Sansum/Sutter is a miserable experience exacerbated by the services clearly being over-subscribed. No parking at many facilities, long hold times on the phone, inaccurate web pages (e.g., showing doctors no longer there or not showing ones who are there), no followup. I had a coding problem/error from Lab order they sent in Nov. of 2025. SIX MONTHS later, they have not resubmitted the order correctly. No responses, no help. The medical teams are generally good but it is getting impossible to navigate to them through the crowds, disorder, disorganization and administrative incompetence. read more

My husband started seeing Dr. Ron Golan recently in the urology group. He was quite pleased with his first appointment and delighted he found a great urologist. Dr. Golan is a young and capable scientist. He has a good sense of humor but is also very professional. He's well educated having graduated UPENN medicine followed by Columbia, while still keeping current on evolving scientific research and data. You'd be lucky to be his patient with his bedside manner and strong scientific and clinical skills. Office was easy to get to, park and navigate to Dr. Golan's office. Highly recommend! See their website for more information. read more

I just wanted to verify-an appt. as requested- First time with Sutter. OMG! never got it to happen, what a mixed up mess. I'm just praying that this isn't a reflection of the medical service. I love my primary physician but the Sutter web site has been designed by ? blind people? trainees? idiots? Dear god get My Chart back Please please please read more

Pure garbage!!! Phone lines locked, appointments are non existent wth!!! The worst service in SB and employees are at their white end. Your Healthcare is at risk and these greedy Dr.'s do not care. Bring back SB medical foundation!!! read more

My husband and I come yearly for physicaals and their specialists. We highly recommend the clinic. Always have been very happy with them.

14 years with Sansum Clinic cardiology. When Dr. Shenoda was there it was so much better. My electrphysiologist "monitored" me for 14 years. Not once did he advise me my GLS was in DIRE category of impending cardiac event(S). In 24 HOURS,( not 1 YEAR nor 10 DAYS as DID Sansum cardiology) I had emergency appointment and referred to hospital for IMMEDIATE hospitalized care...!!! At end of EVERY appointment I asked if there are any trends of which I needed to be aware? ALWAYS ," NO." . Now? GLS is at -9.5%...extreme dire range. Not one contact from Sansum cardiology. Cottage acted in LESS than 24 HOURS...!!!! Sansum needs to eliminate cardiology dept. . read more

Wait times on the phone are utterly ridiculous. They put you on hold for 25 minutes, easily. I'm just trying to make an appointment real quick. If someone answers after 20 minutes, they immediately put you on hold again. I'm switching to concierge medicine because I can't get appointments at SANSUM/sutter health. F read more

they shared PHI on social media of post-pap smear discharge. WTH? this is not okay, and patients should be aware!

You'll have to be your own advocate for most procedures/exams at Sansum. Seem to be reactive than proactive. Referral process has always been a headache here and takes way too long. Communication and callbacks from department staff is terrible. Appointments are usually booked out months a head of time. Some great staff and some standard medical center grouches. 2 out of 5 stars. read more

update to my sans review We went to the Radiology dept.thats across Bath from Cottage and told them the problem. they made it happen and didn't even act like was weird. She was scared and cried and fought, but we held her and got it done. All in a days very god work. They were so compassionate and professional. My review of Sansum was not for the urgent care I only called the main number I think and explained the problem. Ive had to deal with the main part only two other times and it was kind of the same. The receptionist seems to know very little to help you find what you are looking for. Finally got an appointment with an ophthalmologist there as a new patient. I sat and waited 90 minutes past my appointment time and the whole thing felt very corporate, and impersonal. However have had two very positive experiences with Sansum Urgent Care. read more

A doctor in Carpinteria who does nothing but refer patients to other doctors sent me to 2-3 Sansum Clinic doctors including a podiatrist and a skin doctor. Since my last visit, Sansum was purchased by Sutter Medical. I hoped that Sutter would require better patient care. Nope. Sanscum is still Sanscum. Rude Discrimination and ineptitude are still the norm. read more

Dr. Dree Daugherty is incompetent, judgmental, and lacks any sort of empathy or compassion. My daughter was seen by her on 11/3/25 for a sore throat and fever. Dr. Daugherty immediately assumed that she had mono and diagnosed with her as such, with no testing to support this assumption. She did not listen to my daughter, asked her why she was crying, and told her to go home and take Ibuprofen and Tylenol. She did not prescribe her any antibiotics. This was the worst mistake that this so-called doctor could have made. My daughter in fact did NOT have mono and actually had tonsillitis, which without antibiotics got infected. This led to further complications including sepsis, a septic emboli in her throat, pneumonia, bacterial meningitis, and the development of Lemeirre syndrome. My daughter has now been in the hospital for 2 weeks with no anticipated discharge date because Dr. Daugherty refused to listen to my daughter. If she would have prescribed her antibiotics we would not be in the situation we are in right now. I would not trust Dr. Daugherty if my life depended on it and now my daughter's life does. read more

