First visit: I did not get the impression that he was paying attention and taking into consideration what I was saying. He seemed disinterested. However he did authorize the tests for vitamin, mineral, & metal levels, food allergies, and cortisol/adrenal function, which I was grateful for. He also prescribed me Glutathione, which I thought was kind of odd. I later looked at his website and saw he had previously written a post about the wonders of something called "Glutathione." I'm wondering if it was a nutritional fad he had caught on to and was prescribing to everyone. The second visit was a lot better. He told me the results of the previous tests. He seemed a lot more chipper and personable, although a bit rushed. He didn't really go into detail or interpret them, but he said I could read them at home and said if I had any questions I should email him, as that is the best way to reach him. I emailed him a few questions (one was particuarly time sensitive.) I received no response. But it was really the third visit that sealed the deal. He remembered NOTHING. First, in this appointment he now tells me that I shouldn't email him if I have questions, calling is the best way. (So which one is it?) Then he asks many of the exact same questions he previously asked and I had to describe the same symptoms that I did the first time. He responded in the same lukewarm manner. During the second visit, he prescribed me a bunch of vitamins and supplements. During this third visit, he makes no reference to ANY of them to check on how they were working for me. Instead, he prescribes a whole new set of supplements and leaves me in limbo on what I should do with the ones I was previously taking so I had to ask him. Some of the newer supplements that he tried to prescribe me contained an ingredient I was allergic to, too. Even though I don't expect him to have all my allergens memorized, I do expect them to compare them against the ingredient list of ANYTHING he wants to prescribe me, and if he still is going to prescibe them to me, assure me ahead of time that it's a small enough dose/safe enough form to be nonreactive. But he left me to read the ingredient list and then ask him. So by that time I was having doubts about his response. During the second visit, he asked me if I was taking chlorella. I said I was, just one tablet a day. He told me that wasn't enough and I should up it to six. So I did and started having bad reactions. I told him this at the third appointment, and he asked me how many I was taking. I told him six. Then he tells me that's too much. I had also previously told him I was eating a completely 100% healthy diet, and SPECIFICALLY told him: *I had cut out all refined sugar, refined carbs - in particular white flour and white rice *I limit restaurants these days for fear of MSG (which I've become incredibly sensitive to), especially Chinese restaurants unless I know ahead of time they don't use it. *My body cannot physically handle MSG. I have one spoonful of something with it and right away get bad reactions and have to throw the entire plate away. (Yes, it really does work this way for some people.) But this also means I know if something has it. Well, in the third visit when talking about nutrition he asked me: *Do you eat a lot of white rice? *Do you go to Chinese restaurants a lot? (And then - he proceeds to tell me that I should be careful of Chinese and Asian restaurants because of MSG!) I don't expect doctors to remember everything I say word for word but I do expect them to remember main ideas (i.e. I eat 100% healthy these days), or at least have taken notes and looked at them before the appointment. Better yet I expect them to have some idea of who the patient is that they're seeing. For $250 (the price of his follow-up visits; the initial visit is $400) I could have -- and have -- done better by myself. There are also other questions that he asked and things he didn't remember that are better left not written here. After seeing such glowing reviews on here (some of which seem to have disappeared -- odd) and on his website I am wondering if this is the same Dr. Joel Lopez, MD, CNS. He did authorize the tests I wanted which is why he gets the second star. But as far as any explanation that he gave me, or any supplement that he prescribed me -- I am fairly versed in this kind of stuff and there is nothing he told me that I either a) didn't know already or b) couldn't have found out myself by googling it or going to any of the number of holistic/naturopathy websites online. It's true that his credentials are impressive (which is one reason why I went to him in the first place) so I'm wondering why there was such a disparity between that and how he managed my appointments. As far as the office staff goes - take em or leave em, but it's Dr. Lopez that I don't feel comfortable going back to. read more

My wife and have been seeing Dr Lopez for almost 8 months and folks I gotta tell you I couldn't feel any better! He was absolutely thorough with our labs going over each finding in detail. Then he spent some time discussing the various supplements that we should be on since we both lead very active lifestyles. Dr Lopez has also allowed me to email him anytime. What service! How many docs allow you to personally email them. And he is swift with his response. If you want a top quality MD who is professional and knowledgeable go see Dr. Lopez and his windfall staff! Tell them Dr McMurray sent you! read more

