Chai Urgent Care - East Elmhurst, NY

I got to the urgent care with a severe stomachache at 7:15 pm. Five minutes before 8 pm the person at the front desk ( she identified herself as Lily) stated they couldnt see more patients as doctor’s request. I was waiting for about 40 minutes with non-stopping pain. I was the next patient, the patient before me was leaving the examination room. This is irresponsible and unethical from a medical center “@URGENT CARE”

I really wish I didn’t have to do this but here it goes. I made an appointment around 7:45pm which I showed up 5 minutes before to do the check in process. I’m a new patient. The receptionist came towards the front desk and asked for my ID and Insurance Card …. She didn’t even greet me at all. The office closes at 8pm by the way so she told me and another gentleman we couldn’t be seen because we decided to come in 15 minutes before the clinic closes, she also stated she knew nothing about insurances… she claimed a third party company does all the verifications for the insurances, she claimed no one answered on her end so we weren’t able to be seen at all. The gentleman was frustrated and said “then why take us in on the first place and waste our time? We know you want to go home but we feel it’s unfair”. The receptionist said “Well sir I’ve been working all day with no one to help me, you don’t know what it’s like” She didn’t want to listen to him and also told him to “go home” … “Me” as a Office manager/supervisor at 4 locations feels that’s very unprofessional and doesn’t make the business look good at all, The patients definitely don’t come first, She also said her boss “The Doctor” made her say that as well! It just makes things so awkward. I know the medical assistants personally and they are sweet but I would say about 8 out of 10 people I know has had a terrible experience here… I didn’t want to believe it until I experienced it myself. I didn’t get to see the doctor. I ended up going elsewhere to find out I have walking pneumonia.

I went there yesterday evening to get my physical done and Im so happy that I discovered this place. The staff were amazing! Laura who attended to me was so sweet and so nice and understood my fear of needles and was so supportive. Im so happy that I discovered this urgent care I will definitely be going back in the future.

Literally everytime I go they do nothing and tell me my sickness is my fault then prescribe Ibuprofen or some general medication. I go somewhere else and they tell me something totally different. Took 3 tests all negative extremely sick and they said feel better ??? Ive been 6 times and 6 times Ive left angrier then when I got there.

Weve been regular visitors for approximately a year, and my overall experiences have generally been positive. However, in December 2023, my wife fell ill. During her initial visit, she underwent various tests . Two days later, she returned as her condition worsened, with a significantly intensified cough. Her test showed she had RSV. Dr. Matthew, during the second visit, didnt listen to her chest and simply advised her to endure the illness.Six days later, on her third visit, my wife consulted with Dr. Rachel. Dr. Rachel provided a nebulizer in the office and prescribed one for home use. Dr. Rachel, whom I did not wish to implicate, echoed our thoughts that this situation might have been prevented if Dr. Matthew had been more diligent. I could even hear my wifes lungs whizzing as she breathed. While I understand that medicine may not be effective for viral infections, the failure to listen to a patients lungs when they report a worsening cough and chest tightness is perplexing to me.My wife is scheduled for a follow-up on Sunday. The age-old saying, If you have your health, you have everything, holds particularly true in this situation. We believe that Dr. Matthews lack of crucial patient care did not ensure the best possible outcome for my wife.

I wish I could leave no stars. Called before hand, was told everything was fine just to waste my time and be told the doctor cannot prescribe me my medicine. I was told to wait till the doctor was off his break, only to not even be seen. So much for urgent care. Was told they’ve prescribed it before but the doctor just didn’t want to and I was told to go to my primary care doctor. Never going back. I will make sure to tell everyone I know not to waste their time.

My family and I have been shooting over there for our medical needs for over a year. Even though there are places closer. The staff at the front desk is always polite and courteous. I’ve never had to wait more than ten minutes to be seen. The doctors always take the time to ask questions and also give explanations. It’s a clean facility. I have zero complaints.

Doctor Rachel is a great physician. Very knowledgeable. Listens to you and finds the best treatment for your condition. She respects you and is very sincere and empathetic.I went back a second time and saw dr. Ricardo. He is horrible. He conclude what was my condition without examining me first. It felt like he was ready to pick a fight. I hope I don’t have to see him again.

