Dr. Walter David Berkowitz, MD

This Dr. did a lot of damage that I personally observed before he voluntarily ceased the practice of medicine eventually being Sued in Bergen County Superior Court for willful negligence/malpractice resulting in a death. Fortunately, you do not have to worry anymore because he had the decency to retire: Name: WALTER D BERKOWITZ Address: Englewood,NJ Profession/License Type: Medical Examiners,Medical Doctor License No: 25MA02155800 License Status: Retired Status Change Reason: Licensee Requested Issue Date: 7/12/1967 Expiration Date: 6/30/2021 However, use extreme caution when dealing with his medical practice that still exists under the name: Advanced Cardiology Institute. It is neither advanced nor an institute, in my opinion, but just a group of cardiologists, some worse than others, so do your due diligence to make sure your Dr. can service your needs from this mismanaged practice. I am a licensed healthcare provider and approve of this public service message.

Doc is thorough in exams but communicates primarily with the record or scribe unless pressed to share opinions with patient. This is probably an adaptation to an overbooked schedule due to the practice having been purchased by Hackensack Hospital which seeks to maximize profit at the expense of patient care and values bookings for billable service over time spent with the patient. The good Dr compensated for this untenable state of affairs by an evident sense of humor but as humor is fed by underlying anger & frustration, the occasional unprofessional angry comment does find its way into conversations, eg “why are you calling me at this hour?”(it’s 10pm & doc is on call all night); “you’re busting my balls” (No, it’s not a new urology procedure - the doc just can’t find a lab on his new Hospital-provided computer system-is it the patient’s fault?!). But he is experienced & does the best he can so he has earned some license to dispense with the usual niceties associated with… professional medical conduct & such frankness perhaps can find its place in communicating without censure when truly needed. Though one wonders - are we seeing physician burnout here under the thin veil of humor? Stay tuned for the next episode in the series of “The Moody Dr”.

Talk to Berkowitz as part of an amazing group of physicians. We have had excellent experience firsthand with this group. They were the messengers who Thank Heaven saved my husband's life. In regard to talk to Berkowitz for the purpose of this review, he is attentive & meticulous in his care. He is very thorough and when with a patient he is totally focused and listens to every detail. He is highly capable and a blend of decades of experience combined with up to date technology at his fingertips. This practice is a rare breed in today's rush rush world. A hidden gem in Fort Lee.

Must have seen Doc on a bad hair day. Did not remember setting up his own routine follow-up visit. Then did not know the visit was also a follow-up from an ER visit. Angrily stated "I don't give a sh*t about the labs" when presented with the ER lab results. Made no comment on them except to recommend that the pt. see another. Dr. Asked "what else is wrong", and made no comments there either. Gave an EKG and made no comment on results. Made no follow-up appt. Doc having a midlife crisis?

Dr. Berkowitz is a very pleasant and knowledgeable doctor. He takes the time to explain, discuss and answer questions. He is just you you want your doctor to be.