Lyon-Martin Community Health Services - San Francisco, California

Abbie S.

Rough at first. But I'm happy I stayed with them

Core

I've been a patient at Lyon Martin Health Services for nearly a decade, seeking medical care as a trans and neurodivergent individual. In the past, I've greatly appreciated the access to HRT and the supportive staff, particularly my original doctor and a dedicated receptionist who worked there until about 5 years ago.

However, I've noticed significant changes over time. As someone who has struggled with retaining work and healthcare due to my neurodiversity, I've found that the clinic's approach to care has become less accommodating. Unfortunately, I wouldn't recommend Lyon Martin to those without regular therapy or professional support, as the staff seems less knowledgeable about neurodiverse care and may not be equipped to address unique needs.

For instance, I recently experienced frustration when seeking a surgical referral for top surgery. Despite assurances that it wouldn't be an issue, the advocate's letter ended up being condescending and may not be acceptable to the surgeon. This highlights a concerning lack of understanding about the importance of respecting patients' experiences and circumstances.

Speaking on a previous review, there is no preference towards AFAB (assigned female at birth) patients, and I've never had a discussion about implants or transition goals with any provider since my original doctor. The staff and practitioners seem younger and less experienced, which can make it challenging to connect with patients on a meaningful level.

While the clinic still provides medical care and blood work management, I've found that communication has become more impersonal. Nowadays, I need to make multiple calls to get prescriptions filled, but they do offer an online platform that may be more efficient than using receptionists. Overall, while I appreciate the clinic's efforts in providing HRT, I'm concerned about the changes in approach and quality of care that may not meet the needs of all patients.

Zoey V.

I really am grateful for everyone here at Lyon Martin. They're always very caring and helpful. They've always been quickly responsive of any issues I run into, whether that be insurance or health care accommodations.

Will B.

I heart Lyon-Martin so much! They do deal with staffing issues, as it seems like possibly a difficult structure to work within, as many non-profits are :/ The doctors and staff do the utmost best they can with what they're working with. From time to time I do have to "re-train" new staff or doctors on my severe health issues. And on important issues I do sometimes need to manage the process somewhat to make sure things don't slip between the cracks. They consistently get me the referrals that I need, and treat me with care and respect and even friendship and I love them.

Theo P.

I don't know how to succinctly describe everything wrong with the place. I've been going here for a year and I haven't gotten anywhere with some very serious health issues. For one example, after 11 months of asking, I finally got one of the three referrals I had requested. Meanwhile other referrals were made that were simply wrong.
The providers are limited to only 5 minutes per patient and most of that time is wasted on trying to remind them what happened in the last appointment.
They're great about pronouns and trans issues but that's not enough. They need to do better. Getting my pronouns right while I'm incapacitated from health problems isn't good trans health care.

Nina M.

Update: never rely on their hours on Google. They change their hours frequently. You will end up wasting so much time behind their closed doors.

Since health right 360 took over Lyon-martin, the quality of services have plummeted significantly. Also it takes very long to talk to the front desk of the clinic. Most often I have to get connected to billing or pharmacy or substance abuse departments to ask questions about my Lyon-martin appointments, cancellations or any questions. It's a very sad state of affairs for the only clinic for poor trans people in sf bay area. If health right 360 cannot offer reliable services, they should not control lyon martin. They are basically transphobic. Ugh.

Logan D.

I've been going to Lyon-Martin for about 3 years now for HRT, and I desperately wish I could give them a better rating. Unfortunately, they are unorganized, dismissive, and forgetful. They are impossible to contact.
I've been trying for over a month to update my insurance information. Their phone menu has no administrative options (only hours of operation, appointment scheduling, and referrals). I decided to ask the scheduling receptionist for help. I was told they were unable to do ANYTHING other than create or reschedule appointments. They said they would have somebody call me back who was able to update my information. Nobody called me back. This was mid-February.
My pharmacy says that a refill request for my Testosterone was denied, which I'm assuming was because the insurance they have on file is outdated and invalid. I have tried every way of contacting them, but everything is a dead end. I don't think anybody even checks the email they have on their website.

Alyenaa B.

These people are criminals. They failed to follow up on my mammogram and other tests that were ordered. I can't even make an appointment anymore! They failed to catch ADHD, and treated me like a child. They terminated my therapy sessions without notice and without an alternative. Transmisogyny runs rampant. There is a complete disdain and disregard for people who are not AFAB. There are less HRT options here for trans women also. You'll notice that testosterone implants can be used for AFAB. But there isn't any estrogen options for trans women. Even though that technology exists. So... To trans women every where! Hear me out! We deserve so much better than the at best 'lip service' and at worst make fun of what you're wearing in front of the waiting room crowd. If I had more resources I'd take these criminals to the cleaners! So. If you're a trans woman stay FAAARRR away from this place!!! It's not worth the headache. Plus there are better HRT options elsewhere. You don't ned to mess around with people that don't have the slightest idea of what it's like to walk in a trans woman's shoes. If you tell them they will quite literally laugh in your face!!!