So PAMF is all I can get for docs given my location and insurance (Aetna - no choice there either). I have had dr coulson in Scott's valley as my PCP for over a decade, I think, since he replace dr conroy. Over the years. I have come to detest more things about PAMF than I benefit from. But my aetna insurance limits me to be pamf. I am 63 and spend about 15k a year for my insurance. 10k premiums and 5k deductible. PAMF has lots of specialists but getting to see one is nearly impossible because... 1) Dr coulson has to see me first and he always makes me wait a few visits with him before granting a referral. 2) if I have not reached my $5k deductible with Aetna, visits to PAMF can run $450 per. This rules out visits for many things I really need help with. Especially mental health... For $450, I will be fine. Except I am not. 3. The specialists wind up referring me to other specialists because they get the diagnosis wrong. I was scheduled for a hip replacement and the week before, they cancelled it because my insurance looked at the X-rays and said yeah that's bad but not that bad. Well it turns out I have sciatica. I cannot describe the pain I have been living with for over a year as PAMF refers and refers and refers. I had trigeminal neuralgia a few years ago. It took me years and many visits to convince the PAMF team to refer me to Stanford. Stanford found the location of my headaches right away and fixed them with only minor brain surgery. I should not have had to wait so long. The same thing happened to me husband, only he has a problem with his pancreas. He wound up at Stanford as well. I am now awaiting my visit to a spine doctor my PCP referred me to. That not until March 9. Meanwhile I have had to go to empowering hands for a leg massage and to five branches for acupuncture. Five Branches is great and cheap. Jake at empowering hands is wonderful but pricey. Still less costly than my insurance co pay. read more

"NP Lilly Dickens at the Scotts Valley center is truly exceptional. She is highly professional, incredibly compassionate, and very attentive. It is clear that she genuinely cares about her patients. I have always felt listened to and well-cared for during every visit, and I highly recommend her." read more

I came into this location because it was labeled as urgent care on the maps but when I arrived, I was told that it hadn't been in urgent care for the past four years. I suggested they update their Maps so this confusion doesn't happen to other people which I'm sure it has for the past four years. The redheaded lady at the front was helpful until she had to answer more questions and then her tone changed to "like I said" when I was inquiring how to become a patient in order to receive assistance. I injured my neck yesterday to the point of trying to find urgent care today, and this woman insinuated that it was not an emergency although my head was twitching with my heartbeat this morning. Overall, not very helpful for healthcare. read more

Words cannot describe how much I hate the 'processes' at PAMF/Sutter. They are all about profits and never about patients. A few examples: 1) When I broke my wrist, I was told by the ER to see an orthopedic surgeon ASAP. I called PAMF, but the Clueless Coordinator could not decide whether to send me (in several days, soonest) to the Arm Specialist or the Hand Specialist. I explained repeatedly that it was my WRIST--to no avail. Long story short--i called Stanford and got in right away. Stanford did the surgery, and they were easy to deal with. 2) I had a five minute question prior to a scheduled ankle surgery with PAMF. I called them SEVEN times, asking to speak with someone about it. I didn't even need to speak with the surgeon--I had a medical question for anyone but the Clueless Coordinator in Sacramento. Finally, I was told they had NO ONE to speak with me for even five minutes (nurse? PA? Medical Assistant? No), and I could ask my question at my pre-op. (!) Again, I went to Stanford, got my questions answered (by a surgeon), and had my surgery there. It was easy-peasy. 3) This is the worst allergy season I've experienced in my life. I messaged my doctor's office for a refill on my inhaler. I'm really struggling. But they did NOT respond and did NOT call it in, all day. I called them again, and the Clueless Coordinator told me to go to Urgent Care If I can't breathe well. Um...no. I will not be exposing myself to germs, when I am already struggling. Thanks a lot. I truly love my PCP, who is a great doctor. But if I could find one as good, I would. The PAMF/Sutter sSystem is so messed up, words can barely describe it. If you have a choice of providers, DO NOT choose PAMF/Sutter. You will be frustrated and you will waste hours getting nowhere. read more

