Updating my previous 3-star review with another 3-star. I LOVE Dr Lawrence. She is so warm and considerate and kind and will listen to you and not judge. If I could give her 10 stars, I would. So what I'm really rating here is my experience in her office due to her "front desk receptionist". No idea how this woman got the job, but please, please find someone else. She is very nice....but that's about all I can say. I've had so many prescriptions fall through the cracks because she forgets to fax things to CVS and when I call, she'll tell me "oh, I think I faxed that already" but doesn't offer to re-fax or maybe call CVS and confirm with them. I don't think it's my job to be the mediator between the pharmacy and dr's office to refill prescriptions. There was one time where I and several other clients were locked outside of the office after her lunch break. We rattled the doorknob, peeked inside. No one was there, so we waited outside. Finally someone from a neighboring business came by and offered to tell Dr Lawrence she had patients waiting. The receptionist finally opened the door and laughed, saying, "why didn't you tell me???" Um, how could we do that when we couldn't get in and no one answered the phone? I've talked with other patients about this too, so it's not just me. I struggled to write this, because I don't want to give anyone a negative review they don't deserve and Dr. Lawrence herself deserves 5 stars, but I just can't in good conscience refer people to this office when the receptionist is so awful. Also, I love that Dr L routinely travels to offer medical care to underdeveloped countries, but I really wish they would notify their customers in some way or put it on their website, etc. It's awful to call up and have nobody answer or the receptionist say "she's not in" but offer no further explanation as to why. Overall, I love Dr L and that's why I continue to come here. read more

I never write negative reviews but I consider this a public health service to right this one. DO NOT GO HERE. Dr. Lawrence blamed any issues on my bloodwork on the fact that I got COVID vaccines (6 years ago). This is after I hunted her office down for THREE months to try and make an appt to go over my bloodwork. I went to the office two times - the first time it was under construction (no notice) and the second it was closed during business hours. I only heard back from them after I left a HAND-WRITTEN NOTE on their door. When I told her I was frustrated and confused at the quality of care, she said, "you know there are other doctors up the street you could go to". Does she not want to be a doctor?? PLEASE DO NOT GO HERE. PLEASE DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME. read more

Horrible experience. And I'm an easy-going guy. It was just a phone call but can't imagine how semi-retired Dr Lawrence would treat patients in person is she was that rude on the phone. Check her out. Yelp has many negative reviews about this doctor. Thers's many options in Seal Beach/Los Alamitos for a dematologist. Don't settle. read more

Gale Lawerence Md IS THE WORST PEDIATRICIAN EXPERIENCE WEVE EVER HAD. Our visit with Dr. Gale Lawrence was by far the worst pediatric experience we've ever had. From the moment we walked in, her demeanor was cold, rude, and shockingly unprofessional. She repeatedly interrupted us, refused to listen to our concerns, and made us feel completely dismissed as parents. What was even more disturbing was the way she treated her own staff -- speaking to her front desk associate with open disrespect right in front of patients. It was uncomfortable and frankly unacceptable to witness. Dr. Lawrence created a hostile and unwelcoming environment that no parent should have to endure -- and certainly no child should be exposed to. Her behavior was not just unkind; it was completely inappropriate for someone in her position. We left feeling disrespected, unheard, and alarmed. I would strongly caution others from bringing their children to this practice. read more

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Dr Gale is the most wonderful kind Hearted doctor I've met. She has always helped me right away and taken calls last minute to zoom me or get me in the same day appointments. She has helped me when I didn't even know I had anything wrong. She was able to spot things by her sense. I've read the couple poor comments. Those are all misleading comments. I've been coming here for the last 5 years now and it has been the best doctor I've ever been to. She's great with her front desk staff. Her staff is the sweetest and very nice to talk too. I have never once heard her raise her voice to her once. And I believe she's been working for Dr. Gale for over 10years now. Don't believe what everyone says here. I can assure you she is the best to go to. Or I wouldn't still be going here after 5 years. read more

