I was a new patient with Dr. Lawrence in 2013 and have never experience such poor medical service. Almost one year I went to Dr. Lawrence and the only exam I received was listening to my lungs. He never suggested a physical; never look in my ears, nose, or anything. He did however to his credit recommended a MRI that revealed a problem with my back. However, the most obnoxious events I was involved in and detested was "Dr Lawrence talking office calls and resolving other patients medical needs during my personal office visit". I always left his office feeling cheated and twice I left his office without discussing my medical problem because now he's rushing me out because he's taken two-to-three calls. Then on one occasion he commented, "I need you to come into the office because this is how I make my money. OUTRAGEOUS!!. He seemed uncomfortable working with women...weird. The only patients I saw in his office during the time span I saw Dr. Lawrence were men. IF THERE'S A WOMEN OUT THERE LOOKING FOR A FEMALE PRIMARY DOCTOR, CHECK WITH THE CAROL REED BREAST CENTER. GOOD LUCK read more

Dr Bruce is simply amazing!!!! I've known him for many years, and have always felt his wonderful care. He is incredibly intelligent, very thorough, and cares a ton about his patients. But be forewarned, he is very blunt and very honest. So, if you need a little kick in the butt to stop smoking or drink less, don't get your feelings hurt when he tells that to your face! Also, you're not only getting an amazing primary care doctor, but you're also getting VIP access to some of the best specialists in the Bay Area. He'll actually call the specialist from your exam room to get directly to them for the referral, or any additional bits of quick advice. If you're looking for an incredible primary care doc, you can't go wrong with Dr Bruce!!!!! read more

Dr Lawrence is definitely a different character, but his hands-on approach to providing care to his patients is terrific. He strikes the right balance between medical advice (e.g., you need to adjust your diet) and medical care (e.g., prescribing medication). He leverages his network of specialists very well, making personal calls to help open up scheduling log-jams (e.g., like he did with an orthopedist for my torn hamstring). Visits with Dr Lawrence can include some high comedy, but I always leave feeling confident in the care/advice/treatment I receive. read more

Minus territory here. Years ago, I accompanied my husband to an appointment with Dr. Lawrence. He looked great: trim and slim. Dresses well. Quoted Shakespeare! But when I shared that my husband has a drinking problem, Dr. Lawrence's idea for how to treat his addiction was to make us shake hands that I would always have 3 bottles of beer in the fridge and my husband would stick to beer instead of downing his usual vodka. We shook hands and that was the end of that. My husband went on to flame out. He's been in and out of rehab 6 times within the past year. Lawrence and I were both clueless but one would expect a doctor to be able to spot an addict and suggest more effective treatment than stocking the fridge with beer. read more

My physical took over 2 hours. I waited an hour in the exam room. He came in, gave me a rambling lecture on the blatantly obvious facts of public health (don't smoke, exercise, eat well.) I couldn't get a word in edgewise. During said lecture he answered the phone himself to discuss a Viagra prescription with a patient. He then got off the phone, told me about the patient (breach of confidentiality) and digressed about Viagra for a bit. After this he told me to strip down and left me in the exam room to freeze my ass off in my underwear for 45 minutes. I had to come back for a follow up as part of my physical even though I didn't want to take the time off work and I didn't feel it was necessary. This took an hour of waiting. He came in, looked at my chart, told me tests were normal, and sent me on my way. I got the feeling he just wanted to have me back because my insurance is good and he could bill for it. In the end I had to pay the copay twice for a physical. I know he can diagnose, prescribe and help out if you're sick but the service was awful, he's unprofessional, and there's a good chance your insurance will be milked (see the review below where someone had to come in for a follow up just because their insurance was good.) I've never gotten such an uneasy feeling about a doctor. This was downright creepy. read more

Four stars because Dr. Lawrence was relatively on-time, competent, clear about diagnosis and prognosis without overstating the scope of his knowledge... -Minus one star because I went in for a pain in my calf and he proceeded to lecture me about how *I want* to have children. Pretty bold and patriarchal for a first appointment, especially since I was clear that I already have an OB/GYN. -Minus another star because he was a little too explicit about the extent and level of care I would receive because of my health insurance. (I have good insurance, therefore have to come in for a follow-up appointment instead of phone call.) read more

