It is pretty hard for a Doctor to receive a low rating because most people would rather move on than leave a bad review, but Dr. Shaikh breaks all barriers. Unfortunately, my experience with Dr. Shaikh was so negative that I have to comment. In summary and in my opinion only: * The practice is dysfunctional and inefficient. (Admin does their best) * Dr. Shaikh is rude, overbearing, egotistical, controlling and opinionated. * Multiple, confusing and dysfunctional online portals * Doctors other than Shaikh appear to have very little autonomy which leads to you effectively not being treated by the person actually seeing you. For the record the admin staff and other practitioners at Soluna health are nice people. They have a fantastic Acupuncturist as well. Unfortunately Dr. Shaikh, in my opinion has absolutely the worst bedside manner of any Doctor I have experienced in my 67 years! Eg. When I was really sick with Covid at home early in my experience with her, Dr. Shaikh decided to pay a home visit. (Well thats nice I thought!) Unfortunately for some unknown reason, she couldn't find my house (hard to believe with Google directions) Instead, she got lost and left me a verbally abusive and angry voice mail saying she couldn't find my house because I must have given her an incorrect address and would be charging me for the visit! I immediately tried calling her back and also through the office but she wouldn't take the call and moved on. Of course with terrible Covid Symptoms I was really in need of care. Unfortunately I didn't get it that day! More recently, after a five day wait due to Thanksgiving and availability of a doctor at the practice, I presented myself with swollen glands+throat and also a CT scan showing a diagnosis of borderline bronchiectasis. I really felt by that stage that I had some serious ongoing bacterial infection and was literally begging for some immediate treatment with antibiotics. The doctor I saw (not Shaikh), tested for covid (I never got the results) and discussed the possibility of Amoxicillin but sent me on my way saying she would consult with Shaikh and let me know how to proceed, she also gave me a way to collect a sputum sample from my cough if possible. She did no other testing. 24 hours later I was informed that they wouldn't give me any Antibiotics until I was able to deliver a sample (from a deep, very unproductive cough). I knew I needed a different level of care so I decided to go to an alternative provider and was tested for Covid, RSV and Strep throat and received results in 45min. The result ws positive for strep and I was immediately given a solid antibiotic and feeling better writhing 36 hours! Thank goodness I decided to take my care into my own hands and go to what I believe is a much more functional competent health care provider other than Soluna Health. I have now changed to a PPO that will allow more flexibility and better choices when it comes to Primary care physicians. read more

I have been with Dr Shaikh for over twenty years. She has worked with me throughout my late fifties to my late seventies. I have experienced a quality of proactive care of that many would envy. I haveworked with Soluna Health'w health professionals and recommend each of them: Jated, an physio acupuncturist , Lauren Zieglers sleep program, Syndee's , fitness training and diet training. Dr Shaikh's Soluna Health sorks well for me. read more

I have been a patient for 15 years. Dr. Shaikh is a caring doctor who has always been there for my family, and her preventative approach to medicine has allowed us to lead active and healthy lives. read more

I was a patient of Dr. Shaikh for 1 1/2 years. She was my PCP. At first things went well. I told her about my type 2 diabetes, medications, lifestyle, exercise routine, etc. I had a physical and was recommended several vitamin supplements (by a consultant) I proceeded to purchase and take. Everything went well until my coverage changed and she took over my prescriptions. She reduced my Metformin without telling me and wouldn't renew my insulin. It was HER goal to reverse my diabetes with exercise and a plant-based diet, no more medication. I liked the plan at first, but she wouldn't budge or adhere to my request to gradually and successfully make this transition. It had to be done NOW, that's the only way. I didn't feel that she was listening or working WITH me on thus. This was the final straw. I changed my PCP, but went 2 full months without insulin leading to a 10.3 A1C. Thanks A lot. Shauna her assistant was great though! Always friendly and flexible with appointments, made me feel at ease while drawing blood. The whole facility in Sausalito is quite nice, very relaxing so you don't feel like you're at a doctor's office. There were other negative faults Dr. Shaikh displayed as other reviewers have stated. She was insistent that I talk to a therapist and join AA or NA because I partake in cannabis edibles. I don't smoke or drink, but that's not good enough apparently. Also she has concrete convictions about COVID-19 vaccines, distribution and availability opinions, recommends the debunked "steaming" 5 x a day to kill COVID. The bottom line is that Dr. Shaikh was not the doctor for me. I felt her Doctor/Patient rapport was one-sided (her way or the highway). read more

I so rarely leave social posts and never a negative one...but, be warned about this doctor. She is opinionated and combative and treats adult professionals, such as myself, like children. Careful, when she asks you to stop in the office to discuss something as you will find a big bill afterwards...even if is to pick up something when she is not there?! In addition, she goes on vacation for long periods of time leaving you in the hands of second rate substitutions. The office makes you pay an annual fee of $250ish and once I fired the doctor a few months in to the year, they declined a prorated credit. This is unlike a lot of offices whereby the policy is to refund a prorated amount if you are unhappy with the clinic. Very frustrating. read more