Heaven forbid they're billing office makes an error and bills your visit out of network. Dr. Lawrence refused to see me unless I paid the money I never owed before she would see me. She even told the other doctor in the office, not to see me unless I paid cash. Dr. Lawrence was informed that it was a billing error and it was her office's fault by the insurance. She still refused me service Dr Pearson also refused to see me. The only redeeming people in the whole situation were the front office and the billing person who informed Dr. Lawrence of the issue. The reason why I needed to be seen was because Dr. Pearson had prescribed a new medication for me and I was experiencing side effects that I wasn't used to. I won't be returning. I won't be bullied into paying money I don't owe. I will seek care elsewhere as clearly Dr. Lawrence isn't in it to care for her patients. Maybe she's just ready to retire. Maybe it's time she should. read more

My adult disabled daughter was a patient of Dr. Lawrence until her partner, Dr. Pearson fired my daughter. Daughter was in a terrible car crash which left her seriously injured, and asked for Dr. Lawrence to sign a form for a temporary disabled parking permit. Daughter paid $100 to have the document signed. 6 months later she needed it renewed. Another $100 charge. When she took the form into AÀA for the renewed Placard she was told the doctor didn't complete the diagnosis section properly. Daughter phoned the office and was told it would be another $25 to correct the form. Daughter told me about it, and I phoned the office asking to speak with Dr. Lawrence about the fee for a form that only required her to fill out 2 sections...diagnosis and signature. Receptionist told me she was not in the office, but would leave her a message to call me back. 5 minutes later her partner phoned me irate and screaming that I had the nerve to call and complain about the fee. He was going to ask Dr. Lawrence why she only charged my daughter $100, rather than their standard $175. He continued screaming at me over the phone about how long he's been in school to treat people like my daughter and how he receives $15 a month to treat my daughter whether she comes in once or 15 times in a month. I told him whatever his agreement is with the state of California has nothing to do with the reason I phoned to find out how they could in good conscience charge a disabled person that kind of a fee for a temporary handicap Placard. He said, "how do you expect us to pay for the light bill." He said he is NOT a medi-cal doctor! He said I was disparaging him by calling to complain. I said why are you disparaging medi-cal doctors? Whether you want to be a "medi-cal" doctor or not, you are! He promptly hung up on me! His Receptionist phoned my daughter 2 minutes later and left a voicemail that said she was no longer a patient there. They actually fired my daughter, and he didn't have the courage to phone himself! The receptionist said if you have any questions, let her know. Yes, she had a question. She wants her $100 back since the form was incomplete and she could no longer be seen there. She told her she would again call her back. She did, and told my daughter she could come to office after 10am on the following Monday and Dr. Lawrence would write her a check! What a joke. I think this practice should close their doors to all disabled people who seek help and expect to be treated with understanding and respect. As my daughters only parent, I am an advocate for her, and I don't think I was out of line phoning to ask a question that I never got to ask. read more

I was recommended to her by a patient. She is one of the best doctors I've ever been to because she takes the time to listen , is extremely knowledgeable and really does care. She even called me on the weekend to see how I was doing. I have been her patient now for over five years and could not be happier. I wish more doctors took the time to listen Care and take the time to find the real cause of an issue. read more

I recently had a disappointing experience with Dr. Lawrence and feel compelled to share my concerns. Unfortunately, Dr. Lawrence consistently failed to show up for appointments, causing frustration and inconvenience. Furthermore, her receptionist displayed a concerning lack of knowledge and carelessness. Not to mention she was extremely unprofessional and rude. During a routine blood test, the situation worsened. After two weeks, I called for my results, only to be informed they were already sent to me. Strangely, it took six months for me to receive them in the mail. Upon reviewing the results on the lab's website, I discovered a critical issue - low white blood cell count. Dr. Lawrence's negligence prompted me to seek a new primary care physician. This experience raises serious questions about the level of care provided. I believe it's crucial to report such issues to the medical board to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future. Patients deserve reliable and attentive healthcare, and unfortunately, my encounter with Dr. Lawrence fell far short of that standard. I'm shocked she's still able to practice and her office manager/receptionist is incredibly unprofessional and lacks basic knowledge of customer service. read more

