William Beck Lewis, MD is an ear nose and throat doctor who now practices with Stanford Health. He saw me at his Emeryville office, working me into his schedule after I had taken antibiotics (prescribed by an urgent care doctor) for a week to address a possible sinus infection and folliculitis and still was in acute pain. He examined me and I discussed my complicated history of ENT, neurological, and dental issues to rule out other things that might be causing the issue. He was personable, put me at ease, knowledgeable, and thorough and gave me insight into one of my neurological issues. The visit was altogether satisfactory, and I came out with a treatment plan that makes sense. I highly recommend this doctor. read more

I've been suffering with Sinus issues for years now with no real relief. Once I knew I needed surgery I wanted the most competent Doctor. Dr Lewis was highly recommended by my pulmonary doctor and that in itself says a lot. When I saw Dr Lewis he was very thorough with my exam and getting all my history. There was a set back due to my own health issues, and he rescheduled my procedure in a hospital. Him and his staff are very responsive to messages and answered all my questions and concerns. read more

I had a head injury a few weeks ago that resulted in some pretty intense facial damage, including but not limited to a broken nose. I got a referral to see another Dr at this same office but that Dr was booked out for several more weeks while Dr Lewis had appointments available in the next few days. Perfect! I'll just do that. Easy peasy. Only after my appointment, that consisted of maybe a minute and 15 seconds of the Dr being very nonchalant in the room and 45 seconds of that being him pinching my nose and asking if it hurt. My answer: Yes, very much so. Dr: *continues pinching and putting pressure on broken nose*. After that he tells me that despite my breathing being different now and one nostril constantly feels cold and dry, and uncomfortable, that the broken bones aren't currently mobile so it should be fine, that's just how I'm going to breathe and be uncomfortable now and if in a few years it still bothers me (when it would likely be considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance) I could look into getting it fixed. -__- And that was that... I guess. The staff here were all so friendly from the front desk to the nurses but man did I feel like I got the attention you'd give someone as a courtesy in an elevator and not from a Dr who is probably getting a decent chunk of change to manhandle your broken, busted face. Dr Lewis didn't seem all that interested in treating anything or addressing the pain or discomfort and more concerned with getting in and out as quickly as possible. And sure, the news I got wasn't what I wanted to hear but even if that would've been the case with another Dr (though the emergency room Dr seemed to think differently) I think he could have delivered the information a little better and not just, yeah that's just how it's gonna hurt from now on. read more

I'll add to the bad reviews ( wish I had read them before wasting time and money on this arrogant doctor) For $600... I was seen by him for 15 minutes. He was aloof and unprofessional. While he had the scope (mini megaphone) in my ear he loudly reported to his assistants! This is an EAR specialist??? He roughly looked up my nose and referred me to anOther specialist there! He would not accept the hearing test that I recently took ( from referred doctor) and referred me to anOther doctor for a hearing test. I need a hearing aid...but he showed that he could care less. This referral was for 1 1/2 months latter - after my insurance change (Jan 1st) I explained it to him- I got a blank stare. $600 ! read more

Hello doctor Lewis. Thanks for seeing me on Thursday. I'm so happy everything are doing just fine. I have to tell you , all your staff so nice and kind. I love it. Have a great weekend to everyone. And happy valentines to you and all the staff. -Erik Nguyen! I hope you're remember me from doctors PHAM office. read more

