Lamorinda ENT, Face & Neck Surgery

I thought going to see an Ear nose and throat doctor would be helpful and beneficial to my chronic dry throat problem of many months, and now I realize why this doctor’s office was the only physician that was able to get me in to be seen so soon. First of all, that should have been a red flag. Actually the first should have been when my grandma was under his care in receiving her hearing aid (which by the way she hated and had problems with and suffered from embarrassment for two years before getting a much smaller, modern one that goes only inside her ear now from some other Doctor, instead of the huge outdated ones that go over the ear that this doctor provided.) Anyway, I really wish I read the reviews prior and now I realize that I’ve experienced the exact same things happen to me as at least four other people on here.
I met with this doctor and discussed my symptoms and concerns, amazingly it felt like a conversation as he never jots down anything. He is very pleasant and polite, intelligent as well. However, he completely ignored my idea of having a throat issue and went straight to the nose. Stuck that endoscope in like it was nothing and said I have an abnormal amount of mucus in there. Fine. Good to know. He then wants me to go get a CT scan of the sinuses from another facility that took two weeks for them to contact me back. He told me that I should do a nasal rinse and told me to get the scan and bring the cd and then we can go over the ‘options’. When I told my dad that after the appt, he was wondering why he didn’t just tell me then and there what they would be.
Anyway, I go back there for another appointment and the doctor said he has reviewed the scan and it turns out I don’t have chronic sinus disease. Um I knew that because I never had allergies before! He then tells me that I need (should) get surgery by him and he will go in and fix the problem. I do not understand how he thinks that he can convince me that even if I go through that this will alleviate the dry throat symptom. He was so confident that this would be entirely beneficial to me, and that he has done this a thousand times and has never had anyone have a complication. FYI, he said I have a deviated septum. There are so many journals online outlining even greater complications post surgery. No I am not surrendering my nose to you. He told me it will be covered by insurance. Without any brochure of names of the three surgeries he claims once he does will make my life a lot better, I do not agree. He then says, «let me just check» and sticks that nasal endoscope in my nose again! This time only for two seconds in each nostril!
Mind you, there was only two weeks in between the first and second visit. WHAT MAKES YOU THINK THERE WILL BE ANY CHANGE IN MY NOSE IN THAT TIME. When I left the office, the assistant (his wife) says ‘so when do you want to schedule your pre surgical appointment?’ I told her I would have to know the costs and everything about it first. She then insists that I fill out the paperwork right then and there, saying ‘we can sent it in and then they will tell us.’ I tell her that I won’t be able to do that now and she replies ‘spots are filling up quickly.‘
The next day, I go online to see out of curiosity how much I was charged and to my horror, I see that the first nasal endoscopy was $ 435 pre insurance. And he also charged a level 4 consultation $ 410. For just him listening to what I had already told my primary doctor. Luckily, I have adequate insurance, but I still have to pay out of pocket.
I immediately call the office and politely tell them that I merely came in to see the results of my ct scan, not for another nasal endoscopy (termed surgery on the insurance claim). I was transferred to billing and tried to explain to her my problem, and if they can kindly disregard that second endoscopy. I had no problem paying for the two visits, ct scan copay and first endoscopy. She has the doctor has to approve so it has to be in writing. I type up a letter and send it to them, but I received a horrible reply saying I need ‘education on healthcare practices’. I replied that I am well aware of tactics for unnecessarily testing for increasing profits and reminded them about how many other people had the same exact issue per Unilocal.
I still have this on going issue and this whole experience was completely useless to me. I have been doing the nasal rinses nightly for about three months now. I just went to urgent care to get a throat culture to test for bacteria that may be present, which is what I wish I had done before. What a waste of time, money, and energy. They are a money– hungry couple

