Smith Michael, MD

Michael Smith has been my doc for over 25 years and is always informed, compassionate and in every way available. His clinic is a busy one and short waits are not unusual and should be factored in for any visit. Part of the reason for delays is that Dr Smith never hurries an exam and takes the time to check the whole patient not just the problem that urged the consult. Five minutes extra will back up a schedule. I’d rather wait a bit and get the extra time than be processed on a tight schedule so some one in the waiting room doesn’t write a rant to Unilocal about the indifferent staff. His nurses are skilled and really pleasant and the front staff, while busy, have never, in my experience, been anything other than cordial and caring. Smith is very up to date on many new trends in medicine and also embraces many non-​western ideas. He is hands down, the best doctor in the Bay Area.

Minus 2 stars for the staff. What is it with medical office staff these days? Is business so good that they can afford to drive away new patients?
Not long ago, I called to make an appointment. First thing, I got put into a voice mail maze. Bad start — I hate those. When I finally got to speak to an actual person, it was clear that that person had zero interest in my health and 100% interest in my insurance. I have good insurance, but no matter — she refused to make me an appointment. Instead, she just gave me the names of some doctors with instructions to look up whether any of them were on my insurance company’s list, and then to call back. Fat chance of that happening!
Years ago, people complained that doctors seemed to think they were God. Now it’s the doctors’ telephone receptionists who are taking that role. Do the docs have any clue what’s going on in their office? Do they care?
Instead of treating me like a potential customer with good money to spend, they act like I’m some kind of supplicant standing there with my hand out. Here I am, a generally healthy guy with very good employer-​paid insurance, looking for a long-​term relationship with a good medical group, and they do their best to send me packing.
Fine then, I’m outta here.