My partner and I have been patients of Dr. Lawrence for several years. If you are looking for a family doctor, I would highly recommend him. He will take phone calls during your appointment, he will have lengthy conversations with you and he will be late for some of his appointments. However, I think the reason he does all of this is because he really enjoys being a doctor. Let me try to explain. I recently had an accident out of state that was going to require multiple surgeries. I needed medical advice, so I called Dr. Lawrence knowing he would take my call. He not only gave me his medical opinion, but he also spoke to my surgeon so that I could make a better decision for myself. I don't think many doctors that would do that for a patient. I have called him on other occasions and he has been gracious enough to take my call. Dr. Lawrence will spend time talking with you and at times even give you a lecture. He is a doctor willing to invest in you, but he also wants patients to take individual responsibility for their health. Therefore, he may give you a lecture so you are aware of the consequences of an unhealthy lifestyle. In addition, I think he does have lengthy conversations during visits so he knows what is going on in your life, which can have impact on your health. My personal life is an integral part of my health, so my doctor should invest in getting to know me. This leads me to why most of the time he does not make his appointments on time. If my doctor personally takes my phone calls and knows who I am then I understand why he maybe late to appointments. read more

I've been seeing Doctor Lawrence for more than 25 years. He's practical and a straight shooter. He's one of few physicians that still answers his own phone and will always find a way to accommodate getting me on his schedule for a last minute appointment. If you appreciate getting the raw and uncut truth about your health situcoupled with practical, actionable medical advise and counsel, he's your man. If you prefer someone who will indulge your excuses, then see someone else. read more

Outstanding - the best of the best - Dr. Lawrence deserves high praise. Countless times I have called his office and Dr. Lawrence answers the phone. He listens to me, provides me superb service. Count your blessings that you come across his practice. He really is the best there is. He'll be my doctor for the rest of my life. Do yourself a favor and become his patient. He's great! read more

Dr. Lawrence is my PCP, and while he will lecture you (and that's something to be endured) and get a bit carried away with some of his rhetorical flourishes (he ended up dolling out relationship advice, and used an Arthur Miller quote to make a point; I had to cut him off there and point out how ridiculous that was) he's essentially a personable, competent and fair physician. Also, I didn't get a creepy vibe from him with the whole turn your head and cough moment, and it's hard to express how crucial that is. Three stars because unless I'm going being saved from death's door, I don't know what a 4-star or 5-star doctor would be like. read more

I had a pretty enjoyable first experience with Doctor Bruce. He's located near 30th street on the second floor of a building that looks slightly dilapidated on the outside. I suggest you bring change to pay for parking. I came for the first time seeking help with a digestive problem. Coming into one of the checkup rooms, I noticed that there were a lot of newspapers and news stories plastered all over his walls- it gave me the impression that he was well read. After reading yelp reviews, I had the impression that Bruce liked to go on lectures, but I had to experience it first hand. Me being the hypochondriac I was, I told the Doc all of my worries and ailments. He listened intently and gave me a long talk about how I was focusing on things that were beyond my age. I liked that he took the time to lecture me because I needed it. His long talks really give you the sense that he cares, which is the Doc I need. Though he does pickup calls while checking on you, he does make it clear that he's seeing a patient. All in all, I had a great time with this Doctor and I will definitely go to him now as my GP in NorCal. read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Lawrence for over 20 years and he has provided the greatest care I could have ever expected. He knows how to navigate the complex medical system. He gets me not only in to see him whenever I need too but also has gotten me in to see many specialists which would have taken months to see if he had not taken the time to book himself. If you need quick results he is the one for you. read more

Dr Lawrence has been my Dr for 20 yrs.  Only Dr to pick up the phone.  If he refers you to a specialist, he calls them direct.  Great attitude & truly cares about his patients.  Staff is great as well.  If you want the best, look no further. read more

Dr. Lawrence has been keeping me healthy for the past 20 years. Besides administering my semi-annual checkups, he has responded immediately to health emergencies and has plugged me into his network of highly capable specialists. More than a medical doctor, Dr. Lawrence is a humanitarian, lending his time and talent to charitable and social causes. This holistic perspective, which he leads by example, informs his recommendations for achieving health in body and spirit. read more

