Great Internal Medicine Doc! Thorough, up to date, follows through -- excellent Doctorread more

I saw Dr. Welter a couple year's ago and honestly, this (in addition to another visit at PAMF),…read morereally made me dislike PAMF and their doctors. It was my first time seeing her and I wanted to have an annual exam. I understand doctors are busy but so are the patients so I specifically requested the first appointment of the day, which was at 8:30AM. I had a meeting I needed to leave for by 10:30AM so I figured the 2-hour window would be plenty of time. I showed up 20 min early to my appointment to do paperwork and waited. And waited and waited and waited. I wasn't seen until 9:45AM (even though my appt was for 8:30AM) and the first 15 min was spent just her taking my history (and me patiently waiting for her to type it into the computer). I explained to her that unfortunately I needed to leave by 10:30AM, to which she gave me that I should have allotted 1 full hour for the exam. Okay, my bad, no one informed me that an annual exam would take 1 hour. But then I explained to her but my appointment was at 8:30AM and I half-expected to be seen by at least 9:15AM, not 9:45AM. Then she scoffed and told me in a condescending tone: "well you should have come early for your appointment then". WELL I DID. I CAME 20 MINUTES EARLY SO DON'T TELL ME I WAS LATE. And i specifically requested first appt of the day so this exact thing could be avoided. Either give me first appt or LET ME KNOW. Judging on her other reviews, maybe it was just a bad day or whatever but it left such a sour taste in my mouth that I would never recommend her to anything, let alone any doctor part of PAMF. Oh, and then 8 months later when I needed to see my PCP because of some medical stuff going on, I was told that she was booked out 3 months in advance. So, what, I'm ONLY supposed to go for routine exams? What the hell do I do when I actually need to see them for something?

I saw Dr Balasubramanian yesterday. I would be giving her 5 stars but I scheduled the appointment…read morein early December & had a long wait. Her staff was pleasant, I had a little bit of a wait and I thought that she was going to rush me as she was running late. That was not the case. After a long time, I was very surprised to hear a physician ask me tell the whole story of my symptoms & to start at the beginning & describe everything, not just bits & pieces. She knows her stuff, is very thorough and gave me a detailed game plan of what our action items are going to be over the next few months. I highly recommend her.

Dr. Balasubramanian is THE BEST!! She listened to me as I explained symptoms I thought were…read moresciatica and she came back with osteoarthritis of the hips. Within an hour I was in X-ray and by the next day she got back to me with the results just as she suspected:). She's wonderful and has such a pleasant bedside manner. She takes her time with you and listens which is so important. I have since had hip replacement and no need for anti inflammatory meds. I highly recommend her and if I ever need a rheumatologist, it'll be her!!

Dr. Tumuluri is an awesome doctor. Very patient oriented, listens to his patients. Compassionate…read more Professional. I wish he would go back to San Mateo he is really missed!

Dr. Tumuluri is the most helpful and most communicative doctor I have ever had the pleasure of…read moreworking with. I went to see him at his Pacific Heights office in San Francisco after being diagnosed with Psoriasis, coupled with what was assumed to be Psoriatic Arthritis. My symptoms were severe and fairly debilitating. He acted with urgency and, over the next year, showed an unparalleled level of persistence in dealing with extremely frustrating insurance companies and specialty pharmacies to get approval for medications to keep me healthy. Because of his commitment and the help he's given me, I consider him a great friend. :) I highly recommend Dr. Tumuluri. No need to read up on anyone else. Your search should stop here.

