Rheumatology Associates - Grapevine

"Highly recommend Dr. Ryan Kavilaveettil. Excellent, thorough, and caring doctor."

"I was a patient of one of these providers THREE years ago. When I tried to make an appointment with Dr. Stern recently, I was told I couldn’t switch doctors. When I inquired further, they said I would need permission from my previous doctor and also permission from Dr. Stern. Again, it had been THREE YEARS! Nevertheless, I agreed to wait on the “approval” process and received a call back saying my previous provider approved the transfer but Dr. Stern rejected my request because of a “no-show” appointment I had with my previous provider. What?! 1. I have never “no-showed” an appointment in my life. 2. If an appointment is on the calendar, and I can’t make it, I’m always quick to call the appointment desk to let them know. Needless to say, I don't recommend this practice. Nothing against the doctor I saw previously. But, to not even give a patient a chance is just beyond rude."

"I have been seeing Dr Stern for 10 years. He is an absolute expert on every topic regarding rheumatology. He will go as deeply into it as the patient wants him to, but he absolutely WILL NOT "get out of his lane." So if you want something done or you have a question about something that doesn't have anything to do with rheumatology, he will not be responsive. He may seem a bit crusty on the outside, but he is actually extremely patient and has a very tender, caring heart. I would not trade him for the world!"

"After initial blood work came back with markers for inflammation, I asked Dr Stern to run a full iron panel. He refused, stating that none of the possible results would impact his ability to treat me. When I pressed further about testing for ferritin, he said, “I wouldn’t be surprised at all if your ferritin level is high,” but refused, saying again that this would be irrelevant to his ability to treat me. He recommended instead that I see other specialists, or wait, perhaps years, until my symptoms were bad enough that he could provide a diagnosis. He became exasperated when I asked questions, and was extremely condescending. He explained everything very slowly, as though he were speaking to a small child, and said he did this so it wouldn’t feel like he was ‘rushing me out the door’ - maybe he has gotten this feedback before. I can’t in good faith recommend. Try any other doctors first."

"My first visit was thorough. The front desk receptionist was welcoming at 8AM. There was no wait to be seen by medical staff. I was seen immediately by the medical assistant to check my vitals. My appointment was with the nurse practitioner. The nurse practitioner came in on schedule to discuss my medical history and symptoms. She examined my joints by moving them around. After she performed an in depth review, she met 1 on 1 with Dr. Stern to discuss my symptoms & history. Dr. Stern entered the room and greeted me with ideal bed side manner! It was clear that he was well informed of how I felt. He provided beneficial information to relieve my symptoms at home. He also showed videos of exercises to practice. He asked if I had questions a couple of times, which was greatly appreciated! Lastly, there is a lab in their office, so I was able to have labs completed after my appointment. The lab work went well and the phlebotomist was gentle. Overall, the appointment went smoothly, timely and efficient by all members of the Dr office. My follow-up appointment is in 3 1/2 weeks. Fingers cross the follow-up appointment is the same quality of service as my 1st appointment!"