Dr Rick has been my primary MD for a decade. Always caring, cheerful. Great patient interaction. Truly cares about my well being! Staff is patient and caring. read more

We moved here a year ago from Oregon. Our daughter said, "Beware Mom, they won't take time to listen and you won't be able to ask questions- they are too busy". However we could not be happier. They have listened to all questions. And found the staff to be friendly and helpful. I am pleased. My only suggetion would be to have an answering service. Sometimes the phone service takes time. read more

Dr Von Stieff was my doctor at John Muir Detox... I have never gone toe to toe with a doctor before, but what he said about my mother was so disrespectful. I find this man to be rude, thinks his shit don't stink and needs a slap in the face. I don't care that I am an addict but you never talk about my mother after speaking to me for about 5 minutes... read more

Makes you wonder why everyone is leaving. Pam is the worst! I will be finding a new doctor.

Staff was very respectful and friendly. I was there simply for a drug screen but they did everything so fluidly and was out in 15 minutes. It was an amazing experience. read more

One of the worst experiences I've ever dealt with for a Doctor's office. I was having issues with my health last year and needed to become a frequent patient for this office. Making appointments at first was like pulling teeth, always trying to call the office to book but they would never answer their phones. There would be days where I would be so emotional about my health issues and would not be feeling well. The individuals that would intake be before my appointment were gracious enough to be gentle and hand my tissues. Once the NP Alison would get to me, she would barge through the door with little empathy just going about the appointment to get it over with constantly rushing and not going over why I was there to begin with. They would recommend me to go to several specialists and have me call to make the appointments, there were instances of these doctors not receiving the faxed referral or even them sending me to places that didn't even accept my insurance. They would always reassure that they would "take care" of all the neglectful instances of forgetting to send out referrals, sending me copies via my chart so I could even book the appointment, or even updating me on my disability process. They had also incorrectly billed my insurance for tests that I did last year, I had discussed this with them and they said they would reach out to the testing facility to resolve by refiling the claim with the correct insurance. I never received any notices from the testing company since, so I had believed that it was resolved. This was Summer 2024 I received a collection letter, almost a year later February 2025. I had reached out to this office again to figure out what might of happened, or if they had even actually completed their process. Their admin just told me, "You would have to contact (Testing Company) to find out what happened. They are a separate entity from us" Didn't even look into it or reassure that they did in fact speak to them. I don't even trust that they had even did it in the first place. I've already had enough of this doctor's office for my experience with them throughout the 2 years I've been going here. read more

They are often late on appointments which is obviously tough when you take off work to visit. Then, when Dr (Rich) Carpenter would get to me for a general checkup, it would be a very quick and impersonal visit. 3-5 minutes max. read more

I've been a patient of Von Stieff Medical Group for almost two years now. While I admit that we had a very rocky start, I can honestly say that I've been satisfied with their services. I've actually never met Dr. Von Stieff himself, but his daughter Dr. Christina Carpenter is a gem. She's my doctor and a great doctor, at that. I have a cyst that I've been dealing with for over 15 years. Had surgery to remove it about 10 years ago but unfortunately, it came back with a vengeance. The recovery was slow, painful, and extremely difficult. After going through both the surgery and recovery, I vowed to never get surgery again unless it was absolutely necessary. In the meantime, I've just been dealing with it on my own. Recently, the pain became absolutely unbearable. I literally couldn't drive. I had made an appointment for later on in the week, but I pulled over and called Von Stieff's office practically in tears and asked them if I could see them right away. The receptionist mentioned that they were booked up, but they would see what they could do to squeeze me in. About 20 minutes later, they called me back and told me to come in. I made it there in about 30 minutes and checked myself in. Previously, they had held a co-pay payment that I made for an appointment that I had earlier in the year, and they finally released it and used it as a credit for this visit. It didn't take too long before I was seen by Dr. Carpenter. In my experience, when the pain has been this bad, the doctors will usually just lance the cyst. But, Dr. Carpenter examined it and determined that this wouldn't be the best solution as she didn't want to cut into scar tissue. She told me that it was also infected and that antibiotics would work to kill the infection. She prescribed me antibiotics and pain medication. She told me that if this didn't help then she would have to refer me to a surgeon. Exactly what I didn't want to hear. I don't ever remember being prescribed antibiotics for this before, so I was really skeptical of whether it would even work or not. While I was there, she asked me if I needed anything else. I asked her if she could refill my prescriptions while I was there and she did it quickly. My prescriptions were ready within a few hours and I was able to pick them up right away. The pain meds worked immediately and after taking the antibiotics, I feel so much better than when I first stepped into her office. I'm very grateful that I was able to be seen right away. In the past, this type of pain has landed me in the ER which is both costly and a slow recovery. Luckily the antibiotics worked, and now I'm feeling good as new again. I know that I'll probably have to deal with this issue for the rest of my life, but at least I have a doctor who cares and who knows what she's doing. Dr. Carpenter is fast, prompt, and thorough. The office staff and receptionist are also really pleasant as well. Thank you for your services, Dr. Carpenter. read more

