Dr. Soberekon Melvin Koko, MD

Do not see this doctor. I had seen his negative ratings but didn't feel like I had any other options due to insurance. Fortunately my PCP was able to help me out after my disastrous appointment with Dr. Koko. He didn't introduce himself, know who I was, or have my chart (he didn't even realize I was a new patient). He saw what medications I was on and said he would get me off of both of them, while disparaging my previous care providers. I'm doing very well and am very healthy, merely needing medication management and ongoing counseling. He had decided to change my meds without even asking how I was, but that isn't close to the worse part. While he said several things that would be disqualifying for a good provider, here's the comment that takes the cake: I mentioned I'm not currently depressed but that depression definitely seems to be cyclical with the winter being the hardest months. He said, you mean you like summer more? Everyone likes summer more. I don't like the winter, but I… don't take an antidepressant. Yep, he actually said that. On top of it all, the medication he decided I needed counteracts with my other medication, and the pharmacy contacted him immediately, and he didn't call them back. When I called the office to inform I would not be returning due to a terrible appointment, the receptionist kindly said she'd remove my next appointment and have a great day and then hung up immediately; it seems she gets these calls regularly (that's the only part of this review that is speculation, but seeing as how most providers would want to know what happened to make it right, use it's clear that they are not interested in this). He also told me that the side effects I had with previous medications weren't correct or possible. He also said if he took the medication I took, he would be sleeping which shows why I shouldn't be taking it; no, that shows why he shouldn't be taking it. I've had very competent providers in the past, and it's really unfortunate he's one of the few who take my health coverage!

Today I decided to end my doctor-patient relationship with Dr. Koko, if "relationship" is what you can call it. Dr. Koko is a very rude, self-absorded person with the inability to display compassion and support for his patients, well, at least not for me. During my first, intial and last visit, I asked Dr. Koko to prescribe me something for the sleeplessness I'd been experiencing the last 4 weeks. I mentioned my PCP prescribing me Hydroxyzine, but I wanted a professional opinion from a specialist. He asked zero questions about my history or what I was currently experiencing, he simply said I "needed" the anti-anxiety medication Trazodone, along with another medication, which I was unclear about. I'm not sure why two drugs were necessary for me take and he didn't feel the need to explain. I was very specific when asking about medications, as I wanted a mild prescription, which I can take when needed and is not habit-forming. I also mentioned I that I'd like him to help me find… alternatives to the drug and create an exit strategy to get off the drugs at some point. He scoffed and said, "what, you want therapy? you can research that on your own". I also asked if me being peri-menopausal or vitamin deficiencies could be contibuting factor to my sleeplessness. He said, "We do not have any information facts about that! I deal in facts...in what I know". Really? He didn't know me from 15 minutes ago, yet want to prescribe me addicitive drugs? How did he arrive at those "facts"? Although I did not know much about Trazadone, I trusted his judgement, but remained cautious. Side note, I had a recent emergency room visit and the attending physician also prescribed Trazadone, but I told him the side effects left me in a hangover state, not suitable for the work I do. The ER attending physician suggested I see a specialist, which I why I reached out to Dr. Koko. I tried reaching out to Dr. Koko at least 5 times over the past week to discuss the medication and to have him prescribe something else. He did not call or respond to any of my messages, although the receptionist/office assistant assured me she relayed my messages. I did not want to discontinue use of the prescription abruptly, but yesterday, all through the day I was experiencing strange thoughts and severe side effects. I could not call Dr. Koko because he does have an after-hours phone number. I immediately called my PCP who returned my call in 10 minutes. I explained the situation and my PCP instructed me to stop taking the meds immediately and switch back to Hydroxyzine. It was at that moment I realized Dr. Koko is unreliable, uncaring, professionally negligent and would not be supportive of my overall health and well-being. Fortunate for me, this situation will not prohibit me from finding the right doctor.