I've been seeing Dr. Lawrence for 4 years now. He was recommend to me by a friend who is also his patient. After having my daughter I started to have a problems with lumps in my lymph nodes. Dr Lawrence was extremely diligent in finding the cause of my problem. In the end all was well thanks to Dr Lawrence taking time for me. Some of the other reviews have been awful I do understand why. I think Dr Lawrence likes to take care of people who take care of themselves. His goal is to make this patients live healthy lives. He will not tell you what you want to hear but what you need to hear. The complaints about him answering the phone are true. This is one of the reasons I like him. When you are sick ass a dog and need direction about what to do for yourself he answers the phone and gets you started. If you need to see him you are in that day. I have never had this degree of customer service from any other Dr. If you truely don't want to get your health on track then he is not the DR for you. read more

When was the last time your doctor answered his or her own telephone? I know, it's unheard of these days, unfortunately. Well if you are looking for that special doctor who cares personally about each and every one of his patients, then you are looking for DR BRUCE LAWRENCE! He truly is a one of a kind. He is special in every way! He's brilliant, personable, and truly cares. He has a wonderful staff. I feel like I've been knowing them all my life. Thank you Dr Lawrence and staff for taking such good care of me! Thank you for caring about every single person that comes into your office. It's like being with family! read more

Dr. Lawrence has been my doctor for 20 years and I cannot say enough about the care he's given me to stay healthy. He works to maintain your body, mind and soul. I can even say that he saved my mother's life by being diligent and continuously trying to find the right specialist to solve her heart problem. She had one crappy doctor before that ran 0 tests, and called a year later to see how she was. Can you imagine, a year later! Yea, he's all over the place because he needs to be in order to know everything to keep his patients healthy. read more

Dr. Bruce has been my physician for over five years now. I'm not a huge yelper but when I experience over the top 'service' I feel it should be shared. Over the years that I've been seeing him I've endured nothing but exceptional professionalism, correct diagnosis, punctuality, friendliness and care. He truly loves what he does and is good at it! He'll accept last minute appointments and will help you with referrals, but not just in the expected way. He goes above and beyond and will even help you get in to see other doctors, if you need to see a specialist about something. He's direct but kind and honestly I feel lucky to have him as my general practitioner. I would suggest his services to everyone and anyone! read more

Dr. Lawrence has been my primary care physician for a number of years now and he has been nothing but great. From my time as Dr. Lawrence patient, it's clear he loves what he does and genuinely cares about his patients, always going above and beyond to provide personal care and identify the best course of action for each individual. If you're looking for a new primary care provider, I would highly recommend Dr. Lawrence. read more

Excellent Doctor, very helpful and extremely passionate about his patients welfare. Also, very funny and a pleasure to converse with.

I had been with Kaiser for over 30 years. They truly operate like a business. I switched to Blue Shield of California. They instructed me to check Yelp reviews for a doctor. I did so and found Dr. Lawrence. I have been with him since January 1, 2019. He is responsive to your individual needs. He listens. He answers his own office phone calls. He has the right kind of empathy required for a doctor. I am in love with Dr. Lawrence and his entire staff. read more

I have to reiterate what previous patients have expressed. Dr Lawrence will take office calls and tend to other patients' medical needs during your appointment. Not sure why he has a receptionist if he tends to the phone more than he does his patients. As a working professional like many of the others reviewing here, I cannot plan for a 2 hour visit . My meter ran out in my first visit and should have walked out of the exam room but gave him a shot and myself a $60 parking ticket. An attempt at a second visit never happened because he refused to reschedule me. Pros: (1) He is very personable so if you're in the mood to get an earful of tangential conversation which will further prolong your 2 hour visit definitely book with him. (2) He is very thorough. As a hypochondriac I can appreciate this. Good luck! read more

My husband and I went to Dr. Lawrence for a few years. When I first went to him I needed something for allergies. He sent me for a mammogram instead and caught that I had cancer. He caught it early and I am now cancer free and I will be forever grateful to him for that. After that it was just down right strange. He ran so hot and cold on each additional visit. I never knew what to expect each time I went to see him. One visit would be good and he'd be personable and nice to deal with and the next visit he would be on some self involved rant, talking only about his self, not letting me get a word in, made very rude statements about my weight like "I see you are enjoying your food" and would constantly answer the phone instead of letting his front desk people get it. While sitting on the exam table, I would have to listen to him plan dinners and events with all the hot shots in Oakland or talk to other patients and then when he was done, he'd shuffle me out in a big hurry. My husband didn't like him at all and complained that he was horrible to deal with and very rude to him most of the time. My husband was having difficulty breathing off and on and Dr. Lawrence accused him of making it up and abusing the medical system. My husband started avoiding visits with him. One day I was at his office with my husband and was shocked at the verbal abuse my husband took from him. That was the last straw and we changed doctors after that day. Our new doctor diagnosed my husband with Asthma and he is just fine now. I give Dr. Lawrence 5 stars for catching my cancer, but I have to unfortunately reduce it by 3 stars because of his horribly poor bedside manner. So, 2 stars it is. read more

