Joseph Van Valer's Online Review Report Card

Dr. Van Valer diagnosed me with multiple sclerosis July of 2021. I was immediately scared my life was over as I knew it, but he and his nurse Kelly, along with the rest of the staff at his office, took that and turned it into a minor challenge that I know without a doubt I can overcome. They have stood beside me each step, holding my hand and guiding me, lifting me up and cheering me on. I wouldn't have had the strength to fight as hard as I have if it wouldn't have been for them, and I'll be forever grateful they have been a part of my journey. Thank you doesn't seem to be enough for what you've all done for me, but thank you. Thank you so much. -Anna A.

My mother was finally admitted into a Memory Care Unit with advanced dementia with no thanks to Dr. Van Valer. In the months preceding this, many phone calls were placed to try to get help for her. She was diagnosed as "mildly cognitively impaired". How? She didn't even know who we were! The last three doctor's visits were canceled, one as we were walking out the door to the appointment. Maybe if he had spent literally more than 1 minute with her, he would have noticed there was a little more going on than her being "mildly cognitively impaired".

I had a good first experience with Dr. Van Valer. He spent more time with me than any other neurologist in the past and talked with me like a person; not dismissive like so many other neurologists have been. It was obvious that he'd taken the time to become well versed in my case and had reviewed my history. He explained things at my level. He seemed to listen and recognized that all of my, "conditions," which had previously been treated separately, were actually symptomatic of one major underlying condition. It was the proverbial, "light bulb moment."

I’ve been seeing this neurologist for around eight years and he still doesn’t remember who I am. When I went to Ball Hospital to receive my infusion for Multiple Sclerosis (which he’s had me do for three years now) his office failed to get authorization. My appointment was delayed a week and then indefinitely when he failed to do the required peer-to-peer interview. I will be finding a new neurologist immediately.

Vanvaler never remembers who I am when I’ve been seeing him biannually for years. His bedside manner is apathetic and condescending. His nurse is rude and incompetent. I do not recommend.

I didn't have a good experience with this doctor. He's not getting the point about my migraines. Plus he's ordered a test that has no reason behind it. He wants me to do a sleep test even though I've had insomnia, & migraines for 15 years. He doesn't listen, or get the point on what I'm saying. He makes me feel like I don't know anything about my own health. He doesn't get that I prefer this test to be done in the city I live in because I have epilepsy, & can't drive anywhere. I'm not happy. with my visit!

Refuses to seek answers

My wife started seeing him at American Health Net in Muncie after we moved area At times this doctor is great but most visits he is quite rude bad attitude, very demanding, short fuse. If you don't answer exactly the way he wants, he is quickly agitated. AHN has several problems. Several of the specialist drive long distances to be there few days a week, they appear tired. The young support staff for these doctors is horrible, very unorganized at best. My wife in past had a Celebral Hemorrhage, many headaches and trouble at times forming her words and getting her thoughts out. This doctor wants answers very quickly, treated my wife terrible. I think he can be good doctor if he had his heart into it, was maybe less tired and had a better support staff. Same goes for other doctors we have seen at AHN, the assistants really let them down, communication is very poor, if you want records moved in or out good luck!

Dr. Van valer pushed to have my sleep study approved and it was discovered that i have narcolepsy. He listened to me, and changed my medication when i had a bad reaction. He truly cares about his patients, and he has excellent bed side manor.

On the anniversary of my father's birthday, I am only wishing there had been a few more. But with a diagnosis of dementia from Dr. Van Valer and medications to keep him sedated it was not to be. If only the good doctor had seen the brain tumor on the CT scans he ordered, maybe my father would not have passed away only 6 weeks after seeing this doctor. He was rude and short and arrogant as well.