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East Bay Family Practice Medical Group Inc
Rating Details »
Categories: Family Practice, Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Pediatricians, Medical Centers
3100 Telegraph Ave SteSte 2109
Oakland, CA 94609
(510) 645-9900
Same Day Appointments Available
If you are ill and in need of a same day appointment call our office and one of the practitioners will be happy to see you.
- Hours:
Mon-Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
Sponsored Result
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"I've been here twice for a cumulative total of less than an hour, which has been quite the relief following my experiences at the General.…" read more »
21 reviews for East Bay Family Practice Medical Group Inc
I have not had a physical in years. I know bad. But as I'm in generally good health, it's something I put off. Well I decided to up and quit my job and move across the country to travel for a year, so I figured I should probably make sure nothing was wrong with me before I had no health insurance.
I saw Dr. Sarah Lowenthal who is amazing. Not only does she do womanly check ups, and physicals, she also does dermatology. One stop shop! She made me feel incredibly comfortable. Just super super nice. Too bad I found her so late.
One downside is they make you pay a $100 deposit to make sure your insurance goes through. If you're a little tight on money it could potentially be an issue, but my insurance is really good about claims, and I got my refund back within a month.
I came here only once. I met with doctor d'andrea, who was nice and professional and addressed all of my concerns. I was sent out to have some blood work done, and scheduled a follow-up visit in two weeks to go over the results.
well, I couldn't make the return visit. I called in three days before my appointment and left a message saying that I needed to reschedule. I didn't get a return call. what I did get was a bill for the visit that I canceled.
it seems that the front desk lost track of my message. no worries, I think, for I have a cell phone bill with a record of my calls, including the date and time of one I made asking for a reschedule. this doesn't seem to cut it with EBFMP...they want me to pay a triple-co-pay, which I find unreasonable.
so ends my experiences with the ebfpmg, alas!
I have been looking for a permanent primary care doctor for a long time. I am so happy that I found Dr. Sarah Lowenthal! She is extremely kind and personable, and also very thorough. I didn't even knew that a normal physical covered the things that she did. She put me to ease immediately and was really patient with all my questions. I highly recommend her to all my friends!
They have a good advice nurse and I've never had difficulties with scheduling or their office staff. Last time I was in my PA was twenty minutes late (his fault or not, I don't know).
I wouldn't call Steve Bryzman cold or dismissive, but I can see why others might say that. If you don't need your doctor to give you warm fuzzies he's a great guy.
So, when your doc asks you about alcohol intake, you find you'll want to answer in some way that makes you seem like you're not an alcoholic or a stinking drunk. You want to leave with them knowing that you are someone who can maintain a balanced life and their health without being checked into rehab.
I tried this yesterday with Dr. Ward, but I'm a bad bad liar so, I cracked.. I told her about the "Destroy Your Liver" events I've been attending from Yelp and luckily, she took it like a champ.
However, when she asked the question: "How many drinks do you think you consume at these events?.. I froze.
I looked up at the ceiling, did the (fake) math ..then I admitted to her '10-12 drinks' ::blush::. I wanted to hide!
Her response was actually pretty cool. She related to me on the negative effects of booze and we talked candidly about how deliciously quick a bottle of wine will escape you when hanging out with friends.
Speaking with her is like spending time with one of your friends with the bonus that she can fill prescriptions and send you to specialists...and apparently force you to get a blood test to check on liver cells and how much destruction is really going on.
