Dr. Venkat Krishna Chinthapalli - Rao, MD

Today I lived the most appalling experience in a healthcare setting, entirely due to Dr. Rao. I do not like to complain or write negative reviews, but this experience deserves to be publicized for the sole purpose that nobody will go through the same experience ever again. I drove my mother to Mercy South for a nerve conduction test. I am my mother's legal caregiver and interpreter because she does not speak English well. I must mention that she has quarantined at home for the past three plus months due to fear of COVID contamination, therefore going to a hospital has been quite a challenge in itself. She is 82 years old, vulnerable if she would contract the virus. We arrived at 9:30 am as scheduled, registered, and waited one hour fourth five minutes to be seen for the test. All this time the Dr. Rao saw one patient who has left the exam room. We were next in line but the door was open and we could hear talking, laughing, but no rush to be invited in. At that point, I went by the… door and asked if we need to reschedule. Dr. Rao said YES. In disbelief, I asked my mom what to do and she insisted to get the test done since we waited for almost two hours. I went back and asked how much longer would have to wait, and the Dr. said, "we are ready now". We entered but Dr. Rao stopped me saying that I should wait outside and they do not need my interpreting services. I stated that I am the legal caregiver and interpreter, and my mom needs me to assist with her needs. Then Dr. Rao said: "then sit down and shut up". I replied, "pardon me?” He repeats, "Sit down and shut up". It took strength to remain in the same room, but I stayed only considering the wellbeing of my mother. The rest of the appointment went fine, Dr. Rao asked me to translate from time to time, and I assume he performed the test adequately. He engaged in conversation stating my mom's condition. I attempted to apologize if I seemed impatient, but Dr. Rao interrupted stating that I "don't understand" that they have "a procedure". I replied that I do understand, I am a healthcare provider myself, and I expect his apologies for his demeaning attitude. His response was inconclusive; I did not hear an apology. An additional note, neither the doctor nor the assistant wore masks during this visit, exposing the patients to potential COVID-19 contamination. In conclusion, Dr. Rao’s behavior undermines his professional skills and he should know that his position does not grant a condescending, rude, demeaning, and misogynistic behavior.

I am in care of a family member who has gone to Dr. Rao in the past and I have heard nothing but terrible things. He has been so rude, careless, and seemingly lazy when it has come down to helping this patient. He has frequently told this person that they just keep coming in and saying the same thing... (sounds to me like he is frustrated because he can't find a simple solution) and my family member has received nothing but ridicule for seeking help. We understand there may not always be a solution and that not having a solution for a repeat patient can be frustrating but handling each interaction with a COMPLETE lack of empathy and making a patient feel like dirt for having medical issues is completely wrong. He may have a lot of knowledge about the mind but I would never want to receive neurological aid from someone that seems to need their own limbic system checked out

I would like to start by expressing how grateful I am for Dr. Rao. My husband was sick and having strange symptoms, but Dr. Rao diagnosed him quickly and easily. The news that he had to deliver to us was bad, but he was kind, caring, and patient as he helped us cope with the frightening diagnosis. He guided us in the right direction for treatment and continued to guide and support us through the illness. Dr. Rao is brilliant and a great doctor but my favorite thing about him is his heart. I would recommend him as he is dedicated, honest, and straight forward.

My mother-n-law has been under the care of DR. Rao for about 2 years now. After extensive medical treatment in St. Anthony's Medical facility we not only had the honor of working closely with him in the hospital, but after her release with constant care. She has 5 "speciality" physicians at this time and Dr. Rao is by far our favorite.We are so thankful to him and his staff for such informative and professional care.

We would strongly recommend Dr. Rao. He is a fantastic doctor that always gives detailed explanations and listens to our concerns.

I have been seeing Dr.Rao for 3 years and have received excellent care from him.

I have two headache disorders, a rare facial pain disorder, and a rare genetic disorder that causes neurological problems. Dr. Rao is the only neurologist who not only cares about treating all of my issues, but working with me to find treatments that are acceptable to me in regards to side effects. He's willing to work with my primary care physician and neurosurgeon to work out care plans for me. Not only is he an amazing physician, he's an excellent person. Truly caring and I can tell wants to improve his patient's lives. I'd recommend him to anyone!!

This Doctor and his office are terrible. They can not even handle the simple task of sending a patient for an MRI. Their communication is the worst. Everything that goes wrong is the patients fault. They do not listen to their patients, by far the most arrogant and uncaring experience I have ever had with a doctor. They stopped answering their phone 15 minutes before their scheduled close of business. Every question I asked was met with argument and attitude. They wasted 3 days of my life. Do not go to this doctor, unless you want to be talked down to while they waste your time and money.

I felt like I was being talked down to by someone that did not want to hear anything I had to say.

Dr.Rao is one of the best doctors! I can't say enough good things about him. He spends time with you, listens, answers any questions or concerns, and gives an accurate diagnosis. I went through four other doctors and numerous ER doctors who couldn't figure out what was going on or help me but he did on my first visit. Dr.Rao truly cares about his patients!