Unfortunately Dr Lawrence is not a good GP she is actually a skin doctor. I have noticed all of her five star reviews are mostly people who have posted only one review on Google or mostly women who have invested money in their skin which I mean to say superficial rich women who are probably trying to boost her ratings so they can get a discount on their next filler injection or Botox. People are making fraudulent emails and posting a review so they can boost her ratings. From experience I know that she is mostly only interested in selling people Botox or skin filler. If you are not interested in that then she loses interest and will just give you a prescription after you pay your $175 she will try to promote skin care over actual health I guess there's no money in actually helping people. Big surprise vanity sells a lot better than health does I guess. read more

Am looking for a new primary doc and made an appointment to meet with the doctor for 10:30 AM today. Sat in waiting room until 11:00 when Dr. Lawrence came out to have me come in to meet with her. I commented that, first impression 1/2 hour behind scheduled, is that usual? and she opened her office door and said, it's not going to work out for you and walked out. Wow, so glad I didn't have my medical records transferred before meeting her. What a waste of time. read more

I have known Gale for over 20 years the finest MD in Seal Beach or anywhere on PCH for that matter!!!

This is a review not for the doctor, but for the office staff as I never even got to meet the doctor. I made an appointment as a new patient over a month ago. Showed up to my appointment to find just the front office staff. She was surprised I was there since the doctor had been out sick all week. Turns out I never got a phone call about my appointment being cancelled because it was never put in their system in the first place. Super disappointed that I have been really needing help, scheduled an appointment, waited patiently, to find out I was not even thought enough of as a new patient to even have an appointment made on their end. This office is a joke. read more

Have been with her for years. I'm not one who needs a lot of hand-holding so I appreciate that we just get what needs to be done over with. I used to never go to the doc, but she will just do what needs to be done, so she makes it painless for me. I saw a lot of bad reviews, which are mostly because she a small independent and can't afford a lot of staff, so I wanted to reassure people. read more

Not a doctor, so much as someone who tries to take money for doing nothing. But if you want some uppers or drugs, just pay her. Receptionist is a joke and has no idea what she is talking about. read more

Do not go here...I've never had a doctor care less or put in such little effort into helping me. My visit was last year. Maybe things have gotten better but for me it went like this... Got there at my appointment time. Was sent to a super weird looking room in the back where they forgot about me for 45 minutes. Then the doctor saw me for 2 minutes and did nothing to help with my issue. Like literally nothing. Didn't ask questions, didn't even take my vitals and it was my first--and last--time there. She just repeated back to me what I told her I thought was happening with my body. At my request she ordered bloodwork to be done and then when they called me back with results I was charged a copay to speak with the doctor over the phone. She essentially charged my insurance for 2 visits even though she didn't do anything while I was there in person and my second "visit" was a 30 second phone conversation. Feels like a scam. I don't trust her with my healthcare. read more

I was diagnosed with breast cancer while under the care of this doctor. Not only did they not call me with my cancer results but they failed to follow up with me after I called about treatment suggestions. The office put in numerous referrals incorrectly which delayed treatment and genetic testing. Please find another doctor and advocate for yourself!!! Where is the compassion of this doctor? read more