It is amazing to see that so many past patients, now including myself, have independently raised common lines of concerns over issue with her behavior. I was under her care for a few years; I did not read those reviews at the beginning because I only visited her twice a year with minor medical issues. However, lately, I have started noticing major issues that I will outline below. For fairness of this review, let me touch upon any positive aspects of her practice first. Once you get hold of her, you may find that she is available even at short notice and she may spend significant time at the clinic with you. Among the major concerns I have, the most significant one is her integrity and truthfulness. I know I have to be extremely careful to call anybody a falsifier, but I have several lines of episodes with evidence. I also bring this up because it may be very difficult to identify her misinformation for many patients who do not have significant levels of medical knowledge. As such, those patients could easily be misled. I think that this is extraordinary worrisome, and thus have decided to bring it up here. When she wants to push her treatment/medication plans, she may say things that sound like supporting evidence for her thoughts but are actually not based on medical data or truth. Example #1: discussing managing plans for my hypertension, she wanted me to take a beta-blocker, saying that beta-blockers are commonly used in the country/people where my family heritage is from. As a medical doctor myself, I knew beta-blockers are almost abandoned as the primary choice (unless co-presented with heart-failure), and I was not able to verify her claim in the current literature. Indeed, beta-blockers are nearly contra-indicated to patients with bradycardia (slow heart-beat), like me. I needed to respectfully challenge her recommendations. By the end of the day, she wrote on the web patient portal "lets try to get ot the root behind your resistances. where does it stem from? were you honored as a child growing up? or in school ?" (her typos are left as they were on the portal) Example #2: discussing cancer-risk reduction, she claimed that any alcohol consumption promotes cancer risk. As other reviews noted, she is paranoid about alcohol. My liver enzyme data are completely normal, and I was not able to find any objective evidence to support her claim (at least for male populations). She has never been able to provide any evidence for #1 or #2 despite my requests (such data do not exist). Example #3: She said to my daughter that papilloma virus-induced cervical cancer can be transmitted just by hugging - just not true. Example #4: She altered her official prescription records on Zolpidem (Ambien), which I responsively use for my jetlag management only. For whatever reason, she tried to block this order after she had prescribed and put them on my official medical record. She even lied to me "we did respond and sent it" (I have written evidence). She deliberately altered her record on subscription of this highly controlled substance. The bottom line, she fails to comply with the two fundamental principles of today's medicine: 1) evidence-based and 2) informed consent-based medical practice. Doctors should provide the best evidence available for each medical option, and eventually, it should be the patient who selects the treatment with which he/she feels most comfortable. However, this woman often presents with "my way or no way" approaches and uses fake information to "convince" patients. In addition to the above, she has issues in regard to professionalism and proper respects to her patients. Example 1: Looking at a scar in my neck, she said "the surgeon should have done a better job"- I said "oh, I really do not care"- she keeps going "but you often stand in front of people and talk". For medical students who rotate surgery, this should be the Day 1 teaching point; we should not embarrass our patients for scars from past surgeries. Example 2: I already cited her comment on the web-portal to me "... were you honored as a child growing up? or in school ?" As noted by some other patients on Yelp reviews, she makes unprofessional comments that are irrelevant to the medical care and embarrass her patients on deeply personal levels. I always want to be transparent. As such, I presented some of these concerns directly to her. She calls them false accusations. I swear that everything I have stated here is truth (with written evidence for some). Nasty falsifiers often lie twice on the same matter; first by lying on the matter and second by denying the fact that they did so. I know I have to be very careful, but I still needed to present my concerns because, as I said, many patients without substantial medical background could be easily misled by her. read more

Dr Naureen Shaikh of Soluna Health has the dubious distinction of charging me $120 for an appt I was unable to make on account of a health crisis which rendered me incapacitated the day of the appointment. Not only did the office charge me but they were entirely unsympathetic about my health crisis. Perhaps Dr Shaikh should not administer to those with health conditions which may prevent them from having to cancel their scheduled appointments. Because of my health issues, I have had to cancel under the 24 hour window with other doctors yet I have never been charged a fee on account of it. Further, there is no human interaction with this office. In setting the appointment everything had to be done on-line including entering credit card information which they make a requirement in order to make the appointment! Perhaps I can understand something like this for those without health insurance but my health insurance is superlative. Again, I have never come across this with any of my other doctors. Seems like Dr Shaikh and Soluna Health are more concerned with their finances than with the health and well-being of their patients. Even though they are literally down the street from me, I won't be gracing their doorstep and if you have health issues I would suggest you consider another physician. read more

