Highly organized personal greeting. Upon arrival. Procedure was performed on time overall a great experience.

Everyone at SF Endoscopy Center made me feel welcomed and that it was perfectly normal to get a tube up your butt. Dr Liu, Dr Fan, Sandy, Angie, and Amanda did a fantastic job taking care of me and made sure that I was getting the correct procedure done multiple times. They informed of everything they were doing around me and gave me a report on what they found. Definitely recommend to anyone who needs a colonoscopy. read more

A new article shows that colon cancer in those under 45 spiked from 11% to 20% and doctors don't know why. Testing guidelines now advise 45 year-olds to get their first colonoscopy and then, without history, you're clear for 7-10 years. Don't listen to the end-of-the-world naysayers that the prep's too much to bear. It's hardly: Chug without breathing and you're halfway there. Drink ginger ale in between, you're set. I have a girlfriend whose family history has her doctor prescribe the test every year. She described what it's really like and reduced my hesitation. I hope my review makes one person make that appointment. It's a slow-moving cancer but a killer. I chose sedation, quick acting within seconds to put you under completely & snap out of it minutes later. I have no memory, mind's wiped, benefit of a little nap for moi! Just make the appointment and go, no big deal. read more

3.5 stars. Came here last month for my dad's colonoscopy appt. Parking is hard to find. Meter if you're okay with paying. Residential is 1-2 hour parking but it's hard to find. Be careful as residents are petty. Lots of self hung signs that says don't block driveway or they'll call tow. Some self paint the curb red and will call meter maid on you. Lucky I found parking around the corner. Check in at the front, they give forms to look thru and sign. 4 chairs when you walk in, so we sat there filling out the forms. When I got to the form about anesthesia, I asked the front receptionist if she can check and confirm my dad's insurance will cover fully. She said she'll let me know in a few minutes. I sat back down and continue with other forms to sign while waiting for her answer. 10-12 minutes passed and she didn't inform me. I had to get up and ask again. I asked another receptionist that was sitting at the back corner and she quickly told me my dad's insurance will cover it as she still had my dad's insurance info on the computer screen. Minus half star. After finishing the forms, we were told to wait inside (bigger waiting room). When they're ready, they'll call us. There was 6 chairs. I understand covid is still on high so distance safety is important, but they should and could and can add 2-3 more chairs. 2 chairs were taken by 2 teenagers (it seems) waiting for their dad, they sat for a whole 35 minutes (and who knows how long they were there before I arrived) (even tho it's not the staffs fault for them being inconsiderate, minus half star) Another 2 chairs were seated by a patient and his friend who was helping him fill out forms. One chair, my dad sat, and I stood, so another patient if needed can use the empty chair. My dad's appt was for 9:45am, we were told to arrive at 9:30 to fill out forms . We arrived at 9:15am. He wasn't called in until 10:15am. His procedure were done by 11:10am. They have passenger parking in front but I couldn't park because there were hydrogen delivery truck delivering for another company blocking the spots. So I parked on yellow meter, waited for my dad to be brought out. While waiting, they were exchanging out old chairs for new chairs. The other nurses and receptionists seems to be more interested about checking on the new chairs than patients. My dad's doctor was Dr. Phillip Chung. He is a specialist that also works part time at NEMS. However, he goes by his Korean name at NEMS. So when I tried to make an appt back in October, with the referral my parents brought back, it was extremely difficult because I did not know Dr. Taehyung Chung is the same person as Phillip Chung when the phone receptionist asked me if my dad saw Dr. Philip Chung. But I informed her that they have input my dad's referral in the computer system and they should have received it. Hence his appt at NEMS was at 11:30am and I called to try to make an appt at 3pm same day. But she said she couldn't find anything. She also said usually Dr. Chung have the physical copy of the referral. I also had to call back and forth with NEMS to ask who is Dr. Taehyung and how do I get in contact with him to verify my dad's referral, or if they have input it in the system with his approval. Overall, making an appt was very stressful and complicated. Minus 1 star When my dad came out, the nurse who helped him was really nice. Explained to me with easy words so I understood what to do for my dad after. read more

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Excellent experience. Very prompt and efficient including the front desk staff, my nurses, and the doc and anesthesiologist.

