I received a prescription almost 2.5 months ago but there was a problem with it and the pharmacy would not fill it. I've called numerous times and went there to the DR's office several times to get it right and I just went yesterday 8-12-24 and just called a few minutes ago with no results! How long does it take to get some service from this place??? read more

Dont go here. On 4/1/23 I got my lab draw here for my cyrex test. Results came back dry so phlebotomist must have have done something wrong per Cyrex lab. This work up took me 1 month to do and now I have to do it all over again because of the RNs mess up. read more

HORRIBLE! Wish I could leave negative stars. They take a 2 hour lunch break right in the middle of the day (this was confirmed twice by their hired answering service reps) so if you have a job and can only call on your breaks, there is no way to get through to them. The messages you leave with the reps are NEVER answered. When you actually do speak to someone who works there, they are rude and act inconvenienced by your call. They tell you they will get back to you only to get you off of the phone, and they never follow through. And if you actually advocate for yourself they just hang up on you. I don't understand why people take jobs in healthcare when they have no interest in helping people. Absolutely disgusted with this establishment! Do better! read more

Dr Watson's nurse writes her own prescriptions and will not fill them if she decides she doesn't like you, or your complaints. I never met with Dr Watson on my very first visit. I must have been there for 4hours. They need to be reported. read more

I rather give this place a negative 1 star. This office and it's lack of care is absolutely HORRIBLE!! I had a 10:15am appointment and was there for 3 hours before I just walked out. How can a person have an appointment for a specific time and not be seen at the hour reserved? Make that make sense. There were people in just about every exam room waiting to be seen. The county needs to remove this clinic from their list and organization.. They do patients a disservice with lack of care and organization. When I checked in, the front desk person came to the window with a stack of unfiled papers (which is a potential HIPAA breach) and flipped through them to find my document for the doctor to complete once he saw me. This place is a disgrace to real clinics out there. Wish I had done the research before my time was wasted. read more

It is unbelievable this place is in business. So disorganized and unprofessional. Calls aren't returned. The only good thing about this office is the sweet lady at the front. Her name is Tamara. If this place cared at all about the community's health they would have people on hand to answer phones efficiently. Dr. Watson also needs to instruct his staff not to just delete patient's voicemails but ACTUALLY RETURN THE CALL. How disheartening to know how many people's health has been negatively affected by this facility. Find someone else. I will be making a formal complaint to the board of health. read more

Update: Visited recently in July, the first time since a few months before my last review... (just one year later now that its 2021..) and was asked to not only sign back up as a new patient (they lost my records) but they treated me as a walk-in when I had a scheduled appointment I was literally 3 minutes late for. So, yes, I showed up 3 minutes late, after struggling to find parking in the super hyphy area this place is in, and they had me fill out an entire packet then wait 2.5 hours before I legit left out the back door. Thinking, maybe theyd understand this whole thing is absurd. I was not only left in a back patient room for 2.5 hours, but the sink didn't even have running water. That place is a rat hole that treats people extremely oddly for a Dr. office! Starting with Dr. Watson, rat #1, who wouldn't even apologize or help me get on with my workday, not even giving me just 20 minutes at least since they legitttt LOST MY RECORDS, refused to admit it, or admit that nothing has changed from now until then, and even though I left without being seen, he refused to apologize or speak with me over the phone afterwards. What a joke of a leader and this place went from helping some folks out to helping very few folks out and it's confusing because the place always has customers. We have such a cowardly weird dr practicing right now. And he's only getting older / weaker looking. The staff is about as great at that leadership. Great job Watson "wellness" center! Thanks for the loyalty! Thank you for nothing but more drama and now I need a new PCP. What's, even more, crazy is when you submit a grievance to Medi-Cal, they alter them to protect the facility! I said, "I walked over to his office and confronted him about the wait," he said "30 more minutes". Then in the report, it says he was on lunch. I had no idea what he was on. I never said he was on lunch. He didn't disclose it to me. But how in the heck did it end up on my grievance? Medi-cal and this facility are best friends it seems! No matter how many grievances get blamed on the people and not the physician, we will proceed to report this. There is a lot of foul play at this facility and it needs to be shut down for at least 2 months for a rebuild internally. The cancer has metastisized. How's that for a diagnosis? read more

The staff at The Watson wellness center are disrespectful rude unprofessional. Unfortunately I have to give it a star to post.The Medical Board needs to investigate the staff. read more

