San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center Reviews

The VA is terrible and this location is one of many that don t care how veterans are treated. Tried to reach a nurse to schedule my surgery and it took 3 weeks for me to finally get the surgery scheduled. I would call and leave a secure message and wouldn t get a call back until 7 or 8 days later. Each time I spoke with Tracie Citron in the Neurology department, she had a different lie about why she was unable to contact me in a timely manner. I called the patient advocate and they did the bare minimum, so they weren t much help. I contacted the directors office and left 4 messages for someone to call me back. I wanted to give the director feedback how this employee was not doing her job in a timely manner. I wanted to convey to the director the problems I was having so the veterans after me might not have to face what I went through to schedule my surgery. I was given the contact info of one person and one person only that you can contact to schedule your surgery. I would call and secure message and receive a call back 7-8 days later each time. If she is doing it to me, then I bet other veterans are facing the same issue. Back to the director, I tried to contact 4 times via voicemails and no return calls. I called back a 5th time and spoke with a young lady that took down my info and promised me someone would call me back. Well, it s a week later and NO ONE has called me back. I called again today (6th attempt) and spoke to a very rude man and was told I didn t follow the proper channels so I couldn t speak with the director. I explained over and over to the man that I did contact the patient advocate and nothing was changed so that s why I wanted to speak with the director. Apparently, they aren t interested in hearing about how their veterans are treated. Filling a VA inspector general complaint. This type of treatment goes against the VA s promise and mission statement of how they intend to treat veterans.

I have been coming to VAMC-SF since December 1994. Quality of care has and continues to be excellent.

At San Francisco VA, Veterans with PTSD in crisis get treated like drug addicts looking for a fix. Worst mental health department in the VA.

I gave 1 star because that's the only way to leave a comment. This hospital is so NEGLECTFUL they forget to give pain medicine they give the wrong antibiotics they leave patients to fend for themselves or have other patients help it's just an outrage.

I've been coming here for a few years. However, most of my visits have been routine body checkups. No major operation on me so I can't speak on that. But I've have had a pretty good experience with this hospital.

Except for the ID card department. They seem to be always close when you need them.

The VA has made major changes for the better Dental department is a super asset great people who care!

Because I want to pick up a woman. My first attempt blind.

Never had a bad experience at this excellent veteran's hospital

This facility is top-of-the-line, staffed by people who are able (and, most importantly, willing) to help you with whatever's ailing you. You will never have to wait long for an appointment, diagnostic or surgical procedure. But please be aware that this is a teaching hospital! This means that most of the people you will interact with are in the process of attaining their license or degree, so they still have their training wheels attached. If they can't do what you need done, request an appointment with their supervising physician or section head; never assume you've reached the end of the line, or that you are out of options. Remember: no matter what, in the end, you're still dealing with an entrenched bureaucracy whose default state is inertia.

I have been going to the SFVAMC for thirteen years now. I feel that they have one of the best outpatient programs for veterans and support groups.

I take my Motor home and park it across from the parking garage. I get very good care here. I am one of 15 hi has fixed my crowns here.

Tried repeatedly to reach this facility at the phone numbers
I was provided with and no one answers and no one returns
messages. If this were a private business bankruptcy would be
imminent.

First and foremost remember this is a Veterans Hospital serving those who have served!!! Be thankful for the privileges we have.
I reported to Palo Alto VA instead of San Francisco VA, I would've been an hour late by the time I would've arrived for my appt which was at 1600, except that I was told to continue to my appt and that they would see me. When I arrived I was treated with much respect. When I met Dr. Edwards, in Ortho, she treated me just the same. Regardless to me being one hour late due to arriving in Palo Alto first by mistake, she treated me promptly and with extreme professionalism. I'm honored to be part of the VA system, and even happier to be connected to this VA!!!!!
Parking, the area was awesome, and service with a smile!!! Thanks.

The people there are all incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. The doctors do seem overworked and tired though but which doctors aren't?

Without a doubt the best medical care I've ever had

Went to see a hand specialist to see if I had a bone going through a tendon(my job requires me to use my broken hand nonstop all day). After the hand doc looked at my xrays for about two minutes he said "I'm not going to buy a rod in your hand, go see therapy and they will make you a splint" so I say, "ok well I was told to have you look at it to see if the bone was going through a tendon not to see if u need a rod". His response "well your fine....you'll be go to go after 6 to 8 weeks.( A 5 min doctor meeting!) So i did and i wore a splint for 8 weeks, now its 6 months later.....my hand is jack the part that has a broken bone has a big hard swollen spot constantly in pain and I'm very limited to what I can grab squeeze and its rotation is screwed! Thanks for the 5 minutes doc!!!