My DYL days are numbered folks!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/11/2008
I love my new Dr. - Deanna Ward. She is not only fashionable.. she is friendly and accommodating to… Read more »
UPDATE FROM YESTERDAY - OMG...Dr. Ward by far is the best Family Practice MD I've ever had in my adult life. I went there today for a regular physical and it was like conversing w/a friend. She was so warm and friendly. Full of smiles and asking the right questions. She went over my paperwork and genuinely cared about my health. I love her and wish I would have found her so much sooner. More MD's need to be like her :)
This place is great...so far! A couple of weeks ago I decided I needed to find a family practice doc. I asked many many people and couldn't find one that I liked in the past so I decided to go w/good ole Yelp. So a couple weeks ago I called this place and got an appt for the 24th. Low and behold to much of my surprised I was laid up w/the flu about 6 days ago for almost an entire week. I was trying in extreme pain and was trying to hold out one more day for meds for my throat infection and after a major warning from my bf about spreading the germs I decided to call and tell them I wasn't feeling well and if I could come in prior to my appt. To my surprise, they gladly helped me. I got there and my appt was for 10am. I did have to wait for about 30 minutes but I didn't mind because I was a new patient so I had to go through all the paper work. The nurses were great, the facility was clean, warm and friendly. I was still able to keep my next day appt which I really can't wait for.
If I could give ZERO stars I would.
I have been a patient here for a couple years now. While satisfied with the medical services provided, my experience as a whole has been a very negative one. I recently received a certified letter stating I would need to find a new doctor because they could not continue to provide services without compensation. This is the first I heard of owing them anything. I called immediately to fix the problem, however, they had already sent me to collections, and they will no longer take me as a patient. No past bills in sight, nothing. I asked why they did not call me, they replied, they do all their billing via US Mail. No one gets called. I asked why they didn't mention the money owed on my last dr. visit, and they didn't have an answer for me. I would have happily paid what was owed to them then and there. Now I am left to find a new medical provider, and a ding on my credit. Doesn't seem like ethical business practice, if you ask me. Perhaps a personal touch, like a simple phone call would have helped. Good riddance!
One star for same-day appointment.
Zero stars for everything else:
1) When scheduling, nurse makes me repeat my name (first and last) and insurance # what 8 times? She tells me she can't make an appointment until they verify my insurance. I tell her I have a 102 fever. No call back. (12:00pm)
2) I call back to see what's happening with the insurance verification and my appointment. Oh whoops, they forgot to call me back. Can you come in 30 minutes? (2:45pm)
3) I get there to fill out all the usual forms, get my temp taken, it shows 98.6. "Why are you here?" they ask...because I've had a fever of 102 for a day....oh, let me take that temp again.
I'm definitely not a medical professional, but when taking a patient's temperature, especially from the ear....wouldn't the thermometer need to go fully into the ear and stay there for more than half a second??
4) it's 3:50, the nurse told me Dr. Steve Bryzman would be here 15-20 min ago?
5) Dr. Steve Bryzman comes in 3:55, i tell him how I've had this 102 temperature, I've taken tylenol-theraflu but nothing will bring it down, body aches, etc. He tells me I have the flu. No sh*t sherlock. I tell him, I'm trying to be a good citizen and I actually came in to get tested for the H1N1 virus (swine flu), because I haven't had a temperature this high since grade school. He tells me that it would waste my time, but more importantly his time. I tell him that because of my job I deal with various people everyday (truckers), who travel all over the state/country. "No, you don't need to be tested." I ask him what about the recent deaths in Alameda county from the H1N1 virus? His response, "What? What deaths? Are you sure? Well, I'm a medical professional and you would think I'd be the first to know about those type of things."
Well Dr. Steve Bryzman, you may be a doctor but obviously you don't read a newspaper or watch the news, or perhaps you don't converse with anyone.
I just switched to this practice, and I am IMMEDIATELY going to switch out. If you want mediocre service, a lack of thoroughness, and a lack of empathy from your doctor than this is the place for you.
I've been going to see Steve Bryzman for as long as I can remember. I feel like we have a relationship, which is nice. I don't understand the review giving him one star. Actually I'm offended. I think anyone who wouldn't go to a doctor because he lacks charisma is a moron. That being said he's a funny guy. Also, a good doctor, which is what should count. Part of that, I realize is bedside manner. It could be that that other Yelper and I think that means two different things. If you think that dignified compassion counts as good bedside manner, then I suggest you go see Dr. Bryzman.
Doctors deserve our respect. If they are good physicians, and they don't have a personality that gets in the way of providing health care, leave them alone. Unless you are the kind of person that wants everyone in every profession to have to run around with the desperate cringing smile of a Starbuck's barista on their face.