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Be aware of the horribly unprofessional woman that answers the phone. I asked for her name and I think she said it was Pam or something similar. I had some questions about my insurance and she made it clear she could care less if I became a patient here. I feel sorry for the patients who do end up going here due to the lack of customer service that occurs. Ps. I have found another doctors office that is much more pleasant when you call. read more

The only complaint that I have is the hold time. Be prepared to be on hold Everytime you call and it can be at least 5 minutes.

I went to see dr von stieff for work related purposes, after my appointment he starts talking about a non-related topic he claim by just looking at me I have sleep apnea he asked me if I wake up choking or not being able to get air. and told me to get a sleep test at the sleep clinic so I did and I got the results I do not have sleep apnea. I also was told by a co worker he misdiagnosed him what is going on here? the office is okay but I only went there because my work sends all its employees here. read more

I was very well taken care of today! Everyone was very nice, and it is nice to be treated well and as a priority being the patient in need of help. Kailea and Rick the Doctor by far were caring, smiley and the Doctor Rick positive which felt like an amazing atmosphere for myself and other patients. I 100% will definitely continue to come back here! Thank you again! I CANNN BREATHHHHHH read more

Oh where do I even start. Dr. K. Carpenter is the best Dr. I've ever gone to, hands down. When u talk about someone who knows what she's doing AND has the most wonderful "bed side manner". This is your Dr. I needed some help with some health issues and she was there to help me navigate through, answer questions and get answers. She is the most compassionate and thorough Dr I have EVER gone to. I honestly wish we had a friendship outside the office. She never rushes, she listens to questions & concerns as well as helping you get the answers you need. I can go on for days!! The front admin, medical assistants are all wonderful. Been going here for years and I will never see anyone else! Thank you Dr. Carpenter for helping me navigate through my health and giving me a sense on calm. You go above and beyond and I'm FOREVER grateful! You're one in a million! read more

I started at this facility over a year ago and I received inaccurate medical advice from their main doctor, Dr. Von Stieff which was the final straw for my to look for another care provider. Dr. Von Stieff called me with the results from a covid test that I took at their facility and stated that it is negative and I have no antibodies for covid (I did not take an antibody test). So the doctor provided medical advice based on inaccurate information. This is unacceptable and unprofessional malpractice if you ask me. I went to the ER after my covid test and then saw my primary doctor at VSMG afterwards to see if she had any recommendations. Dr. Aura seemed unconcerned and provided no suggestions for any options for additional care or service. I highly recommend looking for a different facility that is professional and does not give inaccurate medical advice. read more

Fred seemed nice, but he retired soon after I started there. So his son in law took over. No matter what your problem is he focuses on depression and ignores the problems you came in about. Depression is a real problem, but when he spends only a couple minutes before he leaves you with a trainee, only say you need more medication for your depression, when you are having troubles with your bowels, and diagnoses other patients with depression after zero discussion on that, I gotta assume he has a certain preoccupation with depression. read more

Came in the office today for a drug screen. The lady at the front window was extremely rude, didn't want to listen to anything I had to say and said I shouldn't come in to the office but to call the office instead. I was told over the phone already that I could walk in. Avoid this place read more

