Audrey Konow, MD

My wife and I tolerated Dr Konow’s rude behavior for years and finally had enough and found another provider. Dr Konow is rude, stubborn and very unorganized. We constantly battled over appointments and getting prescriptions filled. We have since found a provider that has a staff, an organized office and modern processes for appointments, prescriptions and maintaining patient files.

So, we all know the healthcare system in this country is crap if you’re not with a major corporation. Covered CA has to talk to HealthNet who has to talk to Prospect who has to talk to the doctor and so on. It’s really annoying when your info is wrong and you’ve updated it one place but it hasn’t updated somewhere else, yadda yadda. Unfortunately, all of that red tape got the better of me and I went into my doctor appt this morning with those fresh burns. However, Dr. Konow is amazing! She’s in private practice so she had the time and freedom to REALLY listen to your issues and act on the best course. I walked out of there in a good mood and feeling as if I’m on the course to getting better. I’ve only been to 1 appointment but I’ll keep going back.

While I can appreciate the ones who give her credit for not taking any guff, there is one key element that shut us down. Stubborn as a mule.
She misdiagnosed me with a hernia, only to have the hernia doc know it wasn’t almost instantly (he kept checking just in case, but reached the same conclusion). Dr. Konow? Insistent it was, stubborn about it. She also performed a horribly bad blood pressure on my daughter because of using too large of a cuff, then chewed our butts for «feeding her crap.» I took her to a clinic, the pharmacist, and our high-​quality home monitor, all of which matched at a reading about 30% lower (and on the low-​end of normal range). She didn’t even CONSIDER that she made a mistake.
I appreciate the fact that she «takes no guff,» but when that becomes stubborn inability to admit you’re wrong or even CONSIDER another diagnosis, then that is not helpful.
If I am at the ER and the ER doc calls her for her input, I simply picture her arguing with the ER doc while I lay there dying. There is a fine line between tough love and maniacal stubbornness.
Oh, and because she doesn’t know how to work the computer system for referrals, my wife has waited 4 months for removal of a basal cell carcinoma. Thankfully, insurance has allowed us an emergency re-​assignment of PCP and, two days after the first visit, she will see the dermatologist tomorrow and hopefully have it removed within another week.
The doctor was understandably aghast when we told her why it had been delayed so far.
Oh, almost forgot… So I had a 745am appointment one day. She finally shows up at 815. She apologized for being late, she got stuck at the store and running errands, and then noticed that I was 745 and not 8. She apologized again because she said she didn’t even realize she had one that early. I told her no problem, we all make mistakes, I’ll live, etc.
3 weeks later my wife and I both had an 8am. After getting stuck in the school drop off a little longer than usual, we were turning left onto her street at 8am when my bluetooth rang. She started chastising us for being late to such a valuable time slot. I assured her we were on the brink of walking in the door almost on time, but she would not relent. I finally asked, «Do you remember when you were 30 minutes late for me just a few weeks back?» Silence. «EXCUSE ME???» I repeated myself, calmly.
«I’ve never been late in my life. If I was, it was because of a medical emergency.» I reminded her that she said it was errands and had her dog and was apologetic at the time, and perhaps she could be less angry at our 1 minute delay.
She never relented. Never ever. Never apologized for her attitude. Never considered she was wrong.
Now picture her over your dying body. No f’ing way.

WILL NEVER RETURN!
Dr. Konow was my Dr. for quite sometime but only saw her twice. I noticed her being a bit bossy and she doesn’t seem to care if you’re in a rush or in pain. SHE WILL MAKE YOU WAIT. She would normally walk around her office for minutes either looking for something or figuring things out and not care about what time your appointment is.
I was recently in her office for headaches. Didn’t have an issue with her at that time, although I have already noticed her curtness. I don’t have issues with her being curt. It doesn’t bother me but if you own your business and want clients to remain; you have to be more customer services oriented no matter what your profession is.
Anyway, so she scheduled me for the next visit for a physical a week and a half ahead. I got so sick from a stomach flu that I have been in bed just dealing with it, I had totally forgotten about my appointment. No reminders from her mind you, so I get this phone call at 8:30am and she just went off on me; telling me how I need to be more responsible and how I inconvenienced her. I tried to tell her how sick I was and she didn’t even care at all — let’s not forget she’s a doctor.
She kept going on and on on how she’s going to charge me $ 100 for a missed appoinment and she was literally so angry I had to hang up on her. She was very selfish and unkind about the situation. She was just so rude. There is no way I am going back there and I will filing a complaint with my provider and inform them of her attitude towards her patients.
This is the first time I’ve seen the reviews on here and the ones with five stars are either friends or family to be honest. So she can keep treating her previous patients but she will definitely have difficulty making new ones if she continues to act the way she does.

Whatever you do, do not come here! Turn around and run away as fast as you can. Unbelievable rude, unprofessional, and out right ridiculous!
I recently switched healthcare providers and Konow was selected as my PCP. When I called to make an appointment, I thought it was odd that a physician would schedule their own appointments, but I went ahead and showed up anyways (even after reading all the reviews).
I should have left the minute I walked in. The office was very outdated and the AC was not working. It was stuffy and unpleasant to say the least. When she finally got around to me, she handed me a clipboard of paperwork to fill out and took my driver’s license and medical card.
The documents had a little introduction about herself and went on to explain how she managed her practice. For example, the hours of operation are dependent on her tennis league games, and the dog she keeps in the office is for therapy. Oh, and there are ridiculous fees for being late or cancelling your appointments. I thought it was a joke because 1) It was typed in Comic Sans, and 2) No normal business would still be open with these kinds of claims.
When I decided to leave, she became very unreasonable and aggressively rude. Konow told me that she never works this late (keep in mind that it was 6:15 on a Wednesday) and blamed me for making her miss a conference that she «really wanted to go to.»
First of all, she had two other patients there before I arrived. Secondly, she was the one who insisted that I take that appointment slot. And lastly, if she really wanted to go to that conference, then she should not have scheduled this appointment. Logic, am I right?
When she used the phrase «you people,» towards me, I demanded my license and medical cards back. She refused and continued to say it was my fault she could have been elsewhere at that moment. She then proceeded to photocopy my cards, throw them on the counter, and ignore me when I asked why she was taking my information.
I wanted to know what she was planning to do with my info because no services were rendered. She finally said that «the insurance companies love her» and that all the reviews on the internet were from people who have never been to her office.
WOW. Just wow. This woman is unstable. I did not feel comfortable becoming her patient and for good reason! She is just horrible and it’s unbelievable that her «practice» has been opened for this long. Needless to say, I went straight home and changed my PCP.
Internet, you have been warned!

Worst experience I have ever had almost. There is not a receptionist or a nurse in the office. She keeps an old dirty dog there. Very unsanitary and the bath room was not working which she said happens frequently. Had to use the outside plaza bathroom. Very unprofessional and tried to charge extra fees. I switched doctors right away.

Dr Konow is one of the crappiest doctors I’ve been to. A bad listener and she tried to overcharge me. I almost reported her to the proper authorities.
I went in on a Saturday for a visit and she insisted that I pay $ 100 to see her and she would refund anything owed to me. With the ACA (Obamacare) Law creating uncertainty in the medical field, I obliged even though I had a great PPO Plan with Anthem that I had through my employer. My co-​pay was only $ 45.
I noticed a week later that my check was cashed and my explanation of benefits showed that when she submitted the claim. My member responsibility was only $ 45 (like I expected and like I told her originally). I called her many months later to tell her to send me a check. She said yes, no problem.
Still, why did I have to go through this mess. Had I not called, I wouldn’t have received my $ 55 she owed me. She would have just held on to it and left me high and dry.
What a fraud.
UPDATE: I had to call three times to get her to send me my $ 55 refund. I don’t think she is a thief, I just think she doesn’t care or she just can’t handle her business with her advanced age. Either way, there is no 5 star rating below that can justify her unethical business practices.

Unprofessional and rude. She does not know how to talk. Very disrespectful. Raising her voice and hang up the phone. So much anger…

The most unfriendly, uncaring, unrealistic «physician» I have ever met. I went there one time because she was close to home and because she was on a list of authorized providers. I regret my choice to this day. How do you get dressed, pack up and walk out half way during an examination? I didn’t, but I wish I had. This woman appeared to have anger problems coupled with control problems. Have you ever had a doctor yell at you? Speak in a disrespectful way to you? Do yourself a favor and find another provider or be prepared!

I just called Audrey’s office to Speak to her in regards to an issue we had and the office would not let me speak to her and then they hung up on me. Horrible business practice. I would never recommend them to anyone.

Dr. Konow has been our family doctor for more than 20 years. She is amazing! She diagnosed my husband’s heart attack at age 43 (when the ER missed it) and is responsible for him now approaching retirement age. She has been nothing but straight forward and proactive in her care for us. I might not always like what she says to me, but I appreciate her honesty and true concern regarding my family’s wellness. She has met my daughter after hours and when a friend from out of state needed treatment, she met her on a Sunday, even without insurance. We feel very fortunate and in great hands with this wonderful doctor! I wouldn’t hesitate for a second in recommending Dr. Konow!

Direct, honest, candid and competent: essential qualities of a desirable physician. If quality care and responsible personal attention is what you value in a relationship with your doctor, see Dr. Konow. The therapy dog Melanie is very sweet and the office is a homelike environment more than a typical corporate medical building. Dr. Konow is a real person who will take a proactive approach to maintaining her patients’ health.

Meri J. M
Dr. Konow has been my physician for decades. Dr. Konow is honest, forthright and a caring doctor. Those of us who rate Dr. Konow with positive reviews have taken the time to know Dr. Konow.
Her dog at the office has a calming effect on seniors and children. Many hospitals and nursing homes have animals visit their facilities to promote healing and put patients at ease with their surroundings.
Who is Dr. Konow? She is a person that will try to come in earlier in the day to fit you in for an appointment. A doctor that has gone on search and rescue missions during times of disaster. A doctor that tries to work with you each year to make you a healthier person. She has even emailed my test results while on her vacation! Thanks for being you Dr. Konow!

I’ve been a patient of Dr. Konow for several years. She is the only doctor I have ever had that really works with me to keep me healthy. I was surprised to read some of the negative reviews. Seriously, whoever rates a doctor by the décor really has their values screwed up. Also, many prominent doctors are starting to bring their dogs to work, it helps reduce patient anxiety. Dr. Konow is easily accessible, tells you what you need to hear, even if you don’t want to hear it, and truly cares about her patients!

ENVIRONMENT
The lounge offers a few chairs with magazines. The décor looks like it hasn’t been updated in 20+ years. Dr. Konow’s dog is present, so if you don’t mind having a dog around while you’re getting checked, you’re in for a treat.
SERVICE
There’s no one else on staff but Dr. Konow. She’s the appointment maker, secretary, cashier, and doctor. So it can take some time before she gets to you. And when she does, it doesn’t mean she’ll be the most friendly. When it comes to the procedures, she’s very quick and goes through the motions without informing you what each test is for. There is also this quality of impatience that doesn’t allow you to ask questions or to think if there are other options to go through.
LOCATION
It’s on the corner of two cross streets, so it’s easy to find. Parking isn’t an issue.
EXPERIENCE
I had just moved to the area and was recommended to go here. I went to her when I was having episodes of stomach pains, and hoped that she could diagnose it. Without much interrogation, she excused it as food poisoning. And when it occurred again, dismissed it for the same thing. I ended up these episodes due to allergies, which I found out with other doctors. She took my visit as a way to get more money out of me by deciding to venture into other procedures. I had a physical, pap, and an ultrasound for my goiter which she thought had an issue with.
After getting me results, she decided to put her own system of reading the charts that isn’t verified, and isn’t accurate when I asked other health professionals. She claimed that I was unhealthy, and tried to prescribe to me pills to take. Oh, and for the goiter– She forgot that I mentioned I was sick with a cold on my visit (your goiter enlarges when you’re ill), and sent me on an ultrasound I didn’t need.
Oh, and shot me with the HPV shot that I declined. I ended up having to see her to finish the other 2 shots, in which she would forget that I was a returning patient.
There are other doctors in the area, choose someone else.

I found Dr. Konow while looking for a General Doctor in my new neighborhood. I found it odd at first to have a doctor who’s also the receptionist, it’s a throwback to the days when the doctors did it all. Shes always been friendly, and tell it like it is. The Doctor has her attendance policy clearly stated, people whine about doctors being late seeing patients, yet when they show up late its just as rude. She cares about my health, and wants me to be healthy. I’d recommend her to anyone in the area looking for a tell it like it is doctor who i’ve never had an issue contacting by phone or email.
Update on this business.
I moved out of state, and was trying to get copies of my medical records. She was just rude and would never answer emails, even after I complied with her conditions that I mail her the request. I never heard another thing. She strung me along for a couple of months. When my doctor’s office tried to get the records, she shut them down and said she didn’t have time to give medical records. She needs a helper then. I had no issues with her while I was a patient, but after this experience, I definitely have changed my mind.

Dr. Konow came on my insurance card as my primary. My first visit should have been a red flag for me. I told her I was diabetic, and she didn’t even look at my bloodsugar records! She automatically started in on how i need to eat all this hollistic food, etc… Then, she NEVER returned a phonecall, and all the emails I got were very rude.
This last time I went in, I took with me my new insurance letter of approval; complete with my ID number, my IPA number and my group number. She argued with me on my ID number! Then, i went outside to use my cell phone, and when I came back she didn’t even look at me, just said, «what!?» to me! and refused to treat me. She could see how terrible I felt, and how terrible I sounded, too, but still refused me.
I emailed her (b/​c that’s her mode of communication) and asked for a 90 day supply of my insulin (life threatening!) before my old insurance was canceled through work. She taped my scripts on the door, a week after I asked for them! ONly after I asked her to open an attachement and write the scripts then fax the paper. She wrote back to me that I’d have to mail them because «i don’t download, i get viruses.» No, she’s lazy. Everytime I got an email from her it was telling me to call my pharmacy and have them call her for my prescription. NO. she is to call them in. She’s lazy, and not a worthy physician at all.

Dr. Konow is tough as nails. She will tell it like it is.
She is also the one of the best doctors I’ve ever been treated by. She cares about here patients and does her best to treat them and have them adopt a health life style. I completely trust her!

Dr. Konow has been treating me for over 20 years (and many of my childhood friends, as well). I was surprised to see her Unilocal rating at 2.5 stars, and even more surprised to find that eight previous reviews (seven 5 star reviews and one 4 star review) were inexplicably filtered out. In light of this, I felt compelled to post a review myself.
Natalie B., below, has the right of it. Dr. Konow takes no guff and tells you like it is. If you’re committed to keeping yourself healthy, she will go above and beyond. If you ignore her advice and waste her time, she’ll call you on it. (I’ve seen both sides of it!) It’s obvious that she really cares about her patients and doesn’t see them as cattle to be herded through her office, which is refreshing. Also, unlike most doctors I hear of, she is easily accessible. She answers her own phone and even gives out her email address.

After reading these reviews I felt obligated to contribute. Here’s the truth: is Dr. Konow the doctor for everyone? Probably not. How do you know if Dr. Konow is right for you? If you are overly sensitive, unhealthy and determined to remain so, Dr. Konow is not right for you. This woman has been practicing for years, and she really knows her stuff. She is blunt but kind, honest and above all, so determined to keep her patients healthy that sugar-​coating necessary information is not high on her list of priorities. I love Dr. Konow, she tells it like it is, and will bend over backwards to help you out if you are genuinely interested in improving your health. Above all, she suffers no fools.
The rest of these reviews seem to be from people who want to be coddled and catered to. I prefer honesty and good solid advice from my doctor.
If you run late to ANY appointment, it is only common courtesy to call and make them aware of your tardiness.