Dr. William Rivera-Ortiz, MD

One day I started having right pelvic pain so I checked into the ER, the physician that saw me did lab work & ultrasound and later diagnosed me with Dermoid cyst in my right ovary. They called Dr. Rivera-Ortiz because he was the on-call doctor for that day. The physician in the ER talked to their staff to get me an appointment for the next following day but they told us to call back the next day make the appointment and they’ll put me on the schedule for that day. But unfortunately, when I called the next day they said that they don’t do same day appointment even if it’s a referral from the ER so I had to wait for a week or so for an appointment to see him for a dermoid cyst removal consultation. Finally on the day of the consultation, I was very nervous and scared because I didn’t know what to expect, I checked in and waited until they called me to a room. When placed in the room from one of their medical assistant she asked me what I came in for and did my vitals, I explained to her… that I was referred from the ER for a dermoid cyst removal and that I was in a lot of pain, she then later asked me if I was taking anything to help ease the pain and I told her ibuprofen. She said okay and left the room. About 15 minutes of waiting in the room Dr. Rivera-Ortiz came in and went over a couple of things with me but it was very hard to understand him because he was talking so fast thus he had an accent too so I had to ask him to repeat himself multiple times. He NEVER ONCE asked me about my pain or how I was feeling. He claims that it’s probably just an ovarian cyst that needed to be drained but they will determine if it’s something that needs to be drained or removed when they cut me open laparoscopically. He obviously didn’t look into my history or labs from the ER. I felt like I was just another patient that he needed to see. When the doctor examined me I was already uncomfortable as is when he did the “vaginal” exam, then he later told me take off all my clothes to “listen to my heart”. He stepped outside while I was changing but to be honest I felt very violated! It’s one thing to asked me to do a vaginal exam which is “necessary” but to take off my clothes just to listen to my heart? That is unacceptable & unethical! I hope that no one ever has to go through this!

called one day and they got me an appointment the following week.rare in humbolt county.very pleased with the doc they picked for me.

Never did see the doctor because my appointment was cancelled (after waiting 2 months) on the way, 15 minutes before the appointment. I was told they would call me back to reschedule and they never did. I call 3 times to reschedule and they kept saying they would have to call me back. Never did. Don't waste your time. Horrible office staff.

Rivera is a science denier. After several months of waiting for appointment, I finally got to see him to discuss my test results and determine treatment course. Those months of waiting gave me chance to read literature about my condition and study scientific papers published in peer-reviewed medical journals. I referred to journals as Am J Obstet Gynecol, Am J Public Health, JAMA, European Heart Journal, News Medical, etc. Majority of research reports state that risk of cardio-vascular diseases increase up to 3 times for patients like me if treatment Rivera recommended is received. Riveraâ??s answer on my legitimate - and science supported - concern was to declare those scientific articles wrong and state that his years of experience are more valuable than decades of scientific research. When I commented that Science works, he added that he follows literature in his field. But my request to give me one citation that supports his opinion was ignored. Considering that papers I pointed… out were published in time range from 1981 to 2015 the only conclusion I could end up with is that Rivera did not really read scientific journals since at least 1981. A suspicion that seriously question his capabilities as medical practitioner. Of course, the treatment Rivera recommended would line his pocket with good profit, a fact apparently way more important then blatant endangerment of patient life. And Rivera upped his recommendation with the statement that no other treatment would work in my case. Considering his blatant ignoring of the decades of medical research I do not believe him. To top this refusal of science he continued to state that I, myself along with other females who have same condition, Iâ??m responsible for my condition because unhealthy way of life. A statement completely uncalled for, especially because my BMI is in normal range, I do not smoke, drink, or take any drugs. Moreover, during my lifetime I participated in athletic and dance competitions winning awards! Plus my diet is Mediterranean. Also, he does not keep correct notes about patients. Rivera started asking me about medication that he never even mentioned to me as an option nor gave me prescription during first visit. In fact he was pushing this same profitable treatment both times Iâ??ve seen him. In conclusion, if you have any condition that cannot be handled by midwife, choose some other doctor. Rivera will not provide you care based on the medical research results discovered after 1971. Let me add, that I am a scientist myself, with more than 20 publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals (published under my first and middle name)

I've came to this doctor because of the good reviews. And it was total disappointment. My first visit was in May. I waited in front room for 1+ hours, then they put me in office and I waited in office for another hour. My appointment time was at 12:00, and I did not see doctor till pass 2pm. Then he came, asked nurse to prepare me for exam and disappeared for another half an hour. Then he came back, started talking about my condition. Used scare tactics mentioning Down syndrome (using M word actually!) as reason why he thinks I should go for hysterectomy because of my age (before even ultrasound was done, or any other tests by him). Interrupted exam for a phone call, forcing me to wait even longer. Then he said he'll order ultrasound electronically. He did not. I had to call back to ask what is delay for them to order. Then, his staff did not schedule follow-up until I was forced to call them up several times insisting on it. And after they finally scheduled, they called me 2 days… before my appointment to reschedule because doctor have 'emergency'. It is quite 'amazing' that one can tell about emergency 2 days before happens. Anyway, instead of being right now on a treatment for my quite common and easily treatable condition, I'm still 'waiting' for follow up appointment that is currently scheduled for mid august. And my symptoms are constantly increasing. At this point I do not believe that they will not try to push my appointment once more. I'm truly fed up with this doctor and his practice.

I have seen him and his wife for the past 20 years and i love them both , yes you will have to wait in the office but its worth it , very loving and caring and listenes to every concern i have , he has delevered all 4 of my children and highly recomended.

Dr & everyone in office very professional, I would recommend this dr , he explains procedures to you, and answers any question you have.

Dr Rivera delivered both of my children, but while pregnant with my first I had 4th stage dysplasia and was told most likely I would have to abort baby and remove uterus. Dr kept close eye on its progression and took biopsies throughout my pregnancy. During my eighth month, there was no more cancer and I had a beautiful and healthy son. Six years later I had my second son, also delivered by Dr Rivera. This doctor knows what he is doing and I would recommend him to any woman that wants an excellent ob/gyn!

I have called this doctor to make an appointment and they always have an answering machine to talk. I left message after message and they never called me back. He must have a terrible staff or they need lessons in answering the phone. I don't need a doctor like him to treat me so I will go someplace else. I hope he reads my message because I wouldn't recommend someone like him. There are many more doctors in this area that care.

Dr never made it to the hospital on time to deliver my children. I suffered permanent nerve damage d ueto this. He then refused to see me for a follow up.