Dr. Mcnamara saved my life. She is the best! 2021 was a tough year for many people and probably the most difficult year for me personally. In summer 2021, I started having unknown reason fever and rashes for weeks and I even go admitted to hospital for over a week without any diagnosis. When I was so desperate and felt hopeless, Dr. Mcnamara arrived in hospital and checked me 5 am in the morning multiple times. She was so professional, careful, considerable and confident. She gave me tremendous help and encouraged me things were under control. She quickly made my treatment plan and got me out of hospital in several days! Since my condition needs more treatment in the following months. I regularly visited her office. Every time, I felt better and better based on the treatment she gave me. Without a doubt, Dr. Mcnamara's 20 years practice on this high professional level is a blessing to all patients she has helped! I want to say thank you again! She is also flexible on time, on communication methods. I could easily call her whenever I need any advices or I had any questions. She would just call me back and patiently answers all my questions. I have never met a doctor like this before in my life! Last but not least, Dr. Mcnamara makes patient feel comfortable. She makes you feel that you are not only talking to a super capable and excellent doctor but also a long time friend. She remembers about your conditions, she cares about your feelings and your life. Her treatment plan to patient is so well designed based on YOUR situation, not a same template to everyone. All in all, Dr. Mcnamara is an angel to her patients. I could not say more to express my huge gratitude her! read more

When you have an extraordinary member of your care team who is deserving of recognition it needs to be shared. Not because Dr. McNamara is courteous and professional, although those would be reason enough, but because of her heart. There is truly care for every one of her patients. Thank you, Dr. McNamara: My heart-felt appreciation for making my successfully treatment plan, in a word, miraculous. It began with a competent and personable doctor who provided a comprehensive evaluation and prescribed an aggressive plan of action. The team Dr. McNamara compiled were the best in the industry and provided excellent care and support. Always testing, cross checking, and personally following up on results. The office environment is relaxing and assuring. It made me feel safe and at home. Sunip, also deserve recognition as she supports Dr. McNamara. They make a great team and are extremely responsive. In short, Dr. McNamara literally saved my life. Words can't describe the faith and trust I have in her skill and ability. Forever grateful. read more

Once again Dr McNamara went a over and beyond she really cares about her patients and credit her for putting my RA in remission. Her treatment also prevented any permanent damage to my hands. She is highly recommended! read more

Dr.Mcnamara has been my Rheumatologist for over 5 years and I couldn't be happier. Every time I come in everything is super easy from reception to billing. Also, Dr's medical assistant Sunip is very very helpful too. During an appointment, I usually don't have to wait for more than 10 minutes, and Dr. is always helpful, willing and will some how accommodate same day emergency appointments. For me, if I have to choose one, the best part about Dr. McNamara is her knowledge and experience with Integrative Medicine - always natural and less invasive interventions whenever possible, neither rejects conventional medicine nor accepts alternative therapies uncritically. read more

I called on Dec. 2,2022 and all I got was a 5 minutes speech about the cost and the discontinuing of most insurances. She only accepts 2 and her fees and very high. You can only be rich to see this doctor. Just call her office and listen to her spiel. read more

Attention : If you are trying to read for Dr's review read other comments. Review for the front desk at the office: Writing a review based on the experience with the front desk who called me in an hour, she told me Dr's charges are 2800 $ .... Wow really I mean that is hefty amount you are charging there ! I have a good insurance they would have covered a lot of portion but she said besides your copay so you will pay 500$ from your pocket. I was trying to see the doctor for the first time. Scared the sh** out of me. Dr you might be excellent may be the world's best but 2800$ charge for just a new patient for Rheumatologists visit is just WOW and by the way your receptionist told me that its details we need to provide to the patient before coming. I agree I am not looking for a charity but this is way too high. BAD EXPERIENCE NOT RECOMMENDING TO ANYONE! read more