Dr. Shaikh is an anti-vaxer, anti-colonoscopier, anti-sun avoider, anti-spinach drinker & more. Specifically, she said: - Inhaling steam daily will prevent Covid. -That, at 57, I don't need colonoscopies every 5 years. She recommended Cologuard instead, even though Cologuard ads say "Not recommended if you have a family history of colon cancer", which my cousin died of last year. Her reply to that was, "They mean immediate family, not cousins." - I requested a Dermatologist referral for concern about sun spots & skin cancer, which also runs in the family. She recommended I burn off spots myself with an over the counter liquid oxygen kit from Walgreens. - Instead of recommending I stay out of the sun, she said I should sunbathe 15 minutes every day for the benefit of Vitamin D. - She literally gave me the thumbs down gesture when I shared that I drink blended (not juiced) spinach every day. I tuned out before hearing her asinine explanation as to why. - There's more, but you get the idea, & I'm getting PTSD. Run, don't walk, from the thought of seeing this "doctor". read more

I'm not going to lie, it IS difficult at times to get appts and to get someone on the phone, but Dr. Shaikh is worth it. She is so patient and makes sure that you understand all of your options and have all your questions answered before you leave... This patience probably correlates with the difficulty to get appts... Fancy that, a doctor who doesn't overbook her day with too many appts! She's pretty awesome, and I have sent many people there... However, like I said, the phone system and appt making could be a bit more speedy. And you should know ahead of time that the first visit is a long one! That said, I've been going there for a few years now and have zero intentions of changing anytime soon read more

I have been seeing Dr Shaikh for years and am so glad I found her! She is a true healer - not only of the body but the mind and spirit as well. Every time I have seen Dr Shaikh I feel seen, heard and cared for. She listens carefully and addresses me as a whole person, not just as separate body parts. I read some of the reviews that said people were kept waiting to see her. This has happened to me too on occasion but I think her care is superlative so I do not mind waiting - it is worth it. I just schedule the possible wait time in my calendar. It is much better than being treated like cattle they way I have been at other tightly run practices. She takes the time she needs with me and I'm sure she does that with others so I don't mind at all. She encouraged me to stop alcohol as she did for some other reviewers here. It didn't bother me either. It is up to each of us to do what we want with our lives and bodies so who cares what someone else tells you to do? Take the advice or don't. She didn't treat me poorly on my next visit just because I didn't take her advice! I think Dr Shaikh and her staff are fantastic and I feel fortunate to have found Soluna Health. She is a gem in our community! read more

I went to see this doctor for a lump on my neck. When I got to the office they told me to get into a robe which I thought was very odd for a lump in my neck. The doctor came in and gave me a pelvic exam and a breast exam and when she noticed I had a breast augmentation she ask me when it was and then started to tell me that I needed more self love. She did not like the fact that I had one and honestly I was not looking for her opinion. I was there for a lump in my neck. She then proceeded to tell me that I needed to join an alcohol program when I don't even drink. Told me that I needed therapy, yoga, counseling and massage and that my insurance would pay for it all. I have also been going to the dentist due to the fact that another dentist had wrecked my teeth to the point that the dentist that did the damage had her license revoked due to what she did to me. Dr Shaikh told me not to go to the dentist anymore that my body would heal my teeth on its own. After she completed all of the exams of which I did not go there for she asked me to go into her office that she wanted to speak to me and my husband. She started to tell my husband that I needed to attend an alcohol program, that I needed therapy and counseling and that I was not to go back to the dentist that my body would heal my teeth. My husband started to tell her that I have not been able to eat solid food for 6 months due to what the dentist had done to my teeth. Dr Shaikh told my husband that I was playing the victim which irritated my husband. My husband said to Dr Shaikh you do not understand the severity of the damage that has been done to my wife. The doctor then started to tell him all about her experience and my husband said to her I don't think your the doctor that we are looking for and told me to grab my purse and we would find another doctor that would treat me for what I actually went there for in the first place. Dr Shaikh got very mad and told him that I was not leaving that I was her patient. My husband replied that I am his wife and he is not going to allow Dr Shaikh to treat me for a bunch of stuff that is not even wrong with me. My husband also told Dr Shaikh that she was not qualified to make a dental diagnosis like she did. And that I have been in horrible pain with my teeth and had to have several root canals and needed more. We left her office and I could not believe that after all that the police came to my door at home. Dr Shaikh got so mad that I did not listen to her crazy treatment method that she called the police on my husband and lied to the police. She told them that I told her before I left that I was afraid of my husband and for the safety of my 10 month old son. I could not believe this woman. I at NO time ever said that I was afraid of my husband or the safety of my child. This woman is a liar and a fraud. My husband was protecting me from this woman who never treated me or even looked at what I went there for in the first place. And to accuse my husband of being abusive is beyond unprofessional and unethical for a doctor to do. If you look at her ratings and reviews on the internet she has a horrible reputation and I should have researched her before I went to see her. This was the most horrible experience I have ever had at a doctors office. She bills your insurance for a bunch of things you never went there for and then insists that you need other treatment that you do not need. read more

