Both the nurse practitioner, Liya, and Dr Desai were PHENOMENAL. They approached my case with more sensitivity and urgency than I have ever experienced! N.P. Liya was unbelievably knowledgable and listened to every element that may have factored into my case very thoroughly. Dr. Desai took it upon himself to call me and make sure that I was doing ok, which was far above and beyond what I expected. Thank you both so much for helping me with an experience that was initially very scary! I cant thank you enough.
December 16, 2021Sumedhaa K.Verified patient
doctor Salem is one of the best doctors out there. his knowledge and experience make the difference for you. on point diagnosis along with great experience in gastroenterology makes him the perfect candidate to cure your internal pain. great manners, integrity, friendly and amazing listener. the one on one care is outstanding. not to mention very friendly staff, very clean office 'covid friendly' and hustle free paper work and insurance process. he's the best gastroenterologist in the valley hands down!!
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Office locations
1
1.
Los Angeles Gastroenterology Institute
18350 Roscoe Blvd., Suite 303, Northridge, CA, 91325
The physicians at the Los Angeles Gastroenterology Institute are committed to providing our patients with the safest, highest-quality, most-satisfying care possible. Many factors come into play when choosing a specialist, but ultimately, none are more important than the satisfaction experienced by the patient and their family as well as the quality of patient care.
With quality and patient satisfaction in mind, our physicians follow strict quality and safety practices. Throughout our entire center, we monitor our staff’s compliance with these practices and continuously seeking ways to improve. Additionally, our physicians are leaders in establishing and improving health care quality and safety at the centers we use.
Education & experience
Education
Medical School - Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences University Faculty of Medical Sciences, Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
Boston University, MetroWest Medical Center - Framingham Union Hospital, Internship in Internal Medicine
Harvard University, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Fellowship in Gastroenterology
Harvard University, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Fellowship in Nutrition and Metabolism
Boston University, Boston Medical Center, Residency in Internal Medicine
Practice
Los Angeles Gastroenterology Institute
Certifications
American Board of Internal Medicine
Gastroenterology (Internal Medicine)
Professional memberships
American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
American College of Gastroenterology
American College of Physicians
Awards and publications
Fellow of the American College of Physicians
Fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology
Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine
Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine - Gastroenterology
Background
Languages spoken
English
French
Spanish
Italian
Russian
Portuguese
Yiddish
Gender
Male
Saleem Desai does not participate in Zocdoc to offer online booking at this time
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.67
Wait time
4.42
Bedside manner
4.77
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
164 reviews
Most relevant
He is straight and to the point. He listens! He was able to diagnose my problem quickly and in the office. Thanks!
September 12, 2013Sheryl F.Verified patient
Very helpful and informative doctor who helped me come up with a plan for my condition and carry it out.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Amazing doctor. Very patient to hear what I had to say, very professional, and clean office.
December 30, 2019Initials hidden
Absolutely great. He was very helpful and reassuring. I know already I am in good hands.
September 15, 2014Ciara B.Verified patient
Very personable and friendly doctor. Knowledgeable and made me feel instantly at ease.
October 30, 2017Initials hidden
The office staff was friendly, and the doctor was Excellent!
Five stars all the way!
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Very great doctor! Called early and left a message. I hoghly recommend him!
August 7, 2020Victor S.Verified patient
I was running late and he saw me anyway. Thorough and very friendly
May 5, 2016Adella J.Verified patient
Personable, patient, extremely gifted and a amazing communicator
December 9, 2015Initials hidden
Dr Saleem Is very knowledgeable and professional highly recommend
April 3, 2015Initials hidden
Nice office, friendly staff, very pleasant and knowledgable doctor
July 30, 2014Initials hidden
He was professional, courteous, quick, and knew his stuff.
January 14, 2013Initials hidden
He was caring and took time to get to the rut of my pain.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Dr, Desai is not only brilliant , but really kind.
