Lisa is incomparable!! She is awesome ! She totally humanizes doctors! Melissa is superb !! Very competent and knowledgeable! read more

She is my mom's Primary Care doctor and is very knowledgeable and kind. Great to work with and have peace of mind with my mom in her care.

I found Dr Capaldini to be negligent and uncaring. I came to her as a "concierge" patient as I couldn't find a doctor who accepts Medicare. First session went fine although her friendliness was over the top. Second session: in a rush, borderline rude, does not bother to listen to my heart or lungs A few weeks later I called because of deep pain in my stomach. Left a message, never returned the call. Asked to refill meds: neglected to call the pharmacy. Avoid. read more

I've been seeing Lisa Capaldini for about 30 years! What a lifesaver she's been for me. She's very

Lisa Capaldini is the best physician a person could wish for. She is smart, thorough and very empathetic. I can say with certainty that I am alive today because of her careful care. If you can see her, do so. read more

Dr. Capaldini comes across as a compassionate doctor who really cares about her patients. I begin seeing her earlier this year after leaving my doctor of six years, and our first consultation went well. She spoke about her love of animals, and her desire to be connected to her patients. All good, right? Yep, until today. Today, I was informed that Dr. Capaldini will be switching to a "concierge services" model, and will now be charging $1800 ($2000 if you can't afford to hand it all over at once) for the privilege of being her patient. That is ON TOP of what she will be charging your insurance company. Her argument, on paper, is that this model pays more attention to preventative medicine, therefore it's better. When I called her office to speak with someone about it, however, I was told the reason for the switch is that she has almost 2000 patients, and that it's not sustainable for her to continue doing so. When I asked if she could perhaps just see fewer patients, I was met with silence. The bottom line is, this doctor is ensuring that going forward, she only treats people with money. Considering the horrific state of healthcare in this country, I find it deplorable that she finds this an acceptable model. I'm disgusted that she is trying to put forth the notion that she is somehow doing something noble. She is not. She is acting on greed, and she should, as a friend pointed out to me, be publicly shamed as such. read more

What a disappointment. After waiting five months to get an appointment I finally got in. Other than some vitals, and her feeling my neck, hair and back, that was it. No further exam on my first or second visit. I understand from other patients that she has a bit of "mojo", and is somewhat unorthodox in her exams, but considering the symptoms I was having I really expected some deeper examination. As for being treated as an individual, well...I didn't really get that either. I got the sense she's phoning it in at this point. The whole "call me Lisa, send a photo of your pet and a holiday card" thing was rote. I'm less interested in being on a first name basis with my doctor than I am on having first rate care. Fabrizio at the front office is an absolute jewel. He is Dr. Capaldini's best asset. Can't say the same for her other staff. read more

The very bestest smartest doctor ever. And she has pictures of her dogs and her patients' dogs all around the office. She has a very full practice so it's not necessarily easy to become a new patient. Once you become her patient, getting an appointment rightfully means that her very competent office gets those with more urgent needs handled first, but still always gets every one taken care of. And once you are there- she LISTENS to you as if you are the bestest smartest expert on your own experience and as if you have opinions about your options that should be taken into account. Then, AFTER she hears you, she uses her extensive and always very up-to-date knowledge of the body to give you all the options including alternative methods if you're open to that. Because she is trained as an internist, and I think she is one of the best, you can know that she has had a more comprehensive training regarding adult diseases and their prevention and detection. But Dr. Capaldini, although she has the brain of an urban genius, has the heart and soul of the kindly country doctor. LGBT friendly (also nice to those strange straight folks- hey!) and did I mention the puppy dogs. read more