I have been a patient of Dr Lopez for the past 9 months and must say I have never been more pleased with my doctor/patient relationship! Dr Lopez is not only an excellent doctor .... he takes the time to actually LISTEN to you closely. Not all doctors have this skill! Dr Lopez uses many therapies to help his patients. He is really up on the latest and greatest new therapies. Unlike many doctors who got out of med school 20 years ago and have not kept up on new developments in medicine! And I would definitely second the comment from Faisal Q. on here, that Dr Lopez is much more concerned about the health of his patients than getting perks from the pharmaceutical companies! He rarely prescribes ANY medications unless it is totally necessary. Most of his therapies involve supplements and detoxification. In other words healing you from the inside out! Dr Lopez has been working to heal me from the inside and by using preventative techniques. Unfortunately I have a serious neurological problem that has not responded to these treatments. This has necessitated me also seeing a neurologist. But, Dr Lopez has been tireless at suggesting things that may help me.. . he advised me to try Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy .... which sadly did not seem to help. But the main point I am trying to make here is that Dr Lopez continues to work hard to find a way to actually CURE my illness! Many other doctors would have just said my condition is not treatable and would have prescribed tons of medications to make me feel better without curing me! Dr Lopez, as my primary care physician, has been quite open-minded about helping me with a new medical protocol that is a very promising treatment for my neurological problems. He listened to me describe the protocol ... and wholeheartedly said he would work with me on it. He had to fight with my insurance company to get me the right dosage of medication I need for this protocol. My other doctor, and I am afraid MANY doctors, would NOT work with me on this! It is great to have a good doctor who listens to you and is open-minded enough to try new leading edge treatments in order to help his patients. The only small complaint I have is that the front office staff at his office is not very efficient. I am told this is going to improve. I hope so, as it is a shame for the office staff to not be up to the same level of competence as Dr Lopez. He deserves a much better office staff... and hopefully this is going to happen soon. But, that said, I would not stop seeing Dr Lopez based on a few problems with the office staff. Doctors like him are few and far between. I would recommend him wholeheartedly to anyone! read more

When my husband and I moved to San Francisco almost 3 years ago, the first things I needed to do were find a doctor and a naturalpath. I suffer from chronic fatigue, hypothyroidism, low hormone levels, sudden weight gain, and depression. For many of these I need to see a naturalpath (because some doctors don't believe in chronic fatigue syndrome), and for others I need an MD so I can get prescriptions. But Dr. Lopez is both in one! He believes in the power of holisitc medicine and alternative therapies and uses them whenever possible. However, he also also has a medical background to test for and treat those things that truly need the hand of western medicine. Over the last few years, he has helped me start to loose weight, increase my hormone levels, libido, and energy, and get my thyroid back on track. Whether it's help with weight loss, hormone dysfunction, or instruction for proper nutrition, Dr. Lopez is the man to see. read more

As a patient of Dr Lopez I cannot express enough how happy and grateful I am. He is very perceptive and listens to my particular issues. I am a heathy individual, who has made the pursuit of health a lifelong study and I see that Dr Lopez has his finger on the pulse of the most cutting-edge medicines available today. I came to Dr Lopez for stynosis of the cervical spine from years of horseback riding, something that is common to riders and manageable, but in my case was aggravated by a trauma. I was all of a sudden experiencing constant mind-numbing pain in my right arm (in fact my right arm was numb) due to the inflammation of my C5, C6 and C7 disks. I was at my wits end - I could not sleep for the pain. I am not one to resort to pain killers, as they merely mask the dis-ease. Luckily, I came across the Preventative Medicine site through a friend and when I read Dr Lopez' bio I instinctively knew that he in particular was the one that could heal me. Not only did he get me pain free within a matter of weeks with a careful mix of minerals and supplements, through blood analysis he looked at the big picture and cured my health and pain issues on a cellular level. Now my hormones are in balance, my skin is radiant, I have boundless energy and I feel like I am reversing the aging process. Everyone tells me I look younger, and I certainly feel younger too!! In this seriously toxic world we live in we owe it to ourselves to make heath our top priority. Dr Lopez is keenly aware of the science that is available to us if we choose to live with health and wellness. I very much enjoy my time with him as a patient, as each time I make breakthrough discoveries on my life-long road to health. Christina de L read more

