Dr Wise has been our doctor since he first established practice in Walnut Creek, many years ago. He is unusually skilled, insightful, and sensitive. He responds immediately to our inquiries and concerns. Consider yourself very fortunate to be a patient of Dr. Wise read more

Dr. Wise and his staff are very caring and supportive. I am so grateful to have chosen him to be my doctor. I am generally a healthy individual, but when things went sideways for me, the staff were there for me and so incredibly compassionate. Much appreciation! Thank you! read more

I never got to see the doctor before I switched to a different primary. The office staff, particularly Adriana, who is in charge of booking first-time patients, was outstandingly rude. Not sure who pissed in her coffee, but she was looking to argue with someone that day. Apparently they operate exclusively through text. They falsely claim that their text line is secure and insist you send picture texts of your identification. They then instruct that you must download a third party app to turn the forms they text you into PDFs. Seems like an ADA violation, but what do I know? Everything seemed a bit hokey and unprofessional. Unfortunate because I heard great things about the doctor, but his staff is definitely tarnishing his reputation. read more

I see that most of the reviews here are for many years back. It's 2024 and I want to put in a good word for Dr Wise and staff. I've been his patient for over 12 years and we have developed an easy relationship; mostly this is conducted by a regular phone call for a certain ongoing medical condition, and through the patient portal. He's always booked way out (I suspect this is true for most doctors now) so there is that, but he always responds quickly via the portal. I have needed quite a few referrals for tests and to see specialists and Dr Wise gets on that right away. His Physician Assistant Maria is both friendly and professional. I've had no snags with billing, paperwork, communication etc. I have no complaints about the office staff who in general are cordial but the front desk staff are very busy with incessant phone calls and this may account for what some reviewers may have experienced as "inattentive/rude". Lastly, I chose Dr Wise as my Primary because I feel comfortable with him; he has an easy, calm personality and is as warm as is appropriate. read more

I've been a patient of Dr. Wise for over 10 years. He is a good 'doctor' but the office staff is terrible, and for this reason I've had to stop seeing him. Actually, our last visit was him saying that he would no longer see me. What kind of Dr dumps their patients? I've had nothing but trouble with their office staff incorrectly billing me, sending my RX to the wrong pharmacy, sending lab orders to the wrong lab, etc. And they are calling me argumentative over these problems which could have easily been resolved by his staff doing what they are actually supposed to do to begin with. My last conversation with Adriana was horrible, she continually spoke over me and then said I was arguing with her and hung up on me because I had to raise my voice to be heard by her. What a crock. I asked their billing person to send my bills directly to my PPO which she refused to do for several appointments, resulting in hundreds of dollars in over-charges. When it was finally sorted out, she was told by my PPO to send the bills directly to them, as I had originally said she should do. Months of frustration and no coverage/appointments because of her. Please Dr. Wise, do yourself a favor and rid yourself of these incompetent/inept employees. It's doing nothing but hurting your business, and it takes quite a bit for me to be bothered enough to leave a negative review about a business, which I have only made one or two total. I really was hurt by your decision to drop me as a patient, but I'm not going to think one more thought about you or your staff again after posting this review, it's your and your staff's fault it came to this, not mine. read more

I switched doctors a few years ago after my regular doctor changed his practice to a concierge-style membership one. Although I respected my prior doctor, his bedside manner was not he best. He was extremely knowledgeable though and I stayed with him for many years. When his practice changed and I was asked to pay $79 per month to remain his patient, I decided a change was required. I asked my friends in the Walnut Creek area about their doctors and checked reviews online, on Yelp and other sites to try and find highly rated doctors. Needless to say, what I found was a mixed bag of the good, bad and the ugly...until I read some reviews for Dr. Wise! I switched and haven't looked back. From the very first time I met with Dr. Wise and his staff I have felt welcomed and cared for. I've had regular check-ups, physicals and went through a serious heart illness a few years ago. Although I have a great cardiologist as well, during every situation, Dr. Wise and his staff have taken better care of my needs than any other doctor I've ever had. When an urgent situation comes up, I can reach the office by phone or their web portal via email and get the answers, care or prescriptions I need. If I need an appointment right away I can get it. I can't speak highly enough about Dr. Wise and his staff. They are simply the best! read more