Terrible experience all around - the front desk lady Pam is so rude, lacks empathy, very transactional - doesn't care about the patients. I first came to this office in Jan of 2023 as a new patient. There were two doctors working in this office a the time, Dr. Von Stieff and Dr. Christina Carpenter. I had 4 total visits and not once was able to see one of the doctors - each time I would call to make an appointment I was told they were booked months out, but that I could see the nurse practitioner instead. I needed to get some bloodwork done as I was experiencing some health issues so I ended up seeing the NP. When I received the bloodwork I had called to ask if they could explain the results in which they told me I needed to make an appt to do so...why would I need to make an appt for you to discuss my bloodwork? The front desk lady finally gave in and tried to explain what the results showed. She told me that I cysts on my ovaries and therefore had PCOS - she did not explain what any of that meant or give me any sort of reassurance that all would be OK. The delivery was extremely cold and as a 31 year old woman I was of course worried and had questions. She told me that if I had any other questions I would need to make an appt to see the doctor and ended our call. Do not come here if you're looking for a healthcare provider that actually cares about your well being. read more

I feel so lucky and blessed, yesss blessed to have found this wonderful practice of Doctors. I have read some of the reviews and have to say, they were for sure overbooked when my regular doctor passed away and they did an amazing job at letting all his former patients have somewhere to go. I think that little hectic time might have been stressful to some, but once you are in you will never want to go anywhere else. I first had Dr Kristine who is just a lovely person. She made me catch up on test I hadn't done in way to long, and for that I appreciate her. I now have Dr Rick who I cannot say enough glowing reviews about. Kind, caring, funny, down to earth, and on top of what is best for you. Did I mention the staff? The sweetest ever! The receptionist works with what ever I need when I've forgotten to schedule an appt. It's pretty amazing as usually you get a ' we can see you in a month', but here, if it's important she will get you in. I would recommend this practice to everyone, although I hope you don't go because once you have them you want them all for yourself. A little hidden gem in Contra Costa County. read more

Loved Dr Carpenter when i first met her. She took over patients from my former doctor. I enjoyed her so much I chose Blue Shield over kaiser because I wanted her to be my families doctor. However, since returning I have yet to have a great experience. The receptionist at the front desk is enough to make me reconsider working with this medical group. This is the second expirience with this receptionist since meeting the doctor. She is not helpful, or empathetic to helping, but rather quick to push you off even as vuneralble as I was today. I will search for a new doctor. read more

My first visit with Dr. Von Stieff started out a little slow, as the office was really behind schedule, but upon meeting Fred (the Dr.) I was extremely pleased with his level of care and attentiveness to me as a new patient. Really intelligent and funny and a very compassionate doctor. I definitely like him, and his front office staff gave me a sincere apology about the delay in my appointment before I left, which I also genuinely appreciated. Really neat to see a father-daughter practice too (Dr. Carpenter is his daughter). I definitely believe you are in capable hands if you pick Dr. Von Stieff as your health care provider. read more

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I have been with the Von Stieff medical group for only a couple months but I have to say I am ver impressed. Dr. Kristina Carpenter is my doctor and she is amazing. She is the most genuine, compassionate doctor I have worked with. I see her mostly for my eating disorder and has really been able to be real and genuine in showing me that she cares. She goes above and beyond for her patients. I would highly recommend. read more

These two doctors are specialists in addiction and drug abuse and I have found them, over 3 years, to be intelligenct, knowledgeable and compassionate. AFter 3 tours of rehab, I am finally sober and got my one year chip last weekend at my home group AA meeting. I find the staff business-like due to the high volume of mentally ill people they have to deal with, but the physicians, Dr.Von Stieff and his wonderful daughter Kristi, are as good as it gets. read more

I've been going to Von Stieff Medical Group for almost 13 years and I highly recommend Dr. Von Stieff, Dr. Christina Carpenter and Dr. Richard Carpenter. I've been a patient of all three at one time or another, I am now seeing Dr. Richard Carpenter. I OWE MY LIFE TO THESE DOCTORS. I have a recurring, life threatening problem that when it starts happening, I instantly go into denial that it's happening to the point that by the time someone makes me see reason, it's almost too late. 13 years ago Dr. Von Stieff stuck with me and figured out what was wrong with me, (after 20 years of being misdiagnosed,) and when the problem recurred last year, Dr. Richard Carpenter realized that I was pretty far gone and in complete denial so he gently pushed me into seeing a specialist and got me straightened out once again. I'm not an easy patient and when I go into denial and say no to everything a doctor prescribes while hysterically sobbing . . . well these doctors don't give up no matter how difficult you are. I currently see Dr. Richard Carpenter on a very regular basis to make sure I stay on track and as my PCP. Again, I owe these doctors my life. read more