I was referred to Dr. Falsafi by my primary care physician. I had a really bad ear infection. When I met doctor Falsafi he prescribed me some ear drops, also sent me for a CT scan, since I told him that i get often ear infections. After he got results of CT he suggested me a septolasty, turbinoplasty, and balloon procedure. I was very skeptical about the surgery. I met with the doctor few times, and he explained everything in details, it made sense. I scheduled appointments for all the procedures. Couple of days before my surgery I panicked and wanted to cancel everything and called the doctors office. The staff was amazing they calmed me down, explained everything to me again. To make the story short, I’m glad i was referred to Dr. Falsafi. Surgery was very successful, and just yesterday i had my balloon procedure which was a success. Doctor Falsafi called me in the evening to see how i was doing. All I want to say is THANK YOU DOCTOR FALSAFI for being so professional, wonderful and caring !!!

Wow! Reading some of these ratings — I feel as though we must have seen a different doc! We were sent to Dr. Falsafi to have our adult, handicapped son examined after another ENT in Walnut Creek’s office staff practically kicked us out of the office for his having Medicare. Talk about our luck! Dr. Falsafi is intelligent, kind, well spoken, and took his time both examining and questioning our son– and in 30 minutes he helped us to understand why he may be having problems — the CT confirmed it.
HIs office staff has been amazing, going over everything twice, making sure we have no questions and that we understand that our medical records summary can be pulled up online–
Really lovely folks. Figured I needed to leave this review after seeing the negative ones.

Very sad to see the negative reviews here. He was nothing but friendly and honest as far as my options… not to mention the results I got. I’ve had 5 major polyp removal surgeries in the past 10 years. I haven’t been able to smell in 16 years. Every ENT IVE ever seen said it was the worst sinuses they’ve ever seen. DR falsafi literally changed my life after surgery. Although it was more recovery then I’ve ever had and pain… it got by far the best results I’ve ever had and I’m able to smell for the first time in 16 years.
My quaility of life has increased ten fold. I’ve seen the top specialists in the nation before this too… so it wasn’t like it was county doctors (no offense). Hats off to Dr. falsafi, I will never let another ENT touch my nose. If i could give him 10 stars I would
P. s. I actually like eating and smelling vegetables now :-)

I think Dr. Falsalfi might have some good points as a doctor, and when I left my appointment with him, I felt hopeful about stopping the ringing in my ears, but what happened later changed the way I thought of the experience. First, I went to the pharmacist to get the nasal spray he’d prescribed to prepare my nasal passages for surgery. He had said, «I’m not going to operate on inflamed nasal passages.» He didn’t say that the prescription would help me. The pharmacist warned me that it would taste vile, and then I realized that during our long, expensive conversation, Dr. Falsafi had somehow failed to grasp my other health concerns, though, of course, I had filled out a health history. My stomach had been upset off and on for months, so I was afraid to use the nasal spray. I began to feel like he cared more about securing me as a surgery patient than about seeing my health improve.
Then, the way the billing proceeded strengthened that impression. When I went to Dr. Falsafi’s office, I said specifically that I thought my insurance might be inadequate, and I asked for information about fees. The reception person told me not to worry, and foolishly, because I was so troubled with ringing in my ears, I continued with the appointment. This was billed as a level 5 consultation at $ 504.79, double what I had anticipated. During the office visit, Dr. Falsafi performed a nasal endoscopy. It was administered very quickly and casually but not painlessly. When I winced, he said, «Come on! You’re a big girl.» I do NOT (forgive the shouting capital letters) remember being told that the additional fee would be $ 435.02. A little research shows that fee to be just slightly less than the average in the Bay Area, but to me, it was a great deal of money. When the bill finally came, I made payment arrangements because immediately paying the full bill (well over $ 700 even after insurance) would have been a hardship. In February, after having paid regularly according to the agreement and calling to inquire about why part of the bill was listed as 90 days past due and after being reassured by the receptionist that everything was fine, I received a bill with the announcement that «All or a portion of your balance is 90 DAYS PAST DUE [shouting capital letters quoted from Dr. Falsafi’s bill]. Further delay in payment will result in collection activity.»
Dr. Falsafi seemed knowledgeable and concerned during the appointment (except for the disrespectful comment to force the endoscopy), but that disrespect, followed by the feeling that I was not being treated as a whole person and the billing surprises and mishandling have made me reevaluate the trust I felt at the time.

