Foster City Medical Center - Primary Care Urgent Care & Allergy - Foster City, California

Albert B. F.

I am writing to detail the horrendous experience I have had at Foster City Medical Center beginning from November of 2024 and continuing to the present day. In November of 2024, I went into this office to see NP Maria Sia for a physical exam, at which time she ordered me labs to be done at a local Quest Diagnostics. I went to do those labs, and a week later I tried to check for my lab results on the Quest Diagnostics portal but they were not there, so I called Foster City Medical Center to request those labs. The lady who answered the phone proceeded to make me an appointment to get those results, which I did not think was necessary, but I went along with it, and the appointment she made me was literally half an hour from the time I called. So I went in half an hour later to get those lab results, and instead of just handing me my lab results, they brought me back to an exam room where Maria herself went over the lab results with me. She did not even bother to give me a copy of the results.

After the visit, I received an EOB from my insurance company saying that Foster City Medical Center billed them $297, and my insurance company covered $87 and I would be responsible for the remaining $210. I also saw that they billed this most recent visit as a "complex visit," so I called to ask why was this a complex visit, and the lady who answered responded "that's just how it's billed." Very professional of her.

Fast forward to present day, and I receive a random email from Sutter Health reminding me of this $210 charge, so I called Foster City Medical Center to follow up, and their "office manager" called me back to explain why this was a valid charge. She said that I willingly went back to the exam room and made an appointment, so that is why I am being billed. I tried explaining to her (after she very unprofessionally said "okay i'll play your game") that I did not want to be seen and your office staff made me an appointment so I could get my lab results, and when I went back to the exam room I was not told this was going to count as a visit: I thought I was going back there to get my lab results. Her response was unbelievable: she said it's not our fault you don't know how the process works in this country. I could not believe my ears, because I was born and raised in this country, and I myself work in healthcare, so if anyone knows how the "process" works it's me. This "office manager" also told me that when you left the office the first time, you were told your results were available online. I asked her what if I was not told that and had to figure it out for myself, and this "office manager" again told me something I could not believe: she said "at this point I'm not going to believe you."

I think I've said enough. Please do not do business with these scammers. It's such a shame as well, because I myself have referred one of my patients at my practice to Foster City Medical Center without expecting anything in return, and to be treated this way in response is truly unacceptable. I told this "office manager" I wanted to appeal this $210 charge, and she would not even entertain the idea or work with me on a resolution, so I will be taking this up with the BBB, Department of Consumer Affairs, and the CA State Board of Nursing. Take care, now.

Leanna

I have been seeing Dr Howard and Dr Dave for over 10 years, even before the clinic began. Watching this practice grow and expand has been a pleasure. I can’t say enough about the positive overall care both my husband and I have experienced.here. The office staff is 5 stars too! Thank you ladies!!

Yasamin G.

I recently had a great experience at this clinic and I cannot recommend it highly enough! Dr. Dave conducted my allergy testing and was the first doctor out of three to properly diagnose my condition. I was very impressed by his expertise, and appreciated how he made my experience both comfortable and relaxing. The service was incredibly quick and efficient and I would recommend this center for both allergy testing and immigration examinations. I saw Dr. Tam for my immigration exam and the process thanks to him, went really well! The staff is very friendly and patient as are all three of the medical providers, making my visits very pleasant and enjoyable! The convenient location with plenty of parking is a major plus. I also love their new electronic medical health system; having access to my health information online is incredibly convenient and helpful. Overall, the combination of friendly and quick service and professionalism will keep me coming back!

Mary A.

I initially visited this office for a workers' compensation claim after injuring my shoulder and back. Before coming here, I’d seen another doctor in San Mateo, but it wasn’t until I arrived at this clinic that my injury was properly diagnosed. It made a huge difference.

G C.

This is over a year late as I have been working through some stuff to finally say this out loud. I’d like to premise this by saying that the reason there is even a star on this review is due to the kindness of the male medical assistant and the RN that saw me both of whose were kind, comforting and funny. On the other hand, the male doctor whom I had a follow up appointment with at the end of the day, was late to our appointment for about an hour, was extremely rude and unkind, also hurried me through my time there because he was late to pick up his son. He barely showed me my test results which I had to ask him to relay on a language I could understand as I was not in the medical field.
We all have stuff. But the least one can do when one being is seeking help because they trust you took an oath to treat them, at least with respect, is to be kind.
That doctor is unprofessional and lacks bedside manner.
Sadly, I would not recommend coming to this facility unless you’re seeing the RN or dealing with the male medical assistant. I’ve no experience with the female doctor so I remain neutral when it comes to her.

Miranda M.

I had an outstanding experience at this clinic and can confidently give it a five-star review! From start to finish, everything was top-notch. Dr. Dave performed my allergy testing and was incredibly thorough, taking the time to explain everything in detail. He was the first doctor to accurately diagnose my condition, and I truly appreciated his expertise and caring approach. The whole process was quick, efficient, and comfortable.

Joe R.

I had a great session with the doctor where we went over my blood test results in detail, and they gave me some helpful advice to improve my health. They sent prescriptions to my CVS, explained the medications to me, and scheduled a follow-up appointment. Overall, it was a really positive experience.

Amara M.

I was misdiagnosed by another doctor and could have lost my life had Dr. Amanda
Howard not insisted I get sent to the emergency room right away. I was dealing with a
life threatening condition and received the care that I needed. I am beyond grateful for
this clinic and the urgency they put on my condition. They showed me true concern for
helping people and that they ensure people receive the proper care they need.