I have been going to East Bay Family Practice for many years. Here are my pros and cons:
They have good and friendly nurse-practitioners. These are the people I see. I don't think I've had an actual doctor's appointment in years.
I sometimes feel as if the "physicals" are less than complete. The last time I went in for one, Rebecca Reisman didn't even do a pelvic exam. However, I really like her manner.
Steve Bryzman has always seemed cold to me.
I had an awful experience with Audrey D'eandrea. I drove from my office in Marin, waited a long time to see her, and then when I told her I had three questions, she told me "No, you'll have to make another appointment to ask three questions. I only have time for one." Really? Are you kidding me? I will never go to see her again, and would have dropped the practice immediately, had I not had better experiences with others.
I like the same-day apt. availability.
I don't feel that I have a true personal relationship with any of the doctors or nurses, but the place is so convenient -- if a tad factory-esque -- that I stay with it, year in year out.
Their phone system is sucko. It can take a long time to get through, and there is silence on the phone, so you don't know if you've been disconnected or are on hold.
They used to be terrible about calling back or following up, but I think they've gotten better on that front.
All in all, it's not a five-star review, but it's not exactly a three either, so I give them a four.
So far, I've had one visit to the East Bay Family Practice to see my new Primary Care Physician, Dr. Deanna Ward.
The staff was very polite and I was seen immediately - no wait. Dr. Ward was also punctual. She's professional and very friendly. I had no problem opening up and talking about sensitive or awkward medical matters with her, which is unusual for me. i had a list of questions for which she had informed answers. And she asked *me* a lot of questions in order to evaluate my health, medical history, and my needs. I left armed with information and "homework" to do before she sees me again for a follow-up in a few weeks.
I found free street parking right away on 31st at Telegraph.
The cons: I called for my first appointment and was told they'd call me back to schedule once my insurance information had been confirmed. They didn't, and I had to follow up. My appointment was then made for almost a month away. However, the practice does accommodate same-day needs for those who are current patients.
I've been seeing Dr. Riseman for almost 2 years, and I don't know that I've ever been so comfortable with a primary care doc. Well, since I was in pediatrics at least :)
The advice nurse mentioned below is named Marge, and once you get to know her she's a very sweet lady. I think she may have one of the harder jobs in the office, as she determines your level of sickness and then finagles you through to appointments depending on the urgency.
Overall it is a very efficient and kind office- I've always been quite pleased and I recommend them highly to others.
When I started working in Oakland, I decided to go to this group for convenience of location. My primary MD has since left and I went back to my old doctor in Livermore.
The staff isn't that friendly. I had to wait weeks in order to see my doctor so I usually wound up seeing another practioner at the office. Mr. Bryzman, PA, has the coldest bedside manner I've encountered -- and I'm a nurse. I was never seen on-time, usually waiting 15-45 minutes after my scheduled appointment.
Also, if you park in the lot in front of the building, it's rather expensive. Street parking can be scarce as well.
Dr. Janet Arnesty is my primary care physician at East Bay Family Practice Medical Group. I have gone to see her three times so far, and each time I have felt impressed by her. She has a nice manner and I feel that she is knowledgeable and professional. I also like her approach to health care and attitude toward medicine in general.
My one complaint is that all three times I have gone to see Dr. A. I have had to wait a full hour before seeing her. Even when my appointment was at 8:30 a.m. I STILL waited an hour to see her. I think that the office staff need to organize the schedule so that patients don't have to waste so much time waiting around.
I have been here twice to see Dr. Deanna Ward. The space is clean and welcoming and the staff is polite. Dr Ward is great and makes you very comfortable. If my insurance wasn't changing I would continue to go here.
Honestly, I've been going to EBFP for more than 5 years. They get 3 stars from me because the servcice standards vary so wildly. I started with 1 doctor (Prins) who was great. Good bedside manner, relatively punctual and she always seemed like she gave a damn. After she left, I think I've seen everyone else in the office by now. The reason I choose them is that you can always (well, almost always) make a same day appointment, and I don't go to the doctor's much, but if I'm trying to get in, it's because something is actually wrong. That's a huge plus for me. But minuses, oh the minuses!