This is the worst place ever. Appoint at 12pm. We were not seen until 6pm. Anytime you come here, the average wait is 6hrs +, no matter the time of appointment. The staff are rude. You can NEVER make an appointment by phone.(they never answer) If a same day appointment is needed, you'd be better going to emergency. The location is convenient for a lot of people, but the service is TERRIBLE. DO NOT GO HERE. read more

I grew up in this neighborhood in the 60s and 70s. I had my teeth done her by Dr Mines and Dr Jenkins. It is fitting that the esteemed Dr Watson has taken over this historic building. read more

Dr.Watson is a pro. Not only is he good at his craft. He listens! So glad that I found him. Years of pain are going to end. read more

I have been going to the James A. Watson Wellness Center for approximately 2 years. My personal physician is Dr. Omar Staples and he is the greatest, I had been running around to different physicians trying to get a diagnosis for my excruciating shoulder and neck pain. Dr. Staples got right on it and sent me for several test, including xrays, blood work and an MRI. Dr. Watson is a pillar in the community, however I've only seen him twice, he's caring, thorough and discusses whatever questions you may have and definitely takes his time with each patient. The staff is friendly and the office is clean. JAWWC is my choice for medical care. read more

Horrible. Avoid this place. They never return phone calls, and the office is pure chaos. Been there twice and will never go back. During 1st visit I had to give a urine sample. They had me leave the cup in a box with other samples under some other patient's seat in the lobby. weird, and gross. Glad I didn't have the pee sample seat. 2nd visit, made an appointment for 9:30am and arrived at 9:15. Waited there until 10:45 without being seen and just left. read more

I wouldn't even give him one star if that was an option. Terrible doctor who does not return phone calls, has no interest in being patient orientated and is a complete moron! This doctor is a nightmare to deal with, he makes every contact with him a drawn out mess and I want people to know to avoid this office at all costs! read more

THE worst. I repeat. THE WORST medical establishment I have encountered in all of my life--and I say this without ever having stepped a foot within their walls. I tried for months to register as a new patient. Every single time I called to make an appointment the receptionist would tell me that the new patient enrollment coordinator was out to lunch. At 9 am in the morning? Yes. That makes complete sense. Alright. When I confronted them about this fact and about how I had called about a dozen times before and received the same exact answer--they said they would talk to the coordinator, try to get my paperwork processed, and give me a call back (I had been waiting for over 6 months). It's been over a year and I never received a phone call. I haven't thought about this place in months but the sheer disgust I feel for the establishment came running back to me just now and I had to write a review just so other people aren't screwed over by the terribleness that is this place. Stay away. Seriously. read more

This place must be a joke. I called to make a new patient appointment and pushed the wrong extension & the staff member was "RATCHET" & hung up on me. I called back & chose the correct ext for appointments and Leslie answered & asked me to hold, [7 minutes] never returned. I called back NO ANSWER! Really? I will be reporting this place to my insurance, I pay too much for this kind of a care option. Absolutely GHETTO! Yeah I said it! read more

My experience at the James A. Watson Wellness Center has always be positive. Dr Watson is a pillar of the community just like his father was before him. There can be a wait to see your physician, but I think it's understandable because they serve so many people in an underserved community. When you meet with Dr. Watson he is very attentive and makes sure you do what you need to do to stay healthy. Preventive care is really important to him and I'm thankful for that. read more

Dr Snipes was very nice & helpful . bring a book.

What do you truly value in a doctor? All of us expect skill, resourcefulness, and if we are lucky, an empathetic human who takes time to hear us and understands the challenges illness has on daily life. Most complain that their doctor doesn't take enough time with them, and pushes prescriptions at them without actually listening to them. The other half are intimidated by their doctor, and don't feel comfortable asking questions. Dr. H. Geoffrey Watson is a refreshing surprise because he genuinely "cares" about each patient to listen to them, and respects them enough not to make them feel like mental midgets. He takes time to break down complex explanations of medical conditions, and actually does the research to "treat"the disorder - not just the symptom! Yes, he is frequently late and the office is often crowded; BUT... if you or your loved one is in his care and has been hospitalized, Dr. Watson can always be found and you can trust he is coming to see what's going on with his patient. Now, if you are familiar with physicians then you know this is NOT the norm. You are put in the care of the hospitalist - whichever doctor is on call, and maybe in a few days your doctor (if they have hospital privileges) will swing by for a brief visit. This is not how Dr. Watson practices - If he is late, it's because he's been doing rounds with his patients in the hospital or at clinic. It is because he is taking time doing the job of a physician, not out playing golf. Could the front office staff do better? Absolutely! These people represent an awesome doctor! A man who is really attempting to make a difference in the health of his patients and educate the community he serves. They should be mindful that their actions and behaviors are a reflection on the business that keeps them with a job to come too. The reason that Dr. Watson has so many long time patients is they value a doctor who they have come to trust because they KNOW he will research and pursue alternatives to find the cause of your health problem. He will fight with insurance to ensure that you get the help and care you need... and all of that takes time. So before you complain ask yourself these questions: 1. what do I value in a doctor - 2. are they interested in what I have to say 3. are they listening No, Dr. H. Geoffrey Watson is not your run of the mill cookie cutter doctor. He is Unique and outstanding as a community physician who cares about the people he serves. Not just $$$$. read more