Um- ok- Lisa's been my PCP for 15 years. I moved to SF when I was 18. Had nobody. She's been like a second mom to me in so many ways... just namely, that she *listens* and she truly, truly cares. Her staff has always been amazing and incredible, as well. She recently lost her 2 longtime office managers, when they decided that after 20 years- they just didn't want to work in medical offices anymore. I'm still in touch with one of the two- and it wasn't political or weird. One went empty-nest, and the other decided she just never gave herself an opportunity to figure-out what she wanted to do when she grew-up... and that it was her husband's turn to pull the weight, while she took some time off. Understandably, it's a tough task for a staff of total newbies, to take-over running an office that had been run by the same 2 women, for 15-20 years. The 2 prior women were a very tight/tough act to follow, and yes- I had my own "issues" with the newbies not being acclimated as a multi-year vet of the office would be- but my word, they're human- and getting up to speed just fine, now. Lisa is as honest as it gets. She was a major trailblazer in the late 80s and early/mid 90s, pioneering AIDS treatments (pharma and holistic), AIDS patient rights, specialty issues that the LBGT community face with medical care and ethics, etc. I was just a weirdo/shy punk-rock straight kid from the Midwest with a nasty asthma problem, in SF for art school and to blow things up. The two didn't go together too well- and in she worked her magic. Nobody else coulda convinced me to simply take better care of myself, in addition to popping the pills and huffing the puffs she carefully (and sternly) prescribed me. Very knowledgeable, an activist's heart, and as honest and human as it gets. I owe her so much. Just recommended her for a friend over IM- he forwarded me this- so I figured I'd chip-in my $.02. read more

Headline: Truly extraordinary care with changes coming that can only improve healthcare outcomes for everyone. (Sub Headline: No, she did not pay me to write this...) I have been seeing Lisa as a patient for over seven years, but I've been a fan of hers for over 15 years given her early and groundbreaking in vivo contributions to HIV treatment research and neurology. The number of times she has gone above and beyond expectations is uncountable, including somehow fitting in a same-day consultation with a relative that was in a crisis. For many years, it has been clear to me that her model of health care is not sustainable given the way that insurance companies and medicare now work, as she provides the deepest level of personal care with the almost unheard of ability to keep eliciting what is going on until all that should be said is on the table. I wanted to add this review now because although the new model of care Lisa is introducing hasn't yet been implemented, I have spent the time to research her plans and I am very impressed with how Lisa will transition her practice with minimal impact to those who do not wish to move to the concierge service the additional charges would bring. Many other top notch providers use a Physicians Assistant model where the routine sessions are handled by the P.A. and the Primary Care Physician is brought in to consult when anything out of the ordinary occurs. This will be the model patients not opting for the concierge service will receive, except that patients in her HIV practice will continue to receive primary attention from her. Change is often challenging, and it is human and easy to anticipate that any change will make things worse, but I would encourage everyone to chill and stay in communication with Lisa and her office in order to ensure ultimately she can make her practice workable for those who rely on her. read more

Lisa is amazing. She's the doctor you've always hoped for. Patient, kind, caring, funny, direct, honest, friendly, smart, thoughtful, and effective. Her staff rocks too!! read more

Been my primary doctor since I've lived in San Francisco (7 years now). She's simply amazing. If I need to see her I can almost get in the same day if I call early enough. She's a great listener, very personable and real. She'll give it to you straight up! read more

Lisa (and that is what she likes to be called) is the doctor I always wished I could have. And now I do! She doesn't make you put on a stupid paper robe. She seems like a real human being. She has a personable, unrushed manner and ask a lot of intelligent questions. Her advice ranges from more alternative suggestions such as Feldenkrais training for my problem with tendonitis to more western approaches when she thinks they make sense. read more

Dr. Sterman is hands down the best doctor I have ever had. She is compassionate, pragmatic, and has a bedside manner that puts her patients immediately at ease. The questions she asks are always very thoughtful and important (she doesn't shy away from awkward topics that contain important medical questions to be asked, believe me) and I always feel as though I can be 100% honest with her without fear of judgment or a lecture. She is difficult to get in to see as a new patient but the wait is worth it and in the rare but unfortunate instances when I've had a pressing medical issue arise in the past few years, her office has always gotten me in the same day. I've had a few non-urgent questions come up and when I've left her a voicemail Dr. Sterman herself usually calls me back with thoughtful advice and/or probing questions the same day. It is treatment like this that makes us as patients feel secure and cared for, and that peace of mind is priceless. SF (and the world, really) needs more doctors like Dr. Sterman! read more

In network doctor, but will only accept you, if you pay an out of pocket expense, for her all access 24-7 concierge service. This service costs $2000 and this cost is not covered by your insurance. read more

Dr. Capaldini has been my primary physician for 25 years. If that doesn't say it all...! She listens carefully and, in turn, asks questions. She's successfully helped me through several medical issues and crisis. I trust her completely. I find her compassionate, very knowledgeable, personable and relatable. I couldn't ask for a better doctor. read more