I've had a nurse practitioner (why do they have to practice on real patients?) ask me how long I've been on cocaine (WTF!!?!?!?), because when she tried to push me to try the nasal sprays for my allergies I told her I didn't like spraying things in my nose. Now understand, I've never even SEEN cocaine except in the movies, so saying I was offended was the understatement of the year. I mean, it's it a color thing?
I had been sick for a week (unable to keep food down most of that time) and wanted to come in. The first person I spoke to said I didn't need to see a doctor because I wasn't coughing. Then my doctor called me (4 hours later) to say that she thought I was fine since I went to work (after a week off, HELLO - I want to keep my job!) and when I explained my problem (again) she decided I could come in. 2 hours after that, someone called with an appointment time. When I got there, my doctor wasn't available, but they gave me a substitute teacher who got the job done. Should it really be that hard?
I mean, if someone read a chart before they walked into the room to see me (especially as they trade off appointments like baseball cards) or if the front desk didn't act like you were inconveniencing them by arriving for your appointment, then a lot of the other drama would be worth it. As of now, though, for me, I'm not breaking even any more. So it's time to call it quits. That's my experience. Hope yours is better.
I had the best experience seeing a physician at this clinic. The staff were so nice and extremely professional. I had the shortest wait ever to get in to see the doctor. And Deanna Ward is the best.
I have been going to Dr. Janet Arnesty for many years. She is a wonderful OBGYN and General Practitioner. The only reason I give it 4 starts instead of 5 is that it is hard to get an appointment with her and it requires months notice for routine check-ups. That being said, I have called for same-day appointments and gotten to see her with no problems. There is a fee for parking due to the limited space in their coveted lot. Carry your parking ticket with you.
I had the most wonderful doctor here, a nurse practitioner named Bettemie Prins. Unfortunately she is now gone from the practice and I'm moving so I won't continue going to EBFP. Bettemie was amazing, I've never had a doctor before her who treated me like a knowledgeable adult who could make informed choices about my own healthcare. She was also great about sending me to specialists when she didn't know the answer to my problem.
My frustration with EBFP has been that I've had one HORRIBLE experience with a very disrespectful and homophobic staff person (medical assistant? I don't know what she was technically) who no longer works there. And that I've found Steve Bryzman, PA, to be very cold, rude and dismissive.
The other doctors and nurse practitioners are great, in my experience. They are helpful when you need help off-hours and they have an advice nurse who is very knowledgeable, if a bit gruff at times.
Once you're a patient there it is easy to get same-day appointments when necessary.
I have been looking everywhere for a primary physician. I have had the WORST luck. But I decided to go to East Bay Medical and see Dr. Ward (based on these reviews). She is really cool, I actually like her and would consider her as my primary physician. She took the time to listen to me and did not rush me out, even though she was way over time and was in a rush - I could tell. That is why I cannot blame her for making a mistake on my prescription - my pharmacist asked me to give her a call to MAKE SURE it was correct because it is not normal to take something for so long. So I did, and they got back to me a few days later saying that that it was wrong. So I am going to throw away the extra medication I bought a few days ago from my pharmacy. Kinda a big mistake...but forgiveable. We are all human. I just hope it doesn't happen again. And I will continue my search for a primary physician for now...but still have her in mind.
My family and I have been clients of East Bay Family Practice for about 17 years. We have always found the entire practice to be available, efficient, cooperative and knowledgeable. Over the years we have had all sorts of medical issues that 2 adults and 2 growing children can have (except thank goodness no major life threatening illnesses). We have had operations, issues that required close monitoring such a suspect mammography and any number of flus and colds. In all situation the practice has been very quickly responsive and available for call backs and further discussion. I have found that the associates in the practice especially Edie Silber to be interested in our ( parents and childre)whole development not just our physical situation. We highly recommend using East Bay Family Practice as your health care provider. The Grossman Family
