Doctors @ Union Square

I hate writing negative reviews, but I thought people should be aware before signing themselves up for a service here so that they avoid having the same negative experience as I did.
I came in last December for an annual check-​up as well as travel vaccination with Dr. Elise Grenier. You will get a very dry session with her, which I was fine with. I wasn’t in for warm care, but was there to make sure my health is in a good condition. She had me go through a whole bunch of tests, which I thought were part of a standard annual check-​up. Later, I got a bill for a test that isn’t part of annual preventive check-​up, for which I wasn’t even given reasons why I was tested. If it’s not a standard test, you’d think your doctor would let you know whey she would put you through it, right? Nope, she did not.
More importantly, she had me tested for my immunization for a few things that are crucial if you’re thinking of getting pregnant as a preventive measure. It turns out that I did not have immunization for one of them, which required an immediate vaccination. But, she said that everything looked fine when the test results came back. I found out through my gynecologist while being tested for other things. Not being a nice person as a doctor may be okay, but not doing your job right as a doctor is totally unacceptable. I can only imagine how upset and worried I would have been if I were pregnant.

Doctors were helpful and kind but the clinic was VERY POORLY managed. Don’t get a physical here.

Terrrrrrrible customer service and terrrrrrible doctor. Don’t let same day appointments confuse you with caring medical advice. They asked no intake questions, no questioner pertaining to diet, drinking, activity, healthcare, previous healthcare concerns… and i had a bad kidney infection. They prescribed antibiotics for 2 weeks. I cam back and it was worse. The doctor said he didnt know why and then told me to do another blood test (third one at this point).
Ummm no thanks — new doctor.
Then they would not send my medical records to my new doctor!!!

I saw all the bad reviews and the billing issues people have had with this office, but went anyways, boy was that a mistake!
They overcharged me on my bill, both me and my insurance contacted them and faxed over the needed information numerous times and each time they claim that they have not received it. I have been trying to work with them for the past three months! The person I spoke with said they will not send my bill to collections since we have been working on it…
Well just got a mail today after work and they freaking sent my bill to collections! I have never owed anything or made a late payment in my life, this office is absolutely unbelievable! And I can’t even call them tomorrow cause they are not open on fridays… please do yourself a favor and go somewhere else!

First, I had read the review. Almost of the reviews are negative. However I believed that they should be improved their operation and quality. Yes!!! I gave them a chance for my first time with medical center in San Francisco. I did Physical Exam!!!
Dr.Hall is the doctor who did the exam for me
In my opinion, don’t waste your time and money with this medical center (Especially, if you have to check up with Dr. Hall) the reviews were true. Dr. Hall, he is too old. He talked to me without eye contact. And he checked really fast. I think he might bored to do the exam to me. The operation had run so fast.
This place was so bad. I not even go back again.!!
Ps. Trust me!!! Don’t even think to try!!!

1) They will give you tests you do not need, and then you’ll end up with a ridiculously high bill. I went in for a specific reason and they insisted I needed a physical that day to make sure nothing related might be causing my complaint.
2) Dr. Bryson is really kind, but it’s really not worth it.
DO NOT LET THEM GIVE YOU A PHYSICAL (LOTS OF TESTS) WITHOUT FIRST PROVIDING A LIST OF TESTS AND HOW MUCH EACH WILL COST.
The first time I went to this doctor was with back pain, and they tried to get me to come back for a physical the next week. They really push the physical (presumably so they can run many tests and charge you for things that are not covered under routine physicals). It’s a bummer that Dr. Bryson is part of what feels like a scam because he really is a nice man.
Additionally, while I’m sure everything is safe, the office does not really evoke a feeling of cleanliness or safety.

The wait was short and the doctor (Bryson) was thoughtful and took time to alleviate my concerns and explain himself thoroughly.

We were in SF on vacation when my husband became ill – he was unable to walk more than a few feet without stopping to rest. I found Doctors at Union Square on the Internet. We walked in, and were seen within 15 – 20 minutes. The nursing staff was incredibly helpful, and Dr. Bryson was wonderful. He listened, communicated with clarity, isolated the problem and was able to ensure that we could travel back to our home in Indianapolis. The entire experience was positive. I was really impressed.

There are no doctors like Dr. Bryson anymore. He always remembers me, asks me questions and takes his time to answer mine. I can tell he truly enjoys helping patients! I never feel like a number at this clinic — it’s run like a family practice but it’s in the heart of San Francisco.
With other doctors I’ve seen in the past, they ask a couple questions and then it seems they default to a list of 15 or so common ailments and you’re out the door. Doctor Bryson asks me specific questions about my medical history to get to the bottom of my health issues.
Dr. Hall is also a great doctor who, like Dr. Bryson, takes his time to get to understand my concerns and provides thoughtful recommendations/​treatment.
The front desk medical staff are very attentive and quick to book appointments, as well as check my insurance information (what’s covered, etc).
Excellent clinic!