Had colonoscopy done here, everything went well. Front desk reception staff is not very qualified, unfortunate reality of the current job market. But the procedure went well without any complications with good sedation and no discomfort. read more

I went in for a routine colonoscopy. Dr. Talbott performed the exam. She was friendly and checked in prior to the procedure and went over my medical information. Dr. Lin the anesthesiologist left me a message the previous night with clear instructions on water intake and checked in with me prior to the procedure as well. After I met both the doctors I became very relaxed, I knew it was going to be okay. The communication overall was very good, I received clear instructions on prep. On the day of, the staff that helped me were all friendly and kind. They had multiple checks to ensure the correct patient was getting the correct service. The prep is the hard part, the procedure was painless and quick. It was done under full sedation, so I felt nothing. I was groggy for a few hours following the procedure and then recovered without any issues. read more

Service was great. Problem is 10 months after the procedure the bill shows up from the anesthesiologist, Dr. Jonathan Cho. I call his billing company, Envision, who informs me Dr. Cho neglected to seek preauthorization from my insurance company. When I ask why or to speak with a representative of Dr. Cho's office, I am utterly stonewalled. I call the endoscopy center to try to get to the doctor's office, but again am directed back to the billing company. Would have been easy for me to fix the problem had the requirement for preauthorization been communicated to me for any doctor prior to the procedure. Also seems like this could have been handled a lot better. As it is, seems like there was a lot of non-communication between the doctors and patient prior to the procedure, then a LONG period of non-action before sending a surprise bill and stonewalling the patient. Come on guys. Do your job. Your job isn't just patient care but also ensuring that correct billing practices are followed. And as you have more insight into billing than the patients, seems like you should get on that and be more proactive on communicating with the patient on things like obtaining pre-authorization, particularly as this was one of my primary, repeatedly asked questions prior to the procedure. read more

Definitely recommended. The administrative staff was skilled and efficient. (All the medical staff are independent, so I'll review them separately.) The facility is very specialized, which is a good thing. The facility is a little run down, but I didn't find that a problem. My bills have not come in yet, so I cannot report whether there are problems, as several others have reported. read more

No one wants a colonoscopy! :), but if you have to have one SF Endoscopy Center is a great place to do it. Dr. Susan Ripper and the team of nurses and staff made it as pleasant and comfortable as possible. I can't say that I'm looking forward my next one, but I will definitely look forward to having Dr. Susan Ripper and team take care of me. read more

I had a very bad experience with Dr. Robert Elsen at the San Francisco Endoscopy Center last year. During my colonoscopy, I went into painful shock and passed out. When I woke up, I was behind a screen in a corner and felt terrible for over a day. Dr. Elsen was careless and rushed. I can't recommend him, but the other staff members were fine. read more

I had a colonoscopy there. They took my insurance info, never received a bill. 2 years later, checking my credit info, found out that they had sent my bill to collection. I never received any contact from them. I was fully insured and an employee at CPMC. Terrible communication, no one answers the phone read more

Everyone was kind and accommodating. I felt that I was amongst a family of loving and capable Grandmas, Dads, Moms and big brothers - all your best family members. They were so kind and friendly, and took care of me like I was their own. I was definitely dreading a colonoscopy and worried it would hurt a lot afterwards. Well, let me put your fears to rest if you're to have one: it's really not a big deal. Even the prep wasn't that bad -- even if it was a very crappy experience (pun intended) it wasn't worse than having a bad bout of diarrhea. I also felt so cleaned out afterward, that was kind of cool! Pretty sure I lost about 3 pounds just doing the prep. It sure was yucky to drink, but not difficult. I have a great doctor though, and she made sure to prescribe me the kind of prep that doesn't suck. When we arrived at the Endoscopy Center I had a lot of paperwork to fill out, and the lady behind the front desk was on her game and knew what was going on. I really appreciated that, as I often encounter confused medical secretaries, and it can lead to mistakes that the patient always ends up paying for. Not so in this case, the center has great staff and they were all kind to me and knew what they were doing. Make sure you bring someone with you so they can release you afterwards. They were great about calling my person to make sure they came back when I was done (early)! After the procedure I even got full color sheet of thumbnails of the images they captured. Do you know what that means? That means I got a doctor to take my picture so you can look at me from inside as well! I think I'm turning Japanese think I'm turning Japanese I really think so! -- thanks to the San Francisco Endoscopy Center! (Turning Japanese is a song, this is a song reference. Look it up, check out Liz Phair's version). read more

Super clean, friendly and professional. Efficient check-in. Dream Team: Susan Ripper, MD, Dan Wadjsman MD, RN's Paula, Julie, Tristan. Warm blankets, cozy tread socks (to keep), excellent communication before, during and after. Even a courtesy text from the anesthesiologist the night before. Cool music while waiting and great service from all! Worth changing plans to have Dr. Ripper and this center! read more