The reasoning behind this is not so much my doctor. Is the care team that reviews all your texts from your app. I have had nothing but problems with them. There's so many times when I text the doctor. It apparently goes through the care team and the doctor never gets the correct text. Also I have medications that I have to refill that have to go directly through the office which also goes through the care team which only the doctor can refill and those refills are never passed on to him it makes me feel so disrespected. read more

Gavin had an ear infection and w/ us being new to the area (medically-wise), I was uncertain to take him to any physician up here because my work, family, and overall life is in San Jose. I had to take 2 days off because my little one wasn't feeling well. Thankfully they take walk-ins so I made sure I was first to waltz in. The front office staff and medical staff in the back were all warm and welcoming. The waiting room is spacious, there is a kid's corner, I think I saw 2-3 televisions, magazines, newspapers, and a clean bathroom for those in the waiting room. I did not want to take 2 days off from work but a 4-day weekend was great. I got to be w/ Gavin all that time, got him well-rested, and saved money on gas from not having to drive to San Jose and back. read more

Scotts Valley Center - Internal Medicine Near Me - Scotts Valley, California

Love PAMF! All of my doctors on the same system? Yes please! Not to mention the care and consideration I continually receive.. I am not simply a number here.. I feel like my doctors know who I am and what I'm doing there and they actually have thought about it and care what happens next. The staff.. MAs.. RNs.. Reception... All seem to know about a patient and make moving from the front to back easy. Just simply said.. You can tell they care.. If you don't already... Get a PAMF doctor! read more

I was a tad frightened by the Yelp reviews but I gave this place a shot after my son injured himself. It wasn't minor enough to take him to his regular doc but it wasn't major enough to go to the ER, so we went to urgent care. From the moment that we arrived, everyone was nice. The security guard saw us struggling so he got us a wheelchair. That guy deserves a raise! Reception was wonderful. The doc was sweet and knowledgeable. The medical assistant was great about following up with us afterwards. We did end up getting sent to their Santa Cruz location because their x-ray machine was limited on what it could do but the follow up and the referral were great. It's nice to be treated by such caring people. read more

I have come here several times... treating it as an Urgent Care type of facility, and I've been very happy. Wait times are really short, in my experience, and the staff is very knowledgeable and nice. They take my insurance (UHC), which is convenient, and I have always been happy with the care they provide. Very professional. In fact, recently, when faced with the choice of going to an Urgent Care facility on the San Jose side and driving to Scotts Valley, I chose Scotts Valley (granted I have a friend to stay with.... but still) Hope that helps. :) read more

NOT GO AGAIN: because of insurance issues, they directed us to Dominican Urgent Care at the hospital. But there was no urgent care facility at the hospital! read more

My family (both patients 28 I may add) visited this location, only because every other location in Santa Cruz was a terrible wait. It was December 26th around 2 in the afternoon. I'll start with the positive here...the receptionist was delightful and honestly with a great first impression we figured the rest of experience would be similar. Unfortunately, we where wrong. Both family members where feeling awful and didn't want to be there anymore than anyone else there. They where both seen within 45 minutes- not bad! But once in room they where unpleasantly surprised by the doctors unprofessional approach to caring for her patients. The doctor never warned either of the two what she was doing- instead she aggressively swabbed the inside of the nose without a warning! It was painful and when they tried to pull away due to pain, the doctor shoved her head back, causing even more pain for an already sick patient. My one family member describes the experience as one of the worst experiences ever and is disappointed that even after telling the doctor to stop, she proceeded. We are disappointed all around by the trip to urgent care. Both family members left feeling far worse then when they arrived. read more