3 years ago, our Daughter became very sick. Our Primary Care Doctor referred her to Dr. McNamara. From the 1st Doctor's visit to present day, Dr. McNamara has been AMAZING! Our visits are NEVER rushed & she goes over EVERYTHING with us...i.e.lab results, helpful tips and information, etc. We are SO very thankful AND grateful for the care that Dr. McNamara has given to our Daughter along with the patience and knowledge that she shares with us to help keep her healthy! Dr. McNamara..... you ROCK the CASBAH! read more

Being diagnosed with lupus in 2016 was by far the most devastating news I've ever received my whole life. And to be quite honest I did not know where to begin, or even how to accept it, yet alone deal with it for the rest of my life. Thank you to the doctor that I work for; he introduced me to one of the best and smartest physicians I have ever met in my whole life. Dr. Melissa McNamara has definitely done everything she could so I could get my life back. When I first met her almost 3 years ago, I was nearly bald and my skin felt like it was always on fire; it was stinging so much that I felt like it was being burnt everyday. Luckily, she was very knowledgeable and knows her craft very well. My lupus targeted my joints not just my skin and my hair. And because of Dr. McNamara's help, I regained my energy back. I was able to eat, walk, run; movements that are very basic to a person. No longer do I have painful, locking joints after driving for over an hour. I no longer have scalp and face which sting so much that I felt like it was on fire. And of course, I finally got my soft, long, black hair back, that some of my friends are envious of. I can't thank Dr. McNamara enough. All I know is that I am able go through my everyday life again without worrying of having excruciating pain. Most of all, I'm able to provide and be a single mom to my two boys the best I can be. So, thank you Dr. M! read more

Dr. McNamara has been my husband's rheumatologist for several years now. He has suffered from gout for years, unfortunately, and until finding Dr. McNamara, it was never really well managed. It was always a, "buckle your seatbelt, here comes an attack of gout" type of situation, and doctors never seemed to really know how to handle it, and none seemed to comprehend the tremendous amount of pain it causes. Dr. McNamara was seriously like a miracle for him. She understands gouty arthritis more than any doctor he's ever seen. She just "gets it." She is able to pinpoint the attack with her ultrasound device and give him an injection that helps speed up the healing process. She's always very responsive when he has questions, and makes time to see him when he has an attack. I can't recommend Dr. McNamara highly enough. She's amazing. read more

Seriously.....doesn't take Bluecross and costs $5000 for first appointment? I guess she only sees the rich.

Couldn't have dreamed up a better doctor if I tried. Dr. McNamara made me feel heard for the first time since coming down with an undiagnosable illness. My biggest fear pinning down an answer was a life sentence of prescription drugs. Dr. McNamara took a very integrative approach to my healing but was also very aggressive in getting me the blood work, ultrasounds, and scans I needed. She also spent lots of time explaining foreign concepts to me in a way I'd understand. She didn't find me a diagnosis and I am still a medical mystery, but she worked very hard to help me and I am forever grateful for that! read more

This is the Doctor I've been searching for, the only problem is she isn't a GP. But, I'm so grateful to have seen her, Dr. McNamara listens, cares, empathizes with your woes. And generally has an answer or a remedy or option for you. Dr McNamara checks it all, from food allergies to vitamins deficiencies. You come away from an appointments better understanding your health, and feeling heard by your Doctor. Couple of other things, Dr McNamara has the policy of seeing new patients within the first two weeks of your call (a lot of other Doctor sometimes can't see new patients for six weeks). The Doctors waiting room is VERY relaxing, there sometimes can be a wait but you won't complain because there is candy, WiFI and a tranquil setting, take it from me, you won't complain. As I mentioned above sometimes there is a wait, but your the only person in the wait room and when it's your turn, you will be so happy to meet with the Doctor, if a wait did occur you won't think a thing about it. And trust me, I call them as I see them and complain when I think it's warranted. But I've never felt the need again because Dr. McNamara takes her time with each of the patients. The Doctor is so good, my husband actually ASKED to see Dr. McNamara for himself. Wow, wow!! That never happens. Thank you Doctor McNamara. You are the epitome of excellence! read more