Came here for a last minute check up before the holidays and they manage to get me a next day appointment. Co pay plus lab work was 90 total. I was ok with that. Everywhere else, even with one medical i was being charged over 100 and had to wait weeks!!!

A new doctor — Dr. Elise Grenier — joined the team here a few months ago. And boy, am I glad that she did! She’s no nonsense, a GREAT listener, and super practical. I love her.
Case in point — you know how doctors and nurses always ask you if you’re allergic to any medication? And I’ve ALWAYS wondered why after you tell them, they never bother asking what kind of allergic reactions it actually causes.
Well, Dr. Grenier was the first to ask that question. A small detail, I know, but it tells you so much about how much a doctor cares and if he/​she pays attention.
Frankly, Downtown Medical was taking a down turn until Dr. Grenier joined. Now I’m going to stay for a while! :)
I should also mention — I really don’t understand why their Unilocal reviews stink. I’ve been coming here off and on since at least 2008 (due to insurance changes). When I need to see a doctor, it’s usually an emergency, and they’ve always squeezed me in on the same day. The staff is friendly and efficient. And the staff hasn’t changed much over the years. Any team that has low turn-​over has to be doing something right, right? Anyway. I like these people. I’m not going anywhere else!

Meant to identify this schlocky place as WESTERN MEDICAL. Place still sucks.
This place should be shut down by some city/​county/​state/​federal agency.

After many years of coming to this clinic, I am comfortable with upgrading my previous rating. A lot of doctors offices can be hit and miss, often they are overwhelmed and understaffed. There are mistakes made and sometimes never corrected. After my first issues with this clinic I have found that overall they aren’t that bad. The patient care is fair. It is not extraordinary but it is decent and merits more than 1 star.
Dr. Law is my primary here. I no longer see Dr. Hall and I have seen Dr. Bryson (a really great guy) once or twice as well because Dr. Law was only working once a week and I needed to come in sooner than later. I really enjoy seeing Dr. Law, as previously stated: he is very nice, kind and respectful. A bit rushed at times but that is more a scheduling issue than his own preference I believe. Regardless the service and level of care is decent.
I should also note that I did end up getting my insurance to overturn the ruling that was denied due to Dr. Hall’s suggestion of treatment. I ended up being referred to a wonderful neurologist (Dr. Belaga) who has since made a lot of my issues clear cut to me. I have cervical dystonia and that is my «trigger» for my cluster headaches. I get great care from him and would never have found him had I not been referred by Downtown Medical.
Downtown Medical (Dr. Bryson’s practice where both Dr. Law and Dr. Hall practice medicine at, along with one other doctor I cannot recall the name of at the moment (a female) is a efficient clinic which offers folks who travel same day immunizations and needed services. They have worked with me when I was out of work and needed a flexible billing schedule, and they are very kind in general to their patients. Some staff can come across a bit stern but I will be honest in saying they are very efficient and helpful and really do care about their patients.
To end my review, I have had some communication issues with Dr. Law but nothing I am not confident could be managed and rectified at the end of the day. I would recommend with reservations but I would still suggest this clinic to family and friends.
As to the billing, please ask up front what things will cost and how you will be billed. Anytime you have an office visit (even to just refill a Rx) you will be charged an office visit fee. If you have blood drawn that is another charge and you will also pay for lab fees and they do not do their own lab work at that site. They are NOT a scam, any doctors office will do the same. Ask questions and before you sign any statements agreeing to pay for services, request a full detailed bill for what the doctor wants to treat you for. You can always refuse, pay the office visit fee ($ 135 without insurance) and leave. That is your right as a patient.
Medical records are able to be obtained by any patient so it is really not that dramatic of a situation if you need a lab result for the doctor and for whatever reason Downtown Medical has not received them, just get a copy and bring it by the office. I have had many records transferred to and from here with ZERO hassle. I also have opted to make their job and my life easier by just bringing in a copy of the updated results by another clinic I was seen at or the ER dept. at UCSF. It really is not that complicated for those of you who may have written off seeing anyone at this clinic for that reason, that is just silly and your choice. Sometimes it is better to do the leg work when possible. It allows you to inform yourself and have documents in hand which you can discuss with the doctor in detail.
I am sure YMMV but for me this clinic and its doctors are not that bad. Now you want a horrible nightmare of an experience? Try going to Potrero Hill Health Center or Ocean-​Park Health Center. Those places are just a joke!

I have been coming to this office for over six years. It never bothered me that they treat everyone like a chart and not an actual person because I don’t have an illusions about the fact that I’m just a biological machine. But the history of stupidity and greed at this place is just too much.
I have fought with their accounts receivable for months about charges they mistakenly added and were to thick headed to resolve in a timely manner, I have had to endure inexcusable wait times, I have had unnecessary tests test performed just so they could get money out of me and my insurance company, I have had to deal with their constant administrative errors, and all this is just the tip of the iceberg.
The final straw is them no longer taking my insurance and then refusing to fill vital maintenance medications to cover the brief period before I meet with my new primary care physician.
Like Dante entering Hell, there should be a sign posted outside this office that states «Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.»