If you do not want to be told that you’re negligent because an accident occurred and told to “do whatever you want” when asking a question, then DO NOT go to this place and see the PA that saw me and my 21 month old daughter. The only reason I gave this facility one star is because of the ease of getting an appointment, checkin process and how friendly the front desk staff and medical assistant were. The male PA was rude to me when I was alone, but when my husband walked in he was less rude. As a first time mom, I had questions about my daughter’s wound care and didn’t expect to be told “I’m telling you what to do but do whatever you want.”I DO NOT recommend this place if you want questions answered or if you like good bedside mannerism. At least he knew what to prescribe for my daughter. Also this may be the reason why there are barley any patients in this urgent care.

I loved it! The staff was really nice they took care of me fast.The doctor was also very nice and they sent me all the medication i need to my pharmacy! Thank you so much for the attention and quality of service

Mixed reviews. I’ve been here before for testing. Very fast. Pretty much in and out. However due to the increase of cases, more people are getting tested resulting in extremely long wait times. My son went to this place and was on a not so long line but he was there for a little over six hours. Don’t know why the hold up but from experience it also has to do with people not knowing how to use the tablets to register and sign in, so staff has to take time to assist rather than testing. Today was a bummer, a complete disaster but usually they are pretty good.

I have to say that out of all the urgent cares that I have been to including worked at Chai Care in East Elmhurst has been outstanding both as far as personally like Dr. Ricardo Zaldivar who tended to me with care, knowledge, patience and guidance. He helped me when every other doctor was turning their back on me, with my issue. Id say this wonderful person even saved my life . The Medical Assistants like Janelle and the facility are also superb. Chai Care is a much better option than to even go to the ER for me.

This Urgent care is awesome. Drove an extra few miles from my home to come here and I must say awesome staff. Very friendly and they keep the line moving leaving a minimal waiting time. Dr. Ricardo Zaldivar is amazing, took exceptional care of my 9month old and my 5 year old. Him and his staff made sure to follow up with us with very detailed instructions with our medication and treatment. As a new parent, illnesses to your children can be an extremely stressful and emotional time and it is a blessing to have a doctor by your side walking you through everything you need for your kid to go back to normal again. If I can give more stars I would, do not hesitate to come here. I would like to give a huge thank you to Dr. Zaldivar for providing us with the care we needed. Thank you.

Got a huge abscess in my right armpit and went to Chai Urgent Care in Jackson heights. Check in was very quick and I was quickly seen by a young guy that took my vitals and medical information. Then he assisted the physician and I was advised to go to the ER since he abscess was to large for them to care for and I most likely needed IV antibiotics. The physician wrote a referral for the ER explaining my situation. That referral helped me at the ER so I was seen very quick.The staff at here was excellent from the check in, medical assistant to the physician. I use to go to City Md if I need medical attention that not need ER. After this great experience I will come here instead.

I came here last minute to get a rapid COVID test and thanks to Arthur and Noelia, the process was smooth and quick! They were friendly, knowledgeable and efficient. I was in and out and I appreciated that as they understood I was pressed for time. I will be coming here going forward for all my urgent care needs. The clinic is also really clean and well kept.

I had the greatest urgent care experience EVER. I was in alot of abdominal pain and from the time I walked in the office it smelled calm and gentle. The front desk was warm and welcoming. And Doctor Ricardo Zaldivar, MPA was so sweet, kind and funny. He was able to pinpoint what was wrong and excatly what he said would happen when I got home happened. I felt better as he predicted I wish Dr. Ricardo could be my primary care doctor great guy! A+++ Great place.

Have taken 2 PCR tests here and depending on time of day, can be pretty quick. BUT be careful about giving them your insurance info, they wound up charging my insurance for a regular visit NOT as Covid test. I called insurance company and they said Chai put in claim for a urgent care visit and charge was for 30plus minutes of care administered. What? Top it off, they told insurance company I had a co-pay outstanding. Yeah, I dont think so. They did this for both of my tests. Even though I called insurance company, they still paid it.

Wonderful experience! Best Urgent Care I’ve ever visited! Very friendly staff that helps with each step of the way ! Ricardo Baldivar MPA-C was very helpful and patient and solved my problem without making me feel uncomfortable ! Overall great experience and low wait times everything you need at a health care facility!

Quick! Great! Totally impressed!! My 13 year old son was able to open up and talk to doctors!! Dr. Ricardo Zaldivor was amazing with him. Was so helpful. God bless my son really loved the way you spoke and explained everything to him..

