Dr. Gerdes retired in 2021. I saw her for several years, and my insurance covered every visit. Now I have an "unpaid bill" that started as $98, and the collection agency wants $130 to take it off of my credit report. The bill was supposedly from 2017. If I owed her money from 2017 it seems like it would have come up in subsequent visits, but it was never mentioned. So is this allleged "collection agency" legitimate? Medicare would have covered anything sent to them because they are my primary insurance. I called them today. They never recieved a bill from Dr. Gerdes' office during that entire year. The Medicare representative also pointed out to me that the date can't be right since I was in surgery on the date the visit supposedly happened. And now I can't reach Dr. Gerdes because she is retired. What can I even do with this? read more

I wish I had checked the reviews prior to making an appointment, sadly, I believe all these to be true. I started off the new year with a new insurance company ( I have always had Kaiser) and completely struggled finding a gynecologist just to refill birth control. I finally called my insurance and desperately asked them to help me find anyone in my area (Oakland), I was then given Dr. Gerdes' clinic. I asked my insurance how much the co-pay was and they said "$30". I called and made the appointment and when I showed up they charged me $50! I told them I had just spoke with my insurance company and they confirmed it was $30. The receptionist, with no indication of hearing me out, demanded the $50. At this point I could not really afford to go waste more time so I just agreed and wrote them a check... The office was really really old and not updated, no big deal. Dr. Gerdes came in and talked to me for awhile, she seemed decently nice. I got my RX and went to the pharmacy. About 7 months later I decided I needed to switch my RX refill location, I called Dr. Geredes office and asked if they can call the remainder of the refills into a new location. It has now been 2 weeks and I left messages and never received a call back. I am super frustrated as this should be a simple task, or at the least RETURN MY CALL read more

I was hesitant to set up an appointment at Carol Gerdes' office based on the reviews on the office staff. I did anyway and to my surprise, it was not the office staff that made my experience terrible. I was told the office just moved from the Alameda Hospital to their new spot next to the Office Max at Southshore center. Receptionist was great, very pleasant. Even when I called to set up the appointment, Lindsay was pleasant. (Maybe the office got new staff or I caught them on a good day.. ?) Gerdes is not accepting new prenatal clients so my appointment and therefore my review is based on the newer doc, Olivia Butt. This is only based on my one appointment and my personal opinion/impression of her and not on her competence of delivering a baby. Butt is terrible. Along with her condescending scrunching of the face and overall tone, she will ask you a question, then interrupt to either ask you another question or turn the conversation in another direction. She did not listen to the needs of the specific patient (me), instead will make general overarching comments on how "most pregnant women..." or "That's not normal in most pregnant women to..." These qualities are reflective of her own insecurities (i.e. defending that even though she's "only been licensed one year, I've been doing this for 4 years and I'm really good at what I do" after I prefaced that her being a newer doctor is not an issue with me) and inexperience. I am leaving specifics out to maintain some medical privacy. After I expressed to her that I did not feel like she was listening to what I was saying partly due to the constant interruptions, she became defensive and could not get me out of the office quicker. I was shocked at her unprofessionalism and disrespectful attitude, which further exudes her lack of experience (maybe people, profession or just general life inexperience). Not a good fit and would certainly not recommend her to a friend or family member. Perhaps she's a better fit with someone else. read more

The nurse practitioner who performed my routine exam was great. However, the desk receptionist was more interested in setting up her lunch plans than in helping me. She actually put her hand over the mouthpiece of her cell phone and sighed/rolled her eyes when I bothered her with my questions about how to fax test results to another doctor. Similarly, weeks later when I called to get the test results faxed, the answering service was rude, curt, and cut me off mid-question. They refused to take a message unless it was "an emergency." As I understand, most of Gerdes' patients are expectant mothers. I cannot imagine being an expectant mother--excited, scared, nervous, etc.--and dealing with that kind of treatment when I just wanted to have a basic question answered. 09/29/08--Ridiculous! I had to call *again* today to have them fax my test results because they never did it back in August! read more