Do not go here! They're clearly after money. But -If you want to schedule a "physical" and not get one then this is the place for you! I was told I would have an establish care appointment and physical on August 16th. This is something they "squeezed" in for me since I work in SF and can't take many days off work. When I spoke with Shalee (probably spelled wrong- sorry!) she was super helpful and made this happen! Dr Wise clearly had another plan. The appointment with him was just "getting to know me" and not even all medical but personal which I found odd but hey! I'm in a new city maybe this is how they work? At the end of the appointment he stands up to conclude the appointment. I was very confused so I asked about the physical. The nice act of his dropped and he stated he would prefer I come back. He gave me bloodwork that was very minimal to no vitamin checks- in Los Angeles I would have a full workup yearly to make sure there were no deficiencies. When I asked the nurse if I could get bloodwork she said they do not do that since it's too expensive for patients if it's not covered. Still very confused I go back out to Shalee. I told Shalee the physical never happened and she was also confused since she briefed the doctor that morning of my appointment. I told Shalee I'm not paying for this, and she confirmed this will not be charged or hit my insurance. When I got home I made sure my husband cancelled his appointment with Dr. Wise too since his motive was clear. Now over 2 months goes by and I get a bill from Dr Wise. I'm being charged for an appointment that I got nothing out of. And on top of that, since I was told I was not going to be charged I saw another doctor in the John Muir (Standford) circle (who was amazing!) , and was billed. Which is fine but because I was hit with two wellness exam bills the *good* doctor bill is super high. Needless to say I'm very upset. I called Dr. Wise's office and spoke with Valerie. Speaking with her reminded me of how bad these people are. She wasn't helpful, I had to suggest messaging Dr Wise so him and I can talk. She said since I saw him I will have to pay. I refuse to pay for something I got nothing out of and wasn't supposed to be charged for because of the unprofessional nature. It's unreal that you can be charged after being promised a physical then not get one because of the doctor- then being promised you won't be charged and you're charged. Clearly this place is out to collect money and that's it. read more

After 6 years of being a patient of Dr. Wise I'm sad to say I've scheduled my last appointment for two weeks from now. He's too busy to see me for that appointment so I won't even get to thank him for the years of trusted healthcare. Perhaps the nurse practicioner will pass along my message after she completes my physical. I loved the attentiveness of the small office and caring staff, but they have become overwhelmed by their popularity and growth and are unable to properly manage their patients as a result. A few months ago I had a sore throat so bad I could hardly swallow liquids. I called teary-eyed for an appointment and was told they had an opening several days later. I walked in to Walnut Creek Urgent Care and they immediately tested me positive for strep and I began antibiotics. Unfortunately, Urgent Care doesn't do female annual exams, so for the first time I kind of feel like I have no trusted health care professional at all that can monitor my all-around well-being. Le sigh. While I believe that Wise's office will give you great care when they are treating you, getting the appointment requires patience and lots of time. This may work for some people, but I am no longer one of them. read more

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Doc Wise has been our family doctor for a dozen years. I completely disagree with the one star reviews. He's given quality care, accepted our government medical insurance program and the copay is normal. Great attitude, no tricks, just good care. read more

I love Dr. Wise! He listens you very well and answers your questions thoroughly! He is very friendly and explains things for you in an easy way! read more

Alphaeus Wise has been my doctor since I first moved to the Bay Area and even currently now that I live in Sacramento. Easy to talk to, always smiling as he patiently listens to health concerns. He's been exceptional in providing valuable medical advice and supporting my health. I still continue to drive 90 mins out of the way to make it to his appointments. read more

