Dr. Simon Marc Helfgott, MD

I went in for my first appointment and waited over an hour past my appointment and needed to leave. The waiting area was filled with patients waiting for their appointments. I asked the woman next to me when her time was and it was scheduled 15 min before mine. Possibly why he is so backed up because very rarely does an efficient appointment take only 15 min. When I went to the front desk they said he was on a conference call ( which could be heard in the waiting room) and I should be called in soon but there was still at least one patient ahead of me. I will be looking for a different doctor.

Avoid! Very dismissive, barly examined or touched me, order zero tests, was distracted by his phone and watch, and even someone coming into the room during our visit - they interrupted me mid sentence!! Not for an emergency, either. He walked out of the room with no recommendation or closure. I felt dismissed and like he couldn't care less about me or my illness. I waited over a month to see him and spent the day getting to and from his office, and literally spent less than five minutes with him... dismal.

I became a patient of Dr. Helfgot about 5 years ago for Psoriatic arthritis. Initially, I was put on Naproxen for my swollen joints for about one month. After being awoken by stomach pain, my research found Naproxen irritates the stomach lining and can lead to ulcers. Dr. Helfgot prescribed Cytotec to deal with stomach irritation. In a follow-up visit, I requested he advocate for a marijuana prescription/license which we discussed but he was unwilling to do, yet he offered more Naproxen. I did not return to see Dr. Helfgot for 4 years since I had purchased a medicinal marijuana card that dramatically helped my joint pain and stiffness. To the point where Dr. Helfgot questioned my diagnosis and requested new blood work. I went to my primary to get the blood work done yet neither my old primary doctor nor Dr. Helfgot's office had the results. In my most recent communication with his office, I requested prescription ointment for my psoriasis and he denied the request since I hadn't… been to the office since the Fall. Yet I could only get an appointment two months from now. Thankfully my primary doctor fulfilled the prescription. This isn't a narcotic or addictive drug, its a topical ointment for psoriasis that was being ransomed for an office visit. I think I've been tolerant of Dr. Helfgot's methods but we differ greatly on how to treat my condition.

If you choose a doctor based on bedside manner this will not be the doctor for you. However, if you want a doctor who is brilliant, knowledgeable and thorough and shows that he cares by working tirelessly to figure out what’s wrong and fights with insurance companies to get his patients what they need, this is the doctor for you. He spoke to me like an adult. He explained everything in a way that was clear but not condescending. He ran many, many tests. He listened closely to everything I had to say. One of the best doctors I have ever seen. I can get emotional support from family and friends. I go to the doctor for medical care.

Have been a patient for years. Usually late for every sppointment because he over books. Visit takes 10 minutes at most. Looks at my hands and sometimes my feet and nothing else. Recently requested my medical records and it looks like a full physical is given at every visit which is definitely not the case. Actually put in medical record that I was non compliant because I didnt want to continue on the cancer causing biologics that he pushes. My husband thinks he is getting a kick back and I am beginning to agree.

I have been a patient of Dr. Helfgott since 1998 and see him several times a year. He is a doctor who is genuinely involved in my care and is a caring doctor. I am thankful he has been there for me all these years. Dr Helfgott is the best of the best!

Absolutely one of the worst visits to a doctor I have ever had. Be prepared to be ignored, not listened to, snickered at and no follow up. This doctor is pompous and extremely rude. Bedside manner big fat ZERO

soooo rude. did not listen to a word I said. Half the visit was spent on dicta phone or his cell. I was horrified with this guy. By the way, I went to another Dr. at MGH and I have severe RA.

Excellent care. Very dedicated to his work and thorough in his care.