I hope people looking for a good ENT doctor in the East Bay will read this. It's long. But in the long run it could save you bad use of over-the counter-drugs and an incorrect diagnosis. Here goes: Aside from being kept waiting, William Lewis saw me for perhaps 6 minutes (in two segments, I might add, because he left the room and an assistant came in to desensitize my nose.) After he came back another assitant typed whatever he said on a computer while he spoke at extraordinary speed. Then he was gone, saying, as he was halfway out the door.... "Take 4,000 mgs of Tylenol for headaches, and --wait-- four ibuprofen, too, maybe twenty minutes after the Tylenol." The most troubling part of the visit was that he didn't bother to check my history or ask questions. If he had, he would have found out in seconds that I was coming about a condition that had been growing worse for over a year. Because he didn't bother to look at my history or ask questions, he spoke as though my symptoms had arisen overnight. He diagnosed (wrongly, as it turned out) a deviated septum as the cause of my problems. The consequence of his out-the-door recommendation for headaches is that I took At least 4000 mgs. of Tylenol a day (often more) until someone warned me about possible liver complications and I began to do research. At this point I learned that 4000mgs for 3 days significantly raises the ALT level. and it takes 21 days for all traces to leave the body. Here is one study: http://livertox.nlm.nih.gov/Acetaminophen.htm If William Lewis had taken the smallest amount of time with me, he would have known that this was a dangerous recommendation for a chronic sinus sufferer. Later his office sent me a bill for $500.00. This included $175.00 for a new-patient visit, which his office said was typically 30 minutes. During the few minutes he spent with me, I was under the impression that the world of ENT patients was so large that William Lewis hardly had time to see one of them. I thought that maybe this cursory treatment might be normal in the ENT world. Later another doctor (someone who works in the area and has no competitive interest or malice) explained that William Lewis and his associates see so many patients a day they really don't have time for them. Since they're one of the few ENTs in the area they've become the "go-to" ENTs. One wants to see all sides of the picture. However, William Lewis's diagnosis and manner were shockingly careless. So was the amount of money he charged and the amount of Tylenol he prescribed as he was racing out the door. Later I went to a doctor in SF who spent 45 minutes with me. (Dr. Jacob Johnson--Review to come later.) He took a culture, gave me targeted antibiotics and scheduled an appointment for a CT scan at his office so he could see what was going on without an infection. At every stage he told me what he was doing and why. He was kind and had genuine quality of presence. At this point I realized that ENT doctors have time to be present and caring. But aside from his bedside manner, William Lewis's haste becomes even more troubling. The CT scan (done in the office of the other doctor) showed extensive infection on the whole left side of the sinus area--and careful examination of the scan showed that a badly infected tooth was causing the problem. As the doctor said: A lot of people have deviated septums. But most of them don't have sinus problems. (A deviated septum is the ad hoc diagnosis. This is one reason why they operations on deviated septums don't work.) The very responsive office scheduled surgery to drain the infection next week and called my dentist for follow-up. Once more, everything was explained carefully: The doctor and another colleague looked at the CT scan with me--as it was printed. There was no mystification and real concern for my level of discomfort. (When I told them about the Tylenol, they ordered liver tests to be sure that the amount I took hasn't messed with liver function. If it has, they'll take extra precautions.) The following is a real alarm: When I came back the next week and nothing had cleared up, they rushed me into surgery that was two-and-a-half hours. (It was out-patient, painless, and the doctor came to see me before the surgery wearing street clothes, which I though was a wonderful common touch and very reassuring.) Much, much later, He told me that he hadn't wanted to alarm me, but the infection was close to my brain and this was extremely serious.) This isn't a disgruntled review based on having to wait for a long time or not liking something about the office. It's about a real mistake I'm concerned about people who may not be able to get the recommendation I got or do the research I did. There are--as I experienced--very good doctors out there. It's troubling to run into a doctor like William Lewis. read more

What ... my daughter has a shell up her nose? A sea shell ... and it won't come out? I'll be on the next plane ... LA to Oakland ... to Dr. Lewis. Whew ... not life threatening but surely not the best news I could get while out of town. But luckily Dr. Lewis could squeeze us in and attempt to calm me down, I mean calm my daughter down, and remove the unwanted sea shell. But the shell was not to come out this day. With all the hope in the world, that shell would not retreat. Until the next day. Thankfully. And Dr. Lewis was top notch and patient every step of the way. Thankfully. read more

Yes, I had to wait. I see a lot of people here complaining about that. Bring your Candy Crush or crossword puzzle and get over it. Such is the way of the medical world. It's a busy, popular practice. You're going to wait. That said, I found Dr. Lewis to be attentive, to ask questions, to confirm quickly another diagnosis I already had gotten, and prescribe a course of treatment that was clear and made sense to me. The staff was organized and polite, in spite of the crowd and chaos (including the scores of people who try to check in when they are in the wrong office). I'm happy that my GP referred me--hoping to see the medical issues retreat soon. read more

So I'm sitting here waiting in one of the rooms for Dr Lewis to come see me, it's already been 17 minutes. I'm his first appt of the day. A word of advice to whoever chooses this doctor. Make sure to book appts early in the morning. Unless you don't mind waiting. He is always running behind. Overall he is a fairly good doctor, but poor time management skills. Update...took approximately 30 min for him to come in and talk to me. The appointment lasted 8 minutes. read more