If you are looking for a doctor that is a crook, you found it here! If you want to come in for a doctor's appointment, but instead have them just meet with you briefly to discuss nothing and then charge you $200 that insurance refuses to pay because it's not care, then this is also the place. However, if you want actual care, then maybe go to a real doctor instead of this terrible one. Refuses to give care and charges you instead. read more

To keep it simple and to get to the point: the quality of care here is TRASH. Dr. Wise is all about the money, not about the care of patients. Just like Dr. Hohman. Dr. Wise makes patients wait along time in the waiting room and he will only meet with you briefly. The time you wait is a lot longer than the time you meet with him. The office is unorganized and overcrowded, not enough staff here to: answer phone calls, billing inquiries, checking-in/out patients. There have been some racist remarks made by some patients yet nothing is said to them by the doctors because they want to keep making money off them. Now let's not confuse quality patient care with being fake. Dr. Wise is fake. Plain and simple, just because someone's "nice" to you does not mean they are doing what's best for you. read more

First off, I have not seen this doctor, but this is my experience in trying to become a patient. I have a week-long cold and decided it's time to find a new doctor close to home. Did my research (several "good" doctors are not taking new patients, and finally found Dr Wise. I called up, and asked if they are taking new patients. The person told me they are, and they are booking new patients into March (it's Jan 21st). When I said that I can't imagine booking a GP 2 months in advance, she said if I want I could see the nurse practitioner, and she's booking into February. Wow. Off to urgent care I go instead. read more

Dr. Wise is a great doctor. I am a little surprised at some of the reviews as most people say he is great but that he is too busy. I have not found that to be the case at all. Yes, when I was new, I had to wait for a few weeks to get my new patient appointment, but other than that, I get in quickly and efficiently. As much as I like the small town doctor approach, I also need the high technology as well. I make my appointments online using the portal, I can see my prescriptions, I can order refills, and I can send notes to the doctor without having to go in. Very easy and very quick. Once you do go in, they do annoying things like insisting on weighing you and taking your blood pressure. A small price to pay for the level of service and the ability to converse. I don't know how anyone can survive the Kaiser experience or the big medical group practice experience. Having your own doctor who you can talk to is the best. Dr. Wise is easy to talk to, he is very knowledgeable, and he cares. No matter what the subject is, he can talk to you about it and help you understand the causes and your options. I am in the customer service business and I am picky. There is no way I would give less than 4-5 stars for the office. I have been with other doctors and Dr. Wise's practice is the best one I have been with! read more

From the beginning...... Staff was very pleasant and attentive when scheduling the initial appointment. I needed to change the time and left a message, got a call back the next day. Had to wait a month to see the doctor, but I would rather wait for quality then have someone available in a week. Day of appt..... The office is located in a 1970's garden apartment style suite. Opened the front door and wow! Totally cool and comfortable, kinda swanky and charming. Reception was easy. We filled out the paperwork prior to the visit. Dr Wise was fabulous. Very kind and warm. Always had a smile. Offered very constructive recommendations. Very thorough and detailed. We left with all of our questions answered. Very thorough visit. Will definitely keep him as our primary care doctor. read more

I called to try to make an appointment as a new patient as Dr. Wise was highly recommended by one of my specialists. Unfortunately, when asked about my health insurance (which is quite substantial), I was told that Dr. Wise is not accepting new patients with original Medicare. Once again, $$$ rules over patient care. read more

I am leaving Dr. Wise as a patient. I was a new patient and luckily, have been healthy for the two months he was listed as my primary care and had no need to see him. Until today, when I woke up with chest pains and tried to get an appointment. I was told that I couldn't see the doctor until I had a new patient appointment, which at the earliest would be in January. I was told to go to the ER instead. Keep in mind that the chest pain I felt was all on my right side and felt muscular in nature. I didn't feel weak, disoriented, have trouble breathing or anything else that would cause me to seek out the ER on my own. But the front desk did nothing to assess this, just told me to go to the ER. I pay insurance monthly to be able to see a doctor when I have medical issues. What kind of patient care is this? It costs me $10 for a co-pay to see the doctor. Dr. Wise's awful patient service and completely unhelpful front office cost me $100 in ER costs. This is a terrible way to care for patients' needs to penalize them for being mostly healthy. You've lost my business, Dr. Wise, without ever meeting me. Read more: http://www.vitals.com/doctor/profile/1265475628/reviews/1265475628#ixzz2DU1EX32H read more