From the moment I entered this facility, I was greeted and treated with a friendly face. I was extremely nervous as it was my first time having not 1 but both procedures done! The staff was so kind, compassionate and put me at ease. I was treated with great care. It is a clean facility, easy to access and efficiently run. Thank you! read more

I was referred to this center by a short notice doctor I had consulted where he said he would conduct the operation. The amount billed was 3x the amount quoted prior to the operation. Having explicitly asked prior to the operation about the amount, there was absolutely no indication that this could be possible. Billing support post-op is lack-luster. The whole thing felt like a scam. Find another center. read more

Like another reviewer, 4 months after my date of service I received a bill for an anesthesiologist who was out of network. I chose SF Endoscopy Center specifically because they were in-network for my insurance. I'm pretty sure this is illegal, and besides that completely disingenuous and sneaky. Don't go here. read more

The whole colonoscopy thing sounds much scarier than it is. Who wants a team looking around inside you with lights and camera where the sun never shines? Not having people check that all is ok is much scarier. The good news is that you sleep - and no - they don't make funny remarks about your behind while you're asleep. They are extremely professional and efficient. What you do before when you get a gallon of medicine to swallow is your story. One there you're in best hands. And get a friend to pick you up for a late breakfast after the action. You'll be hungry. read more

Have been putting it off, but it was time for the dreaded procedure. On a Friday, I checked in at the front desk and hour before the procedure, I was greeted and was asked to review and complete some paperwork. At my appointment time, I was called by a staff member and I was escorted to the prep room. I changed into my hospital gown and was prepped for the process. Before I was taken into the procedure room, Dr. Conlin came and talked to me about the process and ensured that it would be over in no time. I was wheeled into the room and the next thing I remember was waking up in the prep room. The procedure was complete. Dr. Conlin came with report and the results and that they took care of two polyps and that he would get back to me the following Tuesday with the lab test results. Dr. Conlin called the following Monday and said they were negative and that I'm good until next procedure in five years. The prep with the night before was far worse that the procedure itself, which was painless and over in no time. Dr. Conlin and the staff were professional and friendly making the process as efficient yet through. Now I know what I can expect in five years' time. read more

Anyone who has archived 40 years or better should get a colonoscopy. Colon cancer is one of the few that can be prevented and treated with great success if found early. Prep is the worst part of this process. Take some salty horsepills and drink enough water. The result is better than Montezuma's Revenge, may I say epic? SFEC was friendly and just made the entire process easy. They pulled seven Polyps, which were benign, but just the same, enough to make me a frequent flyer every two years. If you love someone there is no better way to say it than to kick their ass here or somewhere else to be checked. I recommend this facility highly! read more

Loved it! If you arrive a little early and speed through the paperwork (not that you shouldn't read everything thoroughly), they start as soon as you're done so you can get out ahead of schedule. The nurses are super friendly, the blankets are plentiful, and post-colonoscopy juice awaits. Don't turn down the offer of socks - it's cold in the probing room. read more

San Francisco Endoscopy Center - waiting/changing chamber with tiny locker and curtains - Medical Centers Near Me - San Francisco, California

The review is for poor service in checking insurance coverage. The services are very good. I would give them 5 stars for services but zero stars for billing and insurance verification coverage. I was initially told there would be no out of pocket costs and then I received a bill for $2300 which was revised upward to $2900. read more

Great first impressions. Everyone is nice and welcoming. The front desk staff are friendly, the nurses welcoming me and doing my IV were great, and I thought my doctor was great too. Until........................................ After my endoscopy and colonoscopy I was abruptly woken up and told to get dressed quickly and that they need the bed for another patient. . The nurse "casually" told me I had 2 polyps................................. and that it would be a few days before the biospy results were in. Just like that. No big deal. WOW. Their goal was to get my bed at this point because its a revolving door of patients and my time was up for them to provide service to me. I was brought to a very uncomfortable chair in the middle of a busy room and was about to pass out. I asked for help, but was told they cannot give me a bed even though the bed they forced me out of was sitting empty I just up and just started walking but they forced me back telling me I cannot leave, but they would not offer me a bed. I had to sit in the chair and see if my doctor would come and talk to me about the 2 polyps found and the hiatus hernia along with the acid reflux damaging my espashagus. they were frustrated my ride didn't show up although the instructions said for him to come at 1:30. They pushed me out at 1 pm. Also, my Doctor was no where to be found. Stay away as this is a "how many bodies can we "process" today kind of service You are much better off at the center on divisidero off Sutter. They are so much nicer, kinder, and gentler with you both in the beginning and at the end when you are exhausted, incoherent and just want to sleep. worse yet, it is now 7 hours since my procedure and I didn't hear back from my doctor even though I left a message trying to reach her. Do I have colon cancer? Hmm............................ Well tonight, that doesn't matter. The doctor is not available and I guess its no big deal............... They all earned their money today ..................................... Looks like it time for a new doctor too. read more