I have gone to him a few times over the years and he is excellent! He may seem as if he is not giving you as much attention as you want but thats because you have to go through the tests and treatment and you will not be disappointed, The best in SF for HRT. He is expensive but as expensive as a first rate doctor and you will see real results and more for the price you pay whereas with others you will pay the same and see very little to nothing and waste the money in the long run. He will continue to follow up as much as you would like with results. The only thing I was a bit disappointed with is that he is difficult to reach and its difficult to schedule your first appointment with him but that could be because of covid too. If you do see him you will be very happy which is more than you can expect since HRT in the SF Norcal region is simply not treated well. Even if you find someone that says they do, then be cautious, since I found very few others have the expertise and/or willingness to treat it as comprehensively as Dr Lopez. read more

Dr Lopez is great. He listens to ALL of your problems and discusses them with you. He takes a preventative approach and wants to heal you from the inside out. I highly recommend everyone visit him to see what the difference is between someone who cares about your health and someone who is simply looking for another free dinner from the pharmaceutical companies. read more

I actually look forward to going to see Dr. Lopez! It's been about four years now and I can say that my health is sooo much better since I've been seeing Dr. Lopez. it all started when I began having terrible, debilitating migraines. I did some research on my own and found that hormones were most likely the culprit - in my case, with the onset of peri-menopause, I had monthly headaches that left me incapacitated and bed-ridden on some days. I went to see Dr. Lopez and he did an exam, we chatted a bit and he ordered a blood test. We went over the results in detail and he had me start on a regimen of supplements as well as bio-identical hormones.The results were fantastic! Not only do I suffer far less from migraines, I also sleep through the night (something I hadn't done in years), I have more energy and ZERO PMS, which I had suffered from since I was a teenager. Also, Dr. Lopez is kind and considerate and incredibly easy to talk you. He takes his time with you and I never feel like he is too busy to see me. I have also recommended Dr. Lopez to a couple of other folks who are now his patients. Actually, if you are a woman in your thirties or forties I would highly recommend you see Dr. Lopez to get the low-down on hormone imbalance. It's been an incredible journey and I one wouldn't have changed one iota! Thank you Dr. Lopez, for all your wonderful care! read more

Dr. Joel Lopez has balanced my hormones naturally and dealt with my nutritional deficiencies very effectively allowing me to feel healthier, happier and with more energy. He is a forward thinking doctor who treats the cause of the problem rather than the symptom. He developed an excellent doctor patient relationship showing genuine interest and concern for my health. I never felt rushed when I was talking to him. He enjoys educating his patients on health issues and provides suggested reading material so patients can become active participants in their health. It has been a wonderful experience for me. Several of my friends are now being treated by the doctor. I highly recommend Dr. Lopez because in my opinion he is the "model doctor of the future" Mirta Luque read more

Dr. Joel Lopez . . . now at SFPMG in West Portal. With parking! What could be better? One of the world's greatest doctors, one who actually listens to and works with his patients for their ultimate health, and who now has office space in a wonderful neighborhood in San Francisco, with parking available. By meter and also in a lot behind the building. And, it's right on the Muni Metro line. Who could ask for more? I personally rate Dr. Lopez with five stars -- it is an understatement -- for he helps keep me living long after nephrologists determined I'd be dead. He has saved me from taking a pharmaceutical prescribed by one, when it is clearly stated in the literature, that that particular drug is not to be used by patients with kidney stenosis . . . my diagnosis! Dr. Lopez not only keeps me feeling at the top of my health, but he has also been keeping my husband ticking, despite a diagnosis of an aggressive prostatic cancer. We both feel healthy, and look healthy to most people who see us and we can still thoroughly enjoy our family and our lives. Dr. Lopez also heals with humor . . . and a large measure of TLC. Again, the question, Who could ask for more? To Dr. Lopez, I say: THANK YOU! To others, I wish you good health and hope you have a chance to get to know Dr. Lopez. read more