I'm a little sad to leave this because I'm a positive person. But wow I left 4 messages over 4 days and never got a call back. 3 instances were the answering service and the 1 that was at the office was cold. Also seemed office was closed a lot. read more

The doctor is good and very friendly. However, the front desk is really the issue. They are so rude and very hostile toward their patient. I will not go there again because of them. read more

The office is clean and welcoming and there are plenty of toys for the kids and magazines for ailing adults to look at. When you approach the receptionist they are often understanding, kind and friendly. When the assistants take to weigh, poke and prod you, they are very pleasant and with good humor. Often times they remember who you are and ask how you have been doing. As for Von Stieff himself, he's just a nice guy with a good sense of humor. I can't wait until I get medical benefits again so I can return to his office. read more

Fred Von Stieff is all about money and not helping the needs of the community. He makes himself unavailable to people who have very little money and/or no health care. He will not volunteer his time to answer questions about his book. As for my call to them, the office manager told me he does not believe in charity cases. I asked him if my friend could pay $150 dollars to see him. She said they will not take any money less than $250 for a consultation. She then hung up on me. As for his book, he ill informed and draws assumption about the central nervous system and GABA deficiency. He also is full of opinions and draws conclusions about how one would address nervous system issues and addiction. read more

After reading raving reviews about Dr. Von Stieff, I was sure I had found the right place to bring my 20-year-old son, who has had a tremendous amount of loss (8 friends have perished in 5 years), and he struggles with self-worth and marijuana addiction. I cannot put into words how much I regret bringing my son to this practice and to this doctor. He didn't take the time to read anything about his patient prior to walking into the consultation. He was like a drill sergeant as he repeatedly told me and my son how his genetics predisposed him to addiction and gave hard-hitting statistics as he boasted about all the successful cases that have resulted from patients that have worked with him. Even though we repeatedly told him that the core issue was marijuana, he continued to talk about alcohol and methamphetamines. I was shocked that there was no compassion or sensitivity in his delivery. Not an ounce. Period. After I asked a question, it was as if my son was no longer in the room and he addressed me non-stop for 7 minutes as he went on and on about how busy he is curing addicts and how that's what needs to be done in this case. I tried to impart upon him some of the trauma and pain that my son is facing, not to excuse the addiction, but as an attempt to have this man ease his tone and show some level of care for the timid and somewhat broken young man that sat before him. He never took the clue and he never eased up. As he ended the session, he turned to me and he shook my hand, then he turned to my son and told him he knew what he needed to do and that he'll have the information at the front desk. He briskly walked out. End of session. If you or your loved one are a hard-core addict and you've attempted to get clean, you need a tough talk about your chances at a good life without sobriety, make an appointment with this doctor. If you are desperate for help, AND you need care and counsel as part of your treatment, and you want to feel valued and respected; to have an actual 2-way conversation about what brought you to his practice, please find another path. I strongly advise you not to visit this doctor, because while he thinks very highly of himself and his methods are clearly effective, his manner is brutal and I left as rattled and angry as my son was. In spite of having a great reputation and an experienced practice whereby he has had, "thousands of successes", it is my honest opinion that Dr. Von Stieff is an overwhelmingly arrogant and insensitive physician, completely lacking in bedside manner and hardened by decades of treating addicts. OURS WAS A TRULY PAINFUL AND UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE. read more

This is a great place with a great Doctor. It is a little slow even when you have an apt but once when you get in the back you are fedex right out. But I'm very happy with this place. read more

I thank God that there are still doctors like Dr. Von Stieff practicing. He save my life from prescription drug addiction in short order. The process was relatively painless and quick, and for that I am eternally grateful. As my current primary care provider, he and his staff have been nothing but great with any issue that has come forward. The cramped conditions of the otherwise clean and pleasant office prevent a fifth star. I hope the Doctor never retires! read more

