Santa Cruz Health Center - Santa Cruz, California

Jessica M.

I had a horrible experience today at my appointment with Dr. Heather Couch. After a very brief hello, I shared my health journey with Couch. I explained to her that I have been busting my butt in the gym everyday, working out, eating a healthy plant based diet, going on beach walks, and really working on myself. I was able to lose 25 pounds, and I have more energy and I'm happier. Without even the slightest "good job" or "keep up the great work", she immediately proceeded to tell me that most of her clients who switch to a plant-based diet see "worsening" blood test results because they eat more carbohydrates. I explained to her that I'm not sitting at home eating a whole bag of chips, that I'm eating proper amounts of whole grains and brown rice (just as I was instructed by Dr. Ben 7 weeks prior). She said "it doesn't matter what kind of carbs your eating, it stll converts into sugar". I was very hurt to hear this, not only was she completely undermining all my hard work, but she was giving me completely contradictory information than what Dr. Ben gave me, not to mention completely missing the fact that I overcame a major depression months prior and have made a great amount of progress. Also, she did not have my updated blood work yet, because it takes a few days to process, so she was basically assuming that my results will be "worse". She then proceeded to tell me about her personal food preferences and that she is on a carnivorous diet, and went on to explain that humans have evolved to eat meat, again completely opposite to what Dr. Ben told me 7 weeks prior, he specifically said to eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and less animal meats which contains higher cholesterol. Anyway, I found it strange that it almost seemed like she cared more about being "right" then caring about my health. I left feeling really anxious and sort of attacked.

By the way, I saw Dr. Ben about 7 weeks ago. Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and poor liver health. He told me to lay off animal products and eat more fruits and vegetables. He sent me away with a piece of paper with information on it. You would think that if you are prediabetic and have high cholesterol, they would follow-up with a meal plan or refer you to a nutritionist at the very least, for proper follow-up care. Nope, I was expected to do it on my own. Mostly relying on Google searches and social media for my nutrition advice. Then 7 weeks later, they have the nerve to tell me I'm doing it all wrong? This doesn't seem like setting up their patients for success. Infact, Dr. Ben warned me that my body may or may not go into "starvation mode", which basically means no matter how much you workout or how healthy you eat, your weight loss progress will completely come to a halt. He later apologized, after realizing that I am eating responsibly and working out properly, without extreme starvation. But again, all of this would have been more logical if I was given a proper meal plan or referred to a nutritionist who can give me proper calorie goals and monitor my c, but I never received a call back. arb, fat, and protein intake.

Also, I should mention that I requested a nutritionist at one point during a phone consultation with Dr. Julie. She said she would refer me to a nutritionist, but I never received a call back.

I should also mention that the nurses are very kind people. During my appointment today, one of them was kind enough to give me words of encouragement. She said "good job losing that weight" and "it's the small wins that count", and the other nurse Sarah, shared some kind words "keep up the great work", which was so nice to hear after that disturbing interaction with Dr. Heather Couch.

Foxy J.

I would have given 5 stars because I absolutely love my physician Dr Matthews. What I don't love is the efficiency of the front staff. They are courteous when you address them in office. The phone service is horrible. They lost my test results and blamed it on the office that provided the results and suggested that I call them. I called and they verified that they had faxed the results over a month prior and gave me the stamp date and time. So ... they refaxed it and I still haven't heard anything from them in over a week. I call and get a message that the office is closed due to a staff meeting. Which they must have several times a week because I have gotten that message that often. So today I called because I was feeling really bad and didn't know if I should go to emergency and I also wanted to know my test results. There was 25 mins until closing. I was on hold until literally 4:55 they answered the phone and hung up. So I called back, I had 5 minutes left. Then of course they answered with the same staff meeting recording. The front staff needs to get it together because they are playing with people's lives. We are medical patients and some of us are trying to save our lives. I literally told my husband that if I die he better sue them for negligence. Off to the emergency room we go.

Edna G.

Both my husband and me are THANKFUL to Dr.Rashmi Matthew , our primary Doctor .She provided us the BEST care and sufficient answers to our complaints As always we could feel the compassion in her. As such, she puts value on her oath re: ““professionalism patent- doctor “ relationship per se by being kind and a good listener. But most of all, she’ s smart. In all aspects of medicine. Thanks Doc.

Joy S.

The lady on the phone is very rude. After I waited for 15 minutes on hold she finally picked up, said hello and then immediately hung up. Waited again on hold and when I told her she hung up without giving me any chance to speak she was hostile, short and transferred me to another person without telling me who or that she was going to do it. I remember my days in a medical call center and if I accidentally hung up on someone I was apologetic and always tried to be helpful. I understand it's a busy holiday season, but a little kindness goes a long way.

Gabby W.

Posting for a friend. She showed up one minute late and they turned her away. Stated due to their new policy she would either have to wait on standby (she waited 45min+) or reschedule for another day. Her appointment only required an MA to give a shot. Didn’t even need to meet with a physician. Another patient walked in seven minutes late was told the same thing. She chose to wait as well and was seen within 15mins.

Brett R.

Yalls security gaurd is a joke. Always on the phone and shifting blame. This is tge second time ive seen it personally.

Liz Z.

I have multiple severe physical and mental disabilities. The nurse practitioner I was assigned to was awful. She didn't spend any time with me and didn't listen. She acted like she really resents her job and hates her patients and her life tbh. She said she referred me to specialists but it's been months at this point. I've called this clinic and the specialists many times and nothing has gone through. The one specialist I did see was an orthopedist, he was like 80 years old and extremely creepy/predatory. A nurse had to be with him the entire time, he couldn't use the computer and was incoherent. I felt very unsafe. This dude should have retired 30 years ago. He told me my x-ray looked perfect but literally anyone could see how messed up it was and he contradicted everything my other orthopedic doctors & surgeon had told me which was laughable. This place is just another example of how this county is screwing their residents over and in some cases literally killing them. Luckily I was able to go to different clinic.

Brandy L.

I love coming here. The people are so nice and welcoming. And I feel safe and listened to with respect and full understanding of my needs. I'm so thankful to be able to go here