My symptoms started a while ago, feeling sore, tired, but nothing that seemed necessary for a…read moredoctors visit. Then, my thumb started feeling "weird" -- and happily ignored it. That was until my thumb would wake me up in the dead of night and it was bent in this "L" shape -- and the pain was excruciating! What the ....? So I go to my regular MD and he tells me it's trigger thumb. What on earth is trigger thumb? Oh, of course ... nobody knows the exact cause. Lovely. I'm referred a hand specialist, and get a cortisone shot. Let me tell you, I'm like Lance Armstrong without the cycling and the lying. I LOVE steroids, and happy to admit it! The shot worked like a dream!!! Now the bad part is MORE fingers are acting weird, and my toes too! Really? I felt like I aged 25 years over the course of 5 months. Now I'm exhausted, my fingers are swelling. I can't get out of bed, and I have no idea what's wrong. The hand specialist told me NOTHING except I can do research online and see what I find. You. are. joking. Seriously? I want to be paid a boatload of money to tell people to " figure it out themselves" -- that sounds like a sweet career! So now I'm looking stuff up and all my symptoms are pointing to rheumatoid arthritis. Geezuschristcriminycrapoop! I go back to my regular doctor. I tell him something is terribly wrong. More tests. All signs are pointing to rheumatoid arthritis. After a bit of research, I find out this is an autoimmune disease. One of my fingers became so swollen I simply had to stop using it. My pain is 24 hours a day, I simply can't take it anymore. My GP referred me to Dr. Patel, and off I went to her office. Before my first appointment, a questionnaire was mailed to me to fill out before I arrived. Major bonus points since it was incredibly long and I had to call family members to find out what our health history was. It was great to fill this out weeks before instead of scrambling to figure this out in the doctors office. When I arrive for my appointment, the waiting room is large and clean, and you don't feel paranoid not to touch anything.The staff was nice AND attentive, you're not met with annoying stares or simply being ignored. I felt safe, it seems like an odd statement, but for the months of pain and fatigue I've endured -- it was nice to feel safe somewhere. Meeting Dr. Patel is a breath of fresh air. She is a soft spoken, very gentle woman -- and she is just what I need in a doctor. She looked through my questionnaire, and followed up with more questions and tests. The facility has most everything on site, so I didn't need to travel the globe for random tests. So I get my blood work and MRI's done "in house". Dr. Patel asks a lot of questions, and makes sure I understand everything that she is explaining to me. Never have I felt rushed by her, and she and her entire staff make me feel comfortable with my treatment and explain everything in detail. She is located in a facility with a few more doctors, and there is a lot going on. I feel a sense of calm amongst the hustle and bustle within the medical center. I've been in treatment for a couple of months now, and so far I feel as if I'm on the right track. The amount of pills I take now is exasperating, but it sure beats the pain and fatigue I was feeling a while back. The sad news is I'll have to take medication for the rest of my life, but if I'm on the path to being back to my previous self ~ then count me in. I've been debating on writing this, since I feel like I'm putting my personal life out there in the Yelp world, and also selfish since I don't want Dr. Patel to become so busy I can't come in for my regular visits ~ or lose my Duchess title.

Been here three times, and each time the wait is about 45 minutes. For people with pain issues,…read morethis is a big deal. I tried calling the office to discuss serious side effects and after two tries and three weeks, no response. I went off the medication finally after getting through to the GP. She also run extensive tests, and no one ever calls with results even when there are positive results.

A Well-Oiled Office…read more.... Pros: People are top of the line. Good location and parking. Cons: Waiting room is often crowded. Office interiors are a bit frayed. Suggestion: Patients - Be flexible with your schedule. Dr and Staff - Declutter the office and give it a fresh coat of paint. Star Ratings: - Overall: 4 - Scheduling: 5 - Waiting for Appts: 4 - Location: 4 - Waiting Room: 3 - Wait Time: 4 - Technicians: 5 - Dr Hirschfeld: 5 - Office Environment: 3 - Billing: 4 - Parking: 4 - Restrooms: 3 ( needs more cleanup ) It's probably just a sign of age. When you're 11, you go to the orthodontist for braces. When you're 61, you go to the dermatologist, gastroenterologist, internist, opthamologist, podiatrist, rheumatologist and, of course, the urologist...not to mention the chiropractor, physical therapist and dentist ( if you have any teeth left ). So it came as little surprise I needed to see the cardiologist. When I first noticed some scary symptoms in 2009, such as chest pain, my primary care physician heartily recommended me to Dr Hirschfeld. A series of tests at that time revealed no problem, but when similar problems occurred recently, I made a fast dash ( maybe a brisk walk ) back to his office. - Scheduling: The calendar belongs to Patty, Dr Hirschfeld's receptionist. She's very good at juggling appointments which is necessary since the caseload seems quite high and the wait for non-emergency procedures is rather long. - Waiting For Appointments: Depends on the severity of your situation. My initial "stress test" was scheduled within a week of a request, possibly because it came from my doctor. Something was a bit suspicious, but the follow-up "stress echo" took 3 weeks to get on the calendar. Your flexibility in hour of arrival will also be rewarded. My job limited appointments to the afternoon. - Location: In a "relatively new" building at the west end of the Good Samaritan campus. 15 years isn't new, but compared to 40 in the main hospital it is. Good access to nearby roads. - Waiting Room: Fairly small, especially for the number of patients seen by the 3 doctors who share the facility. There are many magazines to read, but you might do so standing up or elbow-to-elbow with a neighboring chair. - Wait Time: Not too bad, considering the high volume of patients. Apart from completing any paperwork, plan to sit for 5-15 minutes. - Assistants and Technicians: Everyone I met seemed conscientious, friendly, knowledgeable and understanding of pain which is particularly important as the treadmill accelerates and incline is raised until your face turns red. Once your blood pressure reaches a certain level and you're about to "cry uncle", they'll help you recover at your own pace. - Dr Hirschfeld: For a guy with seniority in the profession, he's surprisingly energetic and highly involved. On both occasions, he answered all my questions and made time to double-check the symptoms. That's in contrast to my experience in 2009 when I feel he didn't take my issues seriously. - Office Environment: About as you'd expect...busy, a bit cluttered and shopworn around the edges after many years in the same location. - Billing: Efficient. They get your insurance information up front and paperwork is handled behind the scenes where it belongs. I've only to cover a co-pay at each appointment. - Parking: Plenty in a parking structure to the north plus scattered spaces to the east toward Good Samaritan and the older, single floor medical offices. Overall, I'd recommend Dr Hirschfeld and his staff. It's like a well-oiled machine... although a bit overworked.