I wanted to wait until I gave birth to my son to post this. After my horrible experience at Alameda family Physicians, I was in search for a new doctor. I was just afraid to get a horrible doctor. To my surprise, I was so lucky. I called right away in hopes to squeeze in an appointment. The front desk was so nice and walked me through what I needed to do before coming in for my appointment the very next day. When I came to their office, I was greeted with a friendly voice who was helping me on the phone the whole time. She knew right away who I was and what I was trying to do. I got to meet Dr. Gerdes. Her voice just put me at ease. It was like she knew what I was going through as a first time mother. She asked if I had any questions. She looked deep into my files and knew something was not right. She ordered to have lots of test and work done on me to make sure that my baby was healthy and that I was healthy. I felt that Dr. Gerdes cared about me and my baby to have all these extra lab work done. I brought up the rash that I had and she knew that it was pregnant related and that all those medications that the previous doctor was no good. She referred me to a dermatologist to get it checked out. Dr. Gerdes felt that it might be possible that it might affect the baby, she had me going to do a non stress test twice a week where they monitor the baby's heart beat. The rash is doing a lot better now after the birth of my son. THE BIRTH PART!!! My water broke and I called the office and was directed to go to get checked out at the hospital. I was admitted soon after. I wanted a natural birth with no drugs or anything. But I couldn't have been more wrong or way off. Dr. Gerdes understood what I wanted and respected it. She wanted the same thing for me. When the time came, I wasn't dilated enough and so I had to make a decision. For my baby's health, I had to get an emergency C-section and get drugs for that. My son's heart rate dropped drastically and that Dr. Gerdes and the nurses had to move quick. I didn't know what was going on but I knew I was in good hands. In tears and fear, I gotten the C-section and my baby was in my husbands arms in what felt like just minutes. Dr. Gerdes comforted me and soothed me. She then came to see me every day when I was in the hospital for the week. She wasn't able to come one day but Dr. Butt came in her place. When I came home, Dr. Gerdes even called me personally to check up on me. I don't know about you but I gotta say that Dr. Gerdes and her whole office goes that extra mile for you. You can't say that about many doctors out there. I'm going to hold onto this great doctor. read more

Pros - I really like Dr. Gerdes. I thought her to be informative and nice. I felt very comfortable with her. Cons - this is a big con. I have just moved here from the East coast and am new to my job which is over an hour away. I have had 3 appts with Dr. Gerdes and each appt has been rescheduled the morning of. They have tried to cancel and have me make another appt but I have been adamant because I have taken days off. This, to me, is unacceptable. To reschedule the day of in three separate incidents is unprofessional. In case of emergency is one thing but to have it done every single time is a blatant disrespect to my schedule. As much as I like her I will be looking for another Dr. Recommendations are welcome. read more

Dr. Gerdes is awesome. After our first meeting with her she gave both my husband and I a hug. it must be her time spent as a nurse because I have never had such a caring doctor with such great bedside manner. I am editing my original review to provide more details because I am shocked by the tenor of some of the reviews here. Dr. Gerdes supported me through a very difficult pregnancy and even more harrowing birth of my son in August 2009. She was calm, cool and collected. Now, we are pregnant with our second son and I cannot imagine going with a different doctor. She provides me any and all information I request, but doesn't overwhelm. Her staff in the past may have been difficult, but she has rectified that problem. Both Lindsey and Susan who work in the front have always been kind and supportive. Admittedly, it can be a long wait to see the doctor, but that is because she doesn't short change any of her patients. And, Pat, the nurse practitioner is also great! I am terribly sorry to hear that folks had a bad experience with Dr. Gerdes because my own experience has been anything but. And, as an added note, please read the reviews because someone giving a single star for a doctor due to less than desirable office staff is just asinine. read more

I have been holding back on writing this review because I didn't know if I was going back or not. I can't believe all the negative reviews about the office staff. They are all really great! It's really easy to get in and be seen, too. Which is really nice. I'm sure having regular gyn services done there is fine but.... On the down side..... I had an awful delivery with Dr. Gerdes. My water broke at 4am and she didn't show up to the hospital until 1pm. When she got to the hospital, she made it clear she was in a hurry by frequently visiting her cell phone. I was dliated 9.5cm and she ordered petocin for me. She was in a rush to get to an appointment. Seriously? I refused the petocin. She also wasn't very comforting to me during labor and delivery. She was irritated with me and was frustrated with