Dr. Helen Sophie Barold, MD

This physician exhibits a concerning lack of bedside manner and attentiveness to patient concerns. As a result, I have serious reservations about the safety and appropriateness of the care being delivered Please be aware that patients may be discharged from the practice without prior notice, a formal explanation, or an official dismissal letter. This can occur at the discretion of the physician, and in some cases patients may not receive a clear reason for the decision. If you have ongoing medical needs, it is advisable to maintain copies of your medical records and ensure continuity of care with another healthcare provider if necessary.

I was diagnosed with Afib and went to Dr. Barold because she was recommended by my (excellent) GP. She started my right away on blood thinners medicine and within a week I was given outpatient hospital treatment TEE/defibrillation by her and another MD and was out without Afib. So far so good. She is monitoring me closely. I am fortunate to have been referred to her caridiology practice in DC.

I had a rapid onset of afib that would not remit. She provided fantastic care. Dr. Barold is a deeply intelligent and knowledgable physician. She is trained at Duke University. I highly recommend her.

I've never met a doctor who belittles, dismisses, and insults with no provocation. She prejudges people, and can't admit when she is wrong and blames the patient. Perhaps she is two sided, as some reviews suggest she isn't like this all the time. But every time i saw her she made me feel worse about myself, and her hosility toward my former cardiologist was taken out on me. If i wanted to have my valid concerns ignored i wouldn't go to any doctor. She may be smart, but she is impatient and arrogant. And is no longer my cardiologist.

I was referred to Dr. Barold by my internist for high blood pressure. Her staff and she were welcoming, comforting, and very attentive and pleasant. She took time to ask a lot of questions and answer mine as well. She created a very comfortable environment for me as I am a healthcare professional and procrastinate going to the doctor. This was my first experience with a major health concern and she was very comforting in laying out a plan of care.

About three months ago, I saw this doctor. A good physician should not only be in command of the subjects of his or her specialty (and Dr. Barold probably is), but also have the ability to go into the psyche of their patients. Dr. Barold totally lacks this ability. She is the most insensitive, rude and insultingly aggressive person of any profession I have have ever met. My recommendation is to avoid Dr. Barold.

What I like best about Dr. Barold is that she was able to explain why I very likely did NOT need additional tests or medications.

I've been a patient of Dr. Barold's for several years and until recently, I was feeling well enough to not need her services. Several weeks ago I had a very scary episode where my heart was not on rhythm and this continued for close to an hour before I picked up the phone to call her.I called her at close to 11:00pm and was greeted with the rudest, most obnoxious attitude from her. Apparently she does not appreciate being bothered at night, even for an emergency and being that she hung up on me, I was forced to go to the hospital without her guidance and instructions. Thankfully, everything is okay with me but I am happy that I found out the true nature of this doctor's attitude and will certainly never be using her again!

Dr. Barold has proven to to ab exceptional cardiologist. She makes her patients feel that they are her highest priority -- and she succeeds in conveying this feeling because it is indeed true. She is always available via email, text or cell phone. Her responses are rapid. She has diagnosed problems quickly but always cautiously. She instills a sense of trust that puts her patients at ease.

Brilliant doctor but she and her staff were cold, inflexible and a smidge arrogant.