I love it, despite the fact that people talk negative about this place you'd be really surprised when she came here in person it's a totally different vibe.

Staff is great; very helpful. On the occasions I've had to wait a long for my appointment staff always announces or posts the wait time to everyone so we're not left wondering.

I love you guys. You take care of my grandfather and make sure he lives. He is a regular and I love the staff.

Great no nonsense healthcare, this is what we all should have. They take great care of me and go above a beyond in making sure I get the best care ever. The staff are kind, considerate and know their stuff.

Times have changed. Thanks to ACA (Obamacare) regional (Kaiser) hospitals have had an influx of "insured" customers. Demand for services for them has soared. IMO that personal touch along with their profits have tanked.
Not at the VA. We care only for our nation's warriors. You might be in line for care, but if you're honorably discharged, you're behind your brothers or sisters not fringe or uninsured. The facility looks exclusive and by definition it is, American veterans only. Very, very modern inside, spotless facility with the absolute latest equipment and motivated medical support staff anywhere.

Great place. Some times you may hurry up and wait. Great Staff.

The VA is always a mixed experience. Half the staff was incredible the other half almost horrendous. The help at the info desk was phenomenal from several people. Cafeteria was fine. The exchange on the other hand didn't carry basic phone chargers for those who might be staying for extended periods. Yet they had many overly complex battery chargers and other devices that didn't serve that purpose and would not be purchased through an exchange out of a hospital. Then in all but words it was insinuated that I was stealing products while reading technical information off the packaging. The Radiology staff was utterly useless and passed off there responsibilities on to the patient. The day shift ER intake employee was very helpful, the night shift was rude and controlling in a situation she had no information about. One triage nurse was nice, while his counterpart was rude and she couldn't have been less helpful. The attending doctor, Dr. K T was a godsend. Had she not been on duty I might not have received the care I needed that long, long stay at the ER. There is much more I could add if VA staff wants to contact me but is too sensitive and irrelevant here.

They have Alway s taken care of me,
And all of my need,s
Thank you

The San Francisco VA Medical Center is a first class medical facility. I served in the Vietnam Era US Army and I am thankful that I did. My medical care in the private sector was not good and very expensive. I enrolled in the VA system in the 90s and they have given me excellent care all the way. Most of the doctors and surgeons I have encountered are from UCSF, the best hospital in California. I am grateful to the surgeons, doctors, nurses, specialists and everyone else at the SFVA for saving my life. They are very kind and very skilled and very professional.

This VA hospital is the best source for medical care in Northern California

The doctors and staff are always great. I prefer this clinic over the actual SF VA Hospital.

My review is based on my visit to the San Francisco VA Medical Center yesterday. I almost find it difficult to put into words the incredible experience I had. From the moment I got there I was treated so well and everyone I came in contact with was so professional yet kind.

Hard to find parking, as half big new garage in back left is "valet".
And elevator did not work, so I used 3rd floor stairs.
What if I needed a cane to walk?

Ate in the Cafeteria once for lunch and during that hour not one table was cleaned.
Diners bussed their own trays mostly.
But paid staff did not clean 1 table!

ENT PA had no name tag,.
"I don't have one."
I had my ear wax picked out once "monthly" by a nice Tech in Audiology and the next month a PA in ENT started to painful loud noise vacuum my ear wax out, "Stop!, Please!"
Don't let the VA or Kaiser torture you with ear wax vacuuming when they first prove they can do it quick, safe, and painlessly!

Never allowed to see a ear Specialist MD for VA drug caused tinnitus.
Tho I had made an "appointment to see a ear MD".

Lies from g.i. Dept...what a nightmare for patients and Veterans.
First, told to drink salt water and severe cramp versus "golightly" better MDs use.
Then told I must be sedated versus my last awake colonoscopy at a private MD.
Then my Primary ordered an MRI but this dept told me "an MRI with dye" even tho an MRI with dye Class Action Suit is in the Courts and News!

Thank God I am a full Citizen again and no longer a UCMJ, Nixon-draft from college, victim; It took years to recover. And I still have the TB contact positive. Adios, VN!
Why is it so hard for the VA to give Veterans good quality and kind care?

Feb2020, the Ombudsman and Customer Service dept are Gone!
And I was just double billed $30 for the $30 I just paid!!

The SF-VAMC has continually impressed me over the past 6 years.I just relocated to Seattle, WA for a knee replacement ..my San Fran Ortho team is flying up to do the surgery.

