Raymond Poliakin, MD

I normally would’t write a review like this, particularly for an Obstetrician’s office, but the experience that my wife and I had here when she was pregnant with our fist child was pretty terrible.
To be clear, I’m not calling Poliakin’s professional experience or medical expertise into question — I’m sure he’s a very capable doctor. However, I do question the way in which he runs his practice. He may be «the best» as his staff will not hesitate tell you at every opportunity, but it is clear that the office is taking-​in far more patients than they can reasonably accommodate, and Poliakin seems overworked. The whole operation is kind of a mess… at times the staff in his office seem to be borderline incompetent and beyond inconsiderate — and the way in which the office is managed (or isn’t) is really the biggest problem here.
My wife and I began having problems with Poliakin and his office on day 1, and a culmination of issues (including the following) forced us to eventually choose a new doctor.
My wife felt that Poliakin’s attitude was somewhat arrogant – I wasn’t particularly bothered by it and he seemed like a nice enough guy, but I also wasn’t’ the patient.
At one of my wife’s early appointments, she was talked-​into signing up for a totally unnecessary commercial genetic testing service (she assumed it was standard practice), which basically told us nothing and cost us $ 100+ (I was with her at most appointments, but unfortunately was not present for this one). Not a big deal in the grand scheme of things, but I wasn’t impressed.
For some reason my wife was unable to transfer her medical records from her previous doctor. Someone on either end was incapable of operating a fax machine (I now have a hunch for which end it was). After many supposed attempts, we had to drive two hours to physically pick-​up and hand deliver the medical records to Poliakin’s office.
For EVERY appointment, the wait was at least ONE HOUR beyond the scheduled time — for our last appointment the wait time was 2.5 HOURS! Honestly, be prepared to spend hours of your life sitting in a cramped and uncomfortable waiting room as if you were waiting to renew renew your driver’s license at the DMV. The furniture in this waiting room was medieval, there is absolutely no cellular coverage, and their are various signs on the wall explaining all the things you are not allowed to do (like eating). This would be a non-​issue if the office actually kept things running on-​time, but this is definitely not the case… and it simply made the experience that much worse. This lack of consideration for patients is totally unacceptable.
The final straw was when my wife returned home in tears after what was supposed to have been a routine appointment for an ultrasound to see the baby. She also had a number of burning questions for the doctor. Unbeknownst to us, the appointment had been canceled by the office and no one bothered to even so much as send us a text message… Unbelievable.
I immediately called the office and was of course put on hold for the standard 5 – 10 minutes. When I was finally able to speak to the office manager, I was told that Poliakin’s office called every patient twice to inform them of cancellations, and my wife was the ONLY PATIENT that did not get the message. Okay, that may be true, but this was still not an acceptable answer. We never received a single call or voicemail on our home line or cell phones — there is no incoming call record whatsoever on either. As is typical, I did not receive anything even close to an apology or admission of fault from Poliakin’s office — somehow WE must have made the mistake.
I also used this call as an opportunity to voice some other complaints, particularly regarding the absurdly long wait times for appointments. I was told that it’s best to call ahead on the day of the appointment «to see how far behind they are running»… Well guess what, if they can’t keep the agreed upon appointment time within let’s say 15 – 20 minutes, I would think they (Poliakin’s office) SHOULD BE CALLING ME. After all, I am the patient ultimately paying for this service correct?
Poliakin’s office seems to epitomize much of what is currently broken in the US healthcare system. Pregnancy is stressful enough (especially for first-​time parents), and ultimately my wife and I did not have the patience for this nonsense on top of everything else. As a soon-​to-​be parent, you want what’s best for your child… but it doesn’t have to be this way. I honestly do not understand where the positive reviews are coming from, and I guess I never will because we switched to a new doctor, with whom we are quite happy, and have not looked back.

