Dr. Claudia Marie Testa, MD

I came to see Dr. Testa because I was dealing with a range of concerning symptoms, and I had taken the time to journal everything thoroughly. While I do experience involuntary muscle movements, that was not the reason I needed to be seen. Unfortunately, from the moment the visit began, Dr. Testa focused almost exclusively on the movement issues and didn’t give me the opportunity to explain the full scope of what brought me in. I tried multiple times to redirect the conversation, but she continued to stay fixed on what she thought was the issue. My husband attempted to bring the conversation back to the actual reason for the visit, but she brushed him off and quickly moved on. I had spent a great deal of time researching my symptoms, and there were several possible conditions that made much more sense than the one she quickly diagnosed, but she wouldn’t let me discuss my concerns or the well-prepared list I had brought with me. At one point, she asked me to describe how my restless… legs felt. I struggled to put it into words in a way that would make sense, and after hearing my attempt, she told me it didn’t sound like restless leg syndrome—even though it had already been confirmed in multiple sleep studies in the past. That moment really captured how the entire visit felt: I was trying to be honest and thorough, but it didn’t seem to matter. I left in tears, feeling let down, unheard, and like I never wanted to go back to any doctor again.

I saw her once for a 2nd opinion and found her to be detached, remote, quite non-communicative. When I was describing my symptoms, she told me to stop talking so she could concentrate. After determining my diagnosis, she gave me almost no information. Three months later, I got a call from VCU to reschedule my next appt, because Dr. Testa had left practice. Really? No written documentation or explanation. No assistance with finding a replacement. That is potentially in violation of VA medical code. Unethical. Zero empathy.

I found Dr. Testa to be impersonal and vapid. She confirmed my movement disorder using a computer program and not her brain. She seemed to be disconnected when I spoke with her. The treatments that she used were insufficient. My condition worsened over the months and the pain became intense. The chronic stress from the pain caused clinical depression and I had to be treated by a psychiatrist. I gave up on her and went to see another doctor. I am very happy with my new doctor. My sister and I have the same disorder and Dr. Testa told to tell me that I was imagining it! What a crackpot.

Dr. Testa was friendly and extremely professional. She listened to my medical history, asked appropriate questions to clarify my narrative, and asked questions related to my symptoms. The neurological exam was thorough. Dr. Testa stated clearly her conclusions about my exam, discussed all aspects of the diagnosis, presented me with treatment choices, answered all of my questions concerning the diagnosis, and provided written material related to the diagnosis. Overall I would rate Dr. Testa as Excellent. This was my first visit with Dr. Testa, and as a retired health care professional I was very impressed with Dr. Testa and all of the staff (medical and office). Everyone I interacted with was friendly and courteous. Overall: Excellent all around.

Dr Testa was very rude when talking to my husband about his medical problems. After I gave her a list, that I had formed from observing my husband, she stated; "Besides what you've read on the internet, what are his symptoms" I have never been so hurt. I live with my husband and I know his symptoms. I heard she is no longer at Emory...I can see why.

Dr. Testa is experienced, caring and real. She asks questions and answers them appropriately. She never "blew off" any concerns I had and never made me feel ignorant as other doctors have done. She explained things on a level that was easy to understand and called personally to check up after a procedure. She is a genuine care taker who is in her profession for the patient, not for fortune or fame. I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Claudia Testa.

Seemed irritated the minute I walked in although she spent time with me she kept checking her watch. Maybe she was having a bad day. I was not impressed with Emory. I had waited 3 months for this appointment and had put a lot of hope into getting help and walked away even more confused.

Great bedside manner, very pleasant and caring. However, I felt that the quickness and certainty of diagnosis and recommended therapy was surprising (approximately 45 minutes) given that I was currently on medication for the past two months that surpresses my movement disorder. The timing of my appointment while I was under "current effective treatment" did not provide an accurate reflection of my problem. Unfortunately, she was not able to observe my primary and most severe problem, since it was not visible at the time of the visit. Otherwise, the visit was pleasant and she appears to be a supportive and caring physician.

Dr. Testa is a good doctor. She cares. she was referred to me and I have never regretted it. She was firm in her saying that the problem I had was not part of the "aging process". I am from upstate NY (I was born in this area and was visiting my Sons) and she did not see a problem with me going there to see another doctor, she recommended two cities, even though I had seen her several times.

exceptionally caring, patient, thorough knowledgeable. Follows up. A delight to have as a doctor.