I am a opioid user and have been for most of my adult life. I have been in heavy construction my whole life and have suffered with sever back pain. I am now at a crossroad where the Norco is affecting me negatively more than it't beneficial affects. I was referred to Dr. Von Stieff for consultation and treatment. When I met with him and tried to have a one on one conversation about my problem; he merrily railroaded the conversation to what my problem was and how he was the best in treating me. He had no concern or information to give me on how he would treat me to make me feel comfortable in this life changing transition for me. I felt uncomfortable meeting with him, and I don't believe he has the integral concern or any compassion for his patients. Keep looking folks- read more

Dr. Kristi Carpenter is the best! She listens, she's super helpful, and I feel like I'm healthier under her care. Their staff is friendly and hardworking. I really enjoy a small private practice atmosphere instead of big box medicine at a large health organization. Schedule an appointment with her today! read more

If I could give 10 stars I would. Dr Von Stieff and Dr Carpenter are hands down the most knowledgeable, thorough and precise Doctors I've ever had. I have driven from Marin to Concord for years in order to see Doc Von Stieff. At one point I sat in HWY37 traffic for 2 hours to see him. read more

8 years ago today, Dr. Von Stieff looked me in the eyes, placed his hand on my heart and mine on his, promised to get me clean, and did. I have been OxyContin free 8 years as of today. Besides my wife, there is nothing in my life I am more grateful for. read more

Dont go here for addiction treatment if you ever plan on having a life threatening emergency anytime in your entire life. This practice along with John Muir hospital will take everything about major life-threatening illnesses off your record and replace it with the words current daily addict even if you have recovered Even his the addicted brain, talks about how all other addiction doctors in the country are crazy and his methods, cold turkey, which can result in death are superior to anyone else in the world. I would not recommend for anyone to go here or John Muir Hospital in Contra Costa County County unless they want to be left in the painful life threatening dying situation it truly happened to me post read more

Kind, caring, compassionate... understanding.. i'm sure I can come up with a couple more adjectives for Dr. Carpender and Dr. Von Stieff but I think that sums it it pretty well. There is a reason they're always busy, trust me. Even though they have a lot of patients they always make time and will squeeze me in for an appointment really quickly. I've never had doctors that care so much and really take the time to listen to you. read more

I grew up in a family of doctors and nurses. As a result, I consider myself a very easy patient (as I see things from the other side of the fence), but I also expect a high level of competency as well as a straight-forward nature. Dr. Von Steiff is my kind of doc. He's to the point, thorough, and smart. I saw him for a respiratory problem, and within 10 minutes of my name being called, I was paying my copay. Seriously. 10 Minutes. You know how you normally wait for 15 minutes staring at the educational posters in the room, waiting for the doctor? He took 1 minute. Seriously, maybe less. She told me "the doctor will be with you shortly" and before I could fire up a game on the blackberry, he was asking me how I was doing. 9 minutes after that, I was done. I only subtract one star for the aggressively average medical staff. They put you on hold before you can say "sure", and just don't stand out at all. Overall, this is the guy you want to see if you're in Concord. read more

Waiting too see my outcome with this Doctor and Office manager who has taken a life and death situation and is trying too sweep it under the table.......oh by the way the Docter will not talk too patients over the phone( He is above that) ....more too come I'm sure. read more

very horrible place to detox. Dr. von stieff is horrible, cussed me out in russian, Dr. von stieff if your reading this. don't decline it. If you think im lying you can call me and tell me talk to me. peole say your a good doctor, i personally think your horrible and just for the act. I would not recommand that place. read more

I required a medical exam and chemical dependency exam for my nursing license due to a 2011 dui in which I had a .09% blood alcohol level (my only dui ever). I was charged $500 for the exam in which Von Stieff spent approximately 10min conducting. He wouldn't let me speak, made numerous assumptions requiring me to clarify his false assumptions only to be further interrupted. He was peppering me with question after question in an almost manic manner which caused all the false assumptions on his part when I wasn't afforded ample time to answer said questions. It was the most frustrating and non-productive meeting. When he filed his report he suggested I had a dependency to opiates because I had a prescription 2-3 yrs prior to pain pills(Norco). When I read his report I was so disgusted with his supposed medical opinion of me and frankly felt insulted that I called his office demanding he re-evaluate the situation to which his receptionist said Von Stieff stated, "if you don't like it, tough!." He's a turn and burn hatchet man making $500 a pop with no regard for how he misrepresents people and negatively impacts their careers and futures. read more