Dr Lawrence has been doing primary care for many years. You can tell he is very experienced and is an excellent healthcare provider. I admired the wisdom he has to offer to his patients both to maintain health and wellness but also outside of that as well. He is extremely efficient, yet detail oriented. He also has a good read on people. I'm happy with my first visit with him. Great job to him and his office staff. read more

This doctor is not interested in caring for you. He just likes to listen to himself talk. I visited him for my annual wellness exam. When I arrived, I waited around 15 minutes, after which he led me to the exam room. Once inside, he told me to change and... disappeared. Not sure where he went, but I waited for over 30 minutes before he came back. When he came back, there was no apology and no explanation for why he was gone for so long. He went through the motions and then proceeded to give me a long lecture about some unsolicited life advice. That was another huge waste of time, and he just kept droning on and on and didn't give me a chance to tell him to stop. 2 stars because at least he didn't harvest my kidneys. read more

Super rude. He likes to lecture, called to ask test results for my mom. He repeated same info 3 times and did not let me ask any questions. When I interrupted to ask, he said he is with a patient and does not have time. She sent my mom to get chest xray, cardiac radiology, and blood test all in one day. He did not tell her to fast before the blood test. I asked him to write his direction clear so we know. His response was rude. I would not recommend tuis doctor at all. Save your money and spend it on someone who cares. He is not a professional. read more

Dr. Lawrence approaches your care holistically, listens well, is incredibly thoughtful and knowledgeable. My office visits are good experiences and he takes the time to learn the big picture. He also doesn't hesitate to pick up the phone and speak with you directly. I highly recommend Dr. Lawrence! read more

Some years back I initially wrote a positive review about Dr. Bruce Lawrence. This is because he asked me to post something nice about him to help neutralize the negative Yelp reviews he received. He's been my doctor for over 30 years so I agreed to do it. He does have good points but they are greatly over-shadowed by what he falls very short on. I am updating that review with the actual truth because a patient should not be helping out the very doctor that treats him as bad as the negative Yelp reviews that have been posted by other patients. That was my mistake and my own fault for dealing with a manipulating and controlling doctor. Dr. Bruce Lawrence's good points: Takes me in for a visit the same day I call in when I am sick. Sends prescriptions to the pharmacy without a visit when I am sick. He cares. But all of this good does come with a high price. See the following. Dr. Bruce Lawrence's not-so-good points: Constant Lecturing and quick to judge. He pretends to be a patient's psychotherapist. Constantly reminding me that I am overweight. Puts me down for it in order to make me feel bad about myself. Oh did I mention that he does this lecturing when my visit is about me having a cold or flu, which has nothing to do with my body shape? I will come into his office coughing from sickness and he puts me on the scale before we even discuss my treatment. SMH. He has never asked me about my diet, he assumes I am a big eater of bad food and proceeds to give me fliers for healthy eating. Rude jerk. Nobody needs a manipulating hybrid doctor who is their medical physician, psychotherapist, nutrition expert, fitness expert, teacher and parent. He answers the front desk phone and begins to speak to patients about their health issues and treatment right in front of other patients. He's even done this often in the examination room while he was treating me. There are HIPPA laws in place for such actions. He should be reported to the board by any patients that experience this. Speaks to patients as if they work for him and he's their boss. This has been my experience all the time, and often mentioned by other patients on Yelp. He's abrupt. Speaks out of turn. Quick to get a patient off the phone even though he answers it. Interrupts and won't allow me to finish my sentences. And his profane words used are turns offs. Occasionally drops F-bombs and other inflammatory words. Holds grudges. He upset me once many years ago over the phone to a point that I had to hang up on him. This was 30 years ago. He has not stopped reminding me about it in nearly every appointment. This is blatant harassment. His arrogance in thinking he's his patient's gift and they should be lucky to have him tends to cloud his judgement which leads him to speak to patients in a rude, manipulative and arrogant manner. There is much more I am leaving out but for anyone considering Doctor Bruce Lawrence please check the Yelp reviews and ignore the positive ones. They may have been asked by him to write something positive as I was. Trust the adverse reviews. I have lived everything those patients have experienced with Doctor Bruce Lawrence. I have recently disconnected my patient-doctor relationship with him and I am sorry I allowed myself to be manipulated and controlled by him for so long. You live and learn. At some point he will be sued by a patient for his actions if he doesn't fix his behavior. But it may be too late at this point. Doctor Bruce Lawrence is an unethical "doctor". Please do yourselves a favor and avoid him like the plague. There are other doctors. Anyone reading this who is currently, or has been a patient of Doctor Bruce Lawrence knows I am telling 100% the truth about him. read more

