Mills-Peninsula Women’s Center

Mixed review: I absolutely HATE this place for mammography and stopped going here years ago. They overcharged for everything.
Today, however, I was forced to go here instead of Mills-​Peninsula Health Services Lab in the Hospital in Burlingame as I prefer. They said I had to go here for ultrasound lab work, okay. I hope I don’t have billing problems again.
I got the same technician I had at Burlingame and she is stellar! Professional, courteous, communicative and helpful. Since this is the 3^rd or 4^th round of lab work tests I’ve had to have in the last 2 months, it’s very nice to get someone nice when you have to go back and again.
I will go back for the ultrasound dept here at the Women’s Center, HOWEVER, it does not negate that parking is bad, walking access to the Women’s Center is almost nonexistent — you have to walk all around the hospital to access the building at center front, and then back thru the same area you walked around to get to the correct elevator to get to the Women’s Center on the 4^th Floor. However, I just figured out you can walk thru the Cancer Center and get right to that elevator. Don’t know how they feel about it, but if I have to go back again, that’s where I’m going.
Also, the hospital/​lab area has been under renovation construction for awhile and the parking lots stairs, etc., were littered with trash and didn’t look like it has been cleaned in a very long while.

Great experience. Wonderful staff, kind and very professional. I dreaded going and left feeling I had had one of the best experiences of my life.

An excellent place for mammograms and ultrasounds. I have a history of breast cancer in my family and very dense breasts. I feel I get the best, most up-​to-​date tests and care at Mills Peninsula. Knowing my history, my results are read immediately so I do not have to wait for a few days worrying about the results. They are kind, considerate, understanding. A very nice facility and great personnel.

I have never left any Unilocal review. Until now. I have a history of cancer and need to get routine ultrasounds for check up. I am a student living away from home, so had to find a new place to get the utrasound done. Under the impression that this was a health center, which they refer themselves to, and not a hospital, I figured this was a safe bet. I was billed $ 800 instead of the usual $ 100 – 200. When I came in to talk about it, they said it was my fault I never asked how much it would be and that I should have gone across the street to get my ultrasound done. No one warned me it would cost EIGHT TIMES as much to get a normal ultrasound done here when I scheduled the appointment. All they could offer me is interest free payment. I would give them zero stars if I could. Obviously all they care about is getting their money here and not about the patients well being.

What has happened to the nice Harriet Borofsky, she was mean and telling me that one glass of wine is good for your heart but 2 glasses is bad for your breasts.
Telling me it was my lucky day not being diagnosed with cancer, others had been.
She needs to find that compassionate, doctor she used to be.

Excellent place! This is a great place to have your mammogram done. The facilities are state of the art and the staff are wonderful and very sensitive. I initially had my mammogram at a satellite location in San Bruno. Tests were inconclusive and required re-​testing as well as an ultrasound. And just to note, the ultrasound is not the same as an ultrasound biopsy which they discuss thoroughly on their website. I called and they explained that the ultrasound is just used to get better images. Yet the unknown is still scary.
The San Mateo location has a parking lot. You can valet for free or park yourself. Make sure to get your validation sticker from the doctor’s office before leaving. The Women’s Center is on the 5^th floor, I believe. The physician and nurses are very caring and sensitive. I first had my mammogram and then was sent back to waiting area until I was called in for the ultrasound. Both were painless. I know a lot of women think a mammogram hurts. It did not hurt here. There was pressure but nothing painful. You get your results during the same visit and that is fabulous!
I had been waiting for a while because the doctor was held up and the ultrasound technician kept coming back to check on me to let me know that the hold up was not because of my results. As you can imagine, your mind starts to wonder why it’s taking so long. She explained that the doctor was held up by another patient and had not even seen my mammogram and ultrasound images yet. Whew!
When the doctor got there, she was so kind and gracious. She explained everything and since it was all okay, she told me she’d see me next year. Overall, a great facility with wonderful people. Don’t hesitate to make an appointment!

This place is the worst for ultrasounds. We’ve been here a number of times across several pregnancies and they appear to have zero respect for their patient’s time. They’ll start your ultrasound on time and then make you wait forever to see a doctor to tell you absolutely nothing of substance or to see the genetic counselor who will also tell you absolutely nothing of substance. Just a gigantic waste of time. Go somewhere else for your ultrasound. It can’t be worse.