May 6, 2013Debra L.Verified patient
Both the nurse practitioner, Liya, and Dr Desai were PHENOMENAL. They approached my case with more sensitivity and urgency than I have ever experienced! N.P. Liya was unbelievably knowledgable and listened to every element that may have factored into my case very thoroughly. Dr. Desai took it upon himself to call me and make sure that I was doing ok, which was far above and beyond what I expected. Thank you both so much for helping me with an experience that was initially very scary! I cant thank you enough.
December 16, 2021Sumedhaa K.Verified patient
doctor Salem is one of the best doctors out there. his knowledge and experience make the difference for you. on point diagnosis along with great experience in gastroenterology makes him the perfect candidate to cure your internal pain. great manners, integrity, friendly and amazing listener. the one on one care is outstanding. not to mention very friendly staff, very clean office 'covid friendly' and hustle free paper work and insurance process. he's the best gastroenterologist in the valley hands down!!
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Dr Desai was on call at the hospital and was able to work with me during his breaks and in-between patients. He was great and I highly recommend him.
November 28, 2020Michael C.Verified patient
The Doctor has amazing communication ability, is competent and credible. The medical profession is blessed to have such a gifted and caring physician.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
No matter what and without a doubt for whatever you need, Dr. Desai is always there to listen, think it through, and support the well-being of his patients. He is kind, compassionate, knowledgeable, and the true definition of a medical leader. He is an exceptional Doctor with integrity that is second to none and I am forever grateful!
More than 1 year agoKristen A.Verified patient
Only one word needed: FANTASTIC!
More than 1 year agoJason L.Verified patient
The whole visit was positive! The staff were friendly, courteous and prepared. I was helped promptly and called in quickly. I felt comfortable and confident with Dr. Desai. He explained everything to me plainly and clearly. I felt that I had his full attention and he cared about my questions and concerns. I will be scheduling an appointment for my husband to see him soon! I highly recommend Dr. Desai and his office.
December 18, 2018Lorraine D.Verified patient
The wait time was extreme for a scheduled doctors visit. The office needs more front office staff or to set the appointments further apart.
December 17, 2018Daniel O.Verified patient
Dr Saleem was very thorough in his initial examination and questioning. Its been a while since a doctor has sat down and actually listened to me in regards to my health history and symptoms.
I appreciated his express intent in helping me to find out via testing and exams what might be the cause of my discomfort.
He's a doctor who's aim is to provide you with a healthcare advocate.
November 10, 2018Initials hidden
Very nice staff and nice bed site manner
More than 1 year agoOlya S.Verified patient
Very attentive, professional and respectful.
October 18, 2018Tiarah S.Verified patient
I met Dr Desai for stomach pain, I want to start off saying this Dr. ROCK!! Stuff are very professional, nice and kind. Dr. Saleem came on time was very friendly and got to know me, spent all the time needed with me explained the whole process and he schedule the second apt to do an EGD. The bottom line, this is a very professional smart doctor that cares about people. So far i have received the maximum amount of care way beyond expectation. Believe when I say, to find such a doctor in los Angeles is very rare.
October 16, 2018Sami A.Verified patient
Met doctor Saleem Desai for my GI issues. Doctor and the staff were very professional and empathetic. It was last minute appointment through zocdoc. Doctor and team accommodated the appointment , though I was late by 15 mins. Really appreciate it. He was thorough in checking all my symptoms and explained in detail about the future course of diagnosis.
September 26, 2018Initials hidden
Dr. Desai was very friendly, understanding, and made thw entire appointment feel comfortable. He has many years of knowledge, experience, and multiple offices in thr San Fernando Valley so I would highly recommend him to everyone in the area.
The fromt desk receptionists were also kind and friendly to go over any procedures and explain to me in detail anything I had to take care of before, during, and after the appointment(s). Both receptionists were kind in fact to make me feel better and offered water as well while in the waiting room. Probably the best gastroenterologist in the Valley.