Dr. Shaikh is the first doctor I have ever been to who has actually tried to avoid having to do too much diagnostic tests and unnecessary things. She does a great jog of interviewing her patients to get a complete background and uses it to narrow down the possible reasons for your complaint. She is so good I recommend her to everyone! read more

The other negative reviews are so correct. I actually thought they were exaggerating, and made an appointment anyway - which I greatly regret. I went in to see Dr. Shaikh, at first she was pleasant, but the second I questioned her she suddenly became extremely combative, defensive and unprofessional. I was shocked. The set up is also different from other doctor's offices I've visited - I needed to callback after my appointment to get some follow up information. I had to go online because after multiple attempts I couldn't reach anyone in the office. They were actually going to charge me a fee just to speak to the doctor on the phone. I've never experienced this before. The whole experience was extremely negative. read more

I first saw Dr Shaikh when she just began her practice in Sausalito. I found her caring, and very thorough and I had a very positive feeling about her. Soon after I joined Kaiser so I didn't see her again, but when I switched back to Blue Shield she was my first choice for a doctor, so I made appointments for myself and my husband. At the time he practice was being managed by a larger company, and it was a bit of a mess. Dr Shaikh kept me waiting 30 minutes, though as far as I could see, she was just sitting in her office (she came to the door a minute after I was put in and I was still changing into the gown so she said she would be back... then I heard her in her office talking on the phone... not a medical call). My husband was kept in the waiting room for 45 minutes and another 20 minutes in the exam room. She did spend a good deal of time with us, mainly going over the evils of alcohol (she said to cut it out completely...not even socially!) and the benefits of strenuous exercise. She ordered tests for us both but we never heard from her about the results. My husband called and she took his call, then billed him $45 thought the conversation was short, and mostly she talked about giving up alcohol and doing more exercise. In the past I have never been billed to hear lab results. I thought that was weird. Hubby and I were in Europe for the year, and when we got back he called to make an appointment with Dr Shaikh. Apparently while we were away the old management company left with all the records, so he had to be taken in as a new patient, all his records were completely gone. The Dr ordered the same tests as before, and after a month he called for the results to find they never got them, or they lost them is what I think happened. It took another week or so to have the results mailed from the lab again, and this time he asked for them to be sent directly to us so we didn't have to pay the price for the phone consult. Soon after I had a medical issue, and I called for an appointment. Now, this is what sent me over the edge. They no longer take appointments on the phone. You have to go to a website, and... catch this... you have to pay $20 just to make an appointment!! $20, just like that, with no personal interaction... and to top that, since my records were taken by the old management company, I had to register as a new patient and go through a whole physical just to have a rash looked at! And lastly, I just looked at her website and glanced at the "review" section... all are 5 stars but nowhere did I see a place to submit a review, which I find very suspicious. read more

Well, she was a decent doctor when she needed patients, but like all the rest at Encompass, she is too busy. She acts like you are an imposition if you make it in to see her. She acts like she had too many things to do to to, oh I don't know, give a hoot about your cancer or pain. Don't have anything serious wrong with you because she does not care. You'll wait a month to get in or be instructed to go to the emergency room. They do not follow up on appointments online. She does not return calls. read more

I just want to update this, especially in light of the negative review. I've been a patient of Dr. Shaikh's now for three years and two of my good friends have also become her patients. She is FANTASTIC. We all love her. We have all had a little trouble now and again getting someone live on the phone, but it is a small office and if you leave a message someone will call you back promptly (there is an option to page an on call doc for emergencies if that is why you're calling). Once you are there, the medical care more than makes up for it because Dr. Shaikh is knowledgeable, she listens to, and she cares about her patients. read more

To the lone star patients. The role of a Primary physician require a comprehensive first visit. It can and should take close to an hour. All subsequent visits are better focused and short. Depending on the nature of health problem. There are urgicare centers for these lone star patients.If you want fast food service you should seek an urgicare. If you want deep involvement with a Dr you need to spend time with the Physician. read more