I don’t usually write reviews but I do rely on them a lot, and with a topic as important as health, I think it’s important to share. I have been extremely disappointed with my experience with the office of Dr. Poliakin.
This is not a complaint about Dr. Poliakin’s medical expertise or skills. Unfortunately, I am no longer a patient of his because his front desk staff is incompetent and his consistently long wait times are inexcusable. Others have commented here on wait time. In my 6 appointments in the last year, I never waited less than 1 hour from my appointment time. Generally, I was called in about 1 hour after my appointment time, and waited another 15 – 30 in the patient room. I understand if this happens once in a blue moon. But this is every single time. His front desk says some patients call ahead to see if he’s running on time, because if not they will give you a heads up to come in a bit later. It doesn’t matter if they say he’s running on time or not, there will always be a 1 hour+ wait. This is unacceptable for anyone, but especially patients with jobs or childcare or anyone waiting on them.
I have also been shocked by how poor his front desk staff operates. It is rare for someone at the office to pick up the phone. A simple task like making an appointment often requires 10 phone calls if you want to actually speak to someone. Alternatively, you can leave a message and generally hear back within 2 days. They also do not call you with test results. They say they will, but 2 – 3 weeks after my tests I have called them to find out my results were abnormal and they just didn’t call me.
I have now switched doctors but I am STILL waiting (it’s been nearly a month) for them to send my medical records to my new doctor. Others have complained about this as well. I’ve called, they say they’re understaffed and have 100 faxes to go through, and then nothing.
Unfortunately, it is clear that Dr. Poliakin has more patients than he and his office can handle. Not only will you wait, but when he does get to you, he is generally apologizing and rushing out the door. I will say that he did a good job with a surgical procedure I had to have and I was very happy about that. His nurses have also been very nice. It’s too bad basic office operations are so disappointing.

Dr. Poliakin is AMAZING! I trusted him 100% with my first pregnancy and will use him again for the next pregnancy. Yes, wait times can be long, but I feel he is worth the wait — full disclosure: in my entire pregnancy, I had a really long wait only one time. The wait is because he does not rush his appointments. When it comes to delivering a baby, trying to have a baby, having a million questions because it’s your first pregnancy, or miscarrying a baby, wouldn’t you want him to spend extra time with you if you were an emotional wreck… yes! That is why he gets backed up, and when you’re on the side of needing extra time, you’ll be happy he’s not rushing you.

Dr. Poliakin really is the best! I started coming to him about 2 years ago after I wasn’t impressed with the OBGYN my general doc had sent me to. After the first visit I knew I was going to come back to him. He’s straight to the point, very smart and informative, and took only seconds to do my procedure, compared to the 15 mins it took my old doc. I found him after reading several reviews, so I figured I’d add my two cents to help anyone else in their decision making.
What I like most about Dr. Poliakin is that he is super laid back with a great sense of humor. That’s a breath of fresh air after visiting so many up-​tight doctors that just seem to rush patients in and out. Poliakin takes his time with patients and listens to concerns. He’s very smart and very easy going which is a rare combo.
The wait time can be a little long as others have mentioned, but he’s worth the wait! I like that no matter how stressed I am about a procedure or diagnosis, he seems to put a smile on my face every time. You don’t find that too often with doctors these days!

