Louis Cristol, MD, FACC

I was referred by my General Dr. to Dr. Cristol last week to go over my EKG taken by Burleson ER. Front office staff was great! I’m a new patient here…after the assistant took my vitals she took me to the Dr’s office. He walks in and says my last name and then says his last name, I guess that’s how he introduces himself?! He didn’t even acknowledge my husband. He’s on the computer/laptop/phone the ENTIRE time looking up my records, asking me questions and entering my answers. When I was telling him my story and reason for going to my Dr (having an elevated pulse) and then coming here he continued on the computer! No eye contact, I felt like he wasn’t listening or cared. He said my EKG was fine and he’s not concerned since I didn’t have any symptoms and very healthy. He also said that many specialists would do all kinds of testing but he’s not that way. I said I appreciated his honesty! We got up and he pointed for us to “go that way” to have a report printed per my request. I turn… around and he’s GONE! What?! No thank you? No I’m glad you came in to get checked out? No have a great day? RUDE! Dr Cristol was totally unprofessional from the get go! I felt like a # and not a person. $330 self pay) for ONLY an office visit is insane. He can afford to have a nurse or an assistant do the computer work so he can focus on his patients!

Dr. Cristol does not listen to his patients or their family members. Very rude, talks over you, answered his cell phone multiple times while accessing my father. I would not feel comfortable having this doctor see anyone in my family without me or another person present to advocate for them. I have never in my life gotten into an argument with a doctor until him, I typically avoid all conflict. He made his mind up before even asking any questions and when you express concerns that contradict his opinion he gets defensive, talks over you and tells you not to tell him how to practice medicine. It was a terrible experience that left me in tears. My concerns for my father were in no way meant to insult his professional ability but it was taken as such and he responded extremely defensively and told me to stop talking. Recorded the entire conversation. The worst experience I’ve ever had speaking with a professional.

He gives possibilities as to what can be done. He gives the best plan for correction of any cardiology problem. This includes medications. He listens well to any question I had as to concerns for my well being.

I had an appointment with Dr Crystal and mentioned to one of the employees that I had to sell my house because I couldn't afford co-pays and I felt it was unfair that American citizen would be in that position when there are people in this country who are not citizens that get free medical care. She left and the office manager came in and started grilling me on my political views concerning President Trump, the government shutdown and the wall. Then she said that Dr. Crystal refused to see me. I guess now your political views determine your medical care. She told me it was inappropriate for me to state to a Hispanic employee anything about non-americans getting free medical care. I informed her of my constitutional and First Amendment rights. I guess she thought it was appropriate for her to grill me on my political views. By the way, I am Hispanic.

Dr. Cristol reviews my lab work with me, my medications and as I am an R.N. who has worked for 20 years in the cardiac unit before I retired, I find that he spends the necessary amount of time for a visit and sometimes there might be a 15-30 minute wait. His office staff is efficient and friendly. He is kind and caring for his patients.

I am changing heart doctors and heart clinics entirely. First I have to say the office is clean. That is all I can think of that is good about this clinic. Staff is rude and unprofessional. No one ever knows the answer to anything and they pass you off to others. Doctor's bedside manners are horrible. He looks at and messes with his phone while you are talking to him, he never seems to pay attention to you, leaving you feeling as if he doesn't care about his patients. If you have any test done, to get the results of test...you will have to make another appt...even if they find nothing wrong, It is a way for more money. Dr. Cristol will not call you back on anything and for most of the appointments he will pass you off to his PA, who is probably more thorough than him though. Poor office, staff and doctor...I'd recommend going somewhere else. I tried this clinic several times, and with each visit I got more and more disappointed. Sad.

I've been seeing Dr. Cristol for about a year now and I've now decided to make a change from his practice. I don't feel I am getting the "attention" when I am in his office. The last two times I've been in for a consultation, he's taken 1 or two cell calls that come in from fellow doctors. I have to sit there and listen to his conversation. I am not impressed. I will be looking for a new specialist.