My husband and I are currently in the process of adopting a child and by law we must provide a current health examinations. I called, made an appointment and showed up 15 minutes early to my appointment. As a first time patient of Dr. Lawrence I was a little apprehensive upon entering her office since it featured advertisements for beauty products and serums. She advertised as a family practice/ dermatologist. She also has large photographs of the volunteer work she has done in Haiti after the earthquake which I thought was commendable. I then waited to be called, and waited, and then waited some more. My appointment was at 10:30am and I wasn't seen until 11:25am. My physical lasted all of 5 minutes. When I went to pay Ellie, Dr. Lawrence's receptionist, she was having trouble with their card reader so she asked me to call tomorrow. I then had to drive across town to get blood work done which was a inconvenient since most Doctors offices do them in office. I had a simple 2 page form for Dr. Lawrence to fill out regarding the results from my blood work and physical. A form necessary for our adoption packet. Ellie, her assistant, failed to notify me on the day of my appointment that I would be required to pay a flat fee of $250.00 for Dr. Lawrence to simply fill out the results of my physical. I was completely shocked and floored with such a large amount. I told Ellie that I felt that was a ridiculous amount from which she said and I quote... "Well Hun, $250 dollars really isn't a lot of money." One: keep it professional at all times and don't call me Hun! Two: Yes that is a large amount of money to fill out a form. I did my research and sometimes it is common for doctors to charge for forms to be filled out. The average charge per form is somewhere between $5-$30. $250 is completely outrageous I felt helpless, taken advantage of and put in a difficult position to where I needed this form to be completed as part of our adoption process. She then proceeded to tell me that Dr. Gale Lawrence could charge any amount that she pleases. This was the final straw. I immediately changed doctors and filed a complaint with my insurance company. I'm completely disgusted by the way her receptionist Ellie handled the situation. I wasted time and MONEY while in the company of Dr. Lawrence. It's a shame because she was honestly pretty nice overall, but being nice isn't good enough to have my trust in a doctor. I need to feel that you care about my medical needs and that you openly communicate your policy's when you preform a service, not afterwards. Overall, after all is said and done I'm extremely disappointment in the lack of bedside manner and professionalism carried out by Dr. Lawrence's staff. read more

My mother in law needed to find a new Dr closer to home Cash paying. This so called Doctor writes referrals and expects the patient to go out and find them. Maybe she should be in the day spa industry. She has Botox and other cosmetic procedure pamphlets all in her waiting room. For 10 minutes of time spent reading lab results, she charges a ridiculous $140. For some of you that may think it's not that much? That equates to $840 per hour. Stay AWAY!!! read more

I want to thank Dr. Lawrence for her expertise and her caring doctor skills. I am a lady of 71 and have been with another insurance that their doctors only knew me as a medical number. I had a fall three years ago and had terrible side effects in which I was told by my other provider that if I still had these symptoms in six months I should contact them and then they would consider referring me to a neurologist. After not being taken seriously with no other medical problems but my concussion I finally got the courage to change plans and now I have my own private doctor that really cares about my health and well being. I have seen Dr. Lawrence for my first time on 3/23 and I was really surprised that she took the time with me and was concerned about my blood pressure and something she felt in my neck regarding my thyroid. She set me up for lab work. Being a senior citizen I sometimes feel that the medical profession really doesn't care about us because of our age. Dr. Lawrence is a very caring and dedicated doctor!!! The young receptionist Eileen is so sweet, so happy and very welcoming!!! Thank you Dr. Lawrence & Eileen for being so GREAT!!! I know I'm in GREAT hands!!! I have already recommended Dr. Lawrence to two of my dearest friends!!! Monica Brady read more

When I had to switch doctors for my moves during my life (I've been going to her since I was 7) I could never find a doctor that would listen as well as she would to what I needed as a patient. When I finally moved back to an area that I could be seen by her again it was such a difference for me! It really makes you appreciate a great doctor and not just being a number in their system. Also her receptionist Ellie is so helpful through all the tricky issues I've had over the years that have popped up with insurance changes, billing and all that 'fun' that can be such a hassle. Very accommodating for what can often be a not so great part. She has also done Botox for me and I have never had the results last as long as when she has done it. So I've given up going to others that might offer lower prices because they never last as long as when she does it. I've referred two friends over the years and both feel the same and have said how happy they are with her read more

Horrible experience at this so-called doctor's office. Although Blue Cross Blue Shield confirmed by phone that this doctor is in my mother's network, they claimed they are not and tried to charge her $148 for a 10-minute appointment even though they told her they could not accept her as a patient. So unethical - this seems like a total scam. There are many good doctor's offices around - stay away from this one! read more

Dr. Lawrence is just GREAT, she sweet and kind and very helpful.