Dr. Lewis was a waste of my money and time. His bedside manor is non-existing. During both of the visits I had with him he put instrument in my nostril and twisted it up without warning, as though I was a piece of meat. Also both times he made a comment about me having a problem breathing, which I had never said and I did not have. I feel he is not interested in figuring problems out unless they are textbook problems. I will find another doctor and I recommend you do also. read more

I went to Dr. Lewis with a mass on my face from a parotid salivary gland. He did a needle biopsy and said it was benign. A year later, I had a biopsy at UCSF and they found a Lymphoma. When I showed them Dr. Lewis' original report, they said that it was not a complete needle biopsy and they had not tested for what turned out to be malignant. The Lymphoma had not just appeared since it had spread and had been there for several years. I found Dr. lewis to be very personable but I would hesitate to take his opinions as truth. read more

My daughter visited Dr. Lewis for the first time last week, and we found him to be extraordinary. He treated her with great kindness and thoughtfulness; he took the time to explain the procedures and held a deep conversation about literature with her while the numbing agents kicked in. It is very rare for an adult to treat a teen with such profound respect; my daughter is very sensitive to how often people make assumptions about her based on her age. After we left, my daughter said she wished she had an excuse to spend more time with him. read more

I drove from Oregon to Oakland for an appointment with Dr. Lewis. He prescribed a CT scan which I had done the same day. Almost two weeks later he has refused to telephone me with the results of that test. I will be filing a complaint with the CA Medical Board today. read more

My dentist thought I had a suspicious something under my tongue, so I got a referral to Dr. Lewis. Long story short, the "suspicious something" was a big, fat nothing. But Dr. Lewis was attentive , thorough and reassuring. It might be silly, but I'm the daughter of a doctor so after doing my research, I chose him because he was born in Brooklyn and so was my Dad. He did his residency at Rochester Medical School where my Dad went to medical school. And both of them are ENTs! I had to wait a bit (I expected that) but I wanted a late appointment just in case he had to cut. I'd give him 5 stars except for the lack of parking. I walk with a cane, but had to park two blocks away in a pay lot ($10). read more

I saw this doctor a few years a ago, and reading the poor reviews, I thought I would add my own. Never would I refer anyone to him, and I informed my primary care doc of my experience which concurs with a number of others. I had to wait over an hour to see him, and no apology offered. Very short, disappointing visit, no history taken, only a recommendation for an allergy test at his office. Of course with the subpar assessment, I would never return to his crowded, unpleasant office for another long wait, and less than good medical treatment. I am a professional woman myself, with training in the medical field. I have worked with the best of the best, and certainly can separate the wheat from the chaff! You must know now that this isn't wheat. read more

I saw Dr. Lewis today for a lumpy feeling i have had back in the left side of my throat for like the past 2 years. I mostly went to see him because I was scared I had tonsil or throat cancer (former smoker). He was kind, friendly, educational, and seemed to truly care about my health, habits, and personal life (as far as being healthy). I had a small procedure done in the office and i was nervous but he was great. He asked me questions and truly cared about the answers. I wish I had more information to the things he was telling me about chemicals in our world..... He mentioned some interesting stuff I'd like more info on. Also, I read his Bio online, he has been to other countries working in a humanitarian way as an ENT doctor. He truly cares! Also, I made the appointment on Friday afternoon, and the appointment was for the very next day! (Saturday)! (To Jonathan M who gave one star.. are you serious!? How can you give one star to someone you have never seen? Arent you giving one star to the "brusque receptionist?" You left the wrong feedback for the wrong person.) I could not give the receptionists or the clinic itself 5 stars -- but Dr. Lewis definitely 5 Stars. read more

I can not say enough about Dr. Lewis. He is kind and gentle and took great care of my newborn son. I highly recommend him for all children. read more

I didn't manage to see Dr Lewis, because they expected a patient in severe pain with a nasal abcess to wait 10 days for an appointment. The brusque receptionist said the matter could be taken care of by a primary care physician. I guess that's why my PCP refereed me to Summit ENT in the first place? I'm just glad I got to experience the "personalized patient care" described while I endured the long phone hold. read more

I know Dr. Lewis personally and professionally, he is kind, intelligent, and extremely competent. I would recommend him to my friends and family! read more

