Sierra Vista Family Medical Clinic - Simi Valley, California

Skyler B.

I’ve been a patient at this clinic for over a year, and while I’ve had wonderful experiences with several departments—including therapy, OBGYN, and a few outstanding specialists—my overall care was significantly impacted by one provider: Dr. Sara Tom (a nurse practitioner, not MD.).

If you’re planning to seek care here, I strongly recommend avoiding Dr. Sara Tom like the Plague

During my time under her care, I was repeatedly dismissed. Advocating for myself felt like a full-time job. She routinely brushed off serious concerns, denied necessary referrals, and insisted on managing complex health conditions on her own—despite clear signs that specialized care was needed.

Even after imaging on one part of the issue came back clear, I still had major symptoms and only partial mobility in my arms. Instead of digging deeper, I was told to return to work. When I asked what we should do next, her solution was to refer me to pain management—without first considering an orthopedist, a neurologist, or even running proper diagnostics on my arms.

Only after I pushed back did she agree to a neurology referral. But instead of actually sending me to a neurologist, she just ordered a test. While that was a step in the right direction, she never followed through with an actual referral—despite telling me she had. This happened multiple times, and my follow-ups were completely ignored.

She also refused to refer me back to physical therapy until my condition had deteriorated so much that I could no longer use my right arm, and the left was following close behind.

Perhaps the most telling moment was when I requested autoimmune testing, which I need monitored regularly due to a strong family history. After finally agreeing to run some labs, she said:

“If this shows up negative, I don’t ever want to hear about it again.”

That level of dismissal wasn’t just inappropriate—it was deeply unprofessional and discouraging. She also didn’t order the proper panels that would have actually screened for what runs in my family.

Since switching providers at a different clinic a few months ago, the difference has been night and day. I’ve already received more support, more answers, and far more respect than I ever did under Dr. Tom’s care.

This clinic does have some amazing specialists and providers, especially in the tharpy department. But patients should be very careful who they see, especially if they are dealing with complex health conditions. I’m grateful for the excellent care I received in other departments, but if you’re considering becoming a patient here, do yourself a favor and steer clear of Dr. Sara Tom.

Angel_wing T.

Dr. Smita Mandal was a rude, arrogant, unprofessional doctor. I waited a month and a half for this appointment and when I finally was there I then waited over an hour after my appointment time for her to see me after getting back to the room. Then she rushed me and kept trying to finish my sentences. She saw me for a total of 5 mins max and I’m ready pushing it cause it was more like 3 or 4 mins. I needed a referral for neurology but she refused to give me one. She looked at my medication list and accused me of taking a narcotic that I’ve never even heard of! I’m definitely not on any narcotics. I’m convinced that she already made up her mind about me before she even saw me, I’m not sure if she hates her job or she just doesn’t like people on Medicaid. Anyway, this was my first appointment ever at this clinic/with this dr and because of her it will be my last. She made me feel unsafe, unimportant and uncomfortable. DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS DOCTOR! DR SMITA MANDAL IS THE WORST!

mxhxm

The staff is nice and helpful. Many of the nurses here are very nice and caring. However Becareful with Dr. Choudhary because she is very rude. She asked me if I want her to and I quote “pixie dust my problem” and then I replied with “I don’t know” and she said “ I don’t know doesn’t help me” like lady , if you are tired of working as a Doctor then don’t do it. No one should treat patients like that, was it because I’m young who knows? I am going to try to meet with another doctor hoping that is better because the comments the other lady was making are not acceptable. I tried to not be rude as she seemed like she was going through it. Also she said “long time no see” well yea because they only have appointments in 3 to 4 months.

Jazmin M.

Honestly terrible. Urgent Care takes WAY too long, has only 1 DR and wait times are around 2 hrs between patients. The general big building clinic is also horrible. Staff sits to chit chat and glances at you while youre standing there waiting to get checked in and does not care. They look at you with a mean mug look and literally show you they hate there job with there tone. They give you an appointment but make you wait between 1-1:30 hrs to get seen regardless of your appointment time. I had an appointment at 4, got seen at 5:15.

Lisette

The first doctor I saw here was Sheila Flom, she hyper-focused on my birthmark and told me things that could be associated with my birthmark instead of focusing on my primary concerns. At some point in my visit she asked me how I did in school and seemed uncertain about my answer which I replied that I generally did well and graduated. I understand connections related to a port wine stain and the concerns but after speaking to her I felt as if I was judged as defective just because of my birthmark which is not how I want to feel leaving my first doctor's appointment, it made me nervous to hear the results from the MRI she had ordered. I gave a chance, but I felt uncomfortable and stopped seeing her.

I will not base this review's rating on Dr. Flom though, sometimes you have to look around and find a Dr. that you are more comfortable with or have an understanding with.

Dr. Zeena Al-Tai is who I will be basing this rating off of. Dr. Al-Tai listened to my concerns, ideas, and followed up with me about the MRI I was nervous about hearing results about. I spoke with her regarding health issues, and she worked with me. I never felt judged, she treated me with respect, is direct & to the point, honest, explains matters clearly, and always followed through with my care until I started looking for a new primary due to moving. I thank you Dr. Al-Tai, I know I wasn't a super long-term patient, but you were the best doctor I have ever had and because of you, I am giving this place a 5 star review.

A few notes:
* They do blood work in clinic which is extremely convenient
*Staff are generally nice
*Scheduling appts has been smooth
* If you need records from this clinic, get them in person or handle that situation in person because if you move, it is difficult to obtain them when requesting personally.

Julie M.

I went to this facility for a primary care physician, but will be finding a new physician. I would not recommend this facility. Medical care is poor. I was sent to get an x-ray in the same facility, without being told that the x-ray would be out of network. I was told my referral for physical therapy would take a least a month to process, and was only able to get it sooner by contacting a supervisor.

I would not recommend this facility. Please find a different provider.

Calley P.

Dr. Nimz in OB is professional, thoughtful, and kind.

As a new patient, and I went in for a yearly checkup and new IUD and it was scheduled quickly and easily by the staff.

She was efficient, kind and thorough during the procedure. I would recommend anyone see Dr. Nimz for obstetrics. Thank you, Dr. Nimz and Katrice!

Anna I.

I requested a referral for physical therapy on August 16 during my doctor's visit. However, the referral was only submitted on September 11. I received a document confirming this from one of the office staff.
Dr. Chawla had stated that she sent the referral on the same day, August 16, which creates a discrepancy. Today is already September 26, and my referral is still "in processing." When I contact the referral department, I am told that they have a high volume of requests and are behind schedule. As a result, I am in the same situation—47 days without being able to bend my knee and no clear hope of seeing a physical therapist anytime soon. Although Valentina, the head of the referral department, said she would try to expedite the process, I remain hopeful, but I’ve heard that before.