September 18, 2018Victor S.Verified patient
I was seeing another GI doctor at the time, when I met Dr Desai. He became my wife's GI dr and helped save her from having her gallbladder removed. Became a big fan of his that day and decided that I would switch to see if there were alternatives to the treatment I was having. Have been very happy with the move. Would highly recommend Dr Desai and his staff.
September 14, 2018Jason L.Verified patient
I'm a skeptic when it comes to doctors, but I decided to give it a try since I heard about my favorite actor -from India- claiming that Dr. Desai saved his life. The parking was a bit confusing at first, but I was able to figure it out. My office visit was fast, efficient, and the Dr. took care of my concerns, spent time dealing with my questions. (Yes, I asked about that Actor, but the Doc didn't say much, other than he's been trusted to work with a number of people that work in the Bollywood Film Industry, and that he's humbled by it). The staff was helpful and Dominic knew how to ease all over of my worries. It's a great clinic. I would come back again. Although a medical practice is not exactly something I would look forward too...
August 9, 2018Aleem A. D.Verified patient
I was able to get a short notice appointment with Dr. Desai not knowing what to expect and to my surprise he was one of the best drs I have ever been to. He was very attentive and informative he sincerely cared about every question and concern I had if I could make him my primary dr I would in a heartbeat!! I would recommend him to anyone looking to getting a gastroenterologist he’s a great dr!! Mr. Rodriguez
More than 1 year agoHoward R.Verified patient
It was very quick , md is in a hurry .
May 24, 2018Eliza L.Verified patient
Dr. Desai is great! He makes sure you go into as much detail as possible with your problems so he can have the best understanding of what the underlying cause may be. He's also very friendly and the staff is cool :)
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
I swear I am unbiased! Okay, I am a bit biased...:O) But please, let me tell you why... Dr. Desai is the doctor who will listen to you, take you seriously about your ailments and concerns, and provide you with his intelligent, humorous, and genuine opinion on whatever topic you want or need to discuss. He saved me from a 7% functional gallbladder by conducting the proper test. Dr. Desai delivered the most professional colonoscopy and, endoscopy equip with photos at a clean facility filled with wonderful people. Lastly, he just ordered a liver panel to address some of my concerns prompted by primary and ER doctor results. It took me 2-years of suffering and 3 different Gastroenterologists to find him. I trust him as a doctor but more importantly as a human being. Good reason for being a bit biased, right? :O) Forever Grateful!
May 2, 2018Kristen A.Verified patient
Dr. Desai was efficient, but did not rush our consultation. Was attentive and easy to talk to. Thoroughly and simply explained the course he planned to take for my ailment. I had a great experience all around
May 2, 2018James V.Verified patient
Everyone connects with different doctors in a variety of ways. However, Dr. Desai is the kindest and most genuine medical doctor you will ever meet. His expertise, timeliness, and sense of humor are second to none. After over 2 years of suffering, he was the doctor that conducted the right test and found the problem was my failing gallbladder. I am so glad I found him because he saved me. I just had a follow-up almost a year later with different and minor issues and he continued to help me by maintaining an open and honest dialogue and the right treatment. I am so grateful to this amazingly knowledgeable and authentic human being.
February 6, 2018Kristen A.Verified patient
Dr Desai and his staff were extremely helpful and thoughro. Hopefully i dont have anything terminal but if thats the case i feel confident im in good hands.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Dr Desai is very knowledgable and attentive. He carefully listens to you and explains every thing you need to know. He answered all my questions in details.
Staff are very friendly as well.
June 6, 2017Daniel A.Verified patient
They keep screwing up my insurance. Right before a procedure they claimed I had no insurance even though I gave it to them. Then they found it. Months later, I keep getting huge bills from the lab claiming they never received my insurance. I was nice at first but then got annoyed when having to address the problem twice and they kept saying they'd see what was happening and get back to me. It's been three weeks since they said they would get back to me and I'm tired of trying to contact them. So I might continue to get these huge bills even though my insurance covers it! They screwed up, they need to fix it, and they need to tell me what is going on, but the staff is terrible. Do not go here because this insurance issue has been a pain!
