Dean Kardassakis, MD

THIS IS THE GUY YOU WANT TO SEE.
Upon my first visit, Dr. K spent 30 minutes asking me questions about my complaint (persistent lung congestion), medical and family history. He the spent another 20+ minutes explaining what he thought was the problem (allergies to certain things).
After some breath capacity tests, he found that I did not have asthma. Then came the «scratch test» to determine exactly what was causing the allergy. According to the test, one of the things I was most sensitive to was eucalyptus trees.
Aha! Well I love the smell of Eucalyptus, so I use the mist as an aromatherapy and the cough drops that I’m fond of are mostly eucalyptus!
Since I cut out the eucalyptus, and took one medication that Dr. K prescribed for me the problem has 90% vanished.
So in one long afternoon he fixed the problem that dogged me for years.
In trying to find a particular allergist I scanned all of the Unilocal*reviews, noting that many of the doctors want to keep their patients coming back endlessly for trivial matters seemingly seeking the fees. I can tell you with confidence that you will not experience that with Doctor Kardassakis.
In addition to his obvious thoroughness and competency, he was congenial, funny, engaging and everything else you would want in a doctor.
Thanks again so much Doctor Kardassakis!

I have allergy and sinus issues that were nonexistent when I was in college (which really wasn’t that long ago) :)
In my mid to late 20s, I needed drops for my dry and itchy eyes, my head would throb, ears felt clogged (which was indeed head and sinus pressure). I also had a phlegmy cough and prone to losing my voice (yes, it’s that raspy Demi Moore voice). I grew tired of constantly going to my primary care who would tell me that I could no longer use Claritin, Sudafed, etc., since I was immune to them, and would prescribe antibiotics and prescription only allergy meds.
So, I asked my primary care to refer me to an allergy specialist — the office of Steven Machtinger, MD, who is a Board-​Certified San Mateo Allergist. Also working in his office is Dr. Dean Kardassakis.
Dr. K is thorough, experienced, and has a great patient rapport. My first visit was a consultation, and loved his professionalism, as well as his friendliness and sense of humor.
My second visit involved the Skin prick test, where they place a drop of a solution containing a possible allergen on the skin, and needle pricks allowing the solution to enter the skin. If the skin is red and a raised itchy area, it usually is called a positive reaction. Well, lying on your stomach while waiting the 10+ minutes for a reaction to take place can seem like forever. I tried to relax as sections of my back were totally itchy. When one of the medical assistants checked on me at about 5 minute mark, she said, «WOW. Oh my God. I have never ever seen anything like this, and I need to get the Dr. right away.» I thought, just fabulous, I’m a total freak and my back will be jacked and red, itchy, and blotchy forever.
She brought Dr. K in, and he told her that she shouldn’t be making those kind of comments to patients as it could scare them. She’s lucky that I don’t scare easily and have a sense of humor. :)
The good Doc said in the most tactful and caring way possible said I was highly allergic to several allergens (which I already totally knew and most definitely felt). I’m literally allergic to everything (pollens, grasses, trees, cats, etc., — sucks to be me, eh??) Dr. K discussed treatment options and offered recommendations on how to properly manage my allergy issues. Thankfully, I don’t need shots, and have thus far successfully managed my allergy issues, thanks to Dr. K’s help.
He and his staff are absolutely wonderful, from the young and bubbly «Wow, OMG» assistant to the receptionist, Bonnie.
The office is clean and well maintained.
Dr. K and Dr. Machtinger treat adults and children, so don’t be surprised to see kiddie books in the reception area and in the rooms.
They also validate parking (garage is in the basement of the building), which is always a plus! I believe they still take new patients and you DON’T need to wait two months to make an appointment.