I went to Dr. Shaikh for my second appointment with her, this was for a rash I had for about three weeks. My first appointment I went because my finger developed a strange lump on my joint so I was concerned it could be arthritis since some of that has been found in my back. I was put into a robe and waited over 45 minutes to then go into her office and hear all about that my bump was likely dietary, I should eat spinach for breakfast, my redness in my face was clearly from drinking wine (even though I have loads of sun damage and am Irish). She also asked how my relationship was, did we fight, and did we "rage"? Who asks that unless a gal is covered in bruises or I bring it up? So I endured the lecture of diet, her interpretations of my answers to questions, etc, only to leave there with my lump being dietary. No tests, nothing. Flash forward about 6 months, and I go in for my second appointment, (my fun three week rash). Now, I have a history of poison oak, which is what I thought it was until recent days, hence my doctor's appointment. She asks me, when were you here last? You look stressed out she says. I wasnt really sure, only the chart on her desk knew for sure in that moment. Tell me what you've been up to since last I saw you. Ok...ummm...got engaged, and we adopted a dog? Oh Yes! Wedding planning is stressful ,she says, but it should be good stress...and your dog could be bringing in so much dirt. Blah blah blah even a therapist wouldn't make such assumptions and bold statement s about someone they have only met twice. Now we are off to another lecture on the differences between eastern and western medicine. Pictures were drawn. I point to discuss my rash. NO, go back, she says, I want to know more about since you were last here. So I remind her last time I was there I was there for a bump on my finger which, by the way is still here. I reminded her she instructed me to eat spinach for breakfast and it was likely dietary. Then she talks more about diet. I get it. She didnt look at my finger either. But again, I try again to talk about my rash. She looks at me and is upset, saying You look VERY stressed out and VERY anxious, WHAT IS GOING ON?! . I wish I had recorded this because it's crazy. I wish I had thought to say IM very uncomfortable that you wont let me talk to you about my rash and it's behavior. SO I tell, her, look, last time I was here you told me my finger couldnt be arthritis because arthritis is symmetrical, that it is likely dietary and I should eat spinach for breakfast. NO I DIDNT! MAYBE THIS ISNT THE PRACTICE FOR YOU! I again, trying to appease her and say, look, I have a history of severe poison oak, im not here to talk about wedding planning or how you think my dog could be a stressor in my life....SO YOU JUST WANT ME TO DIAGNOSE IT AND WRITE YOU A PRESCRIPTION!? no, actually I dont know what it is, so can you look at it or can i get a referral to a dermatologist? I PRACTICED DERMATOLOGY FOR 15 YEARS! DO YOU KNOW THAT?! no, IM sorry I dont, so do YOU want to look at this? She begins to hand me a card and tell me I should see a different doctor THEN she throws in "I think your'e hostile". I never said any rude words to her, I didnt use a tone or raise my voice so I was shocked to hear these words. Then she has the nerve to tell me she wont charge me for today. I said, well, you never even looked at my rash so I would hope not. Her ego clearly needs to be stroked when visiting Dr. Shaikh. Be sure to allow 2-3 hours, the first one for them to be late, the second to hang out in your paper robe and be talked to like a child, and maybe if you are lucky you will have a chance to tell her why you are there and MAYBE if youre super lucky she will look at your rash or bump and not the redness in your face. And maybe she wont call you names, like hostile. read more

I have read the other reviews and I agree that the phone service use to leave a lot to be desired. However, this problem has been solved. I find Dr. Shaikh to be very thorough and I really appreciate that. Also, she has time to sit down and listen to me, how many doctors in Marin do that? If she hasn't returned my call, I will call again as I know she is a busy doctor. Also I find that Shay, her assistant, is a wonderful human being, he is a great asset to Dr Shaikh's office. read more

As a nurse and a psychotherapist, I am grateful to have found Dr Shaikh. She is a caring, knowing, dedicated and outright excellent family doctor. I feel safe and very well cared for every time I see her. Her personal, holistic and integrated way of practicing means the world to me. Dr Shaikh is a rare and badly needed person and medical professional. The only way you'll go wrong under her care is to not do your own part. read more

Dr. Shaikh is a detail oriented MD and can have astute insights, however, i would not recommend her. In my experience she referred Marin only MD's rather than good specialists, and she never stepped foot in their offices nor checked on their practices. One practitioner turned out to be a nurse making use of an MD's office (and his license) to practice (really push) prescriptions that were not warranted or accurate. ON another occasion I wound up in a physician's office where the man called me from a Chinese take-out restaurant (with food in his mouth) to discuss test results. When i spoke with another Marin-based MD regarding the two referrals, the physician was aware of both practitioners low level of competency and was clearly shocked. I also agree with the poster who noted Dr. Shaikh is argumentative. And not only was getting an appointment a major problem, but twice the office was closed for my appointment and they never called to cancel it - nothing like driving from SF to Sausalito for a no-show MD; utterly unprofessional. read more

This doctor has a true passion for wellness, and is way ahead of the curve on the direction of healthcare in the 21st century. She will challenge you to participate fully in your own well-being and tell you what you need to do (and not to do) to reach your goals through diet, nutrition and exercise. I've had some terrible experiences with doctors who lamely sugar coat things and don't really give a damn, but this doctor is one of the best and tells it like it is. read more