Was not able to get seen, I’m insured through emblem health as a city employee and I was told I had a 200+ deductible that had to be met and might get charge in addition to my copayment. Never in over 10 years with this insurance have I heard of such thing for any urgent care center. No wonder why this place was empty.

I went in earlier this week. First time there the person behind the desk was very helpful in getting me signed in quickly. I paid my copay and waited about 15 min for the Doctor. My visit was great, in and out in less than an hour.

I walked into Chai Urgent Care this past Sunday on 12/4 and I saw Ricardo Zaldivar MPA-C. He was very attentive and did a thorough examination and tests (Covid, Flu, RSV). He prescribed a few medications for me to take and I am feeling so much better now. A few days later, they also called me to let me know what type of virus and variant I contracted and how I was feeling. This has by far been one of the best urgent care places that I have been to. Ill always rely on this urgent care center for emergency care. Thank you to the staff and Ricardo!

Came because I couldn’t hear, they said nothing was wrong and sent me on my way (after taking payment of course). Next day woke up completely deaf and severe pain, went to minute clinic where I was treated with care and concern for blockage and infection. Don’t waste your time and money here and go somewhere else.

Located in a plaza, Chai urgent care although relatively new is my new go to urgent care.The staff is friendly and professional. They also take appointments and walk ins. There was no wait when I went in. Everything including my PCR testing was done in 10 minutes MAX.I was told the results would come out in 24 hours and even if I did my covid testing around 5pm yesterday, I received my results this morning 7am. Super efficient. Highly recommend.

Chai UC is definitely going to be my go to place! The staff is super friendly and welcoming to both adults and kids and that’s a plus for me. We were seen very quick and the icing on the cake is .. they have parking!!! PA Angela was very warm and kind towards my daughter which meant everything to me. Thank you Angela and your kind staff. Keep up the good work ☺️

I was sick with Rhinovirus a few days ago and the staff here were very accommodating and professional! They ordered a full respiratory panel and the provider PA Ricardo Zaldivax was very thorough in explaining my symptoms/treatment to me.

I went away April 29th and returned on Sunday, May 1st, I started with a sore throat on Monday, May 2nd. Tuesday, 5/03/22 I had a bad cough and very congested in nose area. I went right away to see my primary care physician who put me on Azithromycin they call it Z-Pack!! I did the home test at first. I tested negative. My symptoms got worse and I called my doctor who prescribed PREDNISONE! Saturday, May 7th, home test kit, the orange box. I tested POSITIVE. Spoke to my doctor and said stay home and relax!Monday, May 9th, I tested NEGATIVE with my home test kit. I decided to go to CHAI URGENT CARE, theyre wonderful! Place is very clean and they have walk in which is great!! On May 11th, Wednesday took the PCR TEST at their facility. Free Parking and they have PETCO, FOOD UNIVERSE, POST OFFICE and other stores that you can get everything done at one spot. Since gas prices are at all time high almost $5 a gallon. I tested Positive on May 12th, so I Quarantined for 5 days straight! May 17th, I went for the quick test which came back NEGATIVE! I have to wait for the PCR test results tomorrow. I totally recommend this place to everyone!!

My wife and I went for the covid rapid test and PCR and we didn’t have to way more than 15 minutes. The staff are very efficient and professional. The rapid test results were available in 15 minutes and the PCR in less than 24 hours on line. I highly recommend this place and since the clinic is located in a shopping center, there is plenty of parking

This place is a scam. They billed my insurance for big procedures urgent care and now I owe huge amount of co-pays to my insurance. Don’t go here. Go to an actual doctor office or legit urgent care. I even had terrible pain and I was told by a male physician “child birth is worse. Stop complaining.”

Disorganized group of people. Their portal doesn’t even work. You need to SIT AROUND AND WAIT FOR YOUR RAPID COVID TEST RESULTS, which in turn causes delays in testing AND LONG WAIT TIMES FOR PEOPLE ON LINE because there are people waiting for results are taking up the space in the waiting area. No body does that. Medical centers/UC usually want people in and out of their facilities. Get it together. The people that work there are not horrible but really could be better. Your phone lines are clogged up, your staff is clearly overworked, and you are all disorganized. We need to wait on a text to know what our PCR results are. Strange cause normally it would be a email notification notifying you to visit the portal. But none of those functions work. So now we wait.P.S. waited 3.5 hours in 20 degree weather to get tested on 12/22/21.P.P.S. PCR results were never texted or emailed to me. I had to call on 12/28 was on hold for 1 hour before in spoke to someone who then emailed it to me. 🙃P.P.P.S they finally updated the results on their portal. Test taken 12/22/21, results posted 1/11/2021

