Dr. Howard K Chen, MD

He is arrogant. Wouldn't answer my questions satisfactorily. I had questions because I'm 72 and a diabetic, so I have concerns about my eyes. Then said I had to pay him until my ins paid. Its was over $200 and ins paid all but $20. They sent me a portion back then just called me to tell me 6months later I owed the $20. STAY away from him.

Very unprofessional office. When I scheduled I was very clear what insurance I have and made sure the doctor was contracted. I checked several times while scheduling, and verified when I got my reminder call. Since I have a secondary insurance that picks up I never have patient responsibility. I was told it was not an issue and they scheduled the appointment. I also stressed that I needed a medical appointment, not a refraction, due to sudden issues with my vision so it would be medical not vision being billed. Fast forward to my appointment. I arrived half an hour early to do paperwork and the receptionist took my insurance cards while I sat and filled out several pages of information. People were checking in with appointments that were half an hour to an hour after my scheduled time and started being called back while i just sat there waiting. Finally the receptionist called me up and told me that the doctor changed his mind recently and was no longer going to bill my insurance… because "they never pay their bills". Mind you, I also have a secondary that pays anything not paid by my primary. When I asked when this change was made, initially she said recently but when I pointed out that I had verified when scheduling and that I could have been told that in the hour and a half I had been sitting there, she changed her story and said the doctor changed it last year. I was told I had to pay the expected payment from my insurance and then they would see me and bill my insurance. I pointed out again this was not what I had been told she went and checked with the doctor, she again said he required payment up front. Half a day wasted in a small hot office with personnel who cannot be upfront. If the doctor changed his policies and doesn't want to bill CHAMPVA as he is required to then he needs to be honest and upfront with that policy. It has taken me another week to get in to another office and I am praying that my issue has not been exacerbated due to the delay. I would never recommend this office for any care.

My husband and I were both treated by Dr. Chen, very pleased with the outcome of our visits. Both of our issues were resolved. Would highly recommend.

Dr. Howard specially asked that I review his office and care so here goes... It’s tragic people actually come here to be seen by this doctor. Worst care, listening or attention by any physician I have ever been under the care of. Do not believe me? Go ahead and schedule a visit!

Came in for diabetes check from my pcp. Was harassed regarding my a1c and then told to sit outside. Horrible treatment!

I am concerned that the recent reviews may have been written by Doctor Chen or his staff. I find it terribly hard to believe that any person actually seen by Doctor Howard Chen would have a positive review of their treatment. Left wondering WTF happened. Paid $180.00 to be seen for metal in my eye, not metal removed, had full exam and was told at the end of my visit “well ok everything looks good” when I asked about the metal in my eye Doctor Chen’s response was “umm hmmm yeah I did not see it - if you would like to be seen in a year or two fill out a post card” I continued to ask him questions but he just walked away. The girl at the front desk apologized and offered to get answers for my questions but Doctor Chen was very rude to her about it. I ended up going to to see the doctors across the way at Arizona Eye two days later as it turns out I had a copper ring in my eye from Doctor Chen missing diagnoses and failing to properly remove the copper shaving I told him was there.

Dr Chen is a highly competent ophthalmologist and surgeon. He is very task focused which can make him seem unfriendly. He is not. He responds to questions with complete and knowledgeable answers. He could be a bit slower in his speech pattern so as to give us older folks a moment to process what he is saying. However, I have complete trust in his knowledge and skills. I also appreciate the easy going friendliness of the office. I feel/felt like a person whose needs were important and that I would be treated as a person. He did cataract surgery on both eyes and the results are outstanding.

If you are looking for a ophthalmologist that is thorough and conservative than I highly recommend Dr. Howard Chen. The staff is knowledgeable regarding insurance and they are upfront regarding patients out of pocket. I appreciate the ease of scheduling and appointment flow.

Great doctor and surgeon. Very good with patients - both he and Lynnette are great.

I had cataract surgery by Doctor Chen. I was very happy with the out come of my surgery and my vision. I would also like to brag of the front office gal!!! Lynn made the entire experience stress free, and I knew that any questions or concerns I had I could call her with and she was kind, sweet and patient. Honestly, I think the doctor did good surgery, but he lacks people skills, and he is not very approachable. Lynn made up for that with her caring and understanding nature.