This doctor may get away with mediocre health care because he's "nice or kind," but he's really not helpful or knowledgable, so I guess people like him because he's nice and they just don't know what it's like to great service. He used to have an amazing nurse practitioner who was really more popular than him and once she left it's all downhill from there. Additionally, his office staff is hands down the worst I've ever experienced. Horrible customer service. I just switched to an amazing new doctor who actually cares and follows-up with personal phone calls. So, I've wasted years of "meh" service. read more

After my last Family Practice/GP escaped California and the way California treats their Doctors, my cardiologist recommended Dr. Wise. After making an appointment for my first "meet and greet", taking only 2 weeks, I was convinced this is where I should be. I have been seeing Dr. Wise for more than three years and he is exceptionally good. He is attentive, he listens, his follow up is good and his recommendations are good. On two occasions when I thought I had broken a finger; I was immediately called back by the other Dr. in the office (forgot her name) because Dr. Wise was out of the office, she immediately scheduled an xray. After the xray the office called back with the report of the finger problem. In addition, Dr. Wise always follows up one my twice per year blood tests. Dr. Wise has always been available for 15 minute consults to double check my understanding from other Doctor's visits. He keeps me informed of my "shots', and above all I feel he is there for me if needed. On top of all that, he is pleasant to deal with. The office staff has always been available. Yes, I have had to call back if I get their exchange because of lunch or I don't leave a voice mail message. If one is demanding service or show some degree of Walnut Creek self importance....maybe that's the reason for some problems. I would highly recommend Dr. Wise to all for a General Practitioner read more

I heard from a couple of friends that Dr. Wise was great. Being new to the area, I decided to take their (and my fellow yelpers') advice and make an appointment. This review is based solely on the receptionist/office staff who answers the phone. It took me four phone calls to get through past an abrupt 'I have calls in front of you please hold' to the receptionist. One call, they left me on Muzak for a good 10-15 minutes and never came back to me. Still, I persevered in the hopes that I was just getting them at busy time (despite the 4 separate calls made at various times during the days). I finally got through and start with 'Hi, I'm a new patient and I wanted to...' before I got cut off because another call came through and she dumped me back on hold and their Muzak station. When she returned, she pretty much couldn't be bothered to talk to me like a valued potential client but just another annoying phone call among many. Dr. Wise may be the best doctor on the planet but I just couldn't get past his awful receptionist. If I have to call and speak to her in order to make appointments and/or get information, it's just not worth it. read more

Update: I get an e-mail from the doctor himself stating that his receptionist will call me to set up an appointment (8 days later I get this e-mail.) Don't hear from the receptionist at all. Call and she doesn't answer, goes straight to voice mail. I write back a day later letting the doctor know his receptionist never called me to set up an appointment and his response is: "Sorry we failed you". How are they going to pay for their new office if they can't even schedule appointments and have staff that don't follow through? I would not recommend going here. read more

Dr. Wise is honestly the best doctor I have ever had. Personable, takes the time to chat and really listen to what's going on with you, and never makes me feel rushed or like I'm just another patient. I totally dig him. I also love his PA...she's great. Wonderful practice...and I'm always able to get in to see one of them in a timely manner. Happy to have found him! read more

I left another doctor because he was always late and always too busy to listen to me. I love Dr Wise. I never feel rushed when he's seeing me, and feel he truly cares about how I am feeling. He looks for solutions that will help me. He's compassionate and thorough, and always seems happy and positive. I would highly recommend Dr Wise and hope I never have to find another doctor! read more

Our family doctor....smart, listens, willing to proactively find solutions. The ideal family doctor!