I've been a patient of Dr. Lopez for over two years. I found Dr. Lopez to be very professional and friendly. I also, appreciate his knowledge of traditional and alternative medicine. I haven't found this combination, to this degree, before. I was approaching burn out, low energy both physically and mentally. Dr. Lopez helped me to get more energy and to achieve a level of overall health that I thought would take years to get back. I'm grateful I've found a doctor that I can trust with the care of myself and my friends and family. read more

Dr. Lopez is an outstanding physician!!! I came to him, depressed, overweight and deeply unmotivated to change my situation. A friend recommended Dr. Lopez to me, and after taking a while to get my act together to go see him, I'm very glad I did, and I could kick myself for having waited so long! Dr. Lopez has made a huge change in my life. Because of him I've lost a tremendous amount of weight and more importantly my mental outlook has done a total 180!!! I knew right away that I'd found the right physician for me as he really took a lot of time to listen to everything I said and then he asked very in depth and insightful questions that I think resulted in uncovering what the underlying issue really was! And with the bioidentical hormone therapy he put me on, it changed everything! I think the best thing about him is that he is really willing to go that extra mile in understanding your problem and presenting you with treatments that address the whole you. Five Star for Dr. Lopez!!!! read more

If true health is what you are looking for, this is the MD you've been looking for! A visit to this office isn't your typical wait 30 minutes, put on the gown and wait another 30 minutes to see the doctor for 5 minutes. Dr. Lopez listens to what you have to say, asks questions, and gets you on the road to wellness with preventive medicine - homeopathy, biofeedback, nutrition, immune system support, chiropractic, chelation and IV nutrient therapy, and aromatherapy are just some of the things you will find in this office. Don't come to this office looking for a prescription for antibiotics though; Dr. Lopez treats the cause of dis-ease, not the symptoms. His knowledge is vast and he keeps up with the latest therapies by constantly attending conferences, workshops, and seminars. This is my first year through a cold and flu season without either and without a flu shot. Thank you Dr. Lopez!!! I haven't felt this good in many years. read more

I have been seeing Dr Lopez for an about a year now for anti aging and skin problem (eczema). I am grateful to found Dr Lopez as he is extremely helpful, knowledgeable and attentive with my needs. I had been suffering with eczema for years. I have seen about 4 different dermatologist and none of the antibiotic medication ever work for me but only made my skin thinned and dark. Dr. Lopez will not just treat the symptom of the disease but will also treat the root and cause of the problem. Ever since I started getting nutritional IV from Dr. Lopez not only made my eczema A WHOLE LOT BETTER my skin looks radiant and younger. Seriously, I also suffer from acne but ever since the treatment I don't get them anymore. Dr Lopez also gives me tons of advices for Anti Aging & Nutrition which I am very grateful because at my age I started to care about more of my health and skin. I want to age gracefully and to look and feel healthy!!! Even my boyfriend started getting treatment from Dr. Lopez and we both love him!!!! read more

I saw Dr. Lopez for about 6 months and spent a couple thousand dollars trying to get my hormones straightened out. He charges over $430 for an "up to an hour" phone consultation. He was late for the call, sounded like he was sitting in traffic. I could hear street noise and honking. He seemed uninterested in my questions. He kept trying to wrap up the call which made me feel pressured to get off the phone. We talked for 8 minutes. I was told that I could email him with questions but he never responded. I had to follow up with his assistant who finally got him to respond and he replied with 1 sentence that ignored most of the content in my email. Isn't the whole point of seeing a functional medicine doctor that they pay attention, get to the root cause and offer you holistic solutions? He wanted a quick conversation, then to run some tests and give me a prescription. He didn't keep notes on our last conversation or have my records handy. "Can you remind me what you're taking?" He got my prescriptions wrong multiple times. He's not reliable. He seems checked out. He often works from the Filippines and has an assistant here who only answers the phone 2-3 days a week. I'm now seeing a functional doctor who is professional, attentive, informed -- worlds better than Dr. Lopez. There are much better doctors out there. read more

Amazing. I was referred to Dr. Lopez over a year ago and never really followed-up until 5 months ago when I was 25 pounds overweight, exhausted and tired of not feeling well. From my first appointment with him until now, it's been a great journey. I've lost 23 pounds, have boundless energy and feel great. Literally, in the past 5 months, I feel better then I have in years, about 18 years younger to be exact. With my commitment to myself, Dr. Lopez' guidance, extreme knowledge on supplements to help my body get 'back into balance' and introducing me to cyclical hrt, I can't wait to see how I feel in 6 months, a year... He always listens & teaches me so much about living well. I am so glad to have found Dr. Lopez, he is phenomenal. read more