I have been to too many doctors over the past four years... And it has been more then frustrating to say the least. Doc Mel is a Godsend. I would take a bullet for her. Crawl threw broken glass. Whatever. She is not only professional, but empathetic, and directs you to other doctors of the same like.. She has changed my life and with her recommendations again those doctors have changed my life. All for the better. read more

I have been to many RA doctors in the past number of years and Dr. McNamara is by far the best. She is patient, explains in detail everything, knowledgeable and brings to the table the latest techniques including musculoskeletal ultrasound. read more

I am still a very happy patient under Dr McNamara's care. Couldn't ask for a better physician. She is wonderful!!

After feeling dismissed from several other doctors, I am so happy to have found Dr. McNamara. My first visit she spent a lot of time with me, listened to my concerns and proceeded with a thorough examination. She will treat you based on the all evidence presented and not just as a lab test result. I am finally starting to feel human again so I am very grateful! read more

I had on and off joint pain for 10 years and saw over a dozen doctors without a diagnosis before moving to the Bay Area and finding Dr. McNamara. She diagnosed me immediately and we are working to find the right medication/diet combination. I cannot recommend her and Sunip enough. Hands down the best doctor I have ever seen, and Sunip is endlessly helpful and kind. At my second appoint, Dr. McNamara even took 15 minutes with me to look at my insurance options and help me choose the best one for my care. I've never met a doctor who would do something like that!! Amazing. Thank you Dr. McNamara and Sunip. read more

Hands down the best doctor I have been fortunate enough to be under the care of....:) A compassionate, relentless detective with the most current knowledge and resources who has greatly improved my quality of life! Dr. McNamara was the only doctor in a long list of doctors that was able to identify my unique medical issues and educate me on how to help myself navigate and improve my medical issues. Honestly, words can not describe how much I appreciate Dr. McNamara!! At the time of my first visit with Dr. McNamara I was very discouraged because I had seen so many doctors with no answers. I was told everything from, you may be dehydrated to we can't find anything wrong with you. I was discouraged and about to give up when I was fortunate enough to be referred to Dr. McNamara. I think Dr. McNamara was able to sense that I was very discouraged. She was not only extremely understanding of my feelings of discouragement, but she gave me great hope. And she delivered Honestly, Dr. McNamara is so much more than a great doctor. read more

Dr. McNamara is the only doctor who has listened to my medical issues, acknowledged them without rushing me out and thoughtfully created a healing plan for my hair loss, joint pain, headaches and other symptoms through nutrition. The healing plan began with an ALCAT test. This test identified food, dye and herb intolerances, including gluten. I immediately stopped consuming gluten and the other foods identified in the test. My hair stopped shedding, headaches went away and I feel more alert and less tired! She provided me with preventative reading materials and recommendations for organic vitamin supplements as well. Dr. McNamara also discusses relevant medical research from books she reads and gives me the titles to follow up. Can't tell you enough how knowledgeable she is in the area of nutrition and how it has a direct impact in overall health! She has positively impacted my life, including my children and diabetic husband. My visits with Dr. McNamara are professional, thoughtful, enlightening and most importantly, I walk away feeling like I matter. The end-to-end client experience is wonderful: from the relaxing, zen motif throughout the office, high-tech examination room (that includes an ultrasound machine) to the consulting room (her private office). It's a 'hands down' wonderful feeling to have such a proactive, reassuring and knowledgeable doctor on my side. read more

Dr McNamara has been taking care of me for years! She diagnosed me with Fibromyalgia amongst other things and her treatment has helped me tremendously . She watches me for signs of RA as my mom had it and my sister as well. She is so thorough and caring. Her office is so nice and comfortable. Sanip is great, anytime I need help (or forget my appointment time) she helps me out. I won't go anywhere else and would highly recommend Dr McNamara anytime! read more