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
He is a great doctor. Listened to all my needs and concerns and schedule any appts or tests to ease my worries. Def making him my new primary gastroenterologist.
More than 1 year agoJaimee S.Verified patient
I have been in the hands of the wrong doctors and dealing with right side pain, night sweats, and several other uncomfortable symptoms for almost 2 years now. In a matter of minutes of talking with Dr. Desai, I knew he was going to be the one to help me solve the mystery of what is going on in my guts! His personality, sense of humor, compassion, kindness, and genuine concern gives me hope that I will soon start feeling a lot better. I will be happy to write another review once this amazing doctor and I crack the case. For now, I feel confident I am in the right hands and will have answers soon! Thank you Dr. Desai. You truly are how every Medical Doctor should be!
February 15, 2017Kristen A.Verified patient
Amazing doc, very personable and honest. I felt very comfortable talking with him. I'd highly recommend him to any one of my friends or relatives.
January 18, 2017Peter T.Verified patient
I was seen within 15 minutes of my arrival to the office. Once I was brought to the examination room, Dr. Desai greeted me immediately and began a thorough review of my medical history. He was thorough in his descriptions, answered all of my questions and made many suggestions that were very helpful. I will be seeing him again in a month and I know it will be another stellar appointment. Thanks!
November 22, 2016Mary Lauren S.Verified patient
Very nice office, nice people, taken in right away. The doctor was very attentive and listen to my concerns and needs. I felt like I found the right doctor who cares about his patients. Thank You. :-)
August 31, 2016Terry R.Verified patient
Doctor Saleem was amazing
And a proffesional
It's just the Sherman oaks office... Hmm... I would just say Is not that pleasant
And the grind desk girl was in a rush always and not there most of the time cuz of her business
Think they need more people to work at the office and another office location
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
This was my first time visiting Dr. Desai at the location on Ventura Blvd. Parking in the back of the building was very open, and they also validate so i paid nothing. I had to wait no longer than five minutes to see him, including my first time patient paperwork, which was great. To top it all off, he is an amazing doctor and seems to have an in depth knowledge in the medical field. I am very happy I found Dr. Desai, and would definitely see him again as well as recommend him to my friends and family.
June 8, 2016Vahe P.Verified patient
I went to see Dr Desai after months of being uncomfortable with bloating and other issues. His staff was very professional, and Dr was able to rule out the big stuff and help suggest diet change and some medication. I would recommend Dr Desai to anyone that needs a great GI.
May 4, 2016Christine W.Verified patient
Dr Desai gets right to the point, without fluff or sugar-coating (which I appreciate). It took quite a while to be seen, and parking is tricky (park in back, walk around the left side of the building, and enter through the front door).
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
My experience with Dr. Desai was great, he was on time and very knowledgeable to my questions and concerns. All of my needs were met and follow up appoints were in a timely manner. I would definitely recommend to other people in need of a gastroenterologist.
More than 1 year agoAaron D.Verified patient
It was only for a consultation, but we did not have to wait long and his recommendation for treatment was clear and thoroughly explained.
Dr. Saleem Desai has 2 office locations, including in Northridge and Westlake Village, view full addresses on Dr. Desai's profile.
Which board certifications does Dr. Saleem Desai have?
Dr. Saleem Desai is certified by American Board of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology (Internal Medicine).
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Saleem Desai?
Dr. Saleem Desai frequently sees patients for Colon Cancer Screening, Colonoscopy, Diarrhea, Gastroenterology Consultation, and Hemorrhoids. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Saleem Desai on their profile.
What languages does Dr. Saleem Desai speak?
Dr. Saleem Desai speaks English, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Portuguese, and Yiddish.
How do patients rate Dr. Saleem Desai in reviews?
164 patients have reviewed Dr. Saleem Desai. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.67/5. They have a 4.77/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.42/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.