First off, if you want a politically correct doctor, go somewhere else. Second off, if you want everything in your life sugar coated, go somewhere else. If you want a doctor who knows what their doing, and will pick up the phone when you call, he is a great doctor. It's true, he does lecture you on things you should know and as a doctor you could only be so lucky to find one that spends longer than ten minutes with you. He does. Parking to see him is a challenge, and I'll admit I've waited in my boxers 45 minutes until he finishes up another patient. You have to remember this is his own medical practice and some people take longer than others to diagnose. Smart, articulate, and thorough. I recommend him to people looking for a real doctor, and not just a 10 minute interview. As for the bad reviews below, well maybe they should just go back to kaiser. God forbid they sit and listen to a man who obviously knows what he's talking about and is certainly qualified. Those are the people that want sugar coatings in life. Both my wife and I have him as our primary care physician. read more

Dr. Lawrence is a fantastic doctor paired with super helpful staff!! I've been seeing him for over 15 years and I've always been able to get an appointment quickly when needed.  He is very knowledgeable, professional and really easy to speak to. I couldn't have picked a more personable and friendly doctor. In addition to having excellent bedside manner and professional care he takes the time to listen carefully -- and expertly addresses each issue.  I highly recommend him!! read more

I used to be a patient of Dr. Lawrence back in the day (~ 10 years ago). He does lecture, may even rant and rave and has lots of advice. He likes to chat...but he is much more personable than most doctors who spend 15 minutes making quick notes and checking on the clock. He is well traveled, has a daughter and son who he cheerishes and he practical. He can be a bit eccentric but he means well. He runs a small practice, if he wanted to make bucks he wouldn't be on Pill Hill. Good insurance is important to his practice to stay in business. My needs are a bit different now, but in my 20's Bruce was a great doctor to have around, as he gave great advice on life and helped solve several medical issues. read more

I have to say I was very pleased with Dr. Lawrence I had been with Kaiser for years and they just pushed pills and never solved anything, my insurance changed and I went to my 1st apt yesterday he had time for me and really expressed interest in my health. I am very happy and I am going back on Monday for a follow up apt. Nice guy and cares, all the people I saw looked happy and one lady even gave him a hug guess all went well for her, that made me happy. Thanks Dr read more

I've been seeing Dr. Bruce for 11 years and he's the best doctor I've had. He's very competent, well networked and flexible. He takes in last minute appointments, makes time to get to know you and your issues, performs thorough exams, tells it like it is, provides practical advice & solutions and takes immediate action to solving your issue. He loves what he does and practices what he preaches. My wife has since dropped her previous doctor in favor of Dr. Bruce as have many of our friends. read more

As patients we are all engrained by our experiences. As it goes I've been going to Dr. Lawrence for almost nine years now and have enjoyed the experience every time. He's a thorough physician as he takes his time to ask the questions for a physical, checks back on the history, and makes sure that everything is good with blood and the heart. There was a time that I really wasn't eating properly enough and Dr. Lawrence encouraged me to diet and exercise. Thanks to his diagnosis and advice I'm living a healthier lifestyle and have more energy during my day. Not only do I feel great but I feel lucky that a doctor was able to help me feel better then I have in years. If you're in the neighborhood for a doctor who's been practicing for a good number of years, who is also a humanitarian who encourages healthy living practices and how to improve ones lifestyle, look no further then Bruce Lawrence! read more

I've been a patient of Dr. Lawrence for about 8 years and he is the most caring and patient doctor you can imagine. He is so attentive and above and beyond the typical doctor you encounter in this day and age, he is not rushing off or treating you like a number, he is always making time and being respectful and helpful. I don't know what I would do without him, he has saved the day on multiple occasions with recent health complications I've had, and he has truly made my life easier as a patient. He is one of a kind in the attention he pays to his patients. I greatly appreciate him and his staff, too. read more