I can't recommend this office enough! Compassionate and…read morethorough..you couldn't be in better hands. They don't make them like this any more. Dr Hirschfeld I thank you and your office.

Called to make an appointment for a foot related issue. DO NOT GO HERE!!…read moreThe call center staffs inability to generally help people is HORRIBLE!! The process to make an appointment is ludicrous! The staff won't tell you in detail is is expected of you. First time I called they said my doctor didn't "fax" over the authorization to see the doctor. So I called to have them fax over the authorization. Once they received that they would call me. Of course they received the request but I had to call. So I called and of course they did receive it, but then I said "if you received the fax why didn't you call me, I had to call your office." Just blah blah blah from the office staffer. Then she puts me on hold, comes back and then says my primary doctor has to fax the authorization number and that she can take it over the phone, which moments before I just told her the authorization number. THIS OFFIVE PERSON IS A RACIST! DO NOT GO HERE!!!

agree with rickie b!!!! terrible in every way lost my x rays horrible! do not go here!read more

She's an excellent, caring doc. She takes the time and thought to explore difficult cases that…read moreother doctors sometimes give up on. This is particularly true for the rare immunological disorders. I find her office staff, especially Diane, to be very helpful.

My appointment was at 2 pm. Waited an hour before being seen. This is my 2nd time here and I…read morestill don't understand how they scheduled their appts. I am looking into going someone else as my time is valuable too.

I received the best quality care with Dr.Miller & his P.A. Irfan…read more I had a total hip replacement with Dr.Miller in August, and I have recovered beautifully. They have taken great care of me, my recovery went well, my follow up and questions were answered in an extremely timely manner. I highly recommend Dr.Miller and his team.

Dr. Matthew Miller did a great job on my total knee replacement, (right knee)…read more Staff was personal and professional. I am amazed everyday at my ability to engage in every day activities without pain. I am back at work full time, enjoy yoga weekly and walk for exercise as much as I can. I am so glad I did it and really glad Matthew Miller was the doctor who performed the surgery.