Been with Dr. Lawrence for nearly a decade now. Does not beat around the bush and when specialty referrals are needed, he does it on the spot. Personally when I moved jobs, I opted out to pay more for a PPO plan (plan allowing me to go to anybody but with a higher copay usually) just to keep him as my doc. read more

Dr. Lawrence is not a part of large practice where you see someone different each time. This is a solo office so he sees every patient. He occasionally answers the phone! I was having very bad wrist pain and I was able to get an appointment with him the next day. He determined I needed to see a specialist and was able to refer me to one for the same day. read more

Dr Lawrence is just a wonderful Doctor who offers no fancy practice with a team of Doc's but personal care for you as an individual! Been his patient for now over 10 years and couldn't imagine seeing anyone else - In 2018 during a regular office exam he noticed an abnormal level on one particular blood test - followed up and we discovered that I had kidney Cancer - Had surgery for removal of the cancerous tumor - Saved My Life ! I trust Dr Lawrence! Highly recommend him for you and your Family - all of my adult children are his patients as well! Peter Irwin Oakland CA read more

Dr. Lawrence's office is impossible to reach! they don't answer emails, can't leave a message, they tell you something will be handled but it isn't. Can't even reach him at his emergency line! read more

he likes to say he gets things done "yesterday". Been a month and no diagnosis. Came in and thought my hip was dislocated, thank god it wasn't. But for some reason he holds it against me that I thought it was my hip and wasn't. Like it discredits my medical degree? oh wait im a delivery driver! - 1st visit (phone call) he was unapologetically 30 minutes late. I had to call HIM!!! (twice!) he talked about all the awesome specialists he can refer to and mentioned MRIs and such.... blah blah blah. I actually believed him. - 2nd visit (in office) I was on time and he claimed I was 3 hours late.... and kept insisting I was late over and over (who the f*** does that???) - Then sent me to neurologist who did nerve study BEFORE physical exam. She also split the visit into 3 visits... all rushed... and all had a $30 copay. The nerve study triggered further worse symptoms. Can't get back in for a month and Dr Lawrence refuses to refer me to a doctor that deals with my specific issues! And I kept asking over and over, felt like I had to beg with this guy and I honestly think he gets off on it. Called neurologist to ask for MRI or any kind of scan that would be useful.. She said call Dr Lawrence. Called him and as usual HE was the one to answer. He seemed annoyed I would even be calling him and bothering him, I asked to leave the note with his receptionist and he refused. I hung up and immediately changed primary care. This guy is a douche. Avoid like the plague. Even made a point to mention to the neurologist that I was with my mother at the in office visit (because she's sweet enough to drive 60 mi round trip to bring me to the doctor since I can't drive asshole) He literally said, in front of my mother, that this is all stress induced and I should get therapy. never had an experience this bad at a doctor before. seriously read more

Years ago Dr Lawrence ran a well organized practice. Now two days a week are devoted to "Body Sculpting" (female). The website is a mess of franchise ads, family pics & no useful info. Callbacks may be forgotten. If you can deal with all that, you'll find a knowledgeable, doctor with a good sense of humor and a loyal following of patients. Well worth a visit for both chronic & simple problems. read more

I've been going to Dr. Lawrence since the mid-90s because he takes care of his patients. As a professional advocate myself, I can tell you you will not likely find a better advocate for your health needs. When I was suffering from intractable back pain Dr. Lawrence moved mountains to get me to the specialists I needed. He was on the phone personally calling providers, getting me scheduled and seen quickly--no small feat in the COVID-19 era. If you want a doctor who will pay attention to you and help you get whatever you need, look no further. You found him. Tell him Jimmy sent ya. read more