Dr. McNamara is the best! I've been to many doctors over the last 6 years since my diagnosis but she is by far the most through. She uncovered multiple causes to my issues that had been overlooked by 4 other specialist! Unfortunately I changed jobs and my new medical coverage won't allow me to see her anymore, I'm very upset about that! She's such a great doctor I considered declining the job offer just to keep my coverage & continue to see her! I wish there were more doctors like Dr. McNamara! read more

Dr. McNamara is the first Rheumatologist that I had seen so I hadn't much to compare to until she stopped accepting my insurance and I have been on the hunt to find someone comparable. I have yet to find! Dr. McNamara is what we all wish our doctors to be, kind, compassionate, caring, knowledgeable, and most importantly, willing to admit when she needs to research further. What impressed me most about her, she was always coming to me with new information. Our appointments weren't just the routine stats. She would let me know about new studies, findings, and what alternative medications and/ or supplements could work. She was so supportive of the decisions I made, but was very honest about how she felt regarding them. read more

I have been a patient of Dr. McNamara for over a year. From the very beginning, I was impressed by her knowledge and her ability to explain things in layman terms. She is very professional and respects my personal preferences when designing a treatment (e.g., introducing natural foods in addition to drugs.) I'm very happy with her and my condition has been under control for 12 months, thanks to her care. read more

This doctor and is AMAZING! I was referred to Dr. McNamera in March 2012. She took time to listen to my history and quickly assimilated the information. She has a ultrasound machine in her office and discovered a large mass on my thyroid that had gone undetected by blood work and other dr exams. She was also able to diagnose a tear in my meniscus that caused the weakness other drs had diagnosed as arthritis. She organized a plan,connected me to specialist and followed up on the process along the way. She is extremely personable and intelligent. I Highly recommended Dr. McNamera! read more

Dr McNamara is an exceptional doctor who specializes in Arthritis/Rheumatology. She is very knowledgable and thorough in her explanation of treatment, a quality that seems to not be that common. The environment that is provided to you when you walk through her office doors is welcoming and comfortable. She has a wonderful assistant named Sunip that adds to her professional practice. Dr McNamara is without a doubt a person who clearly shows that she cares for your health and well being. She is amazing! Thank you Dr. McNamara for making me feel like I'm not just another patient. Your passion and your care has not gone unnoticed. read more

Dr. Melissa McNamara is a very rare doctor! Not only does she stay up on the latest information regarding health issues, she is also the most caring doctor I have ever met! She is open to alternative health and diet rather than just writing prescriptions and treating symptoms. She looks to treat at a deeper level taking into account the individual patient's disposition and feelings. She truly cares about her patients from the heart! I LOVE MELISSA MCNAMARA! She is a Godsend! read more

Melissa McNamara MD has been my rheumatologist since August 2013 and she's a keeper as far as I'm concerned! She's extremely smart, a great listener, patient, easy to talk to and thoroughly committed to getting to the bottom of/finding the solution tailored to whatever's driving your autoimmune issue(s). Unlike so many other MDs who rely on high volume-stay in a narrow box way of treating patients, Dr McNamara is up to date, organized, and passionate about understanding and helping you through your individual health journey. I highly recommend and look forward to working with her for years to come! read more

I've called 3 times to make an appointment and all three times the office has said they will call me back. Not one call back. If they are too busy, that's fine just say we aren't taking new clients. I'm happy to go see another doctor, don't make me wait and then not return 3 calls. Can't really talk about the doctor since i've never gotten an appt. read more

