James Chen, MD: Advanced Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine

In mid-February of 2024 I took a tumble while skiing in Tahoe and ruptured my pectoral major (Read: I ripped my pec off of my right shoulder).

Soon after arriving back in San Francisco, I began to research orthopedic surgeons in my area, and choose Dr. James Chen for two major reasons. Firstly, his credentials and experience are impeccable. And secondly, during my visit with my primary care physician, she had nothing but high praise for Dr. Chen.

Not only was Dr. Chen full of quiet confidence about sewing me back together... but his entire clinical team was welcoming, kind, and efficient during my visit.

The day of my surgery, these fine people checked me in, walked me to a staging area, brought me warm blankets, and took my vitals. Within minutes, I was greeted by a fellow surgeon who patiently explained to me what was about to happen and why. He too reinforced that I was now in very capable hands. He was right.

The surgery went swimmingly and I'm now three weeks into my recovery... with absolutely no idle pain (outside of the scar being itchy). To be candid, I'm still a bit surprised (even perplexed) with this development, considering the seriousness of my injury, and the four months of PT ahead of me. But to state the obvious, I'm thrilled that I choose Dr. James Chen as my orthopedic surgeon.

Played soccer since I was 5, tore my acl the first time in 2012, decided to quit soccer after getting it repaired. Got it fixed by another orthopedic surgeon that did on ok job because I tore it again.

Got my surgery with Dr. Chen in 2019, and waited until now to post my review and I just want to thank Dr. Chen for getting me back on the field. My knee feels fantastic. Of course surgery is part one of the process and recovery is on the patient but Dr. Chen was incredibly attentive during the whole process.

Thanks Dr. Chen!

I was seen 3 weeks ago for my knee and had the best care, but needed the medical notes to send to the Imaging Center in order to get my MRI. I have called the office 4 times now, and the imaging center has done the same... no response. Mr. Chen's office uses a 3rd party messaging center to take messages and has told me that they get these complaints from patients who go to this practice all the time. They pass all messages along to the front desk but apparently they just never get back to their patients. They told me the doctors are great (which I can confirm from my experience), but a lot of patients have the same complaints about the communication. At this point, they recommended going into the office because my chances of a response would be better.

No attempt to fix my problem. I have suffered for over a year trying to figure out what is wrong with my hip. My GP recommended Dr. Chen as a specialist so I waited even longer to get an appointment.

The first appointment they took my history, got an xray, and then Dr Chen came in for under a minute - commented on how good my range of motion was (dismissing my pain and stiffness in walking) and then sent me for a VERY expensive MRI with a shrug.

Second visit, again was extremely short. He spent the time he did give me showing me on the MRI an issue that I already knew about and had explained to the medtech taking my history both times. This was not why I was there at all. In regards to my hip, the conclusion of the MRI was "you don't need surgery" ... and then handed me a list of PT offices and sent me on my way. I've tried PT for over a year with no improvement.

Then when I was leaving I looked at the MRI summary and the notes from the doctor to the facility said the cause of my issue was a fall. I had been asked this question multiple times on both visits to Dr Chen and all times explained that this was not from a fall or injury, it started suddenly and without cause.

So I have now spent $1000 to be embarrassed and ignored. This should be malpractice.

been almost 5 years since i broke my ankle, and as a runner, i was devastated and anxious what that would mean to such an core part of my life. i was able to get a consultation at ucsf, which diagnosed me with a trimalleolar fracture--the consultation was brief, almost rushed. though i understood that ucsf was an educational institution first, it didn't sit right with me, despite its renowned reputation. so after some research, i went in for a second opinion with dr. james chen and am so thankful i did. he spent time to discuss my situation, talk through the x-rays, and correctly diagnosed my bimalleolar fracture. the quality of care, attention, and skill was excellent and i felt confident my surgery was literally in the best hands. orthopaedic surgery can seem a bit medieval with its screws + plates on bone alignment, but his "craft" is to be trusted! i've completely healed and been back to running ever since.

I am a new patient referred by my family doctor. My experience with this clinic was disappointing . I called more than 10 times trying to schedule an appointment without anyone care or getting any help . At one point a receptionist took my information and promised they will call back but never happened . And another staff even told me the phone number they provided on web is not the right number to schedule appointment. I hope that didn't happen to others .

I saw another doctor today for a totally different issue than the one I saw Dr. Chen for about a year ago. Totally different issue. Different part of the body. But during my doctor appointment today the conversation recalled my visit with Dr. Chen AND the stellar assessment and guidance that I got from Dr. Chen more than a year ago. The doctor (who is really good!) that I saw today re-affirmed what Dr. Chen said to me, and showed me proof, and it made me even more grateful for the great advice (to NOT have surgery) that I got from Dr. Chen more than a year ago. ... Thanks, Dr. Chen!

Had surgery abroad to fix a broken collarbone, but the hardware used was pretty uncomfortable, and came to Dr Chen to have it removed.

The experience was great. Top care, and he was able to improve the scar.

My partial knee implant failed while on vacation in Montana. I was fortunate enough to be referred to Dr. Chen for "Total Knee Replacement Revision" surgery. He was able to quickly schedule time that week in the OR. Dr. Chen is personable, patient and very knowledgeable and is a joint specialist. I would not hesitate referring him for knee or hip surgery.

This place is a chop house. Chen is a robotic, phony, surgery-crazed, insurance-money sieve who will rush you into the OR and may or may not (NOT, in my case) fix you.

The worst, though, is his disdain for his patients. I was scheduled for a 10 a.m. procedure and lined up my ride home for 11:30 a.m. No sweat. But the day before, they changed my time to 6 a.m., requiring a 7:30 a.m. pickup. That was not easy to do. When I complained, the hatchet-man said, "Hey, this is stressful for all of us, chill."

His support staff is even more rude than that.

In short: Find another orthopedic surgeon. There are MUCH better ones in SF.