I am OBSESSED with this doctor! I have never written a review about a doctor before but I was trying to figure out how I could tell the world about how wonderful he is and figured this would be a good way. My sister in law recommended Dr Poliakin which was the doctor she used for her last two pregnancies. I ended up using him for both of mine. Best decision ever! I live in Simi Valley so it was a bit inconvenient considering all my appointments would be a bit away from home AND I also would have to deliver in Thousand Oaks when I have a good hospital down the street from my house but after having my first child with him no other OBGYN in my town compared, so I used him again for my second pregnancy. As I sit in the hospital after just having my second child a couple days ago, I thank God I stayed with Dr Poliakin. Not only is he the most amazing doctor, no other hospital compares to Los Robles anyway. In the morning when I hear his voice coming to check on me which he does like clock work every morning, I get so happy cause I love him so much and he always makes me feel so safe. He is seriously the bomb. He is always so direct and straight forward and no matter what the situation is, he is always cool, calm and collect. And in my opinion that is so important cause us moms tend to panic easily when it comes to our babies and he always just makes you feel that everything is gonna be alright no matter what. My only complaint is he is a busy guy and sometimes you may have to wait in the waiting room a while at your appointment but that’s because he is a damn good doctor and is worth the wait. But let me tell you that no matter how late he is, you will never feel rushed when he gets to you. He is all ears and there for you. He did an emergency c section for me with my first child and did a beautiful job which healed very well with a very minimal scar. I had my c section planned for my second child for August 7^th but ended up going into labor a couple weeks early. It was 3 in the morning when I got to the hospital in agonizing pain and let me tell you he was there in probably 10 min flat, fresh out of bed! Maybe 15 min MAX! When he got there his main concern was how I felt and getting me out of pain and making sure I was comfortable and once I saw his face I swear I felt like everything was gonna be alright and that feeling was priceless! He did another beautiful job on my c section. Not to mention he was back both times the next day after surgery to do a circumcision for both of my boys and did such a great job on them. Even the nurses compliment the job he did! Even though my heart breaks from the circumcision he comes back and makes me feel so good about it reassuring me how good my baby did and didn’t cry. That’s exactly what a mom wants to hear. Another thing is whenever he tells me something I didn’t know about like how many ultrasounds I need or if I panic over the results of a test I had done, I may doubt the answer he gave me and the minute I get home I research online and sure enough he is always right. Bottom line is, this guy is so darn good at what he does, and is perfect in every way. I have confided in him about things and he never over reacted. He never betrayed my trust and always made me feel like he was on my side. He is so direct and cracks me up so bad with some of the things he says and I love that about him. He doesn’t beat around the bush and my hubby and I really appreciate that about him. He comes highly highly recommended. You may have a little bit of a wait for your appointment sometimes but I would be worried if his office was empty right?

Dr. Poliakin is they best OB/​GYN I have ever been to. He takes his time with you, puts you at ease if you are nervous and his bedside manner is impeccable! The nurses and staff are also very nice and go out of their way to make sure you get the best care possible — at all times!
My Mom is petrified of Drs., but she loves Dr. Poliakin! Now that’s a miracle!

Dr Poliakin is the best!!! I have been coming here for years and so has my mom and a few close friends!!! Wait time can be a little long, but he’s the best so what do you expect? A lot of people are here to see him!!! The staff is wonderful! Hope is amazing and always squeezes me in the day I call !!! Katie was also amazing, so sad she is no longer here !!! All the bad reviews all seem like people who have never waited for anything in their lives… Get over it!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE this place!

I delivered 2 healthy babies with a different doctor and so when she wasn’t available anymore I naturally went with a doctor in Westlake who’s name I recognized as being very popular and whom I had heard amazing things about! I waited in his front office for an hour before being put in the back room for 40 minutes! Naturally I was irritated. I actually came out in my gown to ask a nurse how much longer it would be, saying that this wait time is crazy. The doctor came in to see me finally and had the worst attitude I have ever experienced. I’m guessing his nurse told him I was upset for waiting so long. He aggressively told me that it had been a very busy day for him and I said that I understood days like that can happen. I told him I understand, and nicely asked him if this wait is a norm on most days since I don’t want to wait this long when I am pregnant to see my doctor every month. He again VERY aggressively and with total attitute told me that he takes time with his patients and if I don’t like it I can see someone else. He mentioned me having a tipped uterus, so I asked him if it was going to in anyway make it difficult to get pregnant (since we are going to start trying), and he very rudely told me «Well you have had children already!» After he spent less then 10 minutes with me, he sarcastically and rudely shook my hand before leaving the room saying «Good Luck!» Which would be a nice thing to say since we were trying if he didn’t say it with the tone of your a pain in the butt for questioning me and I hope I never see you again. What a nightmare! I was so upset leaving his office that I cried driving away. I have never been spoken to by a professional like this before. Things happen, and people have bad days but this guy obviously overbooks and feels like he doesn’t need to even be close to on time for his appointments. His attitude is unprofessional and he is obviously is so popular that he is not to be questioned in anyway if you want his kindness.