I had my first visit here today for a general checkup and I was very pleased! The receptionist Diane was a godsend; I had spent the afternoon calling countless unhelpful and rude doctors' offices all over Santa Cruz when I figured I would try PAMF in Scotts Valley. She was super accommodating, very understanding, and found me an appointment for three days from my call. I was greeted promptly when I came in early to fill out paperwork. The receptionist who greeted me seemed new and confused, but Diane helped out over her shoulder and we got everything sorted out. The nurse Katie was friendly and efficient, but the real star of my day was Jeanette Bingham, a nurse practitioner who runs her own practice out of PAMF. She was by far the most friendly and knowledgeable doctor I've ever seen. She made it a point to make conversation and make me feel welcome while she was running tests, and she made the experience very personal and memorable. I felt as if I was talking to an aunt or older sister, not a doctor. The appointment went well and I'm supposed to go back in a few days for a follow-up. I've never been able to say I was looking forward to a doctor's appointment, but now I definitely can! read more

Not very impressed with the Dr I saw here. Went in with chest pain, extremely low energy, shortness of breath, etc. Was told by the Dr. after some tests everything was fine and I had anxiety and eventually charged me well over $400 for my visit in total, even though I am insured to the teeth. Part of that must be my insurance companies fault though. Eventually saw my primary doctor who recognized the issue right away as a form of asthma and put me on bronchodialators and I started to feel better in minutes. I had pretty inflamed lungs and lots of chest wall inflammation and pain. This unfortunately means I will be avoiding this place likely if I need any urgent care, because I don't have faith in the doctors here. Or perhaps I'll just request a different doc next time. read more

Called to make an appointment to be seen by a physician for tingling, slight numbness in my left arm. Receptionist stated there was currently no wait for walk-ins. She was right. I was seated immediately and seen by Dr. Hollenback within 10 mintues. Dr. Hollenback did some tests and gave me some advice to help with the symptoms, but said I was fine. That was about one week ago. Although I can't say I followed his advice, hearing from him that I was healthy has eased my mind and I do feel better. By the way, Dr. Hollenback left message to follow-up last night. Very cool! read more

Thank you for your response. However we only received ONE letter that only said there would be a change with little to no details. Additionally none of my records were in my file on line or when I was in the office. I was not notified that the SVMC site would not accept urgent care until I cut my finger last month. Epic fail on PAMF's communication. Again I have been going to SVMC for the better part of 55 years and if it wasn't for my doctor I would NOT choice PAMF as a medical clinic. You can and should do a much better job of communicating with your client. read more

PAMF was OK for normal physical, but I required a referral for outside lab testing and they dropped the ball. I ended up having to do a lot of the leg work myself to get proper testing. All that was required was a simple blood draw. When the results came in, they took a week to send them to me. They told me the results over the phone, but would not post a scan on there PAMF online until a month later. They sent a hard copy that was a week late and they said that it took some time to get out of the mail room. read more

Dr. McGrew is a very caring and patient doctor. Her nurse, Elizabeth, is also wonderful. Both are very down to earth and approachable in any situation. She has helped me beyond words in so many ways. I've never had a doctor I've felt so comfortable with. She is highly intelligent and I would not trade her for anything. read more

This review is for their urgent care. I have been to the Scott's Valley PAMF Urgent Care 2 x over the past few weeks with an infection in my thumb. The last time was a week ago. I received a prescription for antibiotics. The doctor called me a few days later to see if it was better because the cultures showed that the antibiotic he placed me on may not work. I told him it was slightly better but asked to switch to another. He convinced me to stay on that antibiotic. And told me to call if it was not better when I finished the prescription. I finished the antibiotic and the thumb is till not better. I called at 9:30 on 10/20 and explained everything to the girl on the phone. She said she would have the doctor call me back. No word by 4pm so I called again. Was told another message would be left for the doctor. At 7pm I was finally called with word that another antibiotic was a called in. I waited 30 mins and called the pharmacy to verify that they had the prescription. They did not have any prescription for me. I then called the urgent care back to verify that they had the right pharmacy, which they did. The receptionist was not sympathetic as to my frustrations about waiting 10 hours and now worrying if the prescription would be filled before the pharmacy closed. She did not apologize and when I explained how upset I was. I then asked for the managers name so I could let her know about my frustrations. She refused to give me the managers name and told me I could go to PAMF's web site and make an online complaint. Apparently customer service is not one of PAMF's goals. Now it appears as if the prescription will not be filled tonight and I am working 12 hr shift the next few days. So I will have to wait 3 days for the antibiotic. read more