My doctor (part of Mills-​Peninsula) referred me to the Women’s Center for a routine mammogram. Because their system is computerized and they received the doctor’s referral this way, the Women’s Center called ME to make the appointment. At that time, I was asked what my insurance was; I gave them my insurance info on the phone, reading right off the card. My insurance information is also in the Mills-​Peninsula system, so the scheduler was basically confirming the information I gave her on the phone against what she was reading on her screen.
Flash forward 4 weeks to my appointment. I give the receptionist my insurance card and ID. She says, «oh, we don’t take this insurance, so we cannot see you». I was FLOORED. I said, you people initiated this appointment on my doctor’s orders. I gave your scheduler my insurance information. You’ve had it for a MONTH. I said, Even if I’m out of network, I’m still covered for PART of the cost of a routine mammogram, since it’s preventive care. How much is a mammogram? I’m happy to pay my share. She said, «We have no way of finding out how much a mammogram is.» Then she said, «Out-​of-​network is the same as having no insurance». I told her, «Uh, NO IT’S NOT. I have a PPO, which means I can see anyone I want, in or out of network.»
She ended the conversation by saying «I suggest you call around and find a place that takes your insurance.»
Now, I think we all know that you can get a mammogram without insurance. Oh, and I HAVE insurance. What these people are not getting is that *I* decide where and from whom I get my healthcare, not my insurance company. Our family currently sees 3 other doctors who are «out of network» — none have ever refused to see us because we are out of network. They simply bill us accordingly. Why have an out-​of-​network option if you are not permitted to use it?
I don’t give a *&*% about the pretty waiting room, the fountain, or the cheery fake smiles at the Women’s Center. Any place that would send an INSURED woman away because she’s out-​of-​network (but willing to pay the difference) is unethical. I have never in my entire life been sent away from a hospital or clinic and denied healthcare for ANY reason. I was appalled, embarrassed, and humiliated.
I work in cancer research, by the way. I will be going out of my way to NOT recommend this place to my friends and colleagues. Sadly, though, I have no idea where I’m going to get a mammogram.

I just had an ultrasound here today, and was incredibly impressed. I actually hope to someday have a reason to come back! I used to be a Kaiser member and this was my first experience outside of the kaiser system. I really wish I had the opportunity to leave Kaiser sooner because this is the kind of care I needed all along. My ultrasound technician was the sweetest, sweetest woman. And she was so thorough! Ultrasounds at Kaiser used to take less than 10 minutes. They were impersonal and the technician never expressed much care in the patient. My technician today actually took the time to thoroughly examine me, and the entire time I felt like she was really invested in helping my doctor and I figure out what was causing my pain. I was in the room with her for at least 40 minutes. It was a fantastic experience. Thank you, Mid-​Peninsula Women’s Center!

Every time I come here with my mom or my cousin, the staff are cordial, friendly and respectful.
I ain’t complaining. Customer service here is top notch. Kaiser sucks compared to this place.

I have been coming to the Women’s Center for a couple years. My last visit was an appointment for my annual mammogram and ultra sound. After seeing something that was not showing the previous year, Dr Borofsky came into the room to speak with me. She did a 2^nd ultra sound and explained what she saw and talked through it with me. She could tell I was anxious so she set me up for a biopsy immediately. During the procedure, she was AMAZING! She is kind, funny and compationate– exactly what I needed in that moment. She explained everything she was doing and why she was doing it. I walked away feeling very optmisitc because of her words of encouragement. She personally called me with the results as soon as she got them and was just as excited for me as I was to hear it was benign. I would highly recommend that anyone that needs these characteristics in a Dr, see’s Dr Borofsky… she’s a true caring doctor.

I have been here on 2 separate occassions. First one was for a breast ultrasound which was scary! The technician (who was pregnant at the time) was very sweet and made me feel comfortable. After the US, Dr. Borofsky came in to talk with me and she was awesome! She even did a repeat US and said everything was normal.
Second time was for a baby ultrasound. I was very early in my pregnancy and had a scare. The technician (Heidi?) was very comforting and respectful of my privacy. Luckily everything is going well with my baby!
Both times the receptionists were very friendly, place is kept nice and clean and I felt very comfort being there. I would definitely recommend this place!

Welcome to the 40 club means it’s time to go get a mammogram.
I wasn’t looking forward to it but it needed to be done. The Women’s Center is really nice and the furniture is comfortable. The receptionist let me know that there was a slight delay and will that work for me… then got me magazines to read. She was incredibly sweet. She took me to a room where I put on a robe and then had a seat to wait for the tech.
A few minutes later the tech came to get me and she was an absolute sweetie. Since I have had an augmentation, the procedure is a little different for me but she was gentle and respectful.
I haven’t seen the bill yet, and have been grossly overcharged by Mills Peninsula before so a little nervous about that but overall my first mammogram wasn’t bad.

REVIEW ON PREGNANCY CLASSES —
Caring for your newborn — straightforward 4 hour class taught by a Labor and Delivery RN. It’s on a slide show powerpoint; pretty useful and gets down to the nitty gritty. $ 105 /​
Childbirth preparation class– It’s ALL DAY 9−5pm. $ 135/​couple. Talks about labor and goes into «caring for your newborn» material as well as such as Mongolian spots, Milia, stork head, etc. We skipped this part of the class (last part) since we went to the «Caring for your Newborn» session prior.
No «lamaze» taught in either of these classes.
Bring snacks and drinks for yourself. Parking is Free on Sunday in the LOT.
Taught by L&D RNs; informative, though I would of preferred to meet other couples and socialize with them and their experiences so far.
UCSF classes separated the man and woman apart for 15 minutes to share challenges/​experiences unique to them and then we shared it in class. I thought that was neat; rather than just have the teacher talk ALL the time.
Would of preferred another medical professional there as well —- DOULA, RN and maybe a DOCTOR?

