Dr. Gary Rakes, MD

I had been going to this doctor for 7 years. His office in Waynesboro was abruptly closed and he moved to the main office in Charlottesville. They let my venom expire. They were supposed to order more and call me. I never heard back. I made an appointment with the doctor because they refused to let me speak with him by phone. Sure enough the venom was there but it was too late for me to continue my shots without starting over, which meant ordering more venom..which is not cheap! I decided to stop the shots. Honestly, I did not trust that office to give me shots. They are completely unorganized and very abrupt on the phone. The doctor said he would ask them to delete the charge for the venom. They refused and keep sending me bills for $375. This is for just 4 shots. I am not going to pay this. I am very disappointed in this doctor.

Dr Rakes listens well, is compassionate and understanding, and explains things thoroughly. He is very responsive via the online patient portal with any questions between appointments. Great care for typical IgE allergies and FPIES as well. Staff is super friendly and kind. Highly satisfied!!

It's been years since I saw Dr. Rakes, but he helped me when nobody else could or would. I was diagnosed with Chronic Urticaria (Hives) and lived with them on a daily basis from age 16 to mid 30's. Sometimes taking up to 80 mg of Prednisone daily. After 2 visits with Dr. Rakes, it turns out I was not "Allergic" to anything. It was my immune system the entire time. He told me to take a "cocktail" of inexpensive over-the-counter medications, which he gave me in his office that day due to the severity of my breakout at the time. Within 20 minutes of taking the medications my hives were gone and haven't come back since. Over the past 15 years I have recommended Dr. Rakes to anyone that asked if I knew of someone who cared about his patients and could help his patients. Many thanks and much relief of the dreaded hives I truley appreciate Dr. Rakes and his staff and know that if I needed anything all I would have to do is make an appointment and he would be there to help!

It makes me nauseous to even think about this office. I wasted so many years and tons of money for stupid food challenges to things that it turns out I was not even allergic to in real life. They kept on scheduling trips and Blue Cross Anthem was billed for tons of such visits. What a slimy place! It is a factory here and you are just a number! Will never go back.