It fits the practice of having at the reception desk unprofessional and belligerent people and this business will be short lived. You cannot say you serve the community with these kinds of people as we are welcomed. So, it is my understanding that if it’s at the receptionist level than I’m assuming it is the practice of all people at this urgent care. I would check the professionalism of everyone there. Word to the wise. My experience today ( 12/30/2021 ) at a time that the spreading of this virus is paramount at this time to be subjected to already a stressful situation and having attitude given to me by the so called “medical people” is outrageous, leaving me to not endorse any of my friends or family to come to your business. It is to your peril to ignore this major problem.

Amazing experience! Short wait time and staff is very friendly. In and out in under 10 minutes and PCR results came back in well under 24 hours.Would highly recommend to friends and family.

This place SCAMMED for MONEY. I need the PCR result within 72 hours for international travel. At the clinic the staff said their PCR test will be available 1 to 2 days. However, the result didn’t come on time making me unable to board the flight and the clinic still decide to charge me for the test.

The doctor was very nice and so was the receptionist and her assistant treated me like family when I walked in even provided me and offered a cup of water to relax will do business again highly recommended.

This place is absolutely disgusting the woman with blonde hair and green eyes at the front desk is very unprofessional I went in for a checkup so I can get my allergy meds and before I even get to see the doctor she asks me questions that she has no business asking Id never come here again zero stars

Horrible experience. I went in with congestion and wheezing in my chest. Wasn’t taken seriously. The PA who saw me was rude and dismissive. Won’t go there again.

Best place I’ve ever been to!! Staff was great! Took me in right away!! Got results next day! Very happy with this urgent care!! Will be going there again.

I was able to reach out to Jofanny. She was so nice, friendly and solved my problem as soon as. I couldn’t reach out anyone within 3 days and I missed that there was a holiday. Anyway she listened and solved the all issues. Thank you

Made an appointment through the solv app for a sick visit. What do these people do... they call me and cancel. Only doing covid tests. Then why call yourselves an urgent care. Rename your place covid testing.

Provider care sucks no compassion when one is feeing ill please don’t go there if you are really sick and need treatment /medication immediately 2 day wait for labs. Smh the worst place ever

Please be aware of Matthew Eisenstein. Extremely unprofessional and lacked basic empathy for his patient.

I just put one star because is a requirement to post a comment, 🙃 very rude people, Chai urgent care at Williamsburg is excellent, go there . Dont forget that we pay for it!!! Clients deserve respect.

There never use to be a line up at this clinic,it was the best kept secret! Unfortunately with the surge in cases and everyone looking to be tested before they travel there are long wait times like everywhere else. Test results are always back within 8-9 hours.

I love my experience here first time.They’re also very fast front desk receptionist Janellis is so lovely. I recommend this place,Also its very clean.

Definitely I recommend this urgent care for anyone, the girls at the front desk were very helpful and caring I couldn’t ask God for a better persons to welcome me the place is clean and the service Excellent 👌🏻

Very bad service. The doctor tried to smart talk us. Would not recommend.

Horrible experience. Staff was very rude, didnt even test us cause of how long the line was. They only have 1 person testing everybody, which will obviously take a long time, and didnt even let us in!

Took over 2 hours for testing when line was only 20 people. I can’t even reach them or their patient portal to access my results. I need these for work asap

Located in the shopping center in my neighborhood making it very convenient. Never a long wait and the people who work there are informative and efficient.

Laura was amazing! So friendly , genuine , efficient ! Clean and friendly place with amazing staff especially Laura !

Wait time is a about 3-4 hours for a simple Covid nose swab test. Go elsewhere & save some time.

Polite staffNo wait timeSelf check in takes longer than in person check-in

Janelle & Arthur were really helpful. Friendly and professional staff

Clean, safe. we are well taking care of.

Was and in and out experience love the friendly staff definitely reminded it😍

Fast, easy registration process, friendly environment, very clean

Superb attention. Glad with the outcome of my visit

Worst place ever, waiting time is like 3 to 4 hours just to get tested

Heartiest Care . We like you too.

Amazing experience. I was treated with care.

Everyone there was super helpful and understanding

The services was good and fast loved it

Friendly , efficient staff!!

Quick and so nice!!

I like the service I received

Great care