In regards to Dr. Melissa McNamera, she is a very friendly, caring and highly attentive rheumatologist. Having been to a few other Rheumatologist's, I was aware of the quality of care Dr. McNamera gives as compared to the others. The first time she saw me, my lupus was very active. I had a lot of inflammation in my body. I was also on dialysis. She helped me get the inflammation down and she found out I had celiac disease. That was such a relief to know I was celiac.. she helped me with my nutrition as well.. she advocated for me to have a kidney transplant, which has come to pass. And now I feel 100% better. My lupus is in remission and my new kidney is working perfectly.. I am so thankful for having her in my team.. thank you doctor McNamera I highly recommend her for anyone having rheumatoid problems, or lupus. read more

I looked high and low for a rheumatologist that was open to alternatives beyond simply prescribing meds. Dr. McNamara was the only one I found who is also a naturopath. She advocates for a complete lifestyle around health and ameliorating your condition. She is extremely thorough in her labs and regularly uses them, and ultrasound to closely monitor inflammation. She works independently, so sometimes it takes a little longer to get lab results, but once the results come in, she takes time to carefully go over them with you to make sure you understand what's going on. Many doctors talk at you as if to show how smart they are, but Dr. McNamara has conversations with you about your condition and available options. It's empowering and healing to have her on your side. read more

Dr Melissa is a kind, caring, compassionate, thorough diagnostician and physician. I spent several years being treated by her and always felt comfortable. She listens well and never rushes you. read more

Melissa McNamara M.D. is the most caring and amazing physician I have met! She truly cares about her patients and it shows. I never feel rushed at my appointments, and gives me all the time and car I could ever need. Dr. McNamara is very knowledgeable about Rheumatology and pregnancy. I have been a patient of hers for 4 years, with a pregnancy in the middle and I could not be any happier. I could go on for hours about how much I adore & love her as a physician and now as a friend, she is simply amazing!!! Dr. McNamaras assistant Sunip is awesome as well! She works to get things approved and is always on top of calling patients back. The entire office staff is great! read more

Dr McNamara is the best. She is very sympathetic and empathetic. She is very detailed and takes her time examining her patients. My first appointment was 3 hours in the room with her. It was the best 3 hours I could have spent. When is the last time you spent more than 15 minutes with any doctor? She sets the standard in healthcare. I have been to more than 20 doctors in the past 5 years and the majority of them couldn't add up to one Dr McNamara. She treats you like a human being. Not like a file folder she read on the way from her last appointment as many doctors do. I was having a lot of problems and I felt like my symptoms were somehow connected. It turns out that I got mercury poisoning from having all of my metal fillings removed the traditional way which is totally unsafe. If you think leaving the metal fillings in will protect you, then your wrong. My sister left hers in and they are making her very sick and turning her gums black. She is having to have her teeth removed because they are worried she will be poisoned further by removing just the amalgams. Anyway, mercury is not present in the blood after a couple of days, so if you've been tested for mercury with a blood test, then you need to get a hair and urine test. Then have a professional review the results. You probably will not show positive for mercury because it's hides in your organs. Instead Dr McNamara is looking for Deranged Mineral Transport. She can explain more. If you have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, then you owe it to yourself to see Dr McNamara. She is a great patient advocate and she will reach out to other doctors on your behalf to attempt to get you some relief. Unfortunately, you can't teach the kind of person that Dr McNamara is to other doctors. If your medical insurance doesn't cover the visit and you have to pay out of pocket it is totally worth it. I did and it was the best thing I did to help myself. I'm on the road to recovery and Dr McNamara's treatment and diagnosis finally is giving me hope. Time will tell, but I believe Dr McNamara is saving my life! Thank you doc! read more

I am a 63 year old arthritis sufferer who has been under Dr. McNamara's care for the better part of two years. My particular form of arthritis is pseudo gout which is rarer than most other forms and it took a few sessions with Dr. McNamara to definitively diagnose. During these sessions she was extremely thorough in her explanations of arthritis and its various forms along with the various treatments and the pros and cons of each. She sought my input with each treatment decision and her collaborative approach is one that I very much appreciate and have not experienced with any other physician. She is extremely knowledgeable in her field and has an obvious passion for her profession. From my personal experience I can also sense the genuine compassion she feels for her patients. For anyone suffering from joint pain I highly recommend a consultation with Dr. McNamara. read more

