Dr. Samuel Harvey Altstein, DO

Had high expectations for Dr. Altstein because of all of the positive reviews I've seen elsewhere. I made a new patient appointment with him because I was looking for a new primary care provider that was close to my work, and had some medical concerns that I had questions about. Upon entering the exam room, he asks "What do you need a prescription for?". As if all I'm here for is some medication. I explained I didn't need a prescription, and was just looking for a new primary care provider, expecting to go over my health history with me. So we just bluntly asks me what's going on with me. Did not see caring in anyway, and clearly wanted to get the appointment over with. Basically downplayed all of my medical concerns, and made me feel like I was just over reacting with everything. Told me I should work out more than twice, and If I feel like it, I can continue seeing him. Maybe I caught him on a bad day, but his energy and attitude was extremely off-putting. I will not be back to see… him.

I was 12 minutes late for an appointment and Dr. Altstein: 1) refused to see me, 2) refused to talk to me face-to-face when I told his physician's assistant that I had some urgent medical needs that required tests to be ordered, 3) refused to schedule a "follow up-length" appointment with me and said he would only see me for a full physical a full month from now, and 4) was very curt after I sent him a lengthy email outlining what my medical issue is and why I needed to speak with him (after he wouldn't come out to speak to me in person at his office). It was my fault that I showed up late, but his refusal to at minimum hear me out on my current medical issue and have the decency to speak to me in person rather than making a PA go back and forth from her desk to him as an intermediary.

I have been seeing Dr. Altstein for well over a decade. I feel truly LUCKY to have been afforded the pleasure of having such a TRULY DEDICATED AND PROFESSIONA physician caring and guiding me with the many ailments I have experienced thru the many years. It is totally a Wonderful feeling knowing the relationship between us is SO special. I trust his decisions and diagnosis a full one hundred percent. I thank GOD and the stars above for being in such WONDERFUL CARE!!

Dr. Samuel was very attentive for how busy the clinic was. Sure the wait time was long, but it's a walk-in clinic in NYC. You can't expect instant service. When he did call me in, he was very patient and helpful. The actual checkout was 15 mins and I got the prescription I needed.

Sam is a decent Doctor but that is about it. He is very impatient and he pushes me out the door. No genuine care at all. You will wait weeks to get prescriptions filled or an appointment. I have left 9 messages in the last 2 mos but not one return call. The staff are very un-helpful. When he was on 61st it was much better. I just dropped him as a Doctor. Imagine if it was high blood pressure pills!?