I just got back from this so called specialist. Unprofessional, no regards to anyone's well being and time. The worst doctor I have ever been to. Waited for 2 hours so that he could see my son but didn't even get a glimpse of him. Made us sit in the room for 1.5 hours. Ridiculous and unethical. Don't go there, specially if you have kids. He deserves zero stars. I hope yelp creates a zero star rule. I would give him one. Pathetic. read more

mine was a simple procedure. however, it was my 1st visit and wait time was too long. I waited 1hour 40min for what turned out to be a 5 min procedure. subsequent visit waiting time was simply unacceptable. read more

My son had a great experience with Dr. Lewis. His surgery went well, no complications. He spent time talking to us about the procedure, followed up with us after the surgery, and called my son to check on him. He is professional and is very personable. I just called him for a pediatrician referral. I recommend him! read more

Dr. Lewis is an excellent doctor! Great staff and no waiting. Dr. Lewis was very knowledgeable, attentive to my needs, compassionate and a very caring doctor. Dr. Lewis patiently explained my procedure and calmed my jittery nerves. I truly felt like Dr. Lewis was very sincere about caring about me as his patient. I am so very happy my doctor referred me to Dr. Lewis. read more

Dr. Lewis is personable, warm, incredibly thorough, incredibly smart and high level of expertise. Also caring and explains things fully and provides opportunity for questions and concerns. If only all physicians could be this way! read more

I had a great experience with Dr. Lewis. The first time I saw him he spent more than 45 min with me, and did a very thorough assessment. He gave me very practical advice for how to fix my problem and didn't push a bunch of medicines. I felt well cared for and that he really listened to all of what I had to say; he was interested in knowing the full history of my symptoms, even those that were seemingly unrelated. I would definitely recommend him as an ENT. read more

Bill Lewis saved my life. I had chronic sinusitis for years, which was making me feel rotten nearly every day. He and I came up with a plan and his follow up was the best I've ever had. He looks at the whole picture and happily refers to and/or speaks to other specialists. Given some time and careful, consistent follow up, I feel great. He's the best. read more

Yes, yes, Bill Lewis is wonderful in every way...but one has to get by that prison-like reception to get to him and if you don't have an illness that has been informed of their scheduling requirements, you will not get to the expert care of Dr Lewis when you need it. I needed a culture of a seething boil that made me look like I was Harry Potter under the influence and with Down's Syndrome. And the pain was again like a Voldemort attack! The inability of the receptionist to allow me to communicate with a medical advisor finally resulted in her dropping my call. I had one question. The only option I was given was to make an appt later in the day with another Dr. I had an urgent situation that was finally escalated by a Stanford med assistant who contacted my primary directly and demanded that something be done today. Fortunately it was. Medicine has fallen second to business and scheduling...would someone PLEASE inform the Illness Department??? To be fair, this is all to common in the private practices. read more

Dr. Lewis is one of the best doctor's I've seen. He really takes the time to listen to you and discuss whatever questions you may have. He's down to earth and also very open to incorporating alternative healing methods along with traditional western medicine. I only wish he could be my doctor for everything. read more

Dr. Lewis and staff are the best I give them 5 Stars times 10. I've been a long time sufferer of allergies and sinusitis and hay fever. My condition didn't get better since I moved to California in 2004 and I needed to do something because I was developing blockage from a nostril which I thought was mucous until I saw Dr. Lewis he saw it right away that it was polyps blocking and he wanted to make sure that's all it was by getting me a CT scan. Once the polyps was confirmed he saw that I had sinus infections and he performed surgery removing polyps and deviated septum. I gotta admit it was rough the first two nights trying to sleep but it wasn't the pain just the drainage part that was keeping me up late. But 3 weeks later I'm breathing and sleeping much much better. I can exercise better when breathing through my nose. The staff was wonderful they played a major part as well talking and asking how I feel plus other subjects from marvel movies to TV shows they was fantastic. I highly recommend Dr. William B Lewis to my friends, family or anyone who may be having sinus or allergy problems. I definitely will see him again for routine checkups on my sinus and allergies. I already recommend my brother to Dr Lewis and can't wait to see the results. All I can say in closing is Thank you Dr Lewis and Staff. read more

