Southeast Health Center

I’v just got my medi-​cal, since i forgot to choose my doctor, they assigned me with southeat health center which is close to my old address. So I decided to give it a try. I called them to make my first time appointment as a new patient. The scheduler kept asking about my name and DOB and phone number, and said there is a another patient with the same name or something, She asked me the same question at least 3 times. And finally told me that earliest appointment is about a month and half later. That wasn’t a problem to me since I didn’t have any serious health issue and I’ve worked in medical field, so I know it is totally normal for new patients. But when I called to confirm my appointment 2 days b4 the appt since I didn’t receive their phone call to remind me. They told me that they don’t see any appt for me at all. And when I asked to make another appt. They told me that there is no appt availeble, she had to put me on the waiting list. That just didn’t sound right at all. They called me 2 weeks after. Said there is a appointment for me next week at 3:30, so I left my work early and went there.
I’ve waited until 4:15 to be put in a exam room with a RN. He was very nice and all, but after he finished with the questions about my personal and family mediacl history aroud 4:40, he told me that he didn’t know that their rule has changed, the last blood draw is 4:30 now. So he can’t draw my blood this time (the blood is for the routine lab test since I’m new patient and haven’t had one for long time). So I have to make another appointment for that. The only thing I’ve got was a simple 10 second procedure done by a doctor who wasn’t the one suppose to be my primary care physician whoes name was printed on my chart. (I don’t even know his name until I saw it on the label of my medication.)
Because the clinic close at 5pm, so I rushed out of the room because I can see everyone was in hurry to get out of there. I had to remind them for the priscription I’ve told to get. I waited about 10 mins, one of the receptionist has to make a phone call to tell them that patient is still waiting. I finally got my priscription and walked out of the place, and I looked at my watch, it was 5:01. They have excellent punctuality or what LOL. That was some experience. I don’t think I will go back there again…

Thus far my experience with this clinic has been awesome, especially in comparison to SF general’s urgent care and the castro mission health clinic. My wife and I are enrolled in Healthy San Francisco and we’ve had mixed experiences with the program. It’s hard to make complaints when you are receiving free or close to free medical care, but some of my interactions (especially with urgent care at sf general) have been downright dangerous and nearly abusive. I have a fairly significant medical knowledge and I take responsibility for my health. I’ve found that many doctors are so threatened by this that they just try to get me out of their office regardless of weather I am sick or not. I am not the easiest patient to deal with, especially if a doctor isn’t up on their info. I keep myself educated, I do research into my own issues, the most current treatments and clinical studies etc. When I encounter a doctor that is willing listen to my opinions, further educate me and correct me where I’m wrong, I’ve met a good doctor. I can say that there is at least one good doctor at this clinic Dr Elsa Tsutaoka is a good one, patient, thorough and well versed in general medical knowledge, she even returns her calls. This place is located in a less affluent part of SF and it’s patient load is heavy, but they manage things very professionally and with incredible patience and compassion. They also have drop in hours that are accessible. They only take a few people and you have to be there when they start the sign up process, but rather than first come first serve it is triaged so that the people who need help the most get it first.

All good Doctors left and the unprofessional front desk people looses your paper work and pretends nothings wrong… the appointment takers would cancel your appointment without telling you. you would have to call in and before the appointment date to confirm that you still have the appointment. It’s not the first or the second time they did that to me and my kids, this happens alot. When Dr. Ghali was running things, he would take care of business, and he would follow up with patients to see how everything doing. now he moved to LA. South East is turning to crap. Crappy service. Please get it right people.

The podiatrist here provides the BEST and most GENUINE CARE I have ever received. The staff and medical director are extremely helpful and very talented. Honestly, I’m sad that I’m forced to go elsewhere for medical podiatry care due to insurance policies. Here I felt comfortable and that someone care and LISTENED and ANSWERED my patient concerns.
I wholeheartedly recommend this health center.

I recently was a volunteer at Project Homeless Connect in the Bayview District. Towards the end of the day a young woman came around and announced FREE Mammograms. I took advantage of this offer since I lost my job last August and have no Health Insurance. The staff was wonderful, helpful and kind even with the amount of women who took advantage of this offer. They were busy busy busy but still had smile and showed compassion. Just last week I received a call from SEHC stating my mammo showed a small 8 mm lump that needed to be looked at again. Veronica is the staff member that called me to tell me and let me know she had scheduled me for a re-​screening at St. Lukes for July 22^nd. Not only did she make the appointment but she sent all of my paperwork and other necessary paperwork to the hospital ahead of time and called me frequently to remind me. THANK YOU VERONICA! The world needs more just like you. I just got back from my appt. at St. Lukes and it’s still inconclusive and I am scheduled for a biopsy in August. I just wanted to make sure I thank the SEHC and Veronica… if it wasn’t for their generosity and compassion to make sure we all get the health care needed. myself and many others wouldn’t be on the path to making sure we stay healthy and get the treatment needed to take care of our futures. Peace and Love to you all at SEHC!

Patronized the Southeast Health Center, as operated by the San Francisco Department of Public Health, for a recent H1N1 vaccination. Their phone staff were helpful, despite being inundated with the same repetitive questions during the midst of this H1N1 vaccination mania. I didn’t enter the main facilities (the website lists some of the services rendered), as I was led into the portable buildings in the back for the vaccination clinic.
Street parking is abundant, and the center is located less than five minutes away from highway 101. Staff were multi-​lingual, patient, and made the frenzied experience/​wait relatively painless.