I saw/​see Dr. Falsafi for sinus problems. He is an excellent doctor– takes the time to sit with you and clearly explain the issues and procedures. He didn’t pressure me into surgery but laid out the options I had. I choose surgery which he performed without incident– it all went smoothly and my recovery time shorter than expected His staff has been very helpful with finding me a place to get pre-​op work done and handled getting all the pre-​authorizations with my insurance. His bedside manner is more relaxed and makes you feel comfortable– I know people said he was not charting when talking to you but I found this refreshing– to many doctors these days spend the whole visit looking at the computer screen instead of looking you in the eye and listening to what you have to say. I never has to wait on my office visits– he doesn’t double book patients. I would highly recommend him.

Lazy, with a side of incompetent… oh, and watch your wallet.
I went in for an ear infection in my left ear and when I first met the doctor he sat on my right side and asked to see my infected ear… make me twist my head all the way around, even though I’m in a swiveling chair. Huh? He takes out the junk that’s been accrued in my ear and prescribes ear drops. Come back in two weeks.
I had them send my prescription to the pharmacy, but when I get there, I find out they’ve prescribed a medication that’s not covered by my insurance. I call them back, they seem a little confused, but finally get it worked out. I’m a little touchy about my ears and even waiting one day for something that should have been fairly easy to get wasn’t so good. (Hmmm…generic antibiotic ear drops? Not sure I’ve heard of those…)
Two weeks later I come back, my ear isn’t any better. He pulls more out of the junk from my ear, asks again if I do cold water swimming («No, but I believe I told you that last time, maybe if you took some notes on some sort of ‘chart’…»). He has me continue with the ear drops, even though I’m not at all improved. Come back next week.
For the third visit, my ear is still not improved. He tells me that ears are tricky, and that he had a patient come in once a month for 8 months. This does not inspire confidence. He pulls out the EXACT same junk from my ear and all of a sudden, he thinks it’s a fungal infection. I believe this is what’s called «shotgun treatment». Maybe since the ear drops didn’t work. No suggestion of taking a culture to find out if it’s actually fungal. He prescribes something new.
After I left, I call the office to let them know I want to send the prescription to a new pharmacy. I go to that pharmacy, they’ve never heard of me. I go back to the old pharmacy, they got the prescription, but the instructions didn’t match, and they had to kick it back to the doctor since the instructions didn’t match. I’m mad now. My drops had run out and my ear has started to hurt again.
I go to get my prescription and what do you know? It’s another prescription that’s not covered by my insurance! I call the office and the doctor is gone but they’ll «send him a message». No back up doctor to correct the script. I’m told that I just didn’t provide my insurance information. So I go back, provide it, and what do you know, still not covered by my insurance. If only there was some sort of WEBSITE that has the medications that are covered by my insurance. Or a box on the script the doctor could fill in that gave an alternative prescription that’s covered by insurance… I finally paid for the medication without the insurance, because my ear hurts and I need something to (hopefully) make it better.
At this point, I’ve had it. I have received terrible care, my ear is no better and I find out, just as I started writing this review, I see the doctor has billed pulling out the junk of my ear as a surgical procedure so I’m getting billed $ 170 FOR EACH VISIT (see previous review) for a doctor who has done the VERY bare minimum (10 minute visits each time). Good luck getting it, doc. Save yourself the hassle of the poor care and go see another doctor who’s not a part of the problem.