Dr. Melnick was amazing, and I reviewed her accordingly, but this endoscopy center is pretty amazing, too. I was really nervous they wouldn't let my moral support come back with me, but they ended up really moving things along efficiently, so I didn't have a lot of time to sit around and wait and stew in my own anxiety. The front desk person was really kind, and the nurse taking care of me (and starting my IV) was also really great, and also took time to make me feel at ease after I'd been brought back alone. They were comfortable with the anesthetic, and aware of the complications that exist for chronic pain patients (we need more of it to stay sedated). I do remember some unpleasant parts of my procedure, but that's not their fault, and they knew how to respond to put me under again. When I woke up, I saw my nurse's smiling face, and I think I was out the door in 20 minutes, heading home. They did a great job with the medication and the procedure-- I was alert and oriented by the time we got home, and had a sore throat for a few days (which was probably from waking up with a tube in my throat a few times, and gagging, as I'd never had a sore throat from endoscopies in the past). The endoscopy center called to check on me, too. Bonus points. read more

When you reach a certain age the time comes when you just have to learn what 'endoscopy center' really means. They made it easy. They put you at ease, give you very good drugs and when you wake up you realize it really wasn't that big a deal. Worrying about the indignity of it all was far more nerve-racking than the actual experience. I highly recommend the SF Endoscopy Center. Don't procrastinate, it could save your life. read more

Great staff. Clean, small facility. But double check your coverage or ask for an estimate because some procedures can get pricey. It's no fun to get a colonoscopy. But it helps to have a friendly staff and well-run facility 'behind you'. These folks make an awkward situation bearable. One heads up however ... I was a little shocked at the final bill. If your insurance has a percentage deductible, you might ask for a ballpark estimate in advance so you can budget accordingly. Asking for an estimate upfront is doubly important if you don't have good coverage or any insurance at all. But if you do find yourself in a pinch, be sure to contact the SFEC billing office directly, since you may qualify for their hardship discount program (they were very kind and helped me out while unemployed). You can also contact CPMC who has a similar but harder-to-qualify-for program. read more

I mentioned in a review of the doctor (Dan Conlin http://www.yelp.com/biz/daniel-r-conlin-md-san-francisco#hrid:gdNIz_3KZhqmPtM5XGubpQ) that I have made more than my share of trips to transport people home from their colonoscopies. I have indulged in the ritual myself. The Endoscopy Center is so much cheerier, friendlier, and efficient than the three hospitals I have also transported people from. Endoscopies R Us seems like a strange business to start, I admit. But, these folks are focused on a set of procedures and have the details down like clockwork. They greet, call, and provide instructions with precision without being automatonic. Note: I also had a problem with a snarly front-desk person a couple years ago as mentioned in another review. I cannot remember what my sin was in the eyes of that receptionist. But, she's gone, and the staff there now are uniformly real people. read more

I highly recommend Dr. Conlin and this facility. Professional, helpful, organized, and attentive. From pre-planning to the procedure day, everyone was friendly. My endoscopy and colonoscopy started on schedule and finished early. The staff called my ride for me. I felt well-cared for as a patient. I'd like to acknowledge The nursing staff: Jamiely, Christina and Celeste, who were are excellent. Also, Dr. Sanup Pathak, the anesthesiologist, was wonderful and I instantly trusted him. Dr. Conlin has great bedside manner and reviewed the procedure before, as well as the results after the procedure. Overall, highly recommend physicians, nurses and the facility. read more

I never want to go here again, but my experience today was quick, efficient, painless and pleasant, mostly due to the nice people that work there and the amazing drugs. Is there anyway I can get some Demerol to go for after care? read more

