Dr. Ivan Harnden, MD

I was apprehensive about having a colonoscopy even though I have had a couple previously. Dr Harnden was great in calming my nerves prior to the procedure and followed up afterwards to explain everything and showed me pics of the polyps he removed. He answered all of my questions and said he would see me in 3 years. I would highly recommend Dr. Harnden for GI issues.

The front desk staff is the worst I've encountered in Northern Virginia. They are not customer-service oriented. For example, when I called to make an appointment, I had a nearly 15-minute wait to speak with someone, then was told there were no appointments available. When I asked whether the office could call me back when appointments for the next month opened up, I was told "no, you need to call back and keep checking for when those appointments open up." (Obviously, that's another long delay, getting to the receptionist to make that appointment.) When I saw Dr. Harnden, I found that he was dismissive of my concerns, prescribing me the drug Linzess, even though I was dubious that it would help me. (Spoiler alert: it didn't.) Although other gastroenterologists are now telling me that my long-standing abdominal pain is caused by gallbladder dysfunction, Dr. Harnden was incapable or uninterested in helping to diagnose or treat that problem. I would not recommend him or his office.

Accompanied my brother on an initial visit with Dr. Harnden. Despite my bother's unwillingness to listen to and accept medical advice and his general argumentativeness, Dr. Harden was amazingly patient and devoted a great deal of time trying to communicate with and aid his patient in the best way possible. His concern with attempting to help a patient who didn't seem to want to help himself was way beyond what any other doctor I have ever encountered would do. Five stars are not enough.

Even though my mother saw NP for consult. Dr Harnden was the designated surgeon for my mother's surgery ( endoscopy/colonoscopy). Procedure lasted almost an hour. My mother recovered quickly, even w/ anesthesia. Dr. Harnden came and talked to both of us about post-op procedure. Explained in detail of any possible complications and what to expect. He answered my mother questions in detail. Very professional. Excellent bedside manner. Highly recommend him! He's practicing in Fairoaks, VA.