I'd give her 10 stars if I could. Lisa is the best physician I have ever had, bar none. She's been my doctor since 1996. She listens to you, never treats you like an idiot for asking questions (she encourages them, unlike many physicians) and her sense of humor and bedside manner are second to none. Regular patients benefit from the ability to schedule appointments often on the same day if they have an acute problem that they want to be seen for right away. I'll never go to anyone else if I can help it. I think it's sad that Tom G. felt it necessary to trash Lisa for what sounds like a misunderstanding. If you make an appointment with and see a doctor, you have to expect to pay for that. I've always found that, if requested, Lisa will call you back personally within a day or two to answer questions. read more

Lisa is caring, knowledgeable, pleasant and efficient. I have been seeing her for several years now and couldn't be more pleased. The insurance companies have been making it tougher and tougher in recent years for doctors in small practices to survive, and that pretty much necessitates that they charge for their time. But I've never had the sense that Lisa puts money before patient care. I wouldn't leave her practice if you paid me. read more

Both my partner and I have been Dr. C's patients for 10+ years. Even though we see her very infrequently (once or twice a year), she's the best doctor I have ever had. She is smart, professional, personable and knows what she's talking about. I feel very fortunate to have such a great doctor! read more

Hello I been seeing Dr Lisa Capaldini seen 1994 one of the best Dr I'm Highter recommend she is Fabulosssssss Bravo por my dear LIsa Capaldini Nelson D'Alerta read more

I'm very disappointed by Dr. Capaldini's choice of the new model too. I like her a lot and I respect her right to restrict her patients to a few patients a year. Here's how the math works out from my point of view: I already pay for a high deductible insurance to the tune of $400+ a month. I see her maximum 3-4 times a year if that. So, if the $1800 is in addition, now I'm paying $450-$600 in addition to her normal fee of $150. That;'s $600-$750 per visit (in addition the monthly insurance premium) . All that money comes out of my pocket as it goes toward the deductible. Frankly, I would not pay that kind of money for any primary care physician. I totally respect Lisa's right to practice medicine in the way that suits her life needs the best. Sadly I will have to look elsewhere for a primary care physician. I will miss seeing Fabrizio too! Its truly sad that a once noble profession of healing people has gone down the path of dollars and cents (in no way targeted at Lisa but my general feeling about medical care in the USA). read more

My partner and I were patients of Lisa's for many many years. I am prompted to now write this review after just receiving notification of changes in her practice....to met more needs of her patients.....I strongly agree with those who comment on the non existent physical exams....no contact at all.actually...strange for a medical Dr. My partner and I shared 38 years of our lives together before she died from lung cancer almost four years ago. Long story short...After struggling through Lisa's new office staff just to deal with insurance issues my first visit with the good Dr. after my partner died was an unexpected and avoidable disaster if Lisa knew how to do the right thing.... I was treated like a naughty child who disrupted her practice and told that "six months out" after my partner's death I should be in a better state of mind than I was....She asked me what I would tell one of my patients if they were in the same same place I was in then (I am a psychologist), so through my tears and a broken heart I told her....Good thing she is not a mental health professional although she should have some of those skills!!!! If you don't need emotional support, empathy or understanding then she might meet your needs. If you need medication she might meet your needs but if you need an empathic person with a sense of her patients well being especially in a time of crisis and not oppose your needs to the needs of her office staff then look further. Oh, if you want a doc who will treat your dog well , better than she treats you, then she's your person.... The disgust and humiliation I felt leaving her office that toxic day still lingers...But should I ever be in a situation with a dr who can't deal with real emotions and backs office staff so cold, mean spirited and rude I will walk out before I even step inside. Ever suffer the loss of your life Lisa....I think not. read more

I have to throw this up as their office staff is just so unbelievably rude. It is impossible to assess the quality of a "great" doctor when the people who answer the phone don't seem to believe they are involved in a service industry. I have called at least 3 times and each time I get shouted at, told she doesn't take new patients, hung up and basically had offensive rude responses to polite questions. Any doctor who allows this stuff to continue is really doing a disservice to the community. I am sure Dr. Capaldini is great and competent and I would have loved to have seen her. I hope she sees this and gets her office's act together.... read more

