Dr. Zvi A Alpern, MD

I was just released from Saint Catherine of Siena hospital. Dr. Alpern came in The first evening and understood my issues and monitored me through the whole process. One of the big things that is lacking in medicine today is the all-important “bedside manner “. He was thorough, caring, informative, and easy to converse with. Great personality on top of the expertise.

Staff was good. Doctor very friendly, but not responsive to my questions, and after my colonoscopy he refused to contact me. Before the procedure, I had concerns about drinking too much liquid at night keeping me awake (prostate problems). He laughed, saying I would be up anyway. Then left the room! Visit over. After the colonoscopy, he did not appear during my recovery. I was handed a sheet of paper citing Diverticulosis and Hemorrhoids. Next day he would not take my phone call and would not call back -- he was going on vacation for a month! His staff did call me, confirming the doctor was NOT going to call me because he was going on vacation. My results were "normal" and nothing to worry about, they told me. But he did find Diverticulosis and Hemorrhoids. As he had seen these things personally, I wanted to ask about his impressions, the extent of progression, how to mitigate progression. The doctor would NOT call me to discuss.

I just had my fourth colonoscopy with the doctor over an extended period, some times every three years and a few every five. Although there were some occasional polyps (thus 4 times) all were removed and have had no serious outcomes. The doctor is very comforting and knowledgeable. I have recommended him to two friends the other day. My only negative is his waiting room time, an absolute horror. This, due I believe in the time he spends with each patient and makes you feel personally important when you are in there.

I started to notice blood on the tissue so I called for an appt. and the staff got me in the next night. Dr. Alpernwas courteous and sent me for all sorts of tests and luckily all were negative so next step will be colonoscopy and upper endoscopy.

The lady in charge of Insurance Approvals has off every Monday. Took 12 days for her to get authorization for a basic test. While the Doctor was great, I spent two hours in the waiting room and the wait to have a test done because of office staff was ridiculous. Found a new Doctor.