Dr. Parker was my primary care doctor for about a year. She always rushed me and answered my questions, but definitely tried to get me out of there as soon as possible so I could never ask all the questions I wanted. Reasonably priced, if you have insurance, but Palo Alto Medical Foundation is horrible! I went to Dr. Barker with a yeast infection, knowing that was what it was but just wanted to go to her to make sure and get a prescription. She asked all about my sexual history (there was no need for STD testing, it was established), and said it did seem like a yeast infection. To my surprise, a five hundred dollar medical bill came in the mail a month later for a bunch of STD and other random tests she had done, against my wishes or needs! I am still fighting with PAMF about this, and just received a final notice to pay this stupid bill! A lot of people say good things about Palo Alto Medical Foundation, and if you have plenty of money to waste on doctor's bills they're great. If you're on a budget like me, find another doctor! read more

For whatever reason, Ive found that everything is better with PAMF. Maybe its because they ironed out the kinks from the take over back in 2008? read more

I received the most disappointing customer service of my life. When I came into urgent care for a check-up, I asked how much it would cost to see a doctor. The ladies at the front had no idea and couldn't even give me an estimate. When my name was called to go to the office. The nurse took my vitals then I was left alone in the office for over an hour before the doctor came in. When I had to have lab-work done, nobody from the company called me to tell me my results. Then I got the bill. $330 for a ten-minute conversation with the doctor. Then they billed me for labs that I didn't even take. Customer service called me to try to resolve these issues and promised me a call back with everything resolved within 2 days. It's been two weeks and I still haven't been contacted. The whole organization is a joke. Go anywhere else for medical service. read more

Always professional, never have to wait long in the waiting room unless dropping in, always listening and taking my views into consideration, like not wanting to take more medication then absolutely necessary, amazingly all at hardly any cost to me. Am on Medicare and have AARP supplemental. read more

Finally , a doctor who listened . Doctors in California practice medicine from a c.y.a. perspective. Took me five years living here to learn that. I got problems, man. If it wasnt for medical practices like this one, I couldnt get along. Dr. Koopman is a saint. Kind, listened, helped me. The office staff was nice and friendly!! Georgie, my MA, was informed, actually happy to see us, and despite being new acted like a pro. Receptionists were pros also. Even when I threw them a curve ball they responded with grace! Awesome experience. read more

I recently injured myself during a race and wanted to get my injury evaluated. I decided to make the extra drive and visit the urgent care area of the Scotts Valley office of PAMF since the wait at the main clinic was pushing 2 hours.... It was worth the extra drive. The gentleman who was handling the intakes was very nice and understanding. My vitals and preliminary information were pretty much handled immediately. After about 10 minutes, I was put in a room to wait for another 30 minutes. The healthcare provider who checked my injury was nice, but I felt she was slightly rushed. She answered all my questions though and followed up with me the next day with the results of my test. Overall, a good experience and will definitely choose this location again if I have to go to urgent care again (which hopefully I don't, but let's face it, there's a likelihood that I will). read more

"Customer Service" are words that Sabrina is unaware what they mean. She takes it upon herself to decide for the insurance paying customer who pays her wage what is or is not an emergency. On top of that, her delivery is rude. I am so happy Kaiser is opening its doors in Santa Cruz county. read more

Excellent care! They were very attentive to my mother and had several visits with her one week keeping her out of the hospital with pneumonia. Thank you! read more

I had foot surgery 6 weeks ago. My heel was moved, also my big toe. A ligament in my leg was shortened along with 4 other painful procedures. I just began physical therapy. I am in a lot of pain. My physician went on vacation and the covering PA decided to cut off my pain medication with no possibility of dialogue. I have had to quit physical therapy. I havent slept for 4 nights. I was 75 percent weight bearing but have had to backslide to zero weight bearing. Humane? read more