Pays Attention & Very Polite

Where do I begin? I absolutely don't believe this man has a license and is able to treat patients. I arrive for my appointment and he is already 30 minutes late. The way I got to Dr. Koko was through an evaluation and Mercy Hospital. As I am sitting there waiting to be seen, he walks in the front door and tells me to walk back to his office. The setting is very uncomfortable to start with, but he brings it to another level of discomfort. As I am sitting there explaining my situation he is telling me to stop talking to answer phone calls. He gets a call about a patient at Mercy. I hear the patients full name and age, which is breaking a privacy law, and the patients diagnosis and hearing the patient will be admitted into Mercy. He was answering texts the whole time I was talking. He then continued to brag on himself saying things like "Look at where I am", "I am a Dr. I came from nothing and look at me now". He then told me there was nothing wrong with me but yet prescribed me a… sedative and an anti anxiety medication. I showed my regular therapist this medication note and she said if I would have mixed the two, the outcome would be extremely lethal. That came from my regular therapist who is always pretty booked which is why I saw Dr. Koko. He is running an absolute scam, and should NOT have the title of a MD WHATSOEVER.

Where do I begin? I absolutely don't believe this man has a license and is able to treat patients. I arrive for my appointment and he is already 30 minutes late. The way I got to Dr. Koko was through an evaluation and Mercy Hospital. As I am sitting there waiting to be seen, he walks in the front door and tells me to walk back to his office. The setting is very uncomfortable to start with, but he brings it to another level of discomfort. As I am sitting there explaining my situation he is telling me to stop talking to answer phone calls. He gets a call about a patient at Mercy. I hear the patients full name and age, which is breaking a privacy law, and the patients diagnosis and hearing the patient will be admitted into Mercy. He was answering texts the whole time I was talking. He then continued to brag on himself saying things like "Look at where I am", "I am a Dr. I came from nothing and look at me now". He then told me there was nothing wrong with me but yet prescribed me a… sedative and an anti anxiety medication. I showed my regular therapist this medication note and she said if I would have mixed the two, the outcome would be extremely lethal. That came from my regular therapist who is always pretty booked which is why I saw Dr. Koko. He is running an absolute scam, and should NOT have the title of a MD WHATSOEVER.

So my 1st appointment was today at 3pm. The young lady's tell me he should will be wrapping up. Mind you I get there at 2:45 PM. 3:30pm comes and I still havent been seen. I ask and am told he shouldve been out. 3:35 PM I leave because I dont believe in wasting people's time and I wont allow anyone to waste mine. Very rude disrespectful and unprofessional.

Why does he not sign his name to his progress notes? He was unpleasant the one time I talked to him via phone.

From the looks of it, Dr Koko has added some higher rating reviews to this board to improve his overall score. If you notice, none of them have any explanation or comment which makes me question their validity. I wouldn’t be surprised if he added them in himself just to boost his own ego

Dr Koko has no interest in listening to his patients. He tells you what and how you are feeling without any input from the patient whatsoever. He makes dangerous medication switches without stepping patients off strong medications gradually to avoid severe withdrawal. He uses fear and bullying tactics and claims that you MUST see the therapist in his office and you may not seek therapy outside of his office- which is illegal. When I have told him about other medications I’ve been on being more effective and helpful than what he has put me on, he gives that no consideration. On many occasions he has said, and I quote, “I’M THE DOCTOR” and uses that to justify taking the patients input into no consideration at all. I know myself better than anyone else and am more than able to articulate what works for me and what doesn’t, he is more interested in stroking his ego and running his dictatorship of a practice than actually helping patients.

He is a horrible doctor and should definitely not be practicing. He breaks the law by the way he treats his patients, he does NOT care that he is hurting pour innocent people, who are there for his help and guidance. All he wants to do is sign off on things in my opinion..He doesn't like to do paperwork, doesn't like being told what to do and thinks he is better then everyone! Anyone reading this that has gone threw a situation similar, speak up! Pur voices need to be heard louder, or he will continue to hurt other patients and we need to protect our loved ones!