Dr. Ruth C Cholhan, MD

After my blood work came back negative and I was still be in pain she was pushing chemotherapy drug on me. I am a nurse and know side effects of this medication. I said no but that wasn’t enough . She was calling me trying to convinced me to take it. Very unprofessional!!!

I like Dr. Cholhan but Hellen, the front receptionist is the nastiest, most unfriendly, unresponsive person and is a horrible representative of the practice. On two occasions, I had to reach out three and four times (respectively) over the course of 3 weeks (each time) before I got a response to a question (first time) and request for a copy of blood work report (second time). Regarding my request for the blood work report, Hellen’s email response was (quote) : “IF YOU ARE SO DESPERATE TO GET COPIES OF YOUR LABS YOU CAN GO TO QUEST WEBSITE AND GET THEM…”. The all caps were hers, not mine! When I call, almost without exception, I get the answering service even though my calls are well within business hours. In the very unusual event that I can get through to the front desk (Hellen), she states that she did not get messages. It is clear that Hellen is very dissatisfied with her job and it is so painfully reflected in her treatment of the Dr.’s patients. The treatment I received… from Hellen was the sole reason for my finding a replacement Rheumatologist.

I was referred to Dr Cholhan by my primary care doctor after a positive RA blood test. I find her to be compassionate, thorough and patient. I never feel rushed and she answers any questions or concerns I have. It's a process working out the right meds and she gets that and is encouraging.

Dr. Cholhan was recommended to me by my regular doctor. I had previously seen a rheumatologist who was very offhand and assured me I didn't have RA. Dr.Cholhan was pleasant, asked a lot of questions and listened to my answers and questions. Her diagnosis was correct and after trying several possibilities, arrived at a medication which was helpful. The staff were difficult in the beginning, in my opinion partially due to lack of computerization . There were a few glitches with prescriptions, but either they have improved their system ( because of computerized office) or I just got to know them better. Actually I found them to be a group of nice people happy to be working together. I recommend Dr. Cholhan's office to anyone with RA.

There is a certain level of professionalism and compassion expected from a Rheumatology practice. My sister has been questioning Dr Cholhans office for 2 months regarding medication: 4 weeks to get the office to send a FAX to the pharmacy and now 4 weeks to get the Doctor to authorize a medication disbursement (still waiting for this as a matter of fact). Maybe the staff does not understand what its like to have RA and be without medication, this is where the compassion must come into play. This may be a reflection on staffing but there is oversight that the doctor MUST provide as a fellow healthcare professional however Dr. Cholhan has not done that. I do understand the ins and outs of patient tantrums and absurdities however THIS is not one of them. My suggestion is improving or slowly but surely more and more people will notice how inept Dr. Cholhan and staff can be.

Staff is very rude and unhelpful. After being promised twice that my reports will be mailed, I am yet to get them. This time I will be sending a request by certified mail. Staff almost interrogates you when you call to make an appointment. I will be seeing a different doctor- who needs a rude encounter when you are already in pain!