Cold, unethical and self motivated, and those are her better qualities. I was automatically assigned to Dr. Shaikh through my health care plan, a health care plan that I have come to realize specializes in low rent doctors. When I injured my foot, I contacted Dr. Shaikh in hopes of securing treatment or a referral. I got neither. Instead, Dr. Shaikh gave me a 10 minute lecture. The gist, I needed to undergo an hour long initial consultation before she would even consider giving me any assistance. Apparently, she wanted to make her money, before she would ever contemplate providing care to an injured patient. As I tried to find out from her what my options were, considering I needed x-rays and an orthopedic doctor, she suddenly announced that she was "done" speaking with me until I had undergone my hour long consultation. Considering Dr. Shaikh's complete failure to abide by the hippocratic oath, I'd rather have a broken foot than spend an hour listening to her explain her vision of medical care while billing my health care plan for needless services. After this rather disappointing experience, I reviewed the other Yelp postings. The one remaining negative post, references a series of other negative posts. Apparently, there are a number of us with disappointing experiences with Dr. Shaikh, but she must be successful in getting them removed. Clearly, while her medical treatment sucks, her business skills remain sharp. Buyer beware. read more

The other negative reviewers are telling the correct narrative. I've visited Dr. Shaikh's office twice in the past 6 mo. and have experienced the following: 1. Both visits were incorrectly coded as office visits instead of preventative. As a result, under my HSA insurance plan, my insurance company would not take responsibility and I was billed. Both visits were for my annual physical and I was told by Dr. Shaikh that both were considered preventative. So I had to battle my insurance company on both occasions - everyone knows how fun it is spending hours on hold and being part of the he said she said. Making matters worse, she referred me to an eye doctor as she said if I hadn't been to one in 5-10 years that it should be part of my physical. She assured me this would be coded as my physical and thus would be preventative. To no surprise I was billed closed to $1000 for this visit and my insurance company would not take responsibility. I had to spend multiple hours on the phone with my insurance and file an appeal/grievance. I was lucky and actually won the appeal and my insurance company paid. 2. On my second visit, I had a 9 AM appointment. I waited in private room for 1.5-2 hours with no update on what was happening the entire time. After 1.5-2 hours Dr. Shaikh entered the room and explained there had been a patient with a medical emergency. Completely understandable to attend to a patient with a medical emergency...incomprehensible to have me wait 1.5-2 hours and none of the front desk people or assistants letting me know or offering me option to reschedule. 3. She gave me a prescription and when I changed the pharmacy from CVS to Express Scripts to save a few bucks, her office assistant told me I needed to schedule another consultation with her - this was 3 months after my visit and when I had 8 refills left. She will do anything to create another office visit even when it's completely unnecessary. 4. Lastly, I read one of the other reviews about the 26 page questionnaire. I also thought this was ridiculous and unprofessional. read more

I am still in shock over my experience with Soluna Health and Naureen Shaikh. I'm not a big Yelper but I don't want anyone to go through what I did -- which started with being assigned to her by my dubious health plan. It continued with being forced to pay $20 to even sign up for an appt online. When I got to the office I was required to fill out 22 pages worth of CYA forms and attempts to sell me sports massages. But actually meeting this woman was the kicker. There are no words for her rudeness. I will not refer to her as a doctor because she is primarily a business bot -- no signs of humanity or compassion. read more

Totally agree with the one star comment! Totally UN professional and UN safe Physician! I am working on my comprehensive post, to be continued. In essence, I was told by the Dr, in an extremely condescending and argumentative tone, "my assistant was supposed to call you, you don't need a biopsy for that! Why don't you let me be the Doctor?!" I had been crystal clear when making the appt, that entire reason for the appointment was a specific biopsy!! It was such a contrast to another MD who astutely said, "yes, it appears it could be but the only way to know certainly is with a histological slide" aka BIOpsy. I went back there (after having been very uncomfortable with care received, as well as the whole operation) because she was my insurance approved provider. I will be talking to them in detail about her being unprofessional and potentially un safe. As i was leaving she said, "fine, I'll do the biopsy if you want...", but it was way too late. After arguing and speaking quite disrespectfully to me, I am supposed to undress for an exam. I think Not! I imagine she can be sweet and charismatic when on good behavior, but beware ~ it may be all smoke and mirrors!! What is in those bulging ikea plastic file cabs in the front lobby anyway? Could it be patient medical records? I am wondering, and would not be surprised! read more

Really disappointing. I am currently living in Sausalito and a "local" Sausalito resident who is very ill. I booked a 9:30 appointment online and then was called by their receptionist to say I needed a one hour appointment since I am a new patient. I explained that I am very ill and no one hours are available, her basic response was "oh well". This is not what I would call a community resource - not impressed. read more