At one time I would have agreed with other, positive reviews here. But unfortunately, I think her good reviews have made her arrogant and dishonest. I found this out firsthand when I had a question of general policy that could have (and should have) been answered by her staff over the phone. Dr. Capaldini's receptionist said I'd have to come in for an appointment, which I did. Dr. C answered my question, I thanked her, and went away. Then she billed me for it! I thought that maybe her staff had made a mistake. But Dr. C defended it, then misremembered (or lied) about the event, saying that the charge was justified because she'd given me an "exam" -- which was untrue. What a disappointment! I hope none of you existing patients even encounter this arrogant, capricious side of her. And those considering her should just look elsewhere. read more

So she wants $1800 up front on top of what you already pay for the insurance. Otherwise you can see an RN for 10 minutes. Dont think so doc. read more

I searched for 7 years to find a doctor who listens and acts in my best interest and found Dr. Capaldini. I've referred strangers and friends to her because I believe she manages patient care with the highest possible integrity. She listens, evaluates and acts to ensure the best possible care. I can only echo all the reviews about Dr. Capaldini being such great a physician. When she introduced the concierge concept, I thought about it and decided that of all the ways in which I spend my money - dinners out, clothes, shoes, purses, coffee, vacations, etc., the most important of these is ME - my health (because you can't buy health) and my happiness (because being healthy contributes to being happy). Do I want an awesome physician to look after me - absolutely! And I consider myself so lucky to have found one in Dr. Capaldini. read more

Doctor Capaldini is by far the best PCP I have ever had . I moved from from NYC to SF around 2005. Dr . Capaldini came highly recommended ; that was an understatement . When you are dealing with Chronic Illnesses and other illness as well , Lisa is the best hub of the wheel you could ever hope for. I have 11 Doctor's and Doctor Capaldini makes sure all Md's are kept in loop and she stays in the loop as well. No so easy these Days to find any MD who is so devoted to her patients. On a personal side She is kind, compassionate , tells it like is ; however is always Hopeful. The thing is that you as the Patient need to do the work with Her to get better. That is what I love so much about her approach. She is one of the only Md's that welcomes your input , when you have a lot going on in your Body and Mind She ask what is most important to you A- being tired as a side affect of a certain Med or perhaps being Nausea's. From another . B- when there is a choice , she is the first to give you that choice. C - without a doubt . I would not be in a Human experience Today with a positive outlook; without the help, care and guidance from , Dr. Lisa Capaldini. * FYI - for those who do not want to take responsibility in their Health Care along with their Doctor and expect the Doctor to do all the Work ; perhaps Lisa might not be the best choice for you . Again, Lisa is very compassionate, emphatic , caring and REAL. She has GREAT bedside manner as well. I have had Md's who just told me what to do period . That's just not for me. This is just one Story that is very true. Once you speak with Doctor Capaldini , ALL THE ABOVE WILL WILL BECOME VERY EVIDENT read more

I just opened my letter announcing Lisa's new model of care and I am sad that I will have to find another doctor. She has been practicing for 30 years and has the right to slow down. I have been well treated by her and her staff and I certainly do wish them the best of luck in their new endeavor. PS I stayed with the practice and am very happy with my NP Adrienne. I know that she will run anything past Dr. C if needed, so I have stayed a patient with this practice. read more

It speaks volumes that as a retired physician, I viewed Lisa as the only viable choice for my primary health care provider. Our Dr. - patient relationship stretches back over twenty years (from the early days of her office with Dr. Reiff). Her affability, attention, & courteous, down-to-earth manner have made her one of the more sought after providers in this city. She provides an amount of "charity" care that few would consider. Lisa is not only thoroughly professional, she is demonstrably humane & deeply caring as well. As for the fellow whinging about being charged for "asking a question", he should realise that if you come into any professional office & utilise the expertise of said professional, YOU ARE GOING TO BE EXPECTED TO PAY. Why some cretin would expect to be able to get medical advice/information free is beyond reason. Just another symptom of a person suffering from toxic levels of "entitlement". read more

I feel lucky and I am proud to call her my doctor. My first visit she said she had 3 rules: 1. send a photo of any animals i had 2. send a holiday card, and 3. if something was bothering me for more than 2 days to call and make an appt. those are the questions you only dream of a doctor saying. nuff said. read more

I feel honored to be one of Dr. Capaldini's (Lisa) patients. She is smart, compassionate and as far as I'm concerned, doesn't jump to the conclusions most doctors do solely based on one's appearance. She is the best thing that has happened to me in a long time. I can't say enough great things and I agree with all the other great comments as well. read more

