Dr. Joel Mark Hirschberg, MD

Trust Dr Hirshberg with my life

A fabulous, friend and doctor. Such fun to be in his office. Solves problems well.

Treated my mother with no respect. She has an autoimmune disease. He was rude, and disrespectful to her. She is a doctors wife. And I am a physician. Not good Dr. Hirschberg. She has had to look elsewhere for a rheumatologist due to his lack of understanding and lack of caring. Empathy is important in a physician. There are better docs out there. Avoid this one.

I really wanted to stay with Dr. Hirschberg, but after my last visit I left with the feeling of I need to make a change. He almost acted like it was such a bother to even see me. Something has changed here, and I just don't like it. He is so busy shuffling thru my file flipping pages and never looks up as I explain while I am there in the first place, and when I tell him my situation, he waves it off, like NO BIG DEALâ?¦ I honestly get the feeling that he is not LOOKING nor LISTENING to me what so ever. He is so busy with his dictation that it is rude and distracting. I feel frustrated and leave with the feeling of what a waste of time. I also called once before and needed a basic refill of a medication that is for my joints and his office said I would have to call my GP for the refill. Even during this last visit, he suggested I see my GPâ?¦ I said well then what am I coming to you FOR.???? seriouslyâ?¦ I walked out and said Im done, called the next day and cancelled… the 3 week follow up to go over my labsâ?¦ I already have gone over my labs with my GP 3 days later when the results were in and have moved on to finding a doctor that is not just going through the motions anymore. Its very disappointing because I really wanted this to work, and he was highly recommended to me.

Dr. Hirschberg did not help me at all. He was the first rheumatologist I was referred to. I was having serious joint issues and was really scared because I am under 30. This guy told me I was fine and rushed me out of there. I have clear signs of psoriasis and swollen joints but he just ignored everything. He gave me no hope or help. Don't waste your time with this "doctor" because he is a thief and a joke.

Having Dr. Hirschberg as my son's doctor has been the best experience spite his medical condition. Dr. Hirschberg is a very caring and loving doctor. He allows his patients a quick recovery as his bedside manners and his professionalism gives one a sence of confidence.

Dr. Hirschberg may have been a "rock star" in the past, as one poster noted. But even big stars can falter. During my visits, the doctor's behavior was disturbingly erratic. At times he was almost clinically manic, determined to dazzle with his speediness and connections. On other visits he was sullen, barely verbal and showed obvious contempt for his patients. He may have personal or health issues interfering with his work. Just to let other patients know--keep your eyes open and use your own judgment even if the doc you're seeing has a big reputation.

I left in tears. I made my appointment based on reviews on this site. He has a nice personality, but I didn't go there to be entertained. I can't close my hand, it hurts to write or do many things, and he told me it's incurable. He did not prescribe pain meds or send me to physical therapy. I told him my wrists also hurt, and he didn't listen or address that issue. I'm grateful for the internet because I found that with exercise, I can recover full motion of my fingers. He did not mention exercise. His attitude was that I just have to live with this pain and discomfort. He gave me no hope. I would not recommend him.

I cannot say enough great things about Dr. Hirschberg. I developed arthritis with shocking speed and at a very young age and saw many doctors who did not understand my symptoms. Dr. Hirschberg is relentless when he is confronted with a disease - it is like he becomes a warrior out to get the evil enemy. I am the result of his tenacity. I am pain free, playing tennis, happy and healthy only because he helps me manage my situation. There is No-One better in the desert, maybe California, maybe the US, than this man.

In my book we rate him as one of the best,