident she said, " I must have been with the Dr. " . Then she pulls out some paperwork and tells me, "It was approved the 24th." I don't know what you want me to do. Fax it again? Call them?? I said "CALL THEM!!" I stood there till she did. She called, didn't question the pharmacy gal over the SUPPOSED PHARMACY ERROR. I couldn't believe she was asking me what I wanted her to do!!!! What is her freakin purpose if a patient has to tell her what to do?? I've never studied medicine, yet I had to tell her why I was telling HER, and what she had to do!!! I then went back to Walgreens and got my medication with no problem. People, If you don't like your job or, you don't know what to do when you're confronted with a simple situation, find something else!!! Especially if your job consists of saving people's lives!!!

They probably need a new office manager. The office girls (not women) do not handle problems well and are not knowledgeable. The nurses (or care assistants) are friendly and professional. The doctor is amazing. Other patients have similar complaints but the Dr Cruz is such a consummate professional many people are willing to overlook the same problems - over scheduling, catty demeanor on phone, unwillingness to aid in problem solving, sometimes not communicating with the doctor or stonewalling.

My overall experience with Dr. Cruz has been excellent. His mannerism helps me to feel confortable during each visit...His opened mindness allows and encourages me to share my symtoms for his evaluation, and then we review my medical file of all the previous visits to determine what may be causing the medical issues at the time of the visit.

Best doctor I've ever had. Actually educates you and doesn't just drug you like so many other doctors. Seems happy all the time!