I love the way he takes time to explain things, he seems like a really great doctor with an excellent Network of professionals that he relies on for various specialties. I appreciate his counsel and insights. A gentleman Doctor. read more

AVOID!!! AVOID!!! AVOID!!! You won't believe my experience with him but it is true. I am a senior citizen in my 70s. I am a retired professional with an excellent background. I have a number of medical problems. I have made a real effort to be treated by excellent doctors. I have been fortunate to have just superb primary care doctors and specialists. However, in the last 10 years 3 of my primary care physicians have retired. I need a new PCP. I was given his name by someone. I called to talk to him and schedule an appointment. I left a message. He called me back the following day. This is my first ever conversation with him. I said that I was looking for a new primary doctor. I told him, about 30 seconds into this call that I had 3 primary care physicians retire. He said to me "You drove them all away". Again, this is my FIRST conversation with him. Who does he think he is? This is absolutely deranged. I drove them all away??? He knows nothing about me and I didn't mention any of my prior physicians' names. This is so crazy it is hard for me to find the right words. I am rarely at a loss for words, but this is absolutely insane. Who talks to someone like this? Again, this is hard to believe but unfortunately is true. I have read all the reviews of him and he appears to someone who thinks he is an entertainer instead of a primary care physician. Talking about himself constantly and apparently lecturing people instead of taking care of their immediate needs. There is a reason he is still in practice at 75 years old. Go ANYWHERE ELSE. read more

Iv been seeing Dr lawrence for two years and ...Dr lawrence is the Ken of Doctors ... He's good a playing "DOCTOR" but he's nothing more than a plastic arrogant ritch pretty boy... he could not even tell the difference between strept throat and thrush ... he boasts he's just the man with the phone. ... he takes your money then calls some specialist and pawns you off on them .... he's not a doctor he's a smooth talking pretty boy who has the ability to refer you to other doctors ... don't waste your money on this body sculpture Ken masquerading as a Doctor! read more

Dr. Bruce Lawrence, my primary care physician (PCP), is the best of the best. He's down-to-earth, personable, extremely knowledgeable and even answers many of the phone calls himself. Early this week he squeezed me in to his busy schedule because he thought it was medically necessary. Then later this week an unknown mass showed up on an x-ray for another problem. I took a picture of it on my phone and went directly to Dr. Lawrence's office without an appointment. Again he squeezed me in and ordered blood work and a CT scan, the latter of which which happened on Friday afternoon. As soon as he received the results of the CT scan, he called me with the results, so I wouldn't have to worry over the weekend. He has only been my PCP for about a year, but certainly wish I could have been his patient for many, many years. All his patients are extremely lucky to be under his care. read more

This review is way overdue, partially because when you discover a treasure, you want to keep him for yourself. Dr. Bruce Lawrence is far and away the best doctor that I have had since I was 17 years old (a nod to Dr. Larry Abramson). The only thing missing is a doctor's bag and a home visit (which I would not put past him). His knowledge of medicine is undeniable and absolutely goes without saying. What makes him a standout doctor and all around good Human Being is his care for his patients ( Humankind really). It is often you will find Dr. Lawrence at the front desk answering phones or staying late to see his patients. He comes in the exam room with your file and a pen. The rest is pure human contact. If you are looking for a doctor that will genuinely care about you, you can hang your exam gown right here. And his staff is AMAZING! read more

What can I say about Dr Bruce Lawrence and his practice? He has a wonderful, attentive staff and yet Dr. Bruce, when necessary, is never too busy to answer phones and be available to the patients under his care. He is knowledgeable, engaging and kind, and all of that shines through as he explains in easy to understand terms the health issues I might be dealing with. His recommendations, advice and referrals always come with a welcome dash of philosophy, empathy and kindness. Dr. Bruce Lawrence is one of a kind, and is a primary care physician anyone would be fortunate to have looking out for their health and well-being! read more