I believe in evidenced-based medicine that involves taking food-based supplements and then testing for results. Dr. Lopez helped me lower my Homocystine, Lipoprotein, and Fribrinogen levels and this reduced my risk of a heart attack. I feel much better now and never have heart palpitations. I agree wholeheartedly with Dr. Lopez's integrative medical approach. On the downside, I sometimes get frustrated with the way Dr. Lopez handles paperwork. read more

I began to see Dr. Lopez about 5 years ago when I realized I needed help dealing with debilitating symptoms brought on by the sudden onset of the Change of Life. I was experiencing severe night sweats, sudden weight gain, fatigue, anxiety, brain fog, itching skin, & confusion, among many other things. I hadn't slept for over 6 months. I felt as if the life was quickly being sucked out of me, & that I literally was slowly dying. Actually, I felt that if this was how the rest of my life was going to be, that I didn't want to live. I also felt completely unable to control or "fix" my well-being, something I was not used to at all. Dr. Lopez listened to my story, & asked questions about my life that went far beyond the immediate probelms, & taking a wholistic approach that encompassed age, hormone balancing, diet, supplements, emotional well-being, detoxification, & exercise. Since I lived & practiced a very healthy lifestyle, most of my problems revolved around hormone balancing & supplementation. I began taking bioidentical hormones. Within 48 hours, my night sweats COMPLETELY disappeared!! I felt as if life was returning to me, & I immediately began to feel like my normal, healthy, balanced calm self again. It did take a number of months to adjust the hormones & find just the perfect balance between side effects & benefits, and over the years, as one grows & changes, things must be re-balanced & adjusted. I have my hormones checked every 6 months, & we touch base & adjust as needed. What I find particularly valuable about Dr. Lopez is the fact that he allows me to be very pro-active about my health & well-being. I am a person who has always been extremely sensitive to any drugs & medications, & to the slightest shifts in hormonal changes. What is "average" & usual for others often does not work for me. I usually need half of what others take to get the desired optimal results. Dr. Lopez LISTENS when I talk about how I feel , & goes not just by numbers on the bloodwork, & allows me to adjust by how I FEEL. That is very important to me. I would venture to say that anyone who wants their physician to give their expertise, but then also take into account the patients real-life experience, that this is invaluable. I would highy recommend Dr. Lopez. Besides being a wonderful physician, he is also a lovely person. And if you are wondering if his anti-aging regime really works, well, just look at some of his own pics!! ;) read more

Dr. Joel Lopez continues to have office problems. You can often call multiple times and not get responses or answers. The people answering the phone seem clueless. You feel as if information is being held hostage unless you make and pay for unnecessary appointments! read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Lopez for 1-1/2 months now and I am happy to say that the quality of my day-to-day life has improved significantly. I came to see him with a number of issues and so far things are going very well. Dr. Lopez is an expert, he seem to have all the answers to my health issues. I appreciate the fact that I can send him emails when I have questions or concerns and he's very good with responding, usually within a day, something I couldn't do with my previous "traditional" doctor. I am grateful to my friend who told me about Dr. Lopez for I am now seeing a doctor who truly cares. Thank You Dr. Lopez, I wish you only the best!!! read more

I have been seeing Dr. Joel Lopez since Nov. 2005, He has really helped to improve the quality of my life! I was having a miserable time with peri-menopause symptoms and I had an under active thyroid. He has worked with me on other issues as well. I highly recommend him to my friends and clients. I live 156 miles away from SF but he has proved to be well worth the drive, I have not been able to find any Docs that meet his standards closer to home. I find it refreshing when I come into his office his friendly staff always remember me. He is always attentive and takes his time to answer my questions. If I am unable to make it into the City, I have arranged telephone consults in the past and have arranged to get my blood work done locally. He really has worked with me and I greatly appreciate his care. If I forget to ask a question when I see him, I just shoot him an email and he gets back to me within a day or two. If you are looking for a partner in your health care do your self a favor and schedule an appointment, you won't be disappointed! read more