If you have all the time in the world, this Doc is for you. Dr. Shaikh is probably an amazing Doctor, but unfortunately, I'll never know. I was in need of a primary care physician. I went online (the only way to schedule an appt. with her), and requested to see her. When I arrived, one patient had been waiting 30 minutes just to be told brusquely by a medical tech who was apparently also the receptionist (even though there is no receptionist visible in the office or near the waiting room) that she was there on the wrong day. This long-time patient went on to share with me how nearly impossible the office itself was to deal with, but that the Doc herself was truly wonderful, and that's why she still went there. Fair enough, I thought. Let's give it a try. After waiting for 45 min., I was seen by an extremely nice woman who kept describing herself as a "labor and delivery" nurse. She met with me and did a very detailed new patient intake for about an hour and 15 min., until I had to leave for another appt. and needed to go (I hadn't imagined it would take 2 hours there). She said I should schedule another appt. so we could finish up. I went online again, and again requested to see the Doctor. When I arrived the 2nd time, I waited in the waiting room for 35 minutes. Apparently, no-one in the back heard me "ring the bell" and no-one bothered to out to check to see if anyone was in the waiting room, either. I went in the back and found the medical tech/ receptionist, who put me in a room and apologized. Then, I waited for another 10 minutes while Dr. Shaikh was 2 doors down, calling patients to give them test results. I am not sure why she was doing this when I had been waiting now for 45 minutes. I walked out of the office and requested my medical records back. I figured there was just not enough time to accommodate the needs of this practice. In my opinion, no doctor is so amazing that one should accept being so disrespected. Dr. Shaikh should consider dedicating someone to administrative patient care - greeting, scheduling, medical records, etc.. The person she has is very, very nice, but is running around like a chicken with her head cut off, and is very open about it. "I'm just crazy" she kept telling everyone on my first visit. She is overloaded. My 2 cents. read more

I have been a patient of Dr.Shaikh since she started working at the Tamalpais Family practice and then decided to started her own practice. I have NO idea what the bad reviewers are talking about what so ever (She did just have a baby so maybe thats what caused the scheduling issues). As an example, there was a man that came in at the same time as me, but didn't have an appointment. He had something he needed her to check out and she still made time to see him and got to me on time. She didn't send him away or tell him he needed to make an appointment. She is the BEST doctor around and I would not trust my health with anyone else but her. I have moved to the East Bay and since I love her and her practice so much I don't mind making the drive to see her or sitting in horrific traffic for 2 hours (like I did today), to see her. She truly sincerely cares about her patients and I wish that my whole family could see her, but unfortunately they are on the Kaiser health plan so they can't. I have the worst medical history in my family, and she monitors everything and makes sure that I update her on everything- sometimes its not even health related and she just wants to know how things in my life in general are going. Doctors usually dont do that- they treat each patient like a number, Dr. Shaikh doesn't do that. When I need something or have a random question or concern, I call her and she gets back to me within 24-48 hours. And she even follows up if she needs to. It shows that she cares. She also has the most awesome office manager/patient care assistant ever-SHAY!! He is so nice and friendly and always remembers who I am even if I only see him once a year! All in all- I have never had a problem with her office and if you look at her credentials it says it all. I am going to be a patient of Dr. Shaikhs until she stops practicing. People can say what they want, but based on my experience with her and how long I have been a patient of hers, I can say that I have been EXTREMELY SATISFIED with her as my doctor. She has taken EXCELLENT care of me. She has a great medical staff and I am very happy to see her practice doing so well. read more

I used Yelp to find Dr Shaikh when I moved to Sausalito recently. On my second visit I was in urgent need of additional care and Dr Shaikh contacted a specialist whom she knew personally and he offered to see me on his day off. She sent me off to see him in a taxi, together with a personal gift for the specialist to thank him for seeing me at such short notice. That's the level of care she showed me, and I understand all her patients. I can't speak highly enough of her professionalism and her level of care for all of those she sees. I feel so fortunate to now have Dr Shaikh as my doctor - and to once again be in excellent health! read more

Hands down - Dr. Shaikh is the best. I don't think those 2 bad reviews actually speak to what kind of doctor she is. Dr. Shaikh is in the business of taking care of people unlike every other doctor I've had my entire life. She is extremely thorough and will spend AT LEAST an hour with you for your first visit. She will go over your entire health history and make extensive notes for her records as well as notes for you to take with you on how to better take care of YOU. How refreshing! A doctor that actually practices preventative medicine! She is very personable which makes me feel like I can ask her anything and she will talk with me about it. She is always available. Like the bad reviewer made reference to, she does check her messages regularly and she always gets back to you within 48 hours if not a lot sooner. I'm having a baby in February and she gave me her cell phone number and said to call her when I get admitted to the hospital and she'll be there! In addition to that, I will be losing my healthcare when I leave my job which means I will have to put the baby on my husbands medical, Kaiser, which I really don't want to do. We will be losing a signifcant amount of income when I stop working and are definitely going to be facing financial hardship. Dr. Shaikh was aware of this and made sure that I knew that my baby could still be seen by her through her pro-bono pediatric program. I'm sorry, but if that does not speak volumes about her intentions as a doctor then I don't know what does. I believe she is one of the few who has taken the Hippocratic Oath and has actually stood by it. I don't care where I live, as long is she is practicing, Dr. Shaikh will always be my doctor. read more