Yep. She's the best. My primary care physician for 20 years now. The office staff is great, too. Oh, yeah, Doctor Aldo (Lisa's Australian Shepherd) is a wonderful addition to the office. read more

Lisa Capaldini is the BEST doctor you will ever find. I have never had a doctor that spent so much time with me on each and every appointment. And she really listens. I feel so lucky to have found her!!! read more

I have had two great docs'. in SF and am soo lucky that Lisa was able to add me to her list of patients'. She is the most compassionate and thorough doc. available. She treats everyone great and that includes your pets'. She recently gave me an exam I was very nervous about and did it in a snap. I absolutely love her and she is so smart. Balances' the harsh side-effects of some of the HIV drugs' to fit your personal needs'. I have been uber healthy since I started seeing Dr. Capaldini! I adore her staff as well!!! read more

Yeap, Doctor Capaldini is fabulous in every way. She is thoughtful and kind, more than competent, very experienced, respectful and funny. She gives you what you need every time, tells you when you're "off" on your own diagnoses but usually lets you down gently. She's been my doc and my all-time-favorite for many years now. She was a particular blessing for my migraines and my pathetic Italian sense of humor. read more

Everything you will read about how amazing Lisa Capaldini is will be true and more. She is just extraordinary. The type of doctor that actually you want to "make happy" by being a good patient. Within the first 5 minutes of my visit, I felt I had known Lisa for years and had more rapport with her in those first exchanged than in almost a decade with my previous doctor. I cannot praise her and her office team more. read more

Lisa is the finest physician I or my partner have ever seen. I started seeing her in 1995 and my partner in 2004. She always takes whatever time you need to answer all of your questions and take care of all of your concerns. While we do miss D & D, the new office staff are wonderful and have always been helpful to us on the phone and in person. Since moving from SF we miss having Lisa available to us, but she has managed to help us twice since moving even though we live 480+ miles away now. read more

Lisa is the greatest. She's a very lovely person and an awesome doctor. She is simply the very best. She's got only 5 stars for a reason. !!! All the people who've written about Lisa are not kidding, and I can't add anything better - she is just great. read more

I went yesterday for the first time to meet Lisa and I totally agree with all the people who've written about Lisa. She's a very lovely person and an awesome doctor and I can't add anything better, she is just great! read more

When it comes to M.D.'s one has to be extremely careful. This person is going to be taking care of you for the duration & if you have an on-going illness or condition, well that just makes the whole thing that much more important. Lisa treated my Domestic Partner & I for many years before we jointly decided to leave the practice. Let me be Clear! She is not a bad Dr., she just seems to toe the line a little too close, from time to time, for my taste. She prescribed a well known wide-spectrum anti biotic, that she knew he was resistant to, for a condition my partner had. When we inquired with the Physician Assistant, she said Lisa's a Witch Doctor & sometimes she does these things w/out making sense. My complaint is experimentation on my health, w/out my permission, is unacceptable. The other complaint that I had was the amount of personal interaction we had was minimal, Back when she had an accident of her own & very nearly died after severing her femeral artery, we hoped she'd be more sympathetic to her terminal or acute patients. I'm afraid she couldn't have been more distant. It seemed to me that she was uncomfortable w/emotions regarding her patients. One of our problems was with her Office Manager, at the time, & I've recently heard she has left for personal reasons, so this part of my criticism is no longer a problem, but I do believe it goes to the heart of a problem there. This Mgr. was an abrasive & difficult person, unfortunately she was the person we had to go through to get to Lisa. Often we felt we were being set aside because this woman didn't like us. Not even a hint of Professionalism & when we complained to Lisa directly, well I got the feeling she wasn't even listening. She, Lisa, wouldn't even consider our complaint. I hate to claim sexism I really do, but there was no other feeling for me. I got a very specific feeling in the office that women were the preferred clients, although she operated an HIV Practice, in large part, at that time. Finally, I was constantly annoyed with the lack of appointments available to see her. When I'm ill, I want to see my Doctor, not a Physician Assistant! I realize that she attends conferences & has a life outside her practice, but what good is going to seminars around the world many times a year, if you aren't in the office enough to put these newly learned skills into practice. I could go on further, but I don't want to make her seem too awful. I had a very bad experience after experiencing a relatively good experience early on in our relationship w/her. Just be informed & BE CAREFUL! read more