I have previously written about the very poor experience I had with the Sansum Clinic radiology department. In addition to receiving radiologic services at Sansum I have seen several specialists - there wasn't much choice when I moved to Santa Barbara. While some of the doctors are good, the issues with billing are beyond awful. I have been billed for services the Sansum Clinic did not render on THREE separate occasions. The total charges were in excess of $10,000 and my insurance company paid a very large fraction of that. They paid before I received a bill from Sansum, so I was not able to stop the payments. Once I became aware that I supposedly owed Sansum just under $1000 I was able to research the situation and discovered that they were billing for services they did not render. I contacted my health insurance company, sent message through the Sansum patient portal to their billing department and contacted the departments that supposedly provided the services. I was finally able to straighten it out and make sure that my insurance was refunded what they paid out. Yes, I was able to straighten it out, but it took hours of my time. Luckily the choices of where to obtain health care services are expanding in Santa Barabara. UCLA is now offerring a lot of services and plans to expand even more. In addition, Ventura is not that far away, so I am exploring options there as well. With some luck I will be able to completely disconnect from Sansum very soon. I strongly advise anyone who uses Sansum to examine their insurance Explanation of Benefits statements and bills from Sansum very carefully to make sure you are not being billed for services you did not recieve and that your insurance company is not paying for them. read more

Finding the building was easy, parking was free and available right next to the clinic in their lot, and there are nurses outside to assist in directing everyone and taking temperatures. The checkin was fast and simple and they called my name within 3 minutes of sitting down in the waiting room. Everyone I met on the way was friendly, caring and competent. The nurse I had was great and I was very impressed by my doctor, Dr. Rai, who had been recommended to me by a friend. She was quick to understand my history and put together a comfortable plan for the future. I feel like I'm in good hands here. They use MyChart which is a great online platform for sector to patient communication without having to call or go into the office. Also to check on records and prescriptions. The only downside is the time it took to get in initially. I had to schedule 8+months out. read more

Traveled quite far for treatment, with CT in hand. Had two specialists blatantly gaslight me about the issue, one blatantly misdiagnosing me- giving me what was actually medically dangerous instructions. And the other insulted me for repeatedly asking for an MRI - as the radiologist report instructed. I thought I was going to a bigger city for better care, instead, I wasted months of my time waiting for appointments, to get absolutely humiliated. Stay away. read more

My former endocrinologist, Dr. Shawna Weisler, moved from her private practice in Los Angeles to Samsun in Santa Barbara. Loved her as did all her patients from Los Angeles . In fact, I was a patient of hers for 18 years. She was generous to continue seeing her patients from LA. However, much of the staff at Samsun were and are some of the nastiest and vindictive people I've ever encountered in medicine, or anywhere for that matter and their actions indicate a nasty disdain for her previous LA patients. The staff at Samsun don't care about the patients. They don't forward messages to the doctors. They don't follow up with patients' much needed prescriptions. And, they will literally tell you to seek care elsewhere if you attempt to follow up on prescriptions or needed care or even ask what is going on with previous inquiries. No joke; I was told to go elsewhere. Even though I had been frustrated at times, I was never rude and tried to be as understanding as possible. I love Dr. Weisler and am eternally grateful to her. I have nothing but good things to say about her. However, I have had nothing but bad and inexcusable experiences dealing with the staff at Samsun. read more

I had an extremely bad experience with Sansum related to a minor surgical procedure. It was determined that I needed surgery two days after I had a cold and a low grade fever. I tested negative for COVID twice. This was fully disclosed to them at the time. They said that was not problem and proceeded with a pre-surgical exam, blood work, EKG, paperwork etc. They then contacted me the day before surgery and asked me to take yet another COVID test. I went out and purchased a COVID test, took it, and it came back negative (AGAIN). I sent them my results and a photo of the test. The nurse confirmed my surgery the night before and the morning of my surgery. I showed up at the appointment time after fasting (no food or water) since the night before and was told that they could not perform surgery on my very painful and infected foot (that I had already been living with all week and it had gotten much worse) because I had a fever less than 7 days prior. They said that I could have surgery done at the hospital instead and that was my only option. At this point I was hungry, dehydrated, and in severe pain. They had quoted my out of pocket for surgery at Sansum and I asked if the price would change at the hospital. They assured me that if it did, they would take care of it. Now I am stuck with a $2200 out of pocket expense that I was unprepared for and they refuse to cover it. I was not given a quote for this before surgery as is required by law (The "No Surprises" act) and I will be seeking legal advice. This is unethical and shifty. I will be looking for all new doctors and new insurance so that I no longer have to deal with unethical Sansum aka Sutter Health. My advice is that if you have a choice, I would go elsewhere. read more

