Russ Shimizu, MD

Russ Shimizu, MD
Neurological Associates 2811 Wilshire Blvd Suite 790 Santa Monica, CA 90403
About

Russ Shimizu, MD

Since 1981, the neurologists at Neurological Associates of West Los Angeles have provided state of the art treatment & diagnosis for neurological disorders. The group practice consists of Dr. Sheldon Jordan, Dr. Edward O’Connor, Dr. Russ Shimizu & Dr. Marisa Chang, all award-winning neurologists recognized by their peers & patients for their excellence. Treatment is tailored to each patient.

Dr. Russ Shimizu is an outstanding neurologist in Santa Monica, who has been dedicated to his patients and community for over 35 years of service. He has a profesional and compassionate personality with his patients, his office & Associates provide patients with the best neurological diagnostic tests and treatments available in Los Angeles.

Our neurologists diagnose & treat the full range of neurological disorders including: Chronic Pain, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS), Trigeminal Neuralgia (face pain), Piriformis Syndrome (sciatic nerve compression), Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), Migraines & Headaches, Cervical Dystonia, Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ), Shoulder Pain, Neck Pain, Back Pain & Arm Pain. Call 310-829-5869.
Primary Specialty

Neurologist

Gender Male
Education Univ Of Co Sch Of Med, Denver Co 80262
Training Ucla Med Ctr, Neurology; L A Co-Usc Med Ctr, Flexible Or Transitional Year
Office Staff Marisa C. Chang, M.D.
Russ T. Shimizu, M.D.
Sheldon E. Jordan, M.D., F.A.A.N.
Edward J. O'Connor, M.D., F.A.A.N.
Services Los Angeles neurologists offer complete diagnosis & treatment of neurological disorders like: Chronic Pain, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS), CRPS, Neuropathy, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Sciatica & Migraine ..
Consumer Feedback
(15 Reviews)
Service
4.5 star average for Service
Environment
4.5 star average for Environment
Expertise
5 star average for Expertise
Staff
4 star average for Staff
Recommended
4.5 star average for Recommended
Value
1 star average for Value
View All 15 Reviews Add a Review
Recent Reviews
Dr. Shimizu is absolutely outstanding. He's been my doctor for twelve years, and I'm very grateful for his excellent care and insightful advice
in treating me for a serious autoimmune neurological illness. In searching for answers at the beginning I saw so called experts throughout the US, and I can say with certainty that Russ Shimizu is the best. He is extremely intelligent, and really cares about his patients. I feel blessed that he is my doctor.
by Martin xxx.xxx.118.52
May 23, 2014
Horrible experience with this doctor and his office staff. Rude, incompetent, and uncaring all around.

I have a history of herniated discs and when mine flared up again I went to this neurologist.

The first appointment was okay. My goal was to get prescriptions for a sciatic pain med I knew worked for me, an MRI, and physical therapy. As we talked after my initial exam he wrote all those prescriptions quickly and handed them off to me. He repeatedly asked me if I had ever had a spinal injection in my back for the problem, 3 or 4 times I had to say no. Then he said "I'm surprised you got better." THEN the nightmare began.

1. Had to call his office something like 5 times over 4 days (while in a lot of pain) to get my prescription because he didn't specify the type of release (fast/slow) for the medication. Instead of making a judgment call on such he required me to read off an old prescription bottle from a previous doctor. The office people kept saying they would call the pharmacy and correct it and each time I gave them 2-4 hours leeway but whenever I called the pharmacy, nope no call from the office. Really?! Tired of the crap, I asked if the staff could confirm something with the doctor while I was on the phone with them (to make sure they actually did what they said they would do) and I was rebuffed with "we won't page the doctor unless it's seizure medication." The office didn't call the pharmacy until I left a message on Day 4 begging them to please get it to the pharmacy before Xmas and everything closed because I was in a lot of pain.

2. The pharmacy wouldn't fill another non-urgent prescription because he wrote my name wrong- like totally a different name wrong.

3. I had to wait 30 minutes in an empty office before I was seen for my follow-up. No one greeted me, looked at the sign-in chart, or said anything to me about delays. I had to ask when I'd be seen and I was rudely responded to by office staff. I don't mind waiting, but please acknowledge my existence, it's basic customer service.

4. When I finally saw Dr. Shimizu he didn't seem like he had recently reviewed my file and kept pushing for a spinal injection despite me telling him that I want to stick with conservative treatment. I asked questions about decompression and other things, he didn't seem to be up to date on the latest research.

5. I stopped by the office in between appointments and asked if he would provide a written note to my employer explaining my work limitations so I could work from home while recovering. I dropped off my request a week in advance of when I needed it. They told me the doctor usually charges for notes, seems a bit ridiculous but okay. One week later, I had a follow-up appointment and I asked him about the letter and he had no idea what I was talking about. Either his staff didn't give him the letter or he straight up forgot/ignored it.

While checking out I discussed with him the gist what it needed to say. I asked if he could write it today since my employer was expecting it today and I gave it to him a week ago. He said maybe, it depends on how busy he gets. Alright, not a helpful answer especially since they were the ones that messed up.

I called the next day to follow-up and I took a firmer tone and his staff went full-bitch on me and snapped that he's busy and will get to when he does. I informed them that I was cancelling my next appointment and I wasn't returning. The staff said "Oh so you're cancelling your appointment because he won't write you a note?" To which I responded, "No, I'm cancelling my appointment because of the utterly poor treatment I have received from both the doctor and this staff." Now it's war. It took a call literally every hour all day long to get them to actually write the note (handwritten and did not follow the simple directions provided), which I suspect was done by the staff and signed by the doctor. Ultimately my employer rejected it.

In any event, RUDE and DISRESPECTFUL staff and an ignorant doctor. I was treated so poorly that after speaking with his staff I was brought to tears. AWFUL people.



by Local Angeleno xxx.xxx.189.187
March 06, 2014
Recent Polls
Did you have to wait long after you arrived for your appointment?
No, they were ready for me right after I arrived.
Does this provider maintain a professional appearance?
Absolutely! You can tell that he/she really makes an effort to look professional
Are you confident that this provider will continue working with you until a solution is reached?
Absolutely! I'm confident they will work hard to find the best solution for me
Were the staff members able to answer your questions?
Yes! They were the most knowledgeable staff I've ever seen!
Did this provider leave you unattended for an extended period of time?
Not at all! They were always present and attentive
by danielle xxx.xxx.183.27
October 18, 2012
Did this provider answer all of your questions?
Every question I had was answered thoroughly
Was this provider's staff friendly?
Yes, they went above and beyond
Did you leave the office feeling satisfied with your visit?
Completely!
Was this provider's office easy to locate?
Absolutely! It couldn't have been easier!
by Anonymous xxx.xxx.249.137
September 17, 2012
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