Had my First Appointment in May , have TMJ, so This VA is where I was told I would be going. Everyong was so nice , pleasant, made me feel comfortable. I am going back this month at the end of June. Finally glad to hopefully be getting a resolution to my issues.

Veterans Administration. Always room for improvement when it comes to our veterans.

This is the the most unorganized hospital i have ever seen , by far will never go back again some of the stupidest doctors I have ever seen in my life, and the travel office is absolutely the worst, they go out of the way to screw traveling veterans like I have ever seen, and they have been taking up to 3 months to settle claims, unbelievable! !!, I filed complaints with in inspector general about this office and how they are not only short changing veterans but screwing them, this entire hospital needs to be investigated, the sad thing is there are some really good people that do work there And I am sorry that they have to share the badge of incompetence with the ones that really deserve it, but the frigging idiot's out number the good ones , its sad but i am going to blow the lid off this place.

I would feel safer being evaluated by a vet. A bunch of people playing pretend doctor and nurse.

Being a patient at the San Francisco V.A medical center; be it eye clinic, medical practice, podiatry, orthopedics,, x-ray, blood work or pharmacy, it has been a 5 star experience from staff. Roy Chalmers

My veteran has the best doctors here new parking structure and free valet is awesome. I think they deserve tips (though we are not allowed to do so).

Waited for over an Hour but it was worth the wait. Beautiful Place.

This is a state of art, top of the list medical facility and the doctors are the best in the world .

T the San Francisco VA Medical Center has improved their service exponentially I trust them and suggest any veteran who needs medical psychiatric any kind of care you get ahold of him anytime day or night thank you for your service thank you employees of a medical center volunteers.

Lots of parking, easy to get to, great people, but only for veterans and their dependants.

Staff is kind, courteous, and professional. The veterans receive great health care there.

08-31-2020. THE ENTRANCE CLERKS AND SECURITY ARE VERY ARROGANT AND DRUNK WITH PETTY POWER.

The VA treats my Dad like a King.
Everyone is wonderful even to me.

Good hospital. Very clean and had a lot going on. It's in a beautiful area and the views of the city are worth going here.

Great hospital for veterans. Wonderful health care

Thank you for picking up my dad from clear lake and takeing him to his eye appointment. He is very happy and is excited to go back for his eye surgery.

A team of Doctors, Nurses, Interns and
testing personnel and support staff
spent a week preparing me for a
serious heart procedure. I cannot
bless nor thank them enough for the
Care they provided me. Earl Allen Boek
Redding, Calif.

In general I am beyond grateful that the VA medical system exists. I have been a patient at 5 different centers. Each one has had compassionate, hardworking, and talented staff. By far the SF VA is a stand out place. I am treated like family from the moment I drive into the parking garage...to emergency care...standard appointments...and specialized care. My life is better because of everything they do. I m not sure where I would be without the help of the VA health system.

Made my transition a breeze. Always helpful and going way beyond expectations.

Large full service VA hospital serving all military personnel and their dependents in the San Francisco bay area. Including many local satellite clinics.

My health care is very good.Sometimes they seem to go overboard on tests so they are really sure of the protocall for the next step.
The recent OPEN FACE TALK has improved their thinking on care and was a definite improvement over past performance. Unfortunately they do not give all their employees ENGLISH LESSONS SO BOTH THE GIVER AND THE RECEIVER CLOSELY UNDERSTAND WHAT IS EITHER GOING TO HAPPEN OR WHAT THEY WANT YOU TO DO. THERE IS NO EXCUSE TO HAVE PEOPLE WORKING WITH SICK PEOPLE AND EACH DOES NOT UNDERSTAND THE OTHER ABOUT WHAT IS WRONG. THIS IS A MANAGEMENT PROBLEM AND MANAGEMENT NEEDS TO CORRECT.

This is by far the worst VA Hospital i have ever been injjcluding the Phoenix VA ive been seen here several times and i have had to secretly record these doctors and nurses not only are they expert's at talking out the side of there face they are liers and mist of the medical staff couldn't find there ASSWith both hands . this facility needs a massive overhaul and the worthless doctors and nurse's need to be fired!!
They refuse to do there job and spend more time trying to paint the picture that they are following protocol
They have lied changed records to hide there actions i fully plan to expose these worthless scumbags for what they are starting with the inspector general tge head of the VA and any news source i can i have documentation that they changed medical records and vouce recordings catching there lies
We veterans deserve better we should demand better for ourselves and family

There's some tables in the back that aren't known to hikers. Good place to stop and take a break.

This I is a good hospital, if you are a veteran, not sure if you aren't a veteran. Oh, the canteen prices are kind of a little steep for the items that being sold.

