Dr. Brian Mark Chesnie, MD

I went to see Dr. Chesnie for his evaluation of a newly diagnosed heart condition. My primary cardiologist was at Kaiser but my coverage was ending and I was transitioning to PPO coverage which Dr. Chesnie was "in-network". I also wanted his opinion because of his experience and credentials. Important to mention is that because of the nature of my work I must be able to pass constant physicals and submit these physicals to my licensing authority for approval. So...in order to earn my living I need to be deemed "fit for duty". Both my Cardiologist and the Interventional Cardiologist at Kaiser deemed me "fit for duty". All medical records including Dr. Chesnies were sent to the medical review board of my licensing agency who deemed me "fit for duty" as well. However, Dr. Chesnie did not feel comfortable giving me a "fit for duty letter", allowing me to return to work. Instead he wanted me to have a procedure that could possibly correct my condition. The problem (that I explained to… him) was that I'd already been out of work for months and that procedure would result in, at a minimum several months more un-employment (assuming it was successful and didn't cause complications) and more importantly my healthcare insurance would end up lapsing in the middle of my care. Since two other Cardiologists felt I could work and that I could have the procedure in the future, I practically begged Dr. Chesnie to understand (as I wanted him to be my Cardiologist going forward) there was a human/logistical element involved in our medical plan as well as just medical facts. I assured him that after several months back at work I would definitely have the procedure. He refused and would not approve my return to work. IMPORTANT: With all that said regarding his refusal to approve my plan to return to work briefly, thus extending my healthcare coverage and replenish my bank account before having the procedure, the 2 star rating IS ABSOLUETLY NOT RELATED TO THAT AT ALL. I respect and on a certain level can understand him not being comfortable with my return to work given my medical facts. The following is what the 2 star rating is based on and 100% based on fact and not opinion; 1. Dr. Chesnie instructed his front office to not devote any further time to getting my medical records from Kaiser. They were having trouble getting the full/complete records as opposed to summaries. While I have no doubt they tried and Kaiser was being difficult, instead of the attitude "we will do whatever it takes to get your records" the Dr. in essence gave up and threw that ball back in my court. His response caused me stress. I made one phone call to the records department who promptly got all the requested records to their office. 2. I left my 2nd appointment with Dr Chesnie so stressed out, scarde, exhausted and frazzled I can't properly articulate to you the extent of how bad I felt. He was calm at the outset of the appointment as he laid out all the issues I had and how serious they were. It was was very direct and matter of fact and the rapid fire manner in which Dr. C fired off my issues along with his intensity rattled me. At that point, because of the medical records issue I thought he just didn't like me for some reason. I have no idea if that's true but it is what I thought. At this point he appeared only mildly upset. He went on to explain his recommended protocol to me (to have the procedure described above) at this point he was now fairly pleasant and optimistic as he explained all the benefits. But as soon as I seemed disappointed and wanted to discuss getting back to work and having the procedure in a few months he said that he knew getting a fit for duty opinion was "part of my agenda" (yes Dr. earning enough money to pay my rent and continue my health benefits is important to me) but he just wasn't comfortable doing that. At that point he got agitated and stood up, making his way to the door to abruptly end the appt. The end of our appointment had me in his chair, obviously completely scarde, stressed and upset with him standing with his hand on the door handle. To this date and most likely the rest of my life I will remain emotionally scarred from that appointment. Not because of the content as I was already deemed fit by Kaiser, but because of his delivery. Summary, I returned to work for 4.5 months with no issues, extended my benefits throughout 2018 and plan to have the corrective procedure as soon as possible with another Cardiologist. Dr. Chesnie was awesome on my first appointment. Very encouraging and nice. I thought I found my Cardiologist for life. He obviously has the ability to give top medical advice, his office is very nice as are the women working for him. If you use his labs and don't need medical records forwarded and follow his recommendations completely I think you will probably have a good experience. Based on his other reviews I would recommend seeing him and see how things go.

As soon as you enter this doctor's office you can feel the warmth and gentleness necessary to begin the healing process. Truly a positive experience between doctor and patient. My doctor and my experience equals one word: Trust.