I recently had my baby and I recommend Dr Poliakin to anyone looking for a great OB. I started seeing him around week 24 of my pregnancy because I had moved to the area. I have not experienced any unacceptable wait times at his office. He genuinely cares about his patients and visited me each day I was in the hospital. I ended up having a c section because of failure to progress. My water broke and we tried for over 24 hours to induce, but my body was not progressing into labor. I really didn’t want to have a c section but he made me feel better about it and I knew I was in good hands. All the nurses like him at the hospital and I felt like I was a priority the entire stay at the hospital. I really prefer a doctor that has his own office vs. medical offices with a bunch of doctors together. He is busy but that’s because he is a great doctor and he spends time with his patients to answer questions. The staff is nice too, and is helpful in person and over the phone. Thank you for everything!

Dr. Poliakin is a fantastic OB/​GYN and surgeon. I delivered twins via C Section and it was a positive experience overall, thanks to Dr. P. I was in the hospital for 4 nights over the weekend and saw Dr. P every morning. He is genuinely concerned with the health of his patients. The fact that he made time to see me daily and answer my questions eased my concerns and made me feel like I was a priority. Throughout my pregnancy, Dr. P took time to answer questions and discuss my progress with my husband and I. I trust him and I plan to be a patient of his for years to come.
Yes, Dr. Poliakin is busy. But I chose him because I wanted HIM to deliver my babies. Not an on call doctor, not someone with whom I had no relationship. I knew that a doctor who practices alone would have a busier office than a practice with multiple MDs. It’s a matter of what you desire as a patient. For me, I am a raving fan of Dr. P and have already referred people to him.
Pleasant staff. They are friendly and answer questions. They remember patients by face and name, which mattered to me. Highly recommended.

I was referred to Dr. Poliakin from a local friend since I’m new to the area and was looking for a good OB/​GYN. She mentioned he was a good OB as well as helping women get pregnant. My first 2 visit was for well woman check up. Both times, the wait time was extremely long, waited for 1 hr in the front, then another 15 – 20 mins in the room. Dr. Poliakin was very nice and apologetic, but I still don’t like waiting that long to be seen. I was content with Dr. Poliakin’s office since I was only seeing him for an annual Pap smear check up. Then after i got married, I was having a hard time conceiving after trying for 6 months. I went to see Dr. Poliakin as he was my OB/​GYN because I assumed he knew best and could steer me to the right direction of becoming pregnant. He had me schedule a few blood and HSG tests. He emailed me and said everything looks good from the results but assured me that it just take some time with some people. I believed him since he’s a doctor and I didn’t know any better.
After a few more months, I was feeling impatient and he suggested we can do Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) in his office. I had 2 failed IUI with him and now I’m seeking help from a fertility specialist. The reproductive endocrinologist (RE) is one you should have a consultation if you’re having a hard time conceiving, not an OB/​GYN. Long story short, my RE reviewed my medical history and said my anti-​mullerian hormone (AMH) was extremely low from the first blood test and that I should not have even tried IUI, it was a waste of time and money.
Dr. Poliakin may be a good Obstetrician but he definitely is not a fertility doctor. It was a good and expensive lesson learned.

I am very upset with this doctors office. They refuse to send my medical records because it was too long since I had been there. That is not acceptable. He has become the baby doctor in town and now no longer takes very good care of aging woman not having babies.

