Charles M Friel, MD

Very good Doctor

Very well

Very good

Just got home from surgery last night. I feel total confidence that Dr Friel took care of my husbands issues.

One of the best things about seeing Dr Friel is that he always listens to what I have to say and considers his answer before responding.

Good experience. Dr. mentioned risk factors. I meant to ask what was included in the risk factors, but I forgot to ask.

First I want to start with the fact that several nurses and residents told me that it is known that Dr. Friel has poor bedside manners and often sends his PAs or residents into patients' rooms. I have seen Dr. Friel in office a few times, first, as a new patient hoping for answers for all my pain following 4 abdominal surgeries (all done by another doctor several months-3 years earlier). He did almost nothing at this meeting. My husband and I both took the day off of work to travel and wait. Dr. Friel maybe spent 4 minutes with us. He had just reviewed my chart and decided there was nothing he could do and I should go somewhere else. I cried as he left the room without apology. The next times I saw him were because I was taken to UVA by ambulance and needed emergency surgery, and then again when surgery was a possibility. It is the closest hospital that does colorectal surgery, so I had no choice. When I was in the hospital, under him as my attending doctor for a total of 6 weeks… between 2 stays, he actually came to my room and spoke to me maybe 5 days out of 42. I would meet a resident or intern, one after another, and it seemed they didn't even all agree on what was happening with my plan of care. When Dr. Friel was in, he was abrasive, rude, and had no concern for my worries or emotions. He told me once "How would I look before my peers if they knew I saw your bloodwork numbers and didn't do surgery? It could ruin my reputation and career!" when 5 or so days earlier, he told me he would "never do surgery on [me] again." and I "definitely didn't need surgery for this." I told him I absolutely did not want surgery done because I knew I didn't have a total intestinal obstruction and it was improving. The problem had really been that they were not giving me enough fluids to make up everything I was losing, even though I repeatedly told the resident that I was concerned that this was the problem. So Dr. Friel had essentially told me that it was his reputation and career he was worried about more than my concern for my health. It was endlessly frustrating.

I found Dr Firel to be very knowledgeable in explaining my surgery an what all would be involved before an after the surgery. What I could expect with my crohne's after my surgery. He was very pleasant and reassuring.

The worst and unprofessional doctor ever. Dont waste your precious time with this doctor or his office because i guarantee you will get to see more of his residents than himself for providing care. Do yourself a favor and find a doctor who cares for you and listens to your concern.

Dr. Friel and his staff were very professional and courteous throughout the entire process of initial consult through the actual surgery and follow-up appointments. He took the time to listen to any concerns or questions that I had and answered them thoughtfully and thoroughly. The wait time to see him can be a bit long, but no worse than the typical MD these days.