They Don't Make 'Em Like This Anymore…read more.... Dr. Ronald Restifo decided to retire at the end of September. You might reasonably ask "why write something about a person who will no longer be treating patients in 3 weeks?" However, as readers of most of my reviews know by now, I write essays and try to offer context for an event, situation or an ordinary meal. Short attention spanners can look to the pros, cons and star ratings at the bottom. Dr. Restifo is a rheumatologist...a doctor who treats conditions where your auto-immune system is out-of-whack and working overtime to defend against a perceived threat in the body. The most common of these circumstances is rheumatoid arthritis and its sibling, psoriatic arthritis. Like most "illnesses", the results can range from mild to incapacitating. Fortunately, the progression of my arthritis was arrested about 4 1/2 years ago before I experienced anything more than stiffness in the hands and one finger permanently bent at a 30 degree angle at the third joint. That actually helps with typing, but I wouldn't recommend it as a typical solution for most people. Strangely enough, my wife noticed many of the same symptoms about 2 1/2 years ago. She went to Dr. Restifo and her condition is also fortunately under control with just some moderate stiffness in various areas. We both give ourselves a weekly injection of Enbrel, watch our diet carefully and exercise 3-4 times a week. Keep in mind rheumatoid arthritis is not the same as osteoarthritis which usually results from "wear and tear" or the loss of cartilage between bones. Treatment for that condition can be very different. So far, this is simply a story...one of many available on YELP...where a doctor helped his patients. But this is where most of the similarities end. My wife and I have been lucky through the years to have a group of doctors who really care about us as people...perhaps more than as patients. A visit with Dr. Restifo is, in some ways, like a walk back in time. Not that he carries a small black bag from room to room in his office or makes house calls, but in the questions asked and curiousity shown. Of course, he's interested in the behavior of our rheumatoid arthritis, though that often appears secondary to how everything else is feeling, including work, home and, yes, the stiffness in our body. When an exam is finished, he shakes your hand, looks you in the eye and smiles like a proud grandfather. I wish we could talk more about his hobbies, like traveling, but I usually need to get back to work. Now, it's true some of my acquaintances in the medical field state Dr. Restifo is "behind the times" regarding the latest diagnosis or treatment. I can't confirm or deny those claims because I'm not an expert. But sometimes you just need to go with a gut feeling. Here's a guy in his 70's..in practice since the late 1950s..who I've personally seen at least 4 times a year for 5+ years and will spend 15, 20 or 30 minutes with you to determine "what's going on" with his patient. How many of our younger doctors do that...either because of cost prohibitions or they just don't know how? Dr. Restifo will be missed. However, there is good news! Most of his patients will be able to move with his office mate of the past several years...Dr. Lynda Lee, a highly regarded rheumatologist in her own right...to a large rheumatology practice at El Camino Hospital in the former "Los Latos Community Hospital" on Pollard Road. And, several of their great co-workers will also make the move, including "nurse" Mary Lou and at least one of the receptionists, a very efficient, always multi-tasking youngish woman with a hint of a southern accent. Pros: A wily old doctor who became a friend to his patients. Cons: Retirement was inevitable, but why now? Star Ratings: - Overall: 5 ( the rest doesn't matter because the office is closing in late September )

This review is way way overdue. Dr. Hobson treated me over six years ago, and I'm still grateful…read morefor the care I received. From the first appointment, she listened carefully, explained everything in plain language, and made sure I felt heard -- not rushed. She was thorough, compassionate, and clearly at the top of her field. A year prior I was misdiagnosed at Kaiser and given a glim outlook. What stood out most of Dr. Hobson was her incredible knowledge in the field, and amazing follow-through. She caught details other doctors missed, laid out a clear plan, and checked in to make sure I was actually improving before jumping to recommending surgery. Six years later, I still credit her with getting me on the right track. If you want a physician who combines real expertise with genuine kindness, Dr. Hobson is exceptional. I recommend her without hesitation. Also, negative reviews about wait-times might be true but in my book it's worth the wait as she spends lots of time with you once you see her. She is very thourogh hence it takes time. You could tell she truly cares about getting things right, not just a quick checkmark visit as with most doctors these days. Six years later, I'm still thankful I found her. Exceptional doctor, exceptional human.

I had been putting off getting a colonoscopy for about 5 years because I really didn't like the…read moreidea and couldn't find a doctor I felt comfortable with. I actually chose a couple of doctors before but ended up canceling both times. Finally, after more searching, I found Dr. Kristina Hobson in Los Gatos. To be honest, when I first walked into her office, I was already looking for an excuse to cancel again. But once I spoke with her, I was really impressed with her knowledge and the way she explained everything, so I decided to keep my appointment. Today was my procedure at Silicon Valley Surgery Center, and I had such a great experience. The facility was clean, calm, and very nice. Every single person I interacted with was wonderful. From the front desk to Barbara, who helped review my paperwork everyone was kind and welcoming. My first nurse, Kay, was incredibly nice, knowledgeable, and professional. When she went on break, Nicole took over she was also amazing. I'm not a fan of needles at all, but she did my IV so gently and with so much care. Then Kat, the third nurse, took me to the procedure room she was kind, calm, and very professional. Dr. Michael Block, the anesthesiologist, was excellent. He actually texted me the night before to ask if I wanted to review everything ahead of time or on the day of the procedure, which I really appreciated. We exchanged a few messages, and then he spoke with me again before the procedure and explained everything clearly. He was confident, knowledgeable, and very reassuring. In the procedure room, I fell asleep within seconds and woke up quickly afterward feeling great. Within about 30 minutes, I felt completely fine. I was even able to take calls and respond to emails. And now, about Dr. Hobson ,she is truly a 10 out of 10. Honestly, the entire experience was 10 out of 10. From the office to the surgery center, every single nurse and staff member was exceptional. I'm a very detail-oriented and perfectionist person because of my job, so I don't say this lightly. Something I was so scared of and postponed for 5 years turned into such a smooth and positive experience. Thank you to everyone