They don't make them like Dr. Bruce any more. With medicine and up-to-date understanding of what could make you less healthy (and what makes you more healthy) he dispenses wisdom and wit in the service of making you live a longer and better life. He's a solid doc,a nd if you don't have one--get him! read more

I had a treatment at Dr. Lawrence office for laser fat reduction of my lower abdomen and was really pleased with the results. Not only Dr. Lawrence was knowledgeable and professional, he also took some time to discuss my concerns and prescribed a course of action. In addition, The office was clean, new and bright, which was very pleasing to me as an interior designer. I would highly recommend Dr. Lawrence and his staff if you are looking for pleasant, professional and effective laser treatment procedure. The experience was amazing! read more

I'm finally writing a Yelp review of Dr. Lawrence after being his patient for over four years. He's an excellent physician who actually CARES about his patients. Whenever possible, he likes to answer incoming phone calls to his office himself! He gives the type of care and attention that is rare with the bigger medical firms. I feel confident that my health concerns are in good hands with Dr. Lawrence. read more

Dr. Bruce is the best PCP I've ever had, hands-down. He's brilliant, down-to-earth, and deeply empathetic. He consistently goes the extra mile, making a point to exhaustively explain his recommendation, as well as connect me with specialists when he feels out of his depths. I'm such a fan of Dr. Bruce, and so grateful for his care. read more

I was so weak, I couldn't open doors or juice bottles or hardly sit up for more than a couple of minutes. I'd been in the hospital twice. I had an incompetent doctor (see review for Dr. Neil Gozan) who wouldn't diagnose me, treat me, or in any way try to help me, and even seemed to be trying to keep me sick. Then I went to Dr. Lawrence on the recommendation of a friend. In three minutes, Dr. Lawrence told me I had mono. He said he'd definitely test me to be sure, but I had mono. He sent me for the blood test. Results came back. I had mono. Dr. Gozan had seen me twice and couldn't tell. The hospital had taken a number of blood draws and couldn't figure it out. Hello? But Dr. Lawrence knew right away and gave me the care I needed. He helped me to feel like I'd get the treatment I needed, the information I needed, to get better. I like that Dr. Lawrence is willing to admit when he's not the expert at something, like when I had a problem and he recommended a specialist who could be sure. Lots of doctors have ego trips and won't admit that someone else might know better. And if I have a question, he'll answer it. He doesn't get 5 stars though, because he doesn't take enough time to listen to me thoroughly. I am a little wordy, if you couldn't tell from my reviews! But he does take the time to go on his soapbox about whatever he feels strongly about, and I wish he'd take that time to listen to me instead, and respond to my question instead of telling his opinion about stuff. For example, I asked him what my cholesterol level was and the guideline, and he went on for quite a while about how the guidelines are somewhat arbitrary. Yeah, I know, just tell me the numbers. Which he did, but still. Also, he answers his own phone half the time instead of letting his receptionist get it, and he'll take calls when he's in the room with you, which is distracting. This might sound like a 3-star review, but I give 4 stars, because the complaints are about non-medical things, and medically I think he's knowledgeable and a good doctor. read more

I visited doctor Lawrence for a routine check up and I'm pretty healthy...Dr. Lawrence is my kind of guy. He isn't preachy and gives you information in an entertaining and informative way. The office gives a warm vibe like you are visiting a small town doctor who cares about his community and patients. He made me feel relaxed and provided good solid tips about staying healthy (and maybe happy) and the importance of good general health. He is patient so give yourself a few extra minutes in case he's a little tardy on your appointment (he's giving someone else their time too.) I'm glad I found this practice. read more

In my short time (2 years) as Dr. Lawrence's patient, Bruce was very down to earth and explained things clearly to me and it made sense. His staff was on point in scheduling, calling to confirm appts and scheduling future appts. Often times, Dr Lawrence would be the one would pick up my call which was comforting. I highly suggest anyone in the Oakland/East Bay area to visit Dr Lawrence's offices and utilize him as a GP. read more