I guess if you have to have a colonoscopy, go to the folks that do it all day, every day. They have their system down pat. And while I was nervous about the whole procedure, really the worst part is the prepping (no food and a gallon of laxative for almost 2 days) and the waiting. Once you actually get in there, you get stuck with an IV needle and lay on a hospital gurney with one of those nice gowns on to wait a bit. There's time to read a book or a magazine if you're not crying from nervousness, as I was. Then your attending nurse will come and push your bed into the procedure room, which is just a little larger than a big doctor's office. Not too scary.You have a chance to ask any questions you have, the doc will come in talk with you as well. I was scared of 'conscious sedation' having never done it before. But I think these people know what they're doing. All I remember is a little discomfort (probably when he's blowing the air in there --whee-hoo!) and then I'm out. Next thing I know I'm back in the little curtained cubicle where I started. There is a vague recollection of being told nothing terrible was found, and then starting the process of getting all that air....back...out.... It felt like it took about 20 minutes to recover (but perhaps it was more like an hour) then I was not too groggily walking back to the waiting room where my ride was waiting. The relaxant they gave me - he said it's similar to Valium (I think it was a mix of Demerol and Versed) - seemed to wear off pretty quickly, and after a short nap at home I was ready to eat something and pretty much get on with my normal activities. They give you the drug that RETROACTIVELY makes you forget. Scary in principle, but fantastic in (the right) setting. If you have to have a colonoscopy, not a bad place to do it! Also, I should mention that since I still don't have insurance, I made this appointment through the San Francisco Free Clinic. It didn't cost me a penny. read more

Staff was very nice. Leading up to procedure they stayed in touch with both patient and family. Location is convenient for street parking and everyone was very kind from start to finish. Special shoutout to Dr. Susan Ripper for calming all fears and explaining the process. Highly recommended. Thanks for the great experience. read more

Comfortable and organized. I had to come to this center for a procedure just before xmas and it could not have gone better. The entire staff I met were professional and very friendly. The two Judys definitely made me feel comfortable and relaxed. The prep and post care was exceptional. Highly recommended if you are in need of the services they provide :) read more

I have only good things to say about the SF Endoscopy Center. My procedure went exactly as planned and the staff was very kind and efficient. Prepping for the procedure has improved greatly in the past 10 years. I'd been putting it off because I had such a bad reaction to the anesthesia last time, but this time was no problem at all. Everyone made me feel comfortable and taken care of from start to finish. Dr Chen was my anesthesiologist and Dr Verhille performed the procedure. read more

Very friendly and super-efficient organization. Everything right on time with no wasted effort. You're made to feel welcome and informed. A jovial atmosphere. They realize that a lot of people may be anxious and or uncomfortable and do everything to allay those concerns. Part of that is the manner in which you are whisked, but *not* rushed through the process. You could say it's almost enjoyable. Highly recommended. read more

I was quite impressed with Dr. Jesse Lin and the Dr. Robert Donatiello. My colonoscopy was pain-free and went smoothly. Thank you, Doctors! However, the nurses at the center need more training. I was poked and bruised repeatedly four times for the IV insertion with no success. I have never had any problems elsewhere with nurses not being able to find my vein. read more

Wonderful, caring nurses. Thorough, reassuring, confident, efficient care. Clean, well lit, environment. Privacy is respected.

San Francisco Endoscopy Center is great but understand that their quote does not include all charges and everyone bills separately. Before I underwent the procedure the San Francisco Endoscopy Center called to inform me of the $1157.02 out of pocket charge and the anesthesiologist charge of $138.40. I thought this included everything and although it was a big fee I figured it was worth it to get some results. The following are the bills I received in the 2 months following my procedure (FYI I have PPO insurance through my company) Dr. Conlin Fee Total $960 After Insurance: $97.05 San Francisco Endoscopy Center Total $4616 After Insurance: $1157.02 Biopsy Lab Fee Total $2581 After Insurance: $387.15 Anesthesiologist Total $920 After Insurance $138.40 California Pacific Medical Center? Total $1191 After Insurance $178.65 Maria Patino MD Lab Charge? Total $2097 After Insurance $94.18 Total $12365 After Insurance $2052.45 I also posted this on Dr. Conlin's page but it would have been nice to know all the charges involved in the procedure. read more

The front desk nurses were really friendly and helpful, but the intake nurses at the back were very rude and blamed us for taking long to fill out the forms. They do not offer any of the intake forms in any other language than English. Which is why we took forever to fill it out. There is no bilingual services which makes our visit not so great. :( read more

If you have an option on where to go for an endoscopy procedure I strongly suggest avoiding the SF Endoscopy Center. While the nursing staff is wonderful, their billing "policies and procedures" are infuriatingly difficult to navigate. Debbie -- their delightful billing agent -- is a pain to work with and inflexible. She doesn't provide useful information or options and has an annoying habit of talking right over you when discussing the exorbitant bill you'll receive. Make sure you talk to your doctor, your insurance company, the Endoscopy Center all before signing on the dotted line. This place is a racket -- and this is coming from someone with good insurance -- so go in eyes wide open. read more

Fourth colonoscopy, and by far the best. Efficient, on time, service oriented no nonsense. Only beef is they do not advise you on parking, and they do not validate garage parking. C'mon man! You guys can afford the $6. read more