Dr. John Ravits, MD

I went for my first visit today, my husband and were so happy when we left! Dr. Ravits was very understanding, he took the time to listen to me, without interrupting. I suffer from ALS, and it affected my speech and swallowing. I loved that he had Dr’s to be with him. The entire staff was amazing. Again awesome place. Now I know where my care will be.

This is the first time I have ever posted a review online. If you or a loved one are suffering from a neurological disorder, look elsewhere for help if you’re looking for a professional neurologist. I was referred to Dr. Ravits by a very respected neurologist at Cedars Sinai Hospital in L.A. I recently moved to the San Diego area and his recommendation was a big help to me. I sent a letter to Dr. Ravits letting him know who referred me and a little about my medical background. His nurse, “Susie”, called me and we scheduled an appointment for 3 months later, which unfortunately is the norm for getting in to see many specialists. I had at least 3 phone conversations with Susie during that 3 month wait period, in which I made certain that she had everything needed from me, i.e., paperwork completed, etc. A couple of weeks before the appointment she mailed a letter to me giving me directions, expectations of the appointment, and confirmation of my appointment. On the day of my… appointment, it was raining ferociously and it took me 1 1/2 hours to drive the 25 miles to Dr. Ravits office, but I was still 20 minutes early. The receptionist informed me, “oh my gosh, I don’t understand this, but I see your name WAS on the schedule, but for some reason Dr. Ravits took you out of the schedule and put another patient in your time slot. Someone should have called you”. Well … they had not. I calmly asked the receptionist to get Susie on the phone, which she did, and Susie’s response was that she did not know about this and to tell me that she would call me within 2 days to let me know what happened. 10 days later, I still have not heard a word from Dr. Ravits or from his nurse, Susie. I called yesterday and left her a message, and no response has been received. If you think this is the appropriate way to be treated by a physician and his staff, go ahead and make your appointment and I wish you good luck. Do what I just did, and read the other patient comments on the internet sites about Dr. Ravits – I wish I had read them first and then maybe I would not have felt such great disappointment. I am covered by 2 insurance plans, so reimbursement is not the issue. Consideration and professionalism are the issues here.

I was referred to Dr. Ravits for a second opinion and to evaluate my symptoms in the hopes of finding a diagnosis. He was insulting and told me there was nothing wrong with me. He had all my tests from previous doctors and said that my emgs were normal, which were not. He didn't even exam me, only his residents. Fast forward a few months later, I was finally diagnosed with Adrenomyloneuropathy. No matter how I insisted there was something wrong with my legs, he didn't believe me. I understand that neurological problems can be hard to diagnose, but I had clear objective findings on my EMG and spasticity in my legs. To his defense my symptoms were still minor, but the big problem is how I was treated and made to feel I was crazy. Honestly he is the type of doctor that makes patients hesitant to see doctors, especially for rare conditions where there is a lot of work involved in finding a diagnosis.

Dr. Ravits was our doctor of choice when my husband was diagnosed with ALS. He was forthright, accurate with, diagnosis, recommendations and patterns of symptoms early on, kind, humble, light-hearted when appropriate, warm. I was sad for others with ALS who would not have this doctor in their lives when he left Seattle.

Very arrogant individual. Did not give me the time of day or listen to anything I had to say. He relied completely on my brief medical history with hardly any of his own knowledge. Doesn't seem to be able to think for himself at all! Would not recommend him if you are looking for any kind of diagnosis. He is leaving the Seattle area for California looking for a retirement job!