My husband is an RN. He says, "I go to Dr Lawrence because he is unlike any Dr I've ever been to. He takes time to talk with me about my life, and offers encouraging words of advice. He always addresses any issues, and works diligently to cut down my costs. I have been going to him for years, and feel safe in his office." I am happy he is happy! read more

Dr. Lawrence has been my primary care physician for 19 years. He is the only doctor I know of in this day and age who answers his own phone. He has got his patients trained to tell him in 3 short sentences what the problem is, and then gets us in asap. I have needed referrals to all kinds of medicine during all these years; he calls the physician he wants me to see personally, and I get as soon as possible. His care is outstanding, and he is a funny man and very smart man. Sometimes all I need is his humor and reassurance. He is quick to refer you to another type of practice if that is what you need, and I have always been pleased with the MDs to whom he has referred me. I recommend Dr. Lawrence without reservation. Phyllis Mandel Richmond, CA read more

Dr. Lawrence is by far the best family practice doctor I've ever had. He is professional, intelligent, responsive, and has a great demeanor. Dr. Lawrence helped me greatly during a health scare and I will forever be grateful for his outstanding guidance during that period. read more

My dad has been seeing Dr. Lawrence for decades now - Dr. Lawrence is an exceptional doctor. He is kind, caring, and extremely knowledgable. He has helped my dad through many hard times and is very communicative with my entire family regarding my dad's care. His staff is excellent. Dr. Lawrence often answers the phone when I call. He helped my dad tremendously when my dad had COVID - talked to the pharmacists happily and went through drug interactions etc. I would like to give Dr. Lawrence my heartfelt and greatest recommendation - he is truly exceptional. read more

Dr. Lawrence and all of his staff are truly one of a kind. You simply don't find this level of caring and personalization anywhere else. Dr. Lawrence is still old school and you'll often see him answering the phone at the reception. He cares about his patients and has always taken the time to answer all of my questions diligently. I'm also beyond excited that his practice now offers sculpsure! I have always wanted to try to reduce the fat around my belly and there's no other doctor I would entrust this with. So far I am a month into my first session and I'm already seeing amazing results!! I look tighter and some of the rolls around my waist have definitely diminished. This machine is amazing. Cannot wait for my next sessions!! I hope they continue to add more beauty tricks that will help me feel young physically. read more

Great doc. Such a straight forward MD. I've been seeing him for many years. He is always able to get me referrals with other docs on the spot. He is a great doc. Well trained. Knows the current research and treats me and my family well. If you are looking for a primary care doc, this is the best one in the Bay Area. read more

Dr. Lawrence has been my primary care physician for several years now. I love his straight talk and his hands on approach to my healthcare. He often offers very sage advice when it comes to preventive care and generally taking care of yourself; which I find very refreshing. Dr. Lawrence also maintains relationships with a wide array of specialists whom he will personally call to facilitate scheduling. I would highly recommend Dr. Lawrence to anyone who really appreciates a doctor who is wise, direct, practical, and often quite funny. read more

He was 30 minutes late to see me and did not know what kind of visit I was there for when he tried to rush through my appointment. His office is messy and appears to not be sanitary. read more

"There are four parts to a person: body, mind, spirit, and wallet. I can only take care of the body, but I can't do it for someone who doesn't take care of himself." - Dr. Bruce Lawrence I'm having trouble finding the words to convey how offended I was by the way Dr. Lawrence communicated with me. Literally within seconds of meeting me at my first appointment, he was berating me for not being able to remember the dosage of a medication that I take. Then he recommended that I pick the age that I want to be when I die, and he could tell me how to live my life so I could get to that point. I walked out when he pointed to a bunch of articles tacked to the wall and said "everything on that wall relates to illness and death." I'm really not doing justice to how angry and rude he was. Absolutely the worst customer experience I've ever had anywhere, including the DMV. The three other Yelp reviews of this asshole were the only information I could find anywhere online about any of general practice doctors in Oakland who accept my insurance. Granted, the reviews were good, but it's not that much to go on when you're choosing the person who's going to help you manage your health. It really sucks that this is how the medical system works. I could make a much more informed decision about the person who's going to cut my hair. If you're reading this, please write a review of your doctor. read more