In 2015 I was told I needed to see a rheumatologist. My primary doctor recommended her. At first I was hesitant because I didn't think I needed one, but after my first visit with her, I wanted her to be my primary doctor. She spends a lot of time with you and listens to your concerns. She really cares about her patients. She does not rush you out the door. She's a great doctor and she does not put you on prescription medication, she gets to the root of the problem. My gastro doctor had me on different prescription medications for IBS and acid reflux, Dr Mcnamara recommended some natural drops and it helped with all my symptoms. I really don't need to see her for anything anymore, but I go to her for my blood work and just to get her opinion on what I should do if I have a health question. I love chatting with her because she's a very intelligent and sincere doctor. I can't say enough about her other than I HIGHLY recommend her. read more

I was in desperate need over a year ago, I heard of Dr. McNamara from a close friend. I was unable to get into any other RA Doctor. I Love her!!! She is the most caring Physician I have ever been with. I hada relapse during her vacation I contacted the office and left a message, not really expecting a reply. She checked in everyday with her office and called me that evening, then prescribed meds to my pharmacy and then proceeded to follow up with me everyday until she returned home. I have personally never not been able to get into see her at any time. I feel that she is conscientious, caring and a great physician!! And I have recommended her to all of my friends that might need her services. read more

I am a 48 year woman, and soccer enthusiast. I found Dr. Melissa McNamara on Yelp and decided to schedule my first visit. I was impressed from the start with Dr. McNamara's thoroughness. I went in because I was in the middle of a five week Phlebotomy internship and my hands were very sore and swollen. I was also limping after a double header of soccer a few days earlier. My first appointment led to the discovery of not only arthritis in my hands but torn ligaments in my ankle, as well as a change in my thyroid condition. Dr. McNamara uses ever diagnostic tool including, active listening, ultrasound, blood work, and in my case a visit to an outside lab for other imaging tests. She is interviewing me to help diagnose problems I didn't even know I had. While we are still in the diagnosis phase of treatment, I have the utmost trust and respect for her as a physician. Due to her in depth treatment, my thyroid disorder is being treated in a more complete manner. And I am taking precautions with my ankle while continuing to play a sport I love. I look forward to my continuing care with a gifted and compassionate Doctor. I know I will be feeling a great deal better soon, and not just writing the pain off as aging. Since going to Dr. McNamara I've discovered just how well thought of she is as an arthritis specialist, from other patients and even lab workers! Sheryl T. read more

Wonderful Doctor. She listens!! She was able to diagnose my problem, ran tests and was able to start administrating medication to ease the pain. I am already feeling like my old self. I would recommend anyone that has rhuematoid issues to see her, you won't be sorry. read more

I had seen numerous doctors over a two-year period. None of them was able to pinpoint the cause of the health issues I'd been experiencing. I then booked an appointment with Dr. McNamara, thinking that an arthritis condition might be at the root of my issues. I'm so glad I made that appointment. She helped me more than any other doctor by ordering extensive tests (pricey, and am glad I have good insurance) that allowed her to correctly identify the root problem. She then prescribed the correct medication which eliminated the issue altogether. She's a rheumatologist but it turned out that my issues weren't arthritic in nature at all. Because of her enlightened, holistic, whole-body approach she was able to set me on the right path. I feel better than I have in years and am grateful to have this wonderful person on my healthcare team. read more

McNamara is great doctor. Due to my medical condition, I have seen MANY doctors from India and USA. I have no hesitation to say that McNamara is the best doctor I have met till now. She is compassionate, knowledgeable, prompt, through, and has all the qualities of a great doctor. I am running out of adjectives to define McNamara. I think every patient of her is fortunate to have her as a doctor. She is doing a great service to the mankind. read more