This review is for Lucy, their financial advisor/​billing agent.
I had questions about a procedure that I was scheduled for next week in regards to how my medical insurance would apply and Lucy is the reason why I can sleep better tonight.
She took the time to find out what my concerns were and what my situation was. She took it upon herself to call my insurance company, research my insurance coverage and really explained how these billing things play out and are handled.
I truly appreciate someone who puts themselves in your shoes and aren’t the typical person who doesn’t really care because it’s not their money. The time, effort and concern she took was priceless. i’ve never met her but she cared enough to look out for my benefit.
Thank you, Lucy. You’re a godsend.

I was referred here by both my OB for my ultrasound scannings with both pregnancies. The staff here are so kind and friendly. From the front desk to the scanning itself. It always a wonderful experience here. The waiting room is always clean and mostly quiet. There’s a small play area for kids. which is always helpful. Inside the scanning room itself are extra chairs where my family got to sit so we can see what we were having. The techs gave us so much information as to what we were looking at on the screen and how big my baby was and everything. I was later referred back to here for genetic counseling. where I spoke to a Dr about any risk my unborn child may have and they did some measuring and stuff. EVERYONE here is kind and very educated on their stuff. I know when I get older and its time for me to start getting my boobs checked. I will definitely come here! :)

Great staff… but you’re going to pay through your bloody nose for any procedure even with your nice insurance plan, no matter how short the procedure. There’s a reason why this place looks so nice — it’s plush due to significant infusions of your hard-​earned cash.
I was floored by my bills — and there were three separate ones with no explanations about what the charges stemmed from. Nobody at the office forewarned me about how extreme the charges were going to be. If you are considering using their services, I highly recommend you get an estimate beforehand, else you’ll be taken to the cleaners.

There is no better place to have a mammogram, period. From the easy parking to the beautiful décor, everything is great. Each year, I arrive, check in and am taken back to change clothes within 3 minutes. The robes are very nice as well. I am often seen within 2 – 3 minutes. Kathleen has done my mammogram for many years, so we enjoy catching up. However, she is efficient and very professional. I am very large breasted, but have never had to go back for a repeat, as they are careful to get it right the first time.
I am often back in my car 20 minutes later. Can’t imagine going anywhere else for screening mammograms.

Everything about the Mills-​Peninsula Women’s Center is top notch. From the front desk, to the sweet volunteer escorts, to the mammography and ultrasound technicians, the doctors themselves – even the décor, the nice full-​length robes they provide, and the background music – this place is designed to make you feel comfortable, calm, and cared for. I live in Oakland and have no compunction about making the special trip to San Mateo for my annual exams. It’s well worth it.
I really appreciate the communication skills of the Center’s medical staff. I’m someone who likes a lot information. I want to know what’s going on at each step of the process – how long it’s going to take, what they’re looking for, how the equipment works, what’s the latest research. I want to feel as if I’m participating – mind AND body – in the experience. The staff are more than willing to acommodate.
I would like to echo Nancy G.‘s comments about Dr. Harriet Barofsky. You couldn’t ask for a doctor with a warmer, more patient, more genuinely caring bedside manner. Five years ago, my sister, at age 32, was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was Dr. Barofsky who called her to deliver the bad news. She stayed on the phone with her to make sure she had someone standing right there next to her to support her after she hung up. She didn’t want her to be alone after getting the diagnosis. That’s the kind of doctor she is.
(And five years later, my sister has a clean bill of health. Hurray!)

I was well treated by the staff, who were kind and intellegent.
I recently had an MRI done because of a lump in my breast. After they had reviewed it the doctor called me with the results. Unfortunately the results were not completely normal. So I went back for a mammogram and ultrasound. I was pretty scared of the mammogram, but it wasn’t so bad. They have one of the new machines that just came out in the last couple years. It doesn’t compress as much and isn’t made of cold metal.
Those results were also not completely normal so they did a biopsy. The doctor was super sweet and made me feel comfortable.
The facility is very clean and nice. And the rooms are well designed for procedures. The ultrasound room has a curtain so that you are hidden from view when the doctor comes in and out. The lighting was also quite nice, and they even dimmed it so that it wouldn’t shine in my eyes during the procedure.
They called me back about the biopsy promptly and left a message letting me know there was no cancer and asked me to call back for details and a follow up plan.
They were on the whole, very nice and very knowledgeable about what they were doing and the facility was very pleasant.
I’ve also had an MRI done at California Pacific in San Francisco. It was a horrendous experience so I was relieved to be treated well and to have the radiology tech know what he was doing.