We have been seeing Dr Wise and Nurse practitioner Lisa for many years now. I just think they have the best staff. I never have to worry about our medical treatment we get from them. They make my husband and I feel very comfortable. Always seem to go above and beyond. read more

I am a Nurse practitioner, and I have worked for John muir health for 14 years, I recently switched my PCP to Dr. Wise. He is an angel from medical school. I made him my chidrens PCP as well. He is so compassionate, professional, and caring doctor. I can't speak highly enough of him. I work with so many doctors within the John Muir network. Dr. Wise takes my honor! He is truly the best. read more

Dr. Wise and the entire staff are all one could ever want in personal medical care! My husband and I have been patients for a number of years, and are overwhelmed by the kindness, expertise and genuine concern for us that is shown by each member of the practice! We grew up in a small town in the east with drs. who made you feel like family and that has been lost for the most part in recent years, but Dr. Wise and his staff truly have made us feel a part of their family. They are all a gift from heaven. read more

I was a patient of Dr. Frank Sherr before Dr. Wise and Holman took over his practice when he retired. I was pleased with Dr. Sherr and if anything my opinion has risen with every visit. He is personable, knowledgeable, and available. He listens and explains things like no other doctor I have ever had. My only regret is that if I ever have to leave the area I will never be able to find another one like Dr. Wise. read more

Dr. Wise and his staff and other practitioners couldn't be more lovely! Patient, interested, empathetic, kind, thorough! I do NOT understand the one star review below throwing off his overall rating but it is rather an insane rant, which YELP (since it is so fond of doing so) should block! I just started seeing the good doctor and Lisa (NP) a few months ago and I have serious, complicated health issues, all of which have been addressed! They are outstanding! read more

On New Year's Eve it was necessary form me to see a doctor to get a prescription. I attempted to utilize the urgent care but it had closed early. The only options I had was to go to the ER and be "that guy" who goes into the ER for a non emergency or, I could have contacted the on call physician. I opted to call the on call doctor. I spoke with the answering receptionist who took down basic information and said that the doctor was going to call me back. "Ya, right" is what I thought. In a matter of 10 minutes, I was talking to Dr. Wise who, I'm sure based on my history with him, diagnosed me over phone and sent the prescription to my pharmacy. On a holiday, it took be barely an hour to get "seen" and medicated. Dr. Wise's practice is like no other, old school feel with a modern touch. read more

It bites to have to lower the rating. The doctor here is a good doctor and it used to be easy to get an appt and he would usually take the time to talk to you and actually HEAR you unlike many others. But, I've noticed in the last year that the practice has grown to a point where you will call and get put on call for many minutes. Usually the receptionist is quick and abrupt but, given the constant phone calls I can see the frustration. They prefer to receive prescription refill requests by fax and even after doing this method through the pharmacy to request a prescription over and over along with leaving messages I've had to resort to now trying to find another local MD to see me and establish a patient relationship with because I have found it very difficult to not only get an appt with Dr Wise within the same week but, to even get a prescription refilled that used to be easier to get refilled when I started coming to the practice before it got so busy. I haven't even received a return phone call after leaving a few voicemails. I'm glad that he's getting a lot of new patients but, wish there was some balance to help with those of us who have been with him for a few years or more. I do recommend him as an MD, the practice just seems overwhelmed. I miss the days where it still had that "small town feel". It kind of lost that now. read more

