City Heights Family Health Center

I was thanked for being on time by the check in staff. (Where does that ever happen)
The place was clean, the waiting room was comprised of a diverse mix of the nations of the world. Loved it! My fellow «waiters» were happy people, ready to converse after I’d done the paperwork. Anthony was my M.A. and he was delightful. The day I was there it was a building full of really nice people. Period. I’d gone in thinking this could be less quality than what I’m accustomed to having. I’m so glad I was so wrong.
The Dr. was on time and I only waited 3 minutes to see him. Above average in my experience.
The Dr. I had an appointment with also a «float», yet he was the nicest doctor that I could have hoped to find. He’s on the ball, I could go see him for anything. Everyone in the entire office was nice, pleasant and professional. Don’t let a 1 star review deter you from going here. I find that people who are nice tend to be treated nicely. I was blown away by what great quality and superior customer relations levels they bother to go to. They don’t have to, but they do and that’s 5 stars all day long and worth my time to write a review for them. They even give you a written survey before you leave, which means someone in charge here is serious about their office standards. Nothing goes unnoticed and I took note of everything while I was here.
My Dr. just happened to catch an elusive heart arrhythmia which did it’s dance for him as if it had been cued by his stethoscope. To me he was a genius as my process has been frustratingly slow because I started with a PCP and then a cardiologist that both found it hard to believe me when I said «I’m having an arrhythmia right now». (Who would lie about that?) No other Dr. has been able to catch these abnormal and often painful beats in over 4 years. I would have given them 5 stars but I took one away for this reason and it may change. I was told I had referrals submitted for a stat cardiology consult, stress test and a 3 day holter monitor. These things were ordered as I watched, by my awesome Dr., but when I checked with the insurance co. that had sent me here on an urgent basis, the girl said, «they didn’t fill out the right paperwork» and alas it looks like I have waited over 3 weeks to find out that I don’t really have an appt. with a specialist. It’s just the beating of my my heart, and It was STAT, not «well maybe if you want to». How does this happen? I now have to call and find out if I’m expected at my second appt. or not. I’ve fallen through the crack yet again and I’m thinking that 99% of the fault comes from my insurance and not City Heights Family Health Center.

I’m glad I was only sent to this location for one check up, for I regularly go to the North Park location. so I went for an ultrasound and Dr’s appt and although this location may be more larger and newer they lack at attention to their guest. there was 3 windows open at the womens clinic and how many were taking in people to help with check in… ONE, One out of Three!!! When there was a line and it was busy. The ultrasound technician was very nice. the lab staff was inattentive!!! And the Dr took litrally an hr to just go over the ultrasound. which took 2minutes just to discuss while I waited almost an hr for her!!! I just dislike that they give you an appt time ask that you be there 15minutes early and still take past the time to take you! People have other things to do sometimes you know!!! I’d rather be going to the North Park location.

I have been here twice dropping my mom off.
They have parking at street level which is convenient for the area.
Right off the main street on El Cajon Blvd and near bus stops.
Staff is friendly and professional.
Mostly bilingual.
Open on Saturdays for labs at least.

I was sent here by my primary doctor for a physical therapy, because of my back pain.
After first inspection my physical therapist Carmen scheduled 5 other appointments, once a week.
During these sessions I performed different kinds of special exercises. I have learned a lot about how to keep my body muscles in shape, so it protect my spine. My back pain left.
Special thanks for Carmen, her two coworkers and receptionist lady, they made my therapy very easy and productive.

The doctors are pretty good but why make appointments when you walk in its wait her faster or just the same speed. They could do a lot better with these ridiculous wait times. Maybe call me and tell me it will be a hour before my scheduled appointment. Or an automated text or anything.