Great Doctor, very attentive, thorough, & knowledgeable. The staff was very nice & professional.
Would recommend him time & time again :)

The worst doctor office i ever have been in. Very unorganized, i called the office 5 times and nobody returned my call back. the 2 secretary, Rushanda and Emiley always say: WE NEVER GOT YOUR MESSAGES.
Doctor is a Butcher, he just love to do surgery, he proscribes no medication to relieve you from pain that you have,
I like to see AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION look at his surgery practices and into his office management.
Ali N

Two weeks ago I underwent a septoplasty, a turbinoplasty and the repair of my nasal vestibular stenosis with Dr. Falsafi. The experience was very positive. Previous to the surgery, Dr. Falsafi gave me all the information I needed and left me free to make a decision. From the very beginning it was clear to me that I was in the hands of a great professional. In fact, the procedures were very simple, and I experienced no pain following the surgery. Dr. Falsafi and his staff made sure that I could reach them at any time. His friendly manners add to the quality of services he provides. I do recommend his services to everyone.

does not read his mail. I requested my medical records in August and Feb. still no medical records.
WATCH OUT! Filed complaint Medical Board changed surgeries he recommened and he doesn’t send medical records!

WATCH OUT FOR THIS OFFICE!!! This is based only on billing not on his skills as a dr. They will charge and bill the insurance for bullshit! I went in for what I thought was a routine office visit which my copayment is $ 40. Come to find out because they stuck the «scope» up my nose on ONE side I’ve been charged $ 230 out of pocket because I haven’t met my insurance deductible. If I knew that wasn’t just included in a regular office visit I would have NEVERRRR let him stick that thing anywhere! I mean common he never said ANYTHING to me that I would have to pay more. I live check to check as it is. I don’t just have $ 230 laying around to give for no reason! He didn’t even help me at all. Thus is ridiculous! I feel like I just got robbed!!! WATCH OUT FOR THIS OFFICE!

For the past 2 years I have been suffering with plugged ears, to the point where I felt I was under water for months at a time. I was told I had allergies and was prescribed steroids and nasal sprays and pills. My regular doctor finally referred me to Dr Falsafi and with in 5 minutes he diagnosed me with eczema, possibly a nikel allergy from my earrings. He prescribed me with ear drops and it was cleared within 3 days. 2 years of suffering and Dr Falsafi solved it in 5 minutes!!! I am forever thankful for my visit to him! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!

I had a surgery done by Dr. Falsafi. I wasn’t happy with how he billed my procedures. He told me the procedure wouldn’t be covered by my insurance and took $ 3500 from me before he did the surgery and promised to pay for the facility and anesthesia fees, but he NEVER payed them and then charged my insurance, got a huge some of money and kept my money as well. It has been a very long process and since I was the one who had the procedure done, the bills are in my name.(another $ 1500 in bills)

I’m sitting in the parking lot still, I could not wait to get home to write this review. Dr is amazing! This is my second review on this practice and I have not reviewed anything else on Unilocal because I’m usually running from one place to another. I highly recommend him and his staff! Kim (front office) is wonderful. She’s competent, friendly and has amazing follow up. I came in today because my ear problem came back a week ago and today was the follow up on the treatment, and now as luck would have it I have a sore throat. Dr checked my ear and then without hesitation looked thoroughly at my throat, he made recommendations and has prescribed a simply solution. I cannot tell you people out there with an ear nose or throat problem how lucky you will be if you get seen by him. I am extremely happy

Dr. Falsaffi was my physician in the E. R for a very bad case of strep throat with a tonsillary abcess. and then I went to him for a followup. Professional, kind, and smart. Very non-​interventionist, counseled against surgical procedures, noted that I have a deviated septum and recommended using a neti-​pot. Great doctor all around.

