Dr. Dean Chang, MD

I was evaluated by this provider after experiencing three separate gallbladder attacks that were already significantly impacting my daily life. My symptoms followed a consistent, episodic pattern of recurrent severe central upper abdominal pain with radiation to the back. However, I did not feel that this pattern was fully recognized or integrated into the overall assessment. A diagnostic workup was performed, including imaging and endoscopic evaluation. Imaging demonstrated gallstones as well as a high ejection fraction (92%). I was advised that these findings were normal and that my gallbladder was not the source of my symptoms. I was not referred for surgical evaluation. Management instead focused on medical treatment targeting gastrointestinal causes. In the time that followed, I experienced four additional gallbladder attacks, each involving hours of severe pain and further disruption to my quality of life. At multiple follow-up visits, I was told that my gallbladder was healthy… and did not require removal. Due to the persistence and severity of my symptoms, I ultimately sought a surgical opinion independently as well as a 2nd opinion from a different gastroenterolgist. Ultimately, after months of suffering, I underwent cholecystectomy. Postoperative pathology confirmed chronic cholecystitis with a diseased, inflamed gallbladder containing multiple stones of moderate of sizes, indicating an underlying condition that had been ongoing. While I understand that gallbladder disease can sometimes be complex to diagnose, I believe that the presence of gallstones in combination with the frequency and severity of my symptoms warranted earlier consideration of surgical referral. I did not feel that my concerns were fully heard during this process. I am sharing this experience so that future patients presenting with recurrent gallbladder-type symptoms are evaluated with full consideration of their clinical pattern and overall impact by a different provider.

This doctor returned a call to me when I was VERY ill with GI problems. He was extremely rude and impatient.

After a 1 hour wait for my initial consultation, I found the initial visit with Dr. Chang to be acceptable and I was encouraged that I found a good doctor. However the follow-through was poor. Dr. Chang had informed me that I needed an endoscope urgently and that his staff would call with an appointment, the staff never called! I was forced to follow-up with the staff. Then I finally rescheduled the endoscope but requested a brief call with Dr. Chang prior to the procedure. He call me back once but I missed his call. I tried him 5 times and never heard back from him. Additionally, Dr. Chang order some additional blood tests to look for other potential cancers and ailments. Again we never received a call to inform us of the blood test results.

I have never met a more thorough or caring doctor. He is extremely professional, yet very down to earth and easy to talk to. HIGHLY recommend Dr. Chang

Seceral tests are done in this office that patients need to call for results. A wrong result was relayed to me. The right person to call for result had to correct it by calling me again based on my calls. Then the office called the wrong pharmacy. More prescription delays ongoing after frequent follow up by patients. The test was in September, I had to call the office again that I still do not have it in my pharmacy. Obviously, I need to find another doctor.