I haven't seen Dr. Shaikh in a few years... as my RN job provided me benefits with Kaiser. However I'd go back to her in a heartbeat if my job ever doesn't pay for my health insurance. A few years back I had lump under my chin-- we're talking egg size, but *mostly* hidden under my jaw bone. Other Docs in the practice I was going to brushed it off as a swollen lymph node & wouldn't do any tests to confirm their diagnosis after just feeling the lump. After about 6 months of mentioning it to different providers that I would see in that practice I had basically given up, even though it had started to cause me some discomfort-- besides the fact that I felt like I had my un-born twin growing under my chin (seen My Big Fat Greek Wedding??). Low and behold, my next general check up was scheduled with this new-to-the-practice doc, Dr. Shaikh. Immediately I felt comfortable in her presence & knew I had to get her professional opinion on my lump. She showed some concern (but held her professionalism) that her new colleages had not run any tests-- not even basic blood work. Long story short, she not only did blood work, but ended up referring me to an EENT (Eyes, Ears, Nose, Throat) Doc. After 2 or 3 biopsies (bib-opsie-- seen MBFGW??) by the EENT and other specialist, the EENT eventually ended up removing what turned out to be a 6x4 cm cyst and adjoined inflamed salivary gland. Thanks to Dr. Shaikh's persistence and understanding of the pain, discomfort (and embarrassment) that I was going through, having this lump, I finally got answers-- and a solution! Through and after all of that, I continued to see Dr. Shaikh for a few years and followed her to the "new" (back then) practice at Soluna Health. Even though I live in central Marin, it was totally worth the extra little drive down to Sausalito to see her! She definitely took the time to make sure you had all your questions answers and concerns met. I loved being able to go in for an OBGYN type appointment, and not have to go see another Doc if I had an Internal Medicine type concern. She was very thorough, and kind... and I am so grateful for her persistence in finding a true diagnosis and treatment for me years ago! BOTTOM LINE: Dr. Shaikh is FABULOUS! :) read more

I have been seeing her for four years. She is thorough. She hhas referred my to excellent specialists.

I don't know what is crazier..that NO ONE answers the phone (you have to go through 3 minutes of varying phone number and you STILL can't talk to a "live" person" or that Dr. Shaikh calls with test results that she never even took OR that it takes 4 or 5 phone calls to get a prescription called in correctly. I was told that if I paid an "extra" $250 I would be given a different phone number that somone answers. CRAZY!! I think what has happened is that Dr. Shaikh cannot afford to hire front office staff so she is trying to cover all the bases and not doing well at it. The final straw was when she called me one afternoon with a test result that had been FAXED to her from another doctor who did the test one year earlier. She NEVER did the test. That is scary. I asked her what happens if I have an emergency because NO ONE picks up the phone. She told me not to worry because she checks her messages every hour. She might have been a good student in school but as a business woman this is bleak AND DANGEROUS. Stay away........far away. read more

This doctor is terrible. I was seen recently and just as many of the reviews are commonly stating, I too was ignored for a good 35 minutes. The appointment confirmation email is very vague and should specify that the first appointment will take a whole hour(she needs her minutely rate ya know) I don't need a whole hour physical done on the clock for lower back pain! After I commuted a whole hour to her she sees me for exactly 3.5 minutes and somehow determines that I am dependent on opiates and have anxiety! Are you serious?! So she puts this in my medical record! I just had a serious car accident and need something for the pain woman, Jesus! Then she says; "I'm not going to write any prescriptions I want to heal you the natural way" PPPSSSHHH! I don't have 2 hours a week and 3 years to heal my immediate back pain lady I have to work! She can't relate since I assume probably has never had to work a hard physical day in her life. I own a moving company and I need immediate pain relief. I'll definitely be contacting the medical board and Letting them know what happened. I suggest all who have a bad experience with this Doctor, if she even deserves the title, do the same. read more

I'm more than just a bit shocked at the two recent reviews that were so negative. While it took me over 4 months to get an appointment to see Dr. Shaikh, I can assure you that maternity leave and a staff change is more than a sufficient and relevant explanation from the doctor in addition to a bit of compassion warranted from the patient regarding the issues stated by the negative reviewers. If the two reviewers had read through their packets that were presented to them they would also understand the additional charges for a different level of service; however even without paying for such an "upgrade' I can tell you that the service that I received today well exceeded any other doctor that I have ever seen. Her patience and interest in learning about my full medical history as well as willingness to listen to current issues was impressive. Dr. Shaikh is not one to rely immediately upon prescriptions to cure an ailment. Rather, she was willing to offer advice and compromise. She seems to have an acute understanding and knowledge of the mind/body/spirit balance and showed a readiness to balance traditional medicine with alternative therapies - a trait difficult to find even in Marin County. I had read all of these reviews prior to my appointment and can tell you that I was more than apprehensive. Four hours after my visit, I can tell you that I am beyond satisfied and look forward to a wonderful doctor/patient relationship for years to come. read more