What can I say, I've been a patient of Dr. Bruce for over 20 years, and will dread the day I'll have to find a new doc. Lots of reasons I appreciate having Dr. Bruce as my general practitioner - makes time to see me when in bad shape, quickly gets me in to see the best-of-the best specialist which without his relationships could take weeks on my own, he makes sure I understand what's wrong and the game plan. I've referred many friends throughout the years to the doc, and they seem to be equally attached :) Nothing but 5 stars for Dr. Bruce! read more

My husband and I are patient of Dr. Lawrence. He is a good doctor. I agreed with other reviewers - he does like to lecture you on your health, but he means well. He will diagnose your problem and prescribe the proper medication to get you well. read more

I have been a patient of Dr Lawrence for about two years and I have to say I have been really impressed. Having a doctor with vast knowledge of medicine who looks beyond the initial complaint is a rare find today. He really listens to his patients and gives them as much time as they need. In addition he has personal relationships with the doctors and specialists he refers patients too. I have been at the office when he has called and secured an appointment for me with a specialist the next day. I have never had such good service before. My husband has had a number of health issues and Dr Lawrence has managed to find the real cause of what is going on and has managed to find solutions. He and his staff are respectful, helpful and always will make a plan even if they do not have an appointment open that day. Dr Lawrence is a gem and I hope he never retires we need him read more

Dr. Lawrence has been my (and son's) primary care physician for several years now and I couldn't be more happier with the (outstanding) service I have received from him and his fantastic staff. He practices health care the way it should be (and once was) with a focus on the/his patient, FIRST! For example, when was the last time your current doc picked up the phone when you called his/her office with a question? Well, this frequently occurs at Dr. Lawrence's office, and no matter who you are or your line of work/profession. If you are a client of Dr. Lawrence's, then you are (and treated like) a VIP! But to be fair and balanced, he is not for everyone. Dr. Lawrence is not one to coddle/"baby" a client. He will info you, seek your opinion/thoughts and then offer a plan (which may include engaging with a long list of specialist who he has partnered with over the years) to achieve the best outcome for you. I could certainly write much more of my respect for and praise of Dr. Lawrence and his team. While there are certainly many great doc's in the Bay Area, Dr. Lawrence is definitely one of the very best, in my opinion and thus worth considering if you are seeking a primary care physician. Wishing you good health and a long life! Ken B read more

As a long time patient, I can tell you with certainty that Dr. Lawrence provides outstanding care. In addition to what many others have said about his high accessibility, I have found his referrals to be consistently top-notch. When/if I live to be 100, Dr. Lawrence will get a lion's share of the credit. read more

While I lived in CA, Dr. Lawrence was my PCP for 6 years. I was very happy with the service he provided. He almost always answered the phone himself when I called and took a personal interest in his patients. He also always squeezed me in on short notice, same day if necessary. I can't praise him enough. And if he lectures, it's not in a demoralizing way; it's more to promote the best health potential in his patients. read more

Dr. Lawrence has been my physician for over 20 years. He saved my life several times. He is the best! read more

This doctor is never on time! Today I waited 15 minutes for my 9 am appt. The office was empty till the receptionist finally arrived at 9:12. When I said I had a 9 am appointment, she just stared at me. I said when is the doctor coming? She said: "He's not here; you can take a seat and wait for him." I knew he wasn't there! duh! How disrespectful of Dr. Lawrence!! He cares nothing about the time of his patients, but if I were late, I'm sure I would get an ear full if indeed he would even see me. I walked out. That's it. I'm not going back to this one. read more

Wow, really surprised to read some of these! Dr. Lawrence has been my doctor for years, and honestly, the best doctor I feel I've ever had. Yeah, he's on my butt for how I live and what I eat; its causing some of my problems, but he's also reduced some of them with proper care and medication. He's from NY. He's blunt and to the point. He answers the phone sometimes himself, but if you call as a patient you also get an instant answer too! read more

Dr. Lawrence has always been available to me for any malady or concern I have. He does take calls during visits, which I think is a positive, because the patient gets immediate feedback. So, if he helps someone else while I'm on examining bench, I know that when I'm the one on the phone, it's another fellow patient who's awaiting his/her turn. We both benefit. One of his great strengths is the network of colleagues and specialists he's developed. He realizes when it's time to refer you to one of the specialists and this is very selfless. I always appreciate his droll sense of humor, which doesn't interfere with his good care. Joel H read more