Stark Clifford - Sports Medicine Chelsea Pllc

When I googled Dr. Stark's name to write a review, I was shocked to read these negative reviews. I have never been to a doctor who has spent more time with me and really listened to my concerns. I have had lower back issues for years and he is the first one to tell me that it's not a herniated disc. I've been going to him for PRP treatments. He's one of the few doctors in NYC to do this and while I still need to do some strengthening exercises on my own, his care has put me on the right track.

I love that I can go to his office for all my needs. He is an outstanding primary doctor as well and has diagnosed my sore throats, ear aches, etc. He's not one to give antibiotics just for the heck of it, which I like. Aran Degenhardt is the other doctor in the office and he does travel medicine, which is convenient since I do travel a lot. His physical therapists are very well trained as well and go beyond the typical heat and stym.

I would highly recommend all the doctors and therapists at Sports Medicine at Chelsea.

Posted 12/09/09 | Report Abuse

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Stark was condescending and barely ever looked me in the eye. He would not let me even finish a sentence. He just kept typing on his computer as I was talking to him. I get that he was entering my information into the database or whatever, but it was just rude and dismissive.
I tried to explain my past injury to him but he didn't listen, then later asked me questions about things I had already told him earlier, but he acted like it was the first time he was hearing it. For some stupid reason i went back to him a few months later, and got so frustrated at how little he listened to me that I started tearing up. I'm more mad at myself that I even went back. I hate giving bad reviews like this, but my experience with him was so so so so negative. He acted like I shouldn't be talking, even though I'm the one who has been living with this knee for 30 years.

it took me over 48 hours to get a question answered from him, and I had to keep calling his staff back over and over. I could not believe how unprofessional they were.

Posted 11/19/09 | Report Abuse

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I was not too happy with the long wait (45 minutes after my scheduled appointment) or the patronizing attitude of Dr. Cliff Stark. He literally instructed me to cough into my elbow at least 3 times and also told me to not talk during our visit. When I asked him instructions on how to use the inhaler he prescribed, his reply was that the pharmacy would show me. Eventually he begrudingly told me the basics. But made it clear he did not have time for instructions. And I got the feeling that he really did not know what he was doing in terms of diagnosing the lingering effects of swine flu. He is most likely really a sports medicine person trying to make some extra bucks seeing patients for general care. Oh - and by the way - the office tried to charge me a $50 co-payment! My insurance is for a $20 co-payment but they claimed Dr. Stark was a specialist. I told them I never had to pay more than $20 and they immediately agreed this was fine since I was seeing him for primary care. So I have a feeling they were trying to eek out extra money illegally. I went once before to this practice and just loved the other doctor - Aran. It is a shame he works for such an arrogant owner.

Posted 11/06/09 | Report Abuse

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This visit to Clifford Stark was such a waste of time and so disappointing. I'll start with the worst first. I have had an injury to the back of my leg for 2 months. At no point was there any bruising or tenderness to the touch. Dr. Stark repeatedly pressed on it with such force, even after I pulled away- that a couple of hours later it was bruised, swollen, and tender to the touch. Like I said it was never like that before and I did nothing in the two hours following the appointment. His rough handling of my injury made it worse! What happened to "first do no harm"? Aren't they teaching that in med school anymore? I am not the type to play the victim but I feel abused and violated. And now I'll have to wonder if going to the doctor is going to make it take longer to heal.
On top of that, after all that pressing and probing he was not able to give me a diagnosis.
This last point seems insignificant in comparison, but I was also surprised that he kept me waiting before the appointment while having a loud and obviously-not-urgent conversation with a co-worker. I was thinking, wow he must know I can hear this! Am I waiting for an inattentive cashier at Duane Reade or this a Doctor? But I thought, hey if he knows his stuff I don't care if he's off putting.
In retrospect that was the first clue that this guy is not here for me but for himself.
The only redeeming thing is that he did spend a lot time listening and talking. But the fact that he caused further injury and wasn't even able to diagnose the problem sort of makes that a moot point.
Disappointing.

Posted 04/13/09 | Report Abuse

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There are three doctors here. I've used two of them. One is a gynecologist (Yolanda Tun-Chiong) and is who I send all of my friends to. She is very detailed, makes you feel very comfortable, and very friendly. Dr. Stark is a good sports physician who is very detailed. Physical therapy is also a good option here.

Posted 05/22/08 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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