I was a new patient with Dr. Lawrence in 2013 and have never experience such poor medical service. Almost one year I went to Dr. Lawrence and the only exam I received was listening to my lungs. He never suggested a physical; never look in my ears, nose, or anything. He did however to his credit recommended a MRI that revealed a problem with my back. However, the most obnoxious events I was involved in and detested was "Dr Lawrence talking office calls and resolving other patients medical needs during my personal office visit". I always left his office feeling cheated and twice I left his office without discussing my medical problem because now he's rushing me out because he's taken two-to-three calls. Then on one occasion he commented, "I need you to come into the office because this is how I make my money. OUTRAGEOUS!!. He seemed uncomfortable working with women...weird. The only patients I saw in his office during the time span I saw Dr. Lawrence were men. IF THERE'S A WOMEN OUT THERE LOOKING FOR A FEMALE PRIMARY DOCTOR, CHECK WITH THE CAROL REED BREAST CENTER. GOOD LUCK read more

What can I say about, Dr Bruce Lawrence and his practice? He has a wonderful, attentive staff, and yet, Dr. Bruce, when necessary, is never too busy to answer phones and be available to the patients under his care. He is knowledgeable, engaging and kind, and all of that shines through as he explains in easy to understand terms the health issues I might be dealing with. His recommendations, advice and referrals always come with a welcome dash of philosophy, empathy and kindness. Dr Bruce Lawrence is one of a kind, and is a primary care physician anyone would be fortunate to have looking our for their health and well being! read more

Dr. Lawrence has been my primary care physician for quite a few years now. I absolutely cannot be happier with the care that he gives me. He listens to my needs and concerns he also lets me know what's best for me and my health is great. read more

Minus territory here. Years ago, I accompanied my husband to an appointment with Dr. Lawrence. He looked great: trim and slim. Dresses well. Quoted Shakespeare! But when I shared that my husband has a drinking problem, Dr. Lawrence's idea for how to treat his addiction was to make us shake hands that I would always have 3 bottles of beer in the fridge and my husband would stick to beer instead of downing his usual vodka. We shook hands and that was the end of that. My husband went on to flame out. He's been in and out of rehab 6 times within the past year. Lawrence and I were both clueless but one would expect a doctor to be able to spot an addict and suggest more effective treatment than stocking the fridge with beer. read more

Dr. Lawrence is the best doctor I have ever had. I found him on my provider's list and was expecting a routine experience. But he is anything but. He is a life-force: patient, wise, energetic, direct, hilarious, humane, practical and philosophical. How many people have the wide-ranging empathy of a 70 year old with the sparkling verve of a 20 year old?   He is almost a character out of an hour-long drama.  For anyone who's ever been critical of the medical profession, he is the doctor for you. Yes, doctors like him still exist. A true mensch. read more

My physical took over 2 hours. I waited an hour in the exam room. He came in, gave me a rambling lecture on the blatantly obvious facts of public health (don't smoke, exercise, eat well.) I couldn't get a word in edgewise. During said lecture he answered the phone himself to discuss a Viagra prescription with a patient. He then got off the phone, told me about the patient (breach of confidentiality) and digressed about Viagra for a bit. After this he told me to strip down and left me in the exam room to freeze my ass off in my underwear for 45 minutes. I had to come back for a follow up as part of my physical even though I didn't want to take the time off work and I didn't feel it was necessary. This took an hour of waiting. He came in, looked at my chart, told me tests were normal, and sent me on my way. I got the feeling he just wanted to have me back because my insurance is good and he could bill for it. In the end I had to pay the copay twice for a physical. I know he can diagnose, prescribe and help out if you're sick but the service was awful, he's unprofessional, and there's a good chance your insurance will be milked (see the review below where someone had to come in for a follow up just because their insurance was good.) I've never gotten such an uneasy feeling about a doctor. This was downright creepy. read more