Horrible experice had a 11.30 appt waiting over 6 hours and left in disgust. office is fifthy bathrooms have no soap or paper towels. Noone was getting seen when i was there. The nurse cant speak english that made a feeble attempt to call out two persons names that still had to wait in a different room before getting seen. read more

Worst time ever seeing a health care Professional. I should be a crime what they put Patients through. If this Clinic was in Walnut Creek, Marin or any area where people are respected the service would never fly. I have had to endure going to this clinic for over a year now. Due to my lack of health coverage and medical needs I have to been seen by the Doctors here. My health has decreased, I've invested more hours waiting to be seen then I care to admit. The Staff that attends the front window is beyond useless, rude, inept & & &. I could go on and on. I won't. Do yourself a favor and find a alternative to having to be seen here. read more

Hello Fellow UNHAPPY reviewers, My mom has been a patient of Mr. Watson for many years and I refuse to call him a Doctor due to the fact that he is not a Doctor according to his patience and his Fellow Physicians. My mom has been going to him for years mainly because he runs his clinic like a Meth Hangout. He schedules appointments hours before he gets into his office and his staff has no way of being able to assist him like they are suppose too. Dr. Snipes was a great Doctor and it was sad that he left because he was a very detailed doctor. This office has had my mom waiting from 10:15 to 6 and then refused to see her because I was complaining of how long it takes to see his patience. These people has been sick all day and some all month long and he takes his time seeing them. He has even went on lunch during times that his patience were waiting in the lobby and exams rooms. My mother was in the hospital for several weeks and the physicians and hospital social services was trying to assist in helping contact Mr. Watson and they had no look at all. When my mom went to the hospital they told us to follow up with her primary care physician within 72hours. He don't return their calls or my calls and the office does not answer the phone at all. His office knows the protocol for patience being seen within 72 hours and scheduling her appointment out for 2months later after she has been in/out of the hospital. He also placed my mom on Hospice sent her home with so many meds that she should not have been giving. The next day the Hospice nurse came and dropped off the hospice comfort kit which included "Methadone, Morphine and Lorazepam. My mother is a recovering drug addict and alcoholic she does no more drugs but I have been working on the drinking. Mr.Watson has been very rude and unprofessional toward her healthcare advocates and other Physicians. My mother had problems breathing I asked him can he take her oxygen stats she has been breathing hard. He then told me he would check the office but he never came back in the room with one. Each appointment after that I asked him to take her SPO2 levels and he has not had the equipment which fits in yo pocket even around your neck. I had to purchase a SPO2 meter to keep up with her levels. This was back in Jan 2015, as of June 2015 he still had no oxygen reader in his office. I have gotten my mom out of his office and will be contacting channel 7 on yourside. read more

Been trying to get through to them to register my first appointment for days. They just don't answer. They don't call back. Can you rely on a medical center that doesn't even answer their phone? Don't bother. There are better places that deserve your business. This place does not. read more

I would highly recommend that you avoid this office at all costs. In my attempts to schedule an appointment when I needed to see a doctor, the staff was surly, rude and unresponsive. They told me that the first appt was more then 2 weeks out and if I needed a doctor to go to the emergency room, where i would have been sent right back to them. I was a "patient" of theirs due to my hmo and could not see anyone else - obviously I switched as soon as possible. Probably the worst office experience I have ever had. read more