Mis-represented billing practice by Dr. Wise office and Dr. Wise. I called Dr. Wise office to ask whether Dr. Wise is accepting new patient and also to request for an annual physical examination. It will be my first time to visit Dr. Wise. I went and met Dr. Wise. He asked me to fill in my medical history and reviewed with me, ordered a blood test and asked me to come back to review the blood test results with me. The second office visit was scheduled a month later. Today (August 10, 2015) Donna from Dr. Wise office called me to remind me the second doctor appointment and also told me that I have to pay $105 for my first Dr. visit. I was puzzled and told Donna that the annual physical as part of preventive procedure, is fully covered by my insurance and should NOT be charged to me. Donna told me that the first visit is NOT annual physical, instead , it is a regular Dr. visit. Tomorrow August 11 visit will be my annual physical checking. I filed a complaint to my insurance Anthem BlueCross to dispute this $105 charge. They told me that Donna filed a code as "examination treatment". If the code is filed as "preventive procedure", I will NOT be responsible for the $105 cost. I am very disturbed by Dr. Wise office billing practice. No one has never notified me that the 1st visit is NOT considered as a part of annual physical (preventive procedure). My main issue with Dr. Wise is that he did not inform me that my 1st visit is NOT an annual physical checkup. I feel I was cheated by Dr. Wise's misrepresented billing practice. First, it has never communicated to me that the first visit is regular treatment and will be billed as such! Neither the office person nor Dr. Wise himself did this type of communication with me at any given time points. I was seen as his new patient, and requested to be seen as an annual physical checkup. The Dr.'s office and the Dr. himself obviously understand there is a bill difference between the physical and annual checking, why would they choose NOT disclose such billing practice to me? No one made it clear to me at the first place. I do NOT feel that it is done in good faith! I feel I was cheated by Dr. Wise's misrepresented billing practice. If Dr.'s office manager told me that the 1st visit is a regular visit, and cannot be treated as a preventive annual checkup, I will decline to come to your place at the very beginning. If the priority of a doctor is to "allure" new patients in to scam them, I feel sorry the patients he is seeing. read more

Visited the office on July 20th for first primary care visit. Met with nurse practitioner Debbie only because Dr. Wise was not available until a much late date. The experience was horrible for three reasons: 1). It takes at least 2 weeks in advance to make an appointment with Dr. Wise; 2). The practitioner Debbie gave me bad advice and referral. I was lucky that I checked with other doctors and didn't follow her advice to do a surgery; 3). UHC (united health care) web site states the visit cost $69-149 per visit. The bill I got is $248. Bottom line: if you want to visit this office, make sure you are seeing Dr. Wise. read more

After seeing a doctor where I was just a # and herded in and out like cattle, Dr. Wise is a breath of fresh air in family practice. I have lived in the east bay since 2001 and never really found a doctor that I cared to stick with. Until now that is. Even my hubs who had never even been to a doctor in more than 10 years felt very comfortable during his first visit with Dr. Wise. As Bob mentioned below, Dr. Wise definitely took time to listen and explain to us any issue. It very much feels like a family run business and runs his office very efficiently using technology. He carries a tablet so your information is always at his finger tips. During our appointment, he sent our prescriptions directly to the pharmacy right as we were talking. Dr. Wise provides the personal attention we don't get anymore these days in health care! read more

Great office, probably the cutest doctors office I've ever been in. The front staff were friendly and helpful. Dr. Wise is probably the nicest doctors I've ever met. He is a great listener and very passionate about his work you can tell. Very thorough and patient. Glad to have him as my doctor now. read more

After having issues with John Muirs customer service, I decided to try Dr. Wise's family practice. My husband see's Dr. Wise and really likes him. I have been seeing his nurse practitioner, Lisa Wright. The staff are very friendly and Lisa is terrific! When I call the office, the phone is picked up right away. I am not on hold for over 30min. I never feel rushed and am well taken care of. It's nice to be part of a small family practice that takes pride in their work. I highly recommend this practice. read more

My doctor's office was no longer an option on my health plan and a co-worker referred me to Dr. Wise. I am so glad of the reference because he is a fantastic doctor. I'm able to tell him the truth about my bad habits or things going on with me, then we work together to make a plan and for the first time, I feel like I'm working toward a more positive, healthy me! He listens and when you meet with him, you feel like you and your health have his sole attention. Although I have encountered being placed on hold when calling his office, it has never been for long and the receptionist is very professional and courteous. When I've been in his office and listened to her, I am very impressed at how well she handles the calls. I never have to wait long when I arrive in the office for an appt and I recommend Dr. Wise to anyone looking for a good doctor! read more