They did not bother to tell me that they would no longer be accepting my insurance. An associate of the office told me she would call me. NOPE and not the first time their insurance office has ghosted me on questions. Sutter does not appear to care about their patients at all. read more

I will I had 0 star on this review. I had an ultrasound at OGBY and the result came out totally fine. But I had an app set up for after the ultrasound and realized I do not need one. I contacted a nurse and tried to cancel it, but nurse responded on the day of appointment that they will be performing an ultrasound again and I have to be there. When I got there, doctor did not even know why I was there, no ultrasound was performed, I asked why I was there, she said, we just wanted to say "Hi". I was charged over $300 for the visit for nothing. I disputed the payment, but they are not removing it. Watch out people. I will not name the doctor but watch out for her. read more

The worst customer care I have ever seen at a clinic, comparing that with 3rd world countries too. Waiting 2+ months for them to resolve a simple referral, meanwhile suffering from a hernia while they figure their organizational process out. Don't expect their team to be proactive whatsoever. Dr. Stern won't follow up with you. Don't expect call backs. Don't expect them to care about your health. Their office team from Jessica to Yerenese (sp?) is more concerned with terrible organized processes than actually resolving your physical pain. Their team doesn't even know how to submit a claim or a referral to your insurance provider, expect to do that yourself and spend a total of 10+ hours on the phone. Save yourself the mental and physical pain, they don't deserve your business. read more

I was there last year at the travel clinic prior to a trip to Brazil. I knew I would have to pay the exam fee and that they can be expensive. I called to find out what it would cost and was told $190. They charged me $225 but I did not complain and paid it figuring that small misquotes can happen. The doctor told me I was due for a DPT and that she could give it to me right there. I refused and explained that I knew from previous experiences that their fees for vaccines were higher and that I could get it elsewhere for a fraction of the cost. She told me that my medicare would pay for it so it would be free. I asked her if she was sure of this and she assured me she was sure, so I got it. They have been billing me for $106 ever since even though I have called and spoken to the billing department 3 times about what happened. It's my impression in general from this and other experiences that Sansum clinic uses financial incentives to the doctors (ie salaries based on percentage of charges) to get the doctors to push for extra services. I will not be going back to Sanum in the future. read more

If you need any care before you die, call 911, go to jail, or get elected, but above all avoid Sansum Clinic! My first appoint for physical therapy is available 11 weeks after surgery. It took 9 months to see a cardiologist (who left Sansum a week after my visit). While the doctors are usually good, it is nearly impossible to get an appointment with them. Sansum is UNDERSTAFFED and if you can, choose any other medical group! read more

There are many physicians at Sansum, some are great and some are not. However, the billing practices are universally bad. The clincher for me was a $50 bill that I had already paid via my HSA account being sent to collections over the Christmas holiday. I've been a patient with Sansum for more than a decade and have always paid my bills. To send a $50 bill to collections with very little notice is infuriating--never mind the fact that I had already paid the bill! I will be seeking my healthcare elsewhere in the future. read more

I never leave negative reviews, but I am left feeling frustrated after receiving a bill from a less than ten minute visit to Sansum Clinic. I was there just long enough for them to tell me there was nothing they could do to treat an ear issue I was experiencing. About a month later I received a $225 bill. They do not provide a break down or explanation of the charges that total the $225. I suggest finding any other possible clinic or hospital to visit as Sansum is no help in regards to billing after they see you. Save yourself the headache. read more

Was planning on switching from Kaiser to Sansum Clinic. Made a new patient appointment with Dr Engrstrom. They gave me a phone number to call to have my records transferred. After more than 3 weeks and a half of dozen calls and messages nobody has called me back. Left another 2 messages for the supervisor in charge of records Laurie Gutierrez. Still no response. If this is how they treat you from the beginning i'll take it as a signa nmd find another doctor/clinic. I have had better service at the DMV. read more

I noticed since past years Sansum Clinic service has become very disappointing and has hidden charges why can't they tell the patients the total charge beforehand especially when they are paying it out of pocket? More than hospitals that would care for the patients this is has become a business to gain more money. disappointing. I wouldn't even give 1 star if this had negative stars I would rate that. read more