I came to this office after finding some red bumps on my right chest that seemed like either flea bites or something possibly worse. I showed the bumps to some coworkers and one of them suggested I see urgent care in case I had shingles, which is best treated with anti-​viral within 48 hrs of outbreak.
I made a quick appt here and was seen by DR. Bryson. He was very nice and told me it was neither flea bites or shingles-​just a contact allergy. He swabbed it «just in case,» which I assumed was going to be sent to the lab for analysis. I was prescribed a cream which I purchased and went back to work.
I used the cream and instead of getting better, the red bumps spread and blistered. I went back two days later and was seen by a female doctor. She confirmed that contact allergy was a good diagnosis and wrote me more prescriptions for steroid pills to fight off the allergy. I asked about the lab results from my first visit, apparently nothing was turned in. Something just felt off and unprofessional about that.
Luckily I had a prior scheduled appt with a dermatologist the next day, who took one look at my sores/​bumps and told me I had shingles. I wasted 4 precious days to receive immediate treatment and now as a full outbreak I must let the virus run it’s course.
I will NEVER go back to this primary care practice for anything. I understand dermatology is not their specialty, but they could’ve been more cautious or referred me somewhere else. Don’t go there for anything. They’re useless.

I needed to get a quick checkup and the ladies here were so nice! They were very helpful and patient and made me feel welcome. The office is quite small, and you will get faster service if you have an appointment, but I was a walk-​in and I only waited about 20 minutes. The examination room I was in had a great view of the surrounding buildings, so while I was waiting for the doctor I spent some time gazing outside and admiring the view. The receptionists and nurses are super efficient here, I’d come back!

The office is unfriendly and apathetic. 0 respect for your time or needs. After waiting 2 hours for my appointment, the office continues to tell me only another 20 minutes instead of telling me the truth about how long it will be or «I don’t know»
I realize the medical profession is tough, but it doesn’t mean that customers need to be treated so poorly.
Awful service, dirty, unfriendly, and disrespectful. That’s the best summary I can give.

I really don’t understand all the negative reviews? I’ve been coming here since I moved here last year and what I love about this place is that you can get a same day appt or walk in. On my first visit I saw Dr Law and he was very thorough in his exam.
I typically don’t see a doc unless I find myself very sick and over the counter meds are not doing it’s purpose. Dr Law gave me prescriptions that helped me get over the flu quickly. As well as prescriptions for other medications that I needed.
I have also had a complete physical with Dr Law and thought the exam was very thorough. A previous reviewer wrote that she thought she was being scammed having to come back to review the tests. I thought it was great to go over everything with the dr.
On my visit today I saw Dr Lawrence Bryson. I have to say I was a little shocked that he rolled in in his wheelchair thinking to myself how will he be able to examine me. But he was fantastic. Terrific bedside manner and took the time to get to know me and my medical history.
I will definetly continue to use this office as my primary doctors office. Oh and I forgot to mention the nurses are all very sweet too!

Went in August to request an ultrasound referral and waited an hour to see a doctor (WITH an appointment).
Went to UCSF in mid-​September and was told my results would take two days to be sent to Downtown Medical.
It is now mid-​October and Downtown Medical claims they have not received my ultrasound and convinces me that UCSF mails results, so that is why they have not arrived yet.
Called UCSF and they checked my file and had the FAX confirmation of my ultrasound being sent to Downtown Medical less than a week after I can into the radiology department.
Downtown Medical’s reception told me they had to check my file again, which makes me believe they never checked it all those times I called to ask about my results. NOT ideal when you are waiting for something important.
I’ve already found a new PCP. Goodbye, Downtown Medical and your janky office and incompetent staff. I shall warn everyone I know to avoid you at all costs.

Worst place ever, they are total THIEVES!!! I went there to get my annual physical done, which is fully covered by my insurance. They did a blood test and a urine test, but they would not mail me the results, I had to make a second appointment to pick them up. They made me wait over 45′ and the Dr. saw me fro 30 second and told me that everyhting was ok. On my way out the secretary tells me that i owe $ 130!!! for the «visit» so i tell her that i was there for 30 seconds, just to get the results from my previous visit. She said it was considered a whole new appointment so i had to pay. So i asked her how am i supposed to get my results if i don’t get a second appointment and she said that there is now way. So i explained to her that if the physical is included and fully covered under my insurance, getting the FXXXING results from it should be included too! and she laughed at me.
i like getting a physical done very year, and this is the first time in my life that someone STEALS money from me in such a ridiculous way.
STAY AWAY!!!