This is an edit to my last review. I noticed how Victor erased his first comment to my very first review. He down played what I had to say. He very cowardly erased it and changed it from what he said originally. I’m guessing knowingly he realized his mistake. Unfortunately for Victor what you post on the internet does not erase. So I respectfully ask you Victor put back what you originally wrote to me. But, if not that’s fine because I also have what you originally wrote screen shotted. Anyone who would like to see what was said to me can message me and I will be happy to show you Victors original comments to me if he does not decide to post his comment back to what it originally was. Victor you just keep spewing the bs at me don’t you. You talk to me like I’m an idiot and think I care to not ask questions or do research regarding my newborn. First of all before you assume that we are «breastfeeding» I will correct you and let you know that no we are not breastfeeding. Our baby is purely formula fed. I was well aware of the «breastfeeding» jaundice. And before more bs is spit at me I’m also aware you can get jaundice from formula as well if the baby isn’t getting enough formula, which isnt the case.(20 ounces a day average she drinks). I checked with my new pediatric doctor at La Maestra our baby does not have any type of jaundice so please I don’t wanna hear it just stop. And don’t tell me how thorough and compassionate your staff is because it wasn’t the case with my newborn. I was there when my baby wasn’t checked correctly. I was there when my questions were vaguely answered and not given explanation. I was there when I was told it’s normal for my baby to not poop in «4» days! And before you give me even more bs and how formula causes constipation, yes Victor I’m well aware of that but, «4» days without pooping is NOT normal. I even asked our real pediatric doctor (you know the ones you lack to have at your location) and was told that no 4 days is to many and not normal. Then here you are telling me we will send your records at «no charge» to our new provider. Well first of all I have no idea why you would of charged for something like that as I have never heard of someone charging for such a thing so you didn’t need to throw that in unless you just wanted to sound good. But, I kindly say no thanks Victor I have no trust in your staff sending our personal information anywhere. You may send it to the wrong place just like you did my wifes prescription so many times before. Regarding your follow-​up answer to parking at this location, I did see a staff member parking in your customer parking. Maybe it was just a one time thing but, regardless I saw it. And for you to write that to me like I’m stupid and don’t know what I’m talking about, not just the parking but everything makes me feel even more disrespected. And the last thing I have no intentions of or never had any intentions of contacting your clinic director regarding this matter. My whole reason for this whole review was so that I can at least inform people of my experience so that they can make their own decisions on whether your clinic (at least your location) is right for them or not. And this way if they too have a bad experience like so many of the people below me, they have a reference to a more established and in my opinion professional staff in La Maestra. So I respectfully ask you to stop replying to me like I’m an idiot and leave it at that as I’m done dealing with you, your decietfulness and your clinic so please be done with us. Thank you.

I am following up to let know you how consistently excellent the physical therapy department has been here. I wrote a review a couple of months ago after my initial experience and need to let people know nothing has changed. They are a team of at least 5, (Damaris, Diane, Mark, Carmen and Jason and the service, attitude and treatment continue to be top notch. All have helped me in one way or another and I am grateful they are there. Thank You to the Physical Therapy department.

Before I went in for my appointment, I checked the Unilocal reviews and noticed that many were not good. I thought to myself, none of that stuff will happen to me. I was wrong.
I made an appointment for a basic check up with Dr. Lauren Gannon, she was recommended by my daughter’s pediatrician. I was scheduled for a month out, and I specifically asked if she was accepting new patients– to which I was assured she was.
The day of my appointment, I went in a half-​hour early to find out that my appointment had been cancelled because that doctor was no longer accepting new patients and no one had even bothered to call me. I was told I could still be seen by a nurse practitioner that day, if I wanted to wait. So I did, but during the entire appointment I was told that they couldn’t do any tests or anything that I requested because I was a «walk in» patient. Are you kidding me, do none of the employees talk to each other?
I eventually got everything figured out, had labs done, etc. after several more appointments– God forbid you could go and get everything done all at once, on the same day.
Don’t expect to ever speak to a doctor on the phone either. I’ve tried on a few different occasions to call the different doctors I had seen to discuss the results I could see online on my patient profile, but no one ever answered or called me back, when I left a message. I finally found out from a phone operator that doctors will not call you– you have to go in for an appointment EVERY TIME even to ask a simple question. What a waste of time and money for everyone involved!
I also had referrals to other doctors and clinics. When I called for my dental referral to the Logan Heights Dental Clinic, they literally picked up the phone and then immediately hung it up TWICE! I had to call back to get hung up on a second time– I could hear the receptionists talking in the background. The third time, a woman answered and very rudely said, «There aren’t any appointments until January and I’m going to put you on hold.» I politely told her «No, thank you, it sounds like you’re too busy for your customers,» and hung up the phone. I still have not made an appointment for my dental referral.
I completely forgot about an appointment I had today so I tried to call to find out if I should reschedule– as I had never had that type of testing done and didn’t know if a follow up was necessary. I’m pretty busy and don’t really have time to keep going back in over and over. The operator was clearly annoyed that she had to actually speak to a customer on the phone (if you hate your job, it’s time for a new one). Anyhow, she purposely transferred me to the wrong clinic, North Park instead of City Heights, because she was frustrated that I kept asking the same question that she wasn’t answering. I realized that I really needed to write a review, especially since I know that someone reads and responds to these Unilocal Reviews.
I think Family Health Center of San Diego has the potential to be really great, but they forget that they are dealing with people’s lives and health. In the health profession, you have the opportunity to treat people really well and make them feel at ease in their time of need instead of making them feel like they are wasting your time and wasting their time in the process. After all, it should be about the customer’s needs not your own, right?
I’ve worked in the customer service industry for many years and I think, at the very least, the phone staff needs some serious customer service training! The doctors were fine.
I had asked for help finding a primary care doctor back in August, when I had my first appointment, it is now October and that hasn’t happened yet. I think it’s time for me to look somewhere else.