Having lived in numerous cities/states, it's not always easy to find great health care. It's been quite a challenge in the past but not so with the Sansum Clinics, from the small Urgent Care and Clinic in Solvang near where I live, to the Sansum Clinics in the Santa Barbara area. Each time I have left, whether for a colonoscopy, treillage prior to angioplasty, a last minute appointment when I've had bronchitis or myriad other visits, I have never been anything but seriously shocked at the overall quality, dependability, thoughtfulness, punctuality, cleanliness of facilities, skill of staff and doctors and the list goes on. I feel grateful. Also, can't speak more highly of Dr. Mike Loya in Solvang and Dr. Mica Bernstein in Santa Barbara!!! Thank You SO much!!! read more

Maybe their doctors are good but I wouldn't know since they will not take any new patients outside their county! This clinic came highly regarded from a friend who used them for colon cancer surgery (ironically, he did not live in SB county) and raved about them. Guess everyone from surrounding areas are not good enough! read more

Bit of a long wait, but all the staff was really kind and Dr. Franklin listened and was very understanding.

Such an incredibly frustrating organization. It took me 8 months to get an appointment to establish a primary care doctor. I have had two experiences with her and they were both awful. She didn't seem to care what I was saying or experiencing and her answer to everything was "take ibuprofen". I have been trying to make an appointment for my annual physical for two months now and no one responds to my messages. I thought the point of having a primary care doctor was to be able to make these appointments? The MyChart app allows you to see that the messages have been read so I know they are reading them they just aren't responding. The customer service is embarrassing and the lack of patient care is disgusting. If your insurance allows, go ANYWHERE else. read more

The staff is beyond rude. Everyone who has ever been on the other end of my call, was rude. After I read the employee reviews, I now understand why... Just another place that puts their doctors on a pedestal and treat everyone else like crap. read more

I would have liked to give them a zero. I had a payment plan with them and I was paying them every month. then all of a sudden they sent me to collections. I would not recommend them pretty shady. I will find another alternative read more

The worst clinic. They will do absolutely nothing to help you if you have something urgent. They just tell you, you have to wait for the next available which is three months out. They are extremely rude and not helpful over the phone. They rather you basically suffer / be without any help or care then do anything for you. Haven't experienced worse customer care in my life. read more

Santa Barbara Sansum clinic quality has dramatically decreased over the years. The clinic has very few doctors for the population they serve, mostly male, and important exams are taking months to be scheduled. We have to wait weeks to see a specialist, regardless of how many times we use urgent care and when we see them, if they schedule radiological exams, we have months of wait, regardless of what kind of problem the doctors suspect the patient has. Urgent care is all that is offered today. This is a very expensive healthcare system that offers very little to the people. read more

I see Dr. Matti Jansen and have for years. She is lovely and patient, kind and calm. She takes time with me at my physical and I never feel rushed. I've messaged her multiple times on the portal and she responds quickly. I feel the staff are great and I don't have any complaints. read more

Having a relationship with Sansum Clinic is like having a relationship with a Greyhound bus station--they only care about your current purchase and then you're on your way. Don't expect them to put their patients first or prioritize them in any way. You are literally nothing more than a part of a commercial network that helps them further THEIR needs and goals. We are sorely lacking in Santa Barbara. It's a beautiful place to live, but be prepared to drive south for care. read more

I had fantastic service and care here! Everyone was so kind and genuinely interested in my problem and figuring Puig how to help. Great clinic experience! read more

Moved to Buellton in late March and needed to establish health care after my time in Colorado. I was referred by a medical group to see various doctors in the Sansum group. From endocrinologists, hematology, psychiatrist, pain management, they have all been great. Always available to communicate on the portal for questions, prescriptions and occasional special needs. Highly recommended. read more

This is by far the best medical group and doctors I have ever had. The doctors are caring and friendly. They don't just treat the symptom, they actually try to find the root cause. Their MyChart database allows immediate access to appointments and testing results. Most importantly, the Sansum group works together as one great medical treatment process for its patients. I'll never go anywhere else. read more

Martha, from Sansum Clinic called me yesterday, 3/16/17 at 3:11 PM re an upcoming appt at Sansum. There was a very pronounced echo on her end that made it difficult to understand what she was saying. I asked her if she had the speaker fon on. She replied, "No, I have earphones on.'' Whatever the reason for the echo, I asked her to correct the problem so I could understand what she was saying. Then there was a tapping or rubbing sound as if she was rubbing of brushing something across the mouthpiece of the fon. That, combined with her very loud voice, made further conversation impossible. I asked her to have another person call me. She bellowed, "That was not necessary.  I can handle this." I thanked her and tried to repeat my request, but she went into high gear. She repeatedly interrupted me, then told me I was rude. I suggested she was rude which put her into overdrive. After listening to another few moments of bloviation, I politely asked her to shut up and I hung up. Another person from Dr Kershaw's office called half an hour later. The information needed was rapidly conveyed. Much easier when bloviation is eschewed. Pun intended. read more