I love my doctor, have been going to her for years. But I continuously have issues with Billing after services. Either they do not bill my insurance at all, or incorrectly, or they keep sending me invoices and collections notices for invoices already paid. After the last time, when I had sent the cancelled check multiple times, and I was still getting invoiced and threatened with collections, I switched my son to a different provider. Never had a single problem there. This time, I am making regular monthly payments towards my balance and suddenly receive a threat to be turned over to collections. At some point, the love I have for my doctor no longer outweighs the constant issues with Billing. Looking for a new provider. read more

I am the type of person who understands that all people are Human and subject to error. I am 57 semi-retired and self pay! I had been going to the Scott's Valley Clinic before it became Palo Alto Medical (PA Medical)and was very satisfied with my treatment and care. Since becoming Palo Alto Medical every patient has become only a #, nothing more! I was recently seen on Feb. 1, 2019 for a common UTI Urinary Tract Infection. I was first seen 4 weeks early while traveling in Washington State by another clinic cost $235.00 including testing for UTI.The antibiotic that I was given in Washington was not sufficient to kill all the bacteria in my bladder. So I made an appointment to be seen at PA Medical. I went in for a ordinary UTI follow up. The total cost came to $1689.00 dollars to simply diagnose myself with a UTI. The treatment I received was not ordinary but over the top because of an overzealous doctor trying to fill his quota for PA Medical and to help the company keep it's rating with Medicare and Medicaid government standards. Over $600 dollars worth the test were done without my knowledge. I have had a standard UTI test done before, cost is about $17 dollars. The doctor never explained to me what test he had ordered and why. When I called PA Medical to complain I was told they would have their case advisor look over what the doctor had ordered and why. Explaining that it must have had something to do with my symptoms and complaints when seen. It has been nearly 4 weeks now and no one has contacted me back. In my exam the doctor had asked how long has it been since my last sexual activity? Male, Female, or other? I explained to him that I have not been in sexual relationship for over 6 years which would rule out STD's. He ordered an HIV1 and HIV2 test be done. He also ordered a Hepatitis C test be done. Neither have anything to do with a Bladder infection or UTI. Why ask questions to come up with a diagnosis when you, the doctor are going to ignore the answers and order test without the patient knowledge or consent which have nothing to do with symptoms? Immediately to cover PA Medical's ass they gave me a few days to make full payment to receive a 30% discount even though I was contesting the testing and bill all together. Because I didn't believe the treatment was ethical, necessary or even helpful in my diagnosis. It is impossible to get anyone on the phone who can fix a problem. I was simply told you owe this money and you will be required to pay it regardless of any outcome from their case advisor. I would suggest that everyone ask your doctors what test they are ordering, what for, and cost. I don't trust PA Medical! I will be posting a complaint regarding the doctor Drew E. Maris on his yelp also with further details regarding his behavior and conduct with myself and other family members. I have filed a complaint with the California Medical Board online, the Department of Justice for the State of California online, Santa Cruz County District Attorney's office all for unethical behavior, price gouging, and misconduct all done online. No one should be treated this way, with no recourse whatsoever! All that is needed for bad acts to go unpunished is all of us to do nothing! Just so that you all know I have followed up with another Doctor who knows my medical background after receiving my billing from PA Medical who stated to me that most of the testing was unnecessary, overkill and that the doctors behavior was questionable. I am self pay and this extreme treatment has cause me mental anguish and distress. Doctors and Medical groups are supposed to do no harm! Joe P. read more

Not being from the area, I found the Scott's Valley location of the SCMF to have the best reviews for urgent care. I had a 30 minute wait after coming in with no appointment. I saw PA David Neuman, who was extremely helpful and expedient. After looking at my injury and getting me some x-rays, he got me all fixed up and out of there quickly. He even gave me a follow-up call a few days later to let me know that an x-ray technician confirmed that I didn't have a fracture. Overall, it was good, professional service in a pinch. read more

