Castro-Mission Health Center

I do not recommend women go here birth Control needs or women’s needs. I was not told that I should take something for pain before the insertion of the IUD. The nurse treated me as if I should have known when no one told me. Saying “oh you should have already taken something.” And then chuckled. That’s your job! Give it to me. So the first thing she could have done was to give the aspirin but she waited some time before administering it and the procedure was incredibly painful. To make matters worse, the IUD didn’t fit, they tried twice after she asked for help from the doctor to check that it indeed didn’t fit. Something they don’t tell you is a possibility and could have changed my choice for contraception. To make matters worse, the young nurse prepared herself by putting gloves on and touching her hair and who knows what else with those same gloves before touching me. I’ve worked in restaurants for many years and I’d expect your staff to know how to not cross contaminate. I was trying to convince myself that everything would be fine but I must let you know that I see a holistic doctor for other reasons and after disclosing to him that my lower left side of my pelvis had been in pain since the sticking of my uterus and was getting worse, he tested me and found staff in my kidney. All I know is that this pain started after this procedure. I am scared for other women to come here and receive inadequate health care. Women do yourself a favor and go to planned parenthood. Castro clinic please retrain your staff better. This is not ok. Honestly the doctor was kind and helpful the nurse unfortunately was obviously a moron. At one point the doctor had to tell her to get a new tool that fell on the floor. She was oblivious about this standard procedure. She agreed but god forbid the doctor wasn’t there. Unacceptable.

Had the best experience as a first time patient. The security girls, the reception lady at the window 1, the reception lady at the 2 floor, the nurse (Maya) who went over my records and the the nurse (forgot her name) who did the blood test for me were all great and friendly. I haven’t seen any doctors yet, hopefully doctors are also as competent and friendly.

When I first started getting care at this clinic, I really enjoyed it. Since then, however, the quality of care has continued on a downward trend. I've left messages for my doctor that have never once been returned and it's not uncommon for a prescription to show up at the pharmacy, after having lab work done, without a phone call to go over results and treatment. The doctors don't listen, and it's resulted in misdiagnoses and being sent to a specialist, only to be diagnosed by them for what I originally went in having. My doctor even went as far as to call my a hypochondriac, because of a few visits relatively close to one another, after a hospitalization where I almost died. Now I feel uncomfortable going in when something doesn't seem right. Oh, and don't even bother trying to see a mental health provider. Again, no one calls you back. UPDATE: NOV. 2018 I changed my doctor several months ago, and I definitely feel as though I owe the team there an update as I no longer feel like I did at the initial time of review. Dr. Alkov has been an absolute dream come true. I feel as though she actually listens to me, her delivery of information doesn't make me feel judged, and she answers my questions without making me feel moronic or like I'm a hypochondriac as my former doctor did. Dr. Alkov's "bedside manner" for a lack of a better term, completely revolutionized the way I view the clinic as a whole. She is an amazing asset to the SF Dept of Public Health, but most importantly to this particular clinic. She has completely gained my trust and I feel our Dr/Patient relationship has encouraged me to stay on top of my health. I'm no longer uneasy or uncomfortable at the clinic, and I no longer bail on my appointments because I'm too nervous to go.

My primary care since the age of 13 now 31 and still the best all around experience by far. (Update) Now 40 years old and still my Primary Care Physician. Brand New Building after being closed for over a year Photos to follow soon!

I had the best experience from a health care center here!!! Everyone went above and beyond to help me even though I went there 30minutes before closing!! Nurse maya made me feel so relaxed and taken care of.