Great Dr. She is every caring. Nice office, friendly staff highly recommend as a primary care dr. And Botox

I am in nursing school and as a general rule, I mostly hate doctors. But Dr. Lawrence...I actually like. Unfortunately our first meeting was for my annual pap smear which I've been avoiding for three plus years. oops. But she was very very nice and made me feel comfortable immediately. The office is really nice and very accessible off of PCH with plenty of free parking. She specializes in dermatology and skin care. She even made me get a couple moles biopsied on a return visit but assured me that I shouldn't have multiple panic attacks about it, which I did anyway, but that's beside the point. I am definitely glad I picked her as my doctor through my insurance group! Go to Dr. Lawrence, I think shes great! They also take walk-ins , but they only take cash for co-pay......who carries cash anymore?!? read more

Dr. Gale Lawrence has been my primary care physician for approximately three years now. I sought out a relationship with a primary care physician after moving to the Orange County area from Los Angeles (it always feels good to have a connection with a doctor instead of visiting a horrible prompt care facility). I am so pleased with the care I have received whenever I have visited her office. I am not sure what is the best part, the friendly greeting, being treated and reassured or leaving within 30 minutes tops. Her office is neat, organized and peaceful, did I mention parking is never a problem either? Dr. Lawrence is very personable and easy to talk to with great bedside manner. I swear, I tell her things I think would be embarrassing and she never seems phased and provides me with immediate and concise answers. I have referred several friends to her office and they are pleased as well. I look forward to trying her med spa services soon as well :) read more

Dr. Gale Lawrence is one in a million! To me, she's the "Marcus Welby" of doctors...caring for her patients with devotion as well as skill. I can't recommend her highly enough! read more

Gale and her staff work with each patients individual needs to ensure satisfaction. My treatment lasted a long time as well as treated my problem areas. The office is very nice with non-typical office furniture. Staff is friendly and they also play country music at times which is a plus for me! read more

I only gave 1 star to get this posted. Any 5 star ratings here must be from people that have PPO insurance or getting Spa services. I was a new patient with an acute shoulder. I waited 2 weeks for this appointment . I was in the room for 90 seconds at most. I was given a referral to specialty. No exam, no review of meds, let alone asking if I had any other medical conditions.I don't think she even looked at me. I have HMO. I could go on and on... PLEASE ... if you have HMO, find a different PCP. There are providers out there, that contract with HMOs, that actually take the time to get to know their patients and give the care WE DESERVE. read more

Complete con artist! All I left with was a $50 office visit and a pat on the back. I was not answered any of my health questions I initially came in with, but instead was billed for wasting my time. read more

Worthless Primary Care Dr.. Does not care about her patients. Takes weeks to get an appointment. The receptionist is a complete idiot who says she will call you back and then never does. Will not refill prescriptions that patients actually need. After multiple phone calls and many headaches, decided to find a new primary health care provider. Completely worthless!! Would give -10 stars if I could. read more

Do NOT go here for Botox. This doctor, although pleasant, needs a lot A LOT of training in proper Botox injection. The doctor charges top dollar for Botox but dilutes the Botox and injects very little so you look the same afterward as you did before no matter how many times you go return for "additional" injections. read more