The rudest, most arrogant people i have ever seen. From the snotty front desk crew. to the rude doctors, to the misdiagnosis of a simple ailment, this pace is the pits. I called again asking a simple question, and was put on hold for over 45 minutes, only to be told the doctor would call me back....still waiting, doc! A year ago i had a simple problem that the doctor inexplicably misdiagnosed and almost had serious, permanent consequences, if i hadn't gotten a second opinion at a place in Santa Cruz. We all make mistakes, and i can forgive them. But what i cannot forgive is the outright rudeness to friendly patients that i see each time i go in there. No more though read more

I was part of pamf for 7 years, until I realized how poorly informed the PCPs had been. I left because their profit driven approach and lack of current knowledge led to my almost dying. I was given a med known to their system to be in a category that cause severe reactions (medical allergy). When told they denied my experience and offered no help. I am now very sick due to multiple medical errors. Iatrogenic illness is the 3rd leading cause of death in the US unlike most other developed nations. The docs listen to the drug reps but not their patients. Even the better doctors at pamf are constrained by the system, which is neither patient driven nor personal. If you don't fit into a predetermined box your health is at risk there. read more

Rarely do I go to the doctor. Rarely do I take medications but I'm currently fighting a very bad sore throat. On the fourth day of pain, lack of sleep and ibuprofen failing to provide any relief, I finally gave in and went here to check for strep. The culture came back negative (which I find concerning since I found pus on my throat) and the practitioner made me sound like a drug addict for asking for something for pain. "We don't do narcotics for sore throats," she said. She offered a shot in the ass that she called "ibuprofen on steroids" but noted it will only last six to eight hours and then I should go back to ibuprofen and mix it up with Tylenol. I told her I don't take Tylenol and she immediately went on the defensive. Her bedside manner was arrogant and completely unhelpful. I left with no help for pain and advice to come back in five days if it's not better. Thanks, but no. I'll find someone who cares. read more

Dr. McGrew seems to take the time, gather the information and make a thoughtful decision each time. Her follow up is excellent, and yes, usually done in person. To clear up the appointment requirment, urgent care does not require an appointment, but you will be seen by the doctor on call. Appointments with specific MDs do require appointments. The only con I have for the clinic in general is that the phone system/wait time/ability to get to the right person is not always efficient. read more

I have been going to the Scotts Valley PAMF since I was a child and I'm in my mid 30's now. I moved to Santa Cruz a few years ago and started going to branches closer to my house. Yesterday, December 9, 2014, I went back to the SV branch not feeling well. Wow, what a difference! Every single person I interacted with (2 receptionists, 3 MA's, and the PA on duty) were all incredibly nice and helpful. I happen to come in at a busy time and they greeted me very quickly and kept apologizing for the wait. I only waited 20 min to talk to the first MA. Last time I was at SC PAMF, I waited 4 hours! I understand that some injuries take precident over others but the workers at the SV branch were so kind to me and everyone they greeted about everything. The MA I saw, David Newman spent actual time discussing all my symptoms and genuinely seemed to care. I wished I had gotten the name of his MA too because she was so kind and thoughtful as well. I needed blood drawn too. The first woman tried once and couldn't do it. Instead of trying and keep poking me, she immediately got another person to do it, who quickly got the vein. I just want to say that it's so easy to complain about medical care these days but I had an incredibly positive experience with all the staff, their professionalism, and kindness towards one more sick person they had to deal with. I definitely will be making the drive to SV for any medical issues from now on. Thank you SV PAMF. read more

Once again, I walked into "Urgent" Care and found there would be a 90-minute wait to be seen. That's ridiculous. I've been to this office a number of times over the years - for myself and my children - but in the past few years, it's been impossible to get in in a timely manner. The doctors and PAs we've seen have been tremendous, once we've gotten into an exam room, though. From now on, I'll make an appointment to see the PA at my regular doctor's office down by Dominican, rather than trying this clinic again. read more