Dr. Falsafi has been the SINGLE WORST experience i have ever had dealing with anyone in the medical field hands down. I would recommend anyone to stay away from this office or anyone associated with this offer. I truly fear stalked, harrassed, and threatened after dealing with this office.
The receptionist aka bill collecter is the doctors wife and she is extremely rude and unprofessional.
I went to this office because i have trouble breathing through my nose and it is affecting my sleep at night. Before I went to see Dr. Falsafi, I called his office and asked if it woudl be covered by my insurance (I haev Blue Shield PPO) and his wife (receptionist) said it was accepted and there were going to be no problems. When I arrived at the office I presented my insurance card and paid a $ 30 Dollar CO-​PAY to see the doctor.
I explained my problems breathing and he told me of the options and asked that I try a nose spray. He also said that my problem would most likely not be fixed by the nose spray but he said that for «Insurance Purposes» he was going to write me a prescription for a nose spray and have me clean my nose with this device before bedtime and that I «needed» to do that first before we could procceed further. I agreed to give the spray a shot and I know how these things work as far as insurance purposes go but i decided to trust the doctor.
I went for my followup about six weeks later and again I paid a 30 Dollar COPAY and HAD NO problems with my insurance. I saw the doctor again and we talked about my options for treatment for my condition but it was obvious he was pushing the surgical option the most. IN particular, he was suggesting a complete surgical overhaul of my nose to «fix» my problem. His wife then talked to me about how much the procedure would cost and how much i would have to pay out of pocket for this surgery and I recall she was trying to charge the insurance compayn $ 6000 dollars and charge me out of pocket for $ 4000. I am a student so I told her that the price was too high and that I would think about it but most likely not because it was out of my budget. I told her that I would think about her and CONTACT HER IF I WAS INTERESTED.
After I left the office, i felt funny about the whole experience and my interactions with the doctor and his wife. About five weeks later I recieved a unsolicited call from Dr. Falsafi’s wife and I decided not to call back since i was not interested. I recieved a second call from Dr. Falsafi’s wife again and this time I picked up and his wife said something about reminding me of my follow up appointment. At this point I knew there was something off because I had told her that I WOULD CONTACT HER IF I WAS INTERESTED AND I KNOW I HAD NOT MADE A FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENT!!!. I told her this and she interupted me by saying not to worry and that the doctor was going to give me a «break» and do the procedure for cheaper and to just trust her. I asked her what the reason for this change of mind was and she said that the doctor would just ask to use my pictures for before and after purposes.
This was ALL TOO WEIRD! I felt that the office was acting in some sort of desperate act to get money out of me by whatever means possible. Dr. Falsafi’s wife knew that i was not interested so she acted like I still was interested, created a fake appointment to call me about, and tried to manipulate me and convice me to come in because all fo the sudden the office had a change of heart and decied to do the procedure cheaper for me. ALL TOO STRANGE.
So i ended the conversation with Dr. Falsafi’s wife and did not contact the office any further. Over the course of next six weeks or so, I recieved MULTIPLE call from Dr. Falsafi’s offce from different numbers (one was his lafayette office and another was from a different office). I felt harassed and thoguth the best remedy woudl be ignorance. I ignored all of their calls since I had a very bad feeling about their integrity, morality, and general practice. It had been a few weeks and I had not heard from the office until tonight (2÷25÷2011).
I recieved FOUR CALLS from Dr. Falsafi’s wife and have THREE voicemail’s from her. She called me twice around 5pm from TWO DIFFERENT NUMBERS ! ONE OF THE NUMBERS IS HER PERSONAL HOME NUMBER AND NOT EVEN THE OFFICE. She left me a long message about some billing issue that she was having with the insurance company and how she needed me to pay her!!! She had a very rude tone of voice and Sounded more like she worked for some collection agency than a doctors office.
I called back, urked because she had double called me from diffferent numbers and left her a message asking her to stop calling me and harrassing me and that i did not like her tone of voice and to tell the doctor to call me if they need anything else. SHE CALLED 2X FROM A PRIVATE NUMBER AND LEFT ME TWO HARASSING MESSAGES AT 9PM ON A FRIDAY SAYING I OWE MONEY AND TO CALL WITH MY CREDIT CARD AND PAY!

Very nice and very professional i would recommend him.