Dr. Poliakin is an amazing physician and surgeon! My wife first saw him over 6 years ago as a new patient. When another specialist failed to follow through on a misdiagnosis causing extreme pain, my wife went back to see Dr. Poliakin that afternoon. After ordering new lab tests, Dr. Poliakin added an additional surgery at the end of the day and my wife has successful laparoscoptic surgery (while pregnant in her first trimester with our first child). Since that time, Dr. Poliakin has delivered both of our children via c-​section, including one as an emergency at midnight and one on Christmas! (sorry about that Dr. P.) My wife continues to see him for annual visits.
During our prenatal visits for both kids, we never experienced an extended wait time. It is our opinion that Dr. Poliakin is a popular OB/​GYN and as such, is going to be in demand, sometimes outside of his control, with emergencies, deliveries, C-​sections, etc. An extended wait time should probably be expected with a busy OB/​GYN. We would much rather wait for him, than be seen on-​time by a less busy, possibly less experienced surgeon.
Besides his obvious skills as a surgeon, his personality is hilarious as I found myself laughing during all the prenatal visits. We are truly lucky to have Dr. Poliakin in our lives. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for an OB/​GYN.

I am happy to say that he is usually the only doctor I have to see every year. He is humorous in a setting that can be uncomfortable. I love his knowledge and his compassion. I had my daughter with him 4 years ago and I recommend to many of my friends.
Good staff, great doc!

I was done having babies by the time I found Dr. Poliakin. I was referred to him by a friend because I was a post hysterectomy train wreck.
With a sense of humor and honesty, Dr. Poliakin gave me my life back by straightening out my wacko hormones.
I didn’t get to have him deliver my babies (which I am sure would have been a hoot!), but I at least get to visit with him occasionally to get a dose of his humor and professional advice.

Dr Poliakin and staff are horrible. I had the worst experience and have ever felt such a lack for heart and respect at a doctors office in my life.
My first visit was almost a 3 hour wait time. Expect anywhere from 45 mins to 1 hour and 15 min wait for every visit you have here just to get into the room then you have about 20 – 30 mins to see the doctor. No exaggeration at all! Ultimately, I quit going to Dr. Poliakin because he is very difficult to get in, staff takes forever to return calls, wait times are ridiculous, he cut open when come to find out I really didn’t need surgery, if you want medical records (GOOD LUCK)!

Wonderful doctor, great bedside manner, and a surgeon you can trust. He’s operated on my mother for a major surgery and myself for a more minor one. Sure wait time is a little long but he’s in high demand due to the quality of care and really tries to accomadate each patient in scheduling and attention in the office.
My favorite obgyn

Dr Poliakin is, by far, the best OBGYN around. He has been my doctor for over 30 years (THAT sure made ME feel old!!) and we have been through it all together. He And, through” it all” he, and his staff, have been nothing but professional, supportive, accommodating, and helpful.
Yes, you may have a really long wait time from time to time. But that wait time may be because he is at the hospital, on a moments notice, to deliver a baby or consoling someone who has just learned terrible news. My point is that he CARES about you and does not rush through his appointments. And if you just happen to be that pregnancy that came on a moments notice, he WILL be there for you… even if that means angering a few of his other patients waiting in his office (most of us don’t care– we have been on the both sides).
He also has an arsenal of referrals if and when that «terrible news» comes. My sister had stage 3 ovarian cancer and his referral saved her life. I had a thyroid tumor and his referral was a top endocrinologist.
He not only has amazing medical skills, but he also has the ethical/​moral compass to tell you what he thinks you need and don’t need (regarding tests and/​or procedures). He will make his professional recommendation and allow you to make your choice.
He also has a great bedside manner. In my experience, you usually have to pick between a top doctor and a good bedside manner, but not with him. He is straightforward, has a great sense of humor, and is humble.
I would not trust anyone else with my body unless, of course, he recommended them. ;)

Best OB/​GYN EVER! Couldn’t imagine going anywhere else! He has an excellent staff too! He is a very proactive doctor and excellent surgeon! I highly recommend him! As to the previous comment about the wait times… what do you expect when you’re going to the top doctor? Of course there are going to be wait times, but this is because he spends quality time with each patient, I’ve never felt rushed with him!

Wouldn’t go anywhere else! Dr. Poliakin is the man! Cool, funny, down to earth, professional. As good as it gets! Great staff! They even offer Peekaboo.