I recently had an appointment at Santa Cruz Med. in Scotts Valley. I made the appointment for 10 and was assured it was the dr. first appointment for the day, therefore minimum wait. I got there at 9:45. Taken into room about 20 after ten. Told I would need to wait for a room with a computer. 30 minutes later I was moved to other room. Almost 20 minutes later I was told I was next. The doctor was finishing a cast. I realize there are emergencys. However, I could have been informed of this 40 minutes prior. By the time I saw the doctore I just wanted to go. He rushed me through because he was so behind. I would think there would be more that one doctor in this office. And then the doctor told me to go online to webmd or Mayo clinic .com if I needed any other answers (Are YOU KIDDING ME!!!) Anyways if you are an older woman and not writhing in pain try and find a doctor that is going to feel that your time is valuable as is your ache or pain. I don't have insurance and pay a co pay to be told to check the internet. VEry unprofessional in the office. Heaven help me if I don't find the answers on line. read more

Palo Alto Medical Foundation has many clinics all over California. I have used the Scotts Valley Clinic for many years and the Doctors have always been great. HOWEVER, when PAMF took control of the clinic the billing services became increasingly unbearable. PAMF consistently over charges and despite efforts to correct billing their policy is to send you right to collections. They make it impossibly time consuming to contact them and they never follow up as they suggest they will. I had to take them to small claims court to get my overpayment back from their billing errors. In summary, keep accurate records and make sure you are matching up all of your insurance Explanation of Benefits(EOB's) with the invoices. This is where you will see their billing errors. Great Doctors, but the billing mess can be very time consuming. It appears that they overcharge in hopes that most people do not keep good records or have the energy to follow up. Once it goes to collections most people just pay the bill. This is not right. read more

I have a serious gripe with SCMF. While the CDC and every doctor on Radio and TV tells us to make sure that we get our children flue shots. Santa Cruz Medical Foundation has told us 7 years in a row that we had to wait for our children to get the flue shot, well into the flue season, because they were in short supply and rationing for access by some other age group. The funny thing is, no matter what the age of our children, it was always another group that was getting the "limited stock" that they had. Clearly, the flue vaccine isn't in short supply, I walked into Safeway 3 weeks ago and got a shot. However, children have to go to the clinic for shots as Safeway, Walgreens and such have minimum age limits. So how is it that ,7 years in a row, SCMF has had such limited supply when you could get the shot anywhere else easily enough? Could it be that they only purchase a small amt as a cost cutting measure? They already got my money, as my insurance pretty much only covers services provided by them. Is this how a medical facility should choose to save money: by putting our children at risk. How many children die in the US each year because parents choose not to protect kids from the flue... Well here are parents that are taking the advice of the medical community and are being denied or at least delayed well into the flue season. Frankly I'm tired of this annual run around. Maybe universal healthcare wouldn't be as bad as I feared. Clearly access to flue shots for children can't be any worse. By the way Santa Cruz Medical Foundation is now part of the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. Results have not changed. To be fair, the medical care that my family and I have received as been satisfactory. It is just this flu shot issue is rediculous. read more

We have gone to Palo Alto Med Foundation multiple times since they merged with Santa Cruz Med and I have had great experiences and feel they have improved continually. I think they had some initial organizational difficulties after merging, but much of that has straightened itself out. We have used their pediatric and orthopedic departments, and have found the staff courteous and effiecient, and it has gotten easier to get appointments promptly. But what is much more important to me, I think you just get excellent medical care from top flight doctors, with very high medical and ethical standards. It may help that PAMF is a non-profit; they seem to really care what's best for the paitent, rather than what is the highest profit procedure. I also really like their system for communicating with nurses and doctorsl when you have follow-up questions -- have always gotten a prompt, helpful response. The quality of the doctor is the most important thing to me when I go to see a doctor, more than the parking or the receptionists. I think with PAMF you are getting the best doctors in this area overall. read more