If I could give no stars, I would. Only cares about her co-pays not about the patient's care.. So very disappointing. I now go to a doctor who taught her in med school.. Who is SO MUCH BETTER. Wanna know how I know that fact? Well! LET ME TELL YOU, dear Yelp reader! SO- I had a yeast infection and was traveling out of town at the time... I called her office to get a prescription called in for me and at first they said they would.. Then the receptionist called me back a few hours later and refused, saying that I needed to come for an exam to receive my medication. Being an adult woman who is pretty active, (I ride my bike to work etc..) this is not the first time I have had this annoying, very uncomfortable occurrence... And I also was frequenting her office for dermabrasion treatments, so it's not like the doc hadn't seen me in awhile. Anyway- I'm familiar with the symptoms and the easy treatment to cure them, provided by one simple prescription that provides one simple highly effective pill. Such a better alternative than the otc bs that can take weeks to cure the problem.. (I know from experience) So! .. I kindly inform the receptionist of these facts and that I'm also out of town so there is no way that I can come in, she still refuses.. So, I request that i would like to speak to the doctor and she says that she will call me back. That's cool.. But- it never happens. I call multiple times, only to get the same response. I finally come to the conclusion and inform her that I will no longer be using Dr. Lawrence as my primary care physician. I end up calling my old doctor who is no longer in my hmo network and they give me the prescription, no questions asked, (but they do tell me that this is a major favor and are only doing it because of the crappy situation Dr. Lawrence put me in and apparently they have something known as empathy.. Ironic because Dr. Lawrence does so much humanitarian work, you think she would have some understanding and compassion when it comes to her patients) and in less than two minutes, it's FINALLY it's taken care of. That's what GOOD doctors do. And I can finally start to feel better! What's the point of having insurance if the doctor forces you to take an otc medication that is not as effective for a simple and very annoying medical issue? All just to have me come in and pay my co-pay. So.. Since I was in need of a new doctor, I end up asking around for awhile and get a recommendation for Dr. Zamost, who is fantastic (and so is his nurse practitioner, Kathleen Waddell). My first visit with him, while getting my annual physical, I inform him of my previous trouble, to gauge the chances he won't try to pull the same bs with me. His reaction to this story was shock, disbelief and then disappointment after he asks who the doctor was that operated in this manner towards their patients. Amazed, he tells me that she should know better and that she was one of his students in medical school. He taught her better than that, he said. Well, fellow yelpers I hope this helps.. And if you're in need of a great doctor, go to Dr. Zamost and Dr. Waddell, you'll be glad you did. read more

Dr. Gale is wonderful. Having said that, the front desk girl couldn't care less about the patients, how they feel, or what they need. I've been frustrated with her every time I've been there and I've noticed everybody in the waiting room disgusted with her ATTITUDE. She also makes countless mistakes. Even CVS was frustrated with her lack of knowledge. It's really too bad. read more

Definitely glad I found Dr. Lawrence. I have already referred a few friends and family members to her. I find her front office staff to be kind in the phone and when you arrive at the office. Will definitely continue going to her. Also like the physicians she has referred me to. read more

Great Doctor.. Very compassionate and wonderful bedside manner. Seems like that is a lost art these days but she has a gift for it along with her willingness to donate her time to disaster situations like the Haiti earthquake, Chile and Thailand Tsunami. Very cool finding a Doctor who is willing to show up and be present to help while not making a dime. Thats the kind of doctor I want on my side and am happy to refer. Thank you read more

Dr. Lawrence is a truly caring doctor. I am so very happy to have her as my primary care physician. I have been going to her for many years. She is highly knowledgeable about so much. read more

Dr. Lawrence is wonderful! She's very knowledgable and sincere when answering my questions. She spends time with you and gets to the bottom of anything! read more

Dr. L is the best! Very knowledgeable, kind, and makes me feel very comfortable. Her experience in international medicine really shows and I would highly recommend her. read more

Dr. Lawrence is fine. the girl at the front desk, Ellie, is in competent. she does not submit fax authorizations in a timely manner if not at all. when she says she'll call you back she never does. i don't think she's qualified for her position. because of her i am changing doctors. read more