I had a minor bad experience with Dr. Lewis. I went to him for turbinates surgery about 4 years back. He was nice but he was very rough and was not kind and caring when I asked him about the procedure and potentially pain I would endure. He sort of brushed me off and indicated that this procedure was no big deal. read more

My husband had been misdiagnosed by other doctors until we met Doctor Lewis. I would highly recommend him his knowledge and expertise is commendable. Regards from Kathy in Alameda. read more

I have visited Dr Lewis for my own health issues and most recently for my two year old. My only regret is having seen anyone else first.. Would have saved my daughter some trauma. By far the most attentive, caring and respectful Doctor I have ever been to, or brought my daughter to. He performed a minor surgery on her, I was so nervous and was so grateful for his kind and grounded energy. I never felt rushed with my questions or concerns and was really impressed by how thorough the care was. Never fun having a reason to visit the Doctor but a great feeling to have someone you can trust. Can't recommend him enough! read more

I went in to be evaluated for mouth issue. The front office was effecient and quick -- the negative reviews here seem like they're describing a different place. The workers were young women mostly, friendly, funny, but most of all knew what to do. And Dr. Lewis was competent, friendly, attentive, helpful as much as he could be. He spent time talking with me about my issue, which is difficult to diagnose much less help. He was not rushed and clearly was sincere and there for his patients. I would recommend him highly. read more

Dr. Lewis took great care of my daughter. He was kind gentle, professional and courteous. He made himself available for any follow up questions. Would highly recommend him! read more

I've seen many many doctors in pursuit of a diagnosis for a mystery illness over the last ten years, and Dr. Lewis stands out as uncommonly thoughtful, intelligent, and caring. Few MDs can move well between standardized testing and listening to a patient's description of problems, and Dr. Lewis did so with impressive rigor. He was unable to crack my case, but I nonetheless appreciated his systematic investigation, his honesty, and his sensitivity. read more

Good-by Dr. Lewis, I only need to see you once every two or three years to just make sure my cancer has not come back. I remember the first time I saw you after my previous Dr. in the same practice had retired. From your questions I could tell you had not reviewed my files. I assumed you were busy, I was a new patient to you, not to the practice, and my file was quite extensive going back almost 10 years. My biggest problem was not the service I received from you, but your front office I remember feeling disrespected and spoken to as if I was a nuisance. I remember trying to talk with you to get my test results and they dismissed me as being unimportant in connecting with you. Of course because it took so long for me to get the results, I assumed the cancer had come back and I was going to die at anytime. I finally called my primary for help, and she had also received the results and she told me everything was okay. Three weeks later your office called me to set up an appointment to see you to get my test results - too little, too late. Now, here I am two years later ready to come back to you when I realized I have choice and I choose not come back. read more

Dr. Lewis is as fine a doctor AND person as one could meet. Caring and empathetic, visits to his office offer a much needed departure from the typical doctor's visit. Dr. Lewis squeezed me in within a week and was able to perform surgery within two weeks! He went above and beyond the call of duty and I give him my highest recommendation. Your ears, nose, and throat are safe with him! Thanks Dr! read more

I am visiting my son at Berkeley for the past three months from my home in Maine. I have been suffering from sinus problems for the past ten weeks culminating most recently into a middle ear infection. My office visit with Dr. Lewis was very helpful. He was thoughtful, patient, and informative. He asked me questions and made assessments that other doctors had not presented. Although his waiting room was very busy, he was not in a rush and listened to all my concerns. His office staff were pleasant. He was recommended to me by staff in the emergency room at Summit as someone who has been very good to work with. I agree. read more

As a hearing aid user, I am angry at the docTOrs for switching audiologists without thinking of their patients. I have worked with 2 excellent audiologists here. they both were eliminated on short notice. The first Nancy Gould was sweet to my mother. She helped Mom so much with her hearing aids. She had fit Mom's hearing aids originally. We were happy to see her back recently. Not only did she take time adjusting the aids, but she made Mom feel special. always a kind smile and compliments. Then there was Angelina , who was pleasant enough. My impression is that the audiologists care about their patients, but are pressed by the other demands of the doctors. I don't think the doctors understand what the audiologist do. Both audiologists were gone suddenly without explanation. There is something wrong with the doctors. Do they have hearts? Not so much. read more

Might be a good doctor but they have called me 3 times to re-schedule an initial appointment....Gives me real pause in wanting to ever use them.... read more