It's ok. Just ok. Wasn't allowed to have helper wheel me out to my car in wheelchair. Nobody in lobby to tell me where to go. Operators try really hard to help when I call I think they and the pharmacy people are the best thinks in the whole hospital. Been to VA's in 3 states since 1986. Love the VA hospitals just not this one as much as some others. Oh well. no place to go but up. Yeah.

MY COMPLAINT IS. I'm the wife of a Vietnam veteran and he takes quite a few MEDICATIONS and they have the PERSCRIPTION dosage, perscription number, and the perscription name, BUT NOT FOR WHAT THE PERSCRIPTION MEDICATION IS FOR when he goes to a non VA DOCTOR / HOSPITAL they ask me what medications he takes & what they are for, when I say the perscription bottles do not say what they are for. So I carry in my purse a list of his medications / with the dosage. I just noticed he takes 3 medications that we for sleep 1- Traxadone 50mg and he can take up to 5 he takes 3 now, QUETIAPINE 100 MG 1/2 PILL , 2MG Prazosin. I find this over MEDICATED he is always tired, sleepy all the time. He takes 3 trazadone 7:300pm and with the other 2 sleeping aids he sleeps about 12 hours. He has slept so sou d he wets the bed.

This VA Medical Center is one of the finest in California. Parking is easy, valet, if needed. The staff is very helpful, if you're lost. Plus the medical staff is excellent. As a vet, I am very grateful we has this medical center.

Free flu vac at Walgreens with your Dr lic and VA card, low dose not high dose. Don't wait till 28 Sept every year. Sooner the better!

So...the reception windows in the emergency room have the oddest, most awkward set up. You have to either be on your knees or crook your neck down to communicate your needs as a patient through this little square of an open space window. Apparently this is a new design?

i volunteered their in my early 20"s over 500 hours. I later became an employee in the cardiology EKG department best job ever lot's of wonderful professional people who took great care of the veterans daily including my elder brother a Vietnam vet before his death. the property sit's on prime real I state gorgeous views of the ocean beach, .

All SF area vets are glad to have the SFVAMC as a resource. Our care is really pretty good.
There are always some problem areas.
Here are a few:
Parking. No director has ever resoleved this. (Hint--staff are there for 8 hr. shifts and could park elsewhere with little problem. Patients are there at random times and many need to park close.)
DV/ DP plates should take presidence over those $5.00 blue tags.

The clinics should run 2 shifts. Evening appointments would be easy for those who travel less than 1 hr.
Why do all clinics close from 12 to 1??? What a waste of time.
Finally, there sure are a lot of staffers B.S.ing while patients wait.

The only VA in the United States that can do anything for my TMJ treatment moving back to California ASAP hoping to get back by June of 2018

I am always treated so nicely. The Doctors take the time to really explain what and why I have the medical issues I have. I've been coming here for decades now, and it's only getting better. Some Veterans might disagree with me. But I've never had a problem.

Excellent hospital administration staff working throughout.

To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan. -Abraham Lincoln 1865

This hospital takes care of its veterans and the medical staff are very professional and good as well.

After retiring from the Coast Guard the VA hospitals in both Palo Alto and San Francisco have done an excellent job in taking care of my medical issues. Job well done!

This review is meant to be a warning, but first, I would like to note that there are kind, hard-working staff members here. For example, the person who conducted my ultrasound is professional, soothingly confident, and skilled at making you feel empowered and safe. Furthermore, the staff does not have bad intentions, but their ignorance about trauma-informed care and opportunistic approach to training is dangerous to female veterans. This facility is not a safe place for women to receive treatment. I went in for severe stomach pain. The er staff is not trauma-informed, and they will use your body to train the male doctors on gynecological exams. The process was confusing and scary; They don't try and explain why things are happening. When I realized what they were doing, I left feeling retraumatized, and my medical issue was unresolved. There are VA facilities that are safe for women, but this is not one.

Additional notes: You will also endure advances from older veterans in the waiting room, a lack of confidence in doctors who seem nervous to say words related to your female-specific internal organs, unmasked men yelling obscenities, and televangelist on the TV.

Full medical for Veterans and their dependents. Have enjoyed coming here for my medical issues. Only found one other hospital as good as this one and it is the one in Salisbury, NC.

As a Navy Vet that needs to come here quite often for various things, I can truthfully say that the staff is so very courteous to and hard-working for us Vets. Also, it's a very nice facility. For you Vets (and friends / family members of Vets) that haven't been here yet but will be, you will love the views of San Francisco Bay, Ocean Beach, and Golden Gate Park from the hill on which the Hospital is located.