No star is deserved. This clinic is clearly unorganized and its obvious that the doctor has no consideration about other peoples time. Does not come in on time for his patients scheduled appointments (So I've been told), nor does any one in that clinic answer the phones, return phone calls, or follow up about results. There's people (employees) wandering around not assisting patients and talking amongst themselves. My wait time was 3 hours this past Monday, and I still didn't see a physician. The phlebotomist drew my blood and insisted I urine in a cup (when I honestly did not see any point of doing so). I was told that I would receive a call within 2-3 days about my results, and still, has no phone call been made to me. Even the basics were not taken, such as my vitals: height, weight, blood pressure, etc.. I would strongly suggest he (Dr. Watson), hire more qualified and certified physicians/ nurses, etc.. to help him with the heavy traffic. I've only been there once, and even staff say, "Oh, it's always like this", "Dr. Watson is always late." If I have to hear this from his own staff, that's how I know this is terrible service. Like they say, your 1st impression of some place/ someone is something you'll always remember them by, and I must say, this was a TERRIBLE 1st impression. Never been to a hospital/ clinic/ doctors office like this and I honestly do NOT plan on going back. Smh. read more

Piss poor. I set up an appointment in December for January. Mind you I've been holding out on going to the ER for this appointment. I was wondering why they have not called to confirm. The day has come which is today 1/29/16, and I'm not even scheduled, let alone even in the system?! This place need to be re-staffed and Watson needs to be fired. This is outrageous, playing with people's lives. I'm hoping this establishment gets closed down. IF YOU ARE A PATIENT HERE, move to the Life Long center on Ashby in Berkeley. NOT the West Oakland health center they're crap as well. read more

Terrible, just terrible. I never saw any Dr here - maybe they're a great doctor, but that doesn't help you if you can't get an appointment or even speak to someone. I called regarding a breast lump and they didn't call me back for over three weeks. When they finally called me back, the person was incredibly rude and tried to hang up on me. After going elsewhere for a mammogram and biopsy I called dr Watson's office again. When I finally got someone on the phone, they were incredibly rude again, informing me everyone was out to lunch, acting like why was I even calling them during their lunch (sorry I don't know when your lunch break is) and wouldn't give me any more information about how to schedule an appointment or how to get biopsy test results back. A breast cancer scare is stressful enough - I can only imagine what it's like to be a patient here with chronic pain or a life threatening illness. Switch your care elsewhere as soon as you can. Don't waste your time or emotional energy dealing with these rude, unprofessional people. Whatever is happening inside this clinic (poor management?) has a terrible impact on patient care. Avoid at all costs. read more

They hardly ever seem to pick up their telephone. So trying to do follow up work is extremely difficult.

The Watson Wellness center is not horrible. Dr. Watson is one of the best doctors that I know. All of the complainers sit however, when I return for follow-up visits the same complainers are there. Granted, the staff does have attitude on occasion. But how would you react to people complaining, cussing you out and being rude. Dr. Watson takes time with all of his patients. He does not rush, he answers questions and he asks questions to completely understand and administer the proper treatment. I was diagnosed with cancer. Dr. Watson put together a team of excellent doctors. So thank you Dr. Watson. And to all the complainers, why don't you just stop coming? read more

This place is a busy (or so it appears) medical clinic across the street from me, so a couple months ago I dropped by to get a persistent cough checked out. They had a pretty steep service fee, and when I told them I was low-income, they said to get MediCal and come back. So instead I had to go to county and the only access I had was ER (that's how it works, folks), and ended up with a bottle of prescription-strength cough suppressant at the cost of $1,000 for the visit, which was absorbed through the county health system low-income assistance program. In the meantime, still unemployed, I applied for and received MediCal coverage. So today I thought I'd go back to this neighborhood clinic to get a flu shot. Even though I presented the MediCal card, they insisted on cash. I told them if I had cash, I wouldn't be on MediCal (duh). They seemed unequipped to provide flu shots, and treated my request as though it were an unusual request. First of all, the medical receptionist told me she'd have to ask her supervisor if it were OK to accept my MediCal card (which is strange because nearly everyone who goes to this clinic is on MediCal or MediCare and low-income). It took her about 20 min to get back to me, and only then to advise me to try going to Walgreens if I wanted a flu shot. Perhaps they did not want to serve me because I am not African-American, and now I see the clinic prefers to focus solely on that community. Maybe they should have a sign on the front door making that clear. I was under the impression, given the foot traffic, that it was a public clinic and part of the county health care system. I insisted I was at a medical clinic and that a flu shot was a pretty routine procedure. I was told to wait and she'd see if she could find someone to help me. After an hour, I left. Just before I did, an AA woman approached the desk, said she had come for an appointment that was for 3 hours earlier, and that she had not yet been seen and was leaving without service. Judging from my experience and the other reviews here, I would say this place is lacking in basic competence and to go elsewhere. Glad I didn't get a flu shot there after all. read more