Front office staff was great, that’s why I gave them one star. I had a major toothache, so they attempted to x-​ray but since my gums were so inflamed they couldn’t get the device in my mouth. They suggested to take antibiotics and wait till the swelling went down. She gave me a prescription for antibiotics and pain pills. When I seen that she wrote me a prescription for Tylenol 3. I told her that a friend gave me Tylenol 3 and it didn’t even take the edge off the pain. I have been up for 2 days and not able to eat cause the pain is that bad, along with the Tylenol I took 4000+mg of IBUPROFEN. Still In major pain. She told me I was LUCKY to get the Tylenol she said she normally prescribes Motrin. I said LUCKY??? REALLY??? She said it was Hydrocodone. I informed her she was wrong, Tylenol 3 has Codeine in it. The supposed Dentist Dr. Mariam Hanna lied to me and was not sympathetic to my pain. By the way Doc I don’t feel lucky. Will never be back there again.

been to both north park and logan family health centers, but city heights location is much nicer, has underground parking and has shorter wait times!

My husband and I had our first appointment at this location with Dr. Joseph Garvin.
From the check-​in, nurses and Dr., we had a great experience.
Dr. Garvin was extremely professional and personable. He took his time to explain everything and answer our questions.
I would, and have, recommended this clinic to my friends.

Still haven’t heard back from Eliza Garay.
All the other clinics are better this one is horrible. Hire new people please, everyone at the front desk has a horrible attitude as well.

Love it here! The nurses and docs are very on tip top point. I love that they know know what they’re talking about. I get the best help here for all the help I need for my health concerns. I love that it’s very clean. They have the women center, adult center and kid center all on one floor but divided very well; and a dentistry on the 3^rd floor.

Look for the large multi storied mustard yellow building.
These good people are professional and friendly, with a focused goal of seeing to the client’s needs.
I needed to have a wisdom tooth pulled, and they were there for me in a pinch. If you need to see these folks, remember to call and let them know what you need so you can make an appointment. They’ll take walk ins but that won’t guarantee you’ll see anyone.
If at all possible, go on a weekday… if you’ve ever had to sit in a waiting room, you know how that can be a positive and/​or negative experience. Thankfully, my wait room experience was a great one since there wasn’t a room full of screaming fussy kids.
They have dedicated parking, so no need to hunt for curbspace in the neighboring streets.

Nice clean friendly place (: Im currently pregnant & the staffs are super helpful and sweet. Would recommend this clinic to family & friends.

I hate this place. Ive had to actually switch clinics because I could no longer take it, which really sucks because I live literally right around the corner & I absolutely love ALL of the nurses. But everytime I take my kids in wether it be for their yearly check up or sick appointnents never have I seen the same doctor how are you supposed to know any type of progress from my children if you dont even know who they are? Ive taken my daughter (newborn) every month so far due to her tummy pains, they reffered me to a g. i specialist a month ago yet still havent made any attempt to get the paperwork to the right person. Im just over it you shouldnt have to play middle man between your dr. & a specialist when the dr. Is the one pushing for a referal. Come on referal department get your stuff together do your job which is to get these referal paperwork sent & handled. GOODBYE chfh never again I prefer to take a drive to a decent dr. Office as opposed to settling for one

I was going to give them a 5 star review after my initial visit on a Saturday. The attending health providers from initial health screen to the physician was provided with kindness and great care. But you had to get ignore the desk reception; their treatment of patients would have gotten a 1-​star review!
Problems unfortunately come first with the initial phone call, then with the reception you get from the particular department health counter and the girls sitting there. I found them listening to my private conversation, its so frustrating. A person shows up needing care and some privacy but gets coldness, impatience and poor bedside manner and eavesdropping.
The reason I’m writing today is due to what feels like breach of HiPPA regulations.
When I finally have a returned call, I of course miss it and have to call in. Then I’m asked full name, date of birth and the reason for my call.
SUGGESTION: ask for my Medical Record NUMBER! I’m in a public space whispering into my phone when all I would have to do is give you the Medical Record number. If the date of birth needs to be verified provide one to me and let me correct you (tell me my DOB with a different month or day!)
Worst of all is trying to schedule a special referral, which is nearly impossible! I’ve been trying to schedule it since 12÷11÷13, its now 12÷23÷13.
And if a PROCEDURE is needed, ASSIGN an ID NUMBER! OMG stop asking me to say I need a biopsy of a particular body part! Since 12÷11÷13 I’ve repeated that over and over again, in public spaces.
ITS ABSOLUTELY REDUCULOUS and surely breaks HiPPA regulations.
The only way I could get their Referral Specialist to return my call after me leaving messages for 3 days was to go to their WEBSITE and write a message. REALLY?
Come on you guys, fix this stuff. You are handling communication and privacy like it was the 80s.
I want the HiPPA administrator to hear me, that’s why I had to write it here.
I will be pursuing what I believe to be Breach of HiPPA regulations; they need correct how they handle calls and HiPPA info!!!

This has to be the worst clinic out of all the Family Health Centers! I needed to see a doctor, and there were no available appointments at North Park, so I took a Saturday appointment here.
After waiting in line for 30 minutes, the receptionist told me that I would have to pay out of pocket for my visit, even though I have medical insurance through the county. The reason for this is that she was either too lazy or incompetent to verify it in the computer, but more than likely it was both. I walked out, and while I was waiting for the elevator, I called to verify the walk in clinic times for North Park and went there on Monday.
This clinic is a disgrace to the Family Health Centers chain, and should be closed!

Needed antibiotics so I made an appointment to go see a doctor. I needed the next available appointment, but the clinic closest to my home didn’t have a slot soon enough, so I was to come to this location.
I was tended to quickly and efficiently. The only real waiting I did was for the doctor herself, however, she came in and said she’d be a little while ’cause there was someone else before me she had to attend.
When I first got there, though, I was didn’t know where to park. So I was dropped off. Turns out that their parking lot is across the street; a dirt lot. I also had to figure out that there’s an entrance to the building in their employee /​reserved parking lot. Once inside, I took the elevator up and was a little surprised to see that they lump pediatrics, adult, and women together in one large room. Other clinics I’ve been to separate each group into their own part of a building. Meh.
Given the location (the the hell out by State) and here I actually live (Sherman Heights, atm) I won’t come here, unless I absolutely must. My decision isn’t a reflection on the service I received, its just way too damn far.

I went to this medical center as a referral from a friend, I have had asthma for as long as I can remember and I have also had thyroid issues as well. I had called ahead of time to make an appointment, the female on the phone sort of helped me out, she made an appointment for me but under the wrong name even though I spelled out my name for her, twice. It was fine I could get that fixed. However when I went in for my appointment a few minutes early thinking that it would give me extra time to fill out my paperwork, wrong. When I showed up and checked in they told me that I may not be able to see the doctor because I was supposed to show up 20 minutes before my appointment, which would have been nice to know before hand. They then tell me that if I fill out the paperwork quick that the doctor could see me. So I fill out the paperwork and approach the desk to turn it in, the female at the front then asks me what my appointment was for, so I repeat myself and tell her it is for my asthma and my thyroids. She then tells me the best way to check my asthma is with a physical, I told her okay and she has me sign the paperwork for the physical, however never has me sign for the blood work for my thyroids. The nurse then checks my blood pressure, height, weight, so on and so forth. I then wait in the doctors office for more then an hour, which normally doesn’t bother me because I know how doctors office’s can get, having worked in one for several years before. The doctor comes in and spends maybe a total of five minutes in the office, never once looking me in the eye only staring at the computer. The doctor’s name by the way is Chen, if you go here refuse to get this doctor. The doctor then tells me, without ever having looked at me or ever looked at my medical records, that I don’t have asthma. Really? I had an attack maybe a week before seeing him! He then also proceeds to tell me that I don’t have a thyroid problem, and that I need to go on a diet. He never once asked me what I was eating, nor if I worked out on a daily bases. I am and have been on a very strict diet and I also do at least 30 minutes of some kind of work out routine (i.e. Yoga, Pilates, and so on…) a day. So I basically have to beg him to refill my emergency inhaler prescription, and to put in for my blood work to be done. When he puts in for my blood work to be done he starts selling me other types of blood work, like it was candy! I just wanted my thyroids done, that is it! I have already had my cholesterol checked, I have had my iron checked, I just need to get my thyroids checked and get an updated prescription. So the doctor has me fill out the paper and then tells me I have to fast for my thyroids to get checked, okay so I will come in tomorrow and get my blood work done. He then tells me that he will call me with the results. I go in the next day and get my blood work done just fine, the nurse even tells me that the doctor I saw is a bit thick headed… hmm… that’s scary! A week goes by with no call, then two weeks, then a month, finally I call them to figure out what is going on and the lady on the phone tells me, «Oh we can’t give you your results over the phone, you have to schedule an appointment to come in a go over them.» What?! She then tells me that the next available appointment is in another month! I told them that I am going to be seeing another doctor and this is ridiculous! I can’t believe this place! I left feeling terrible about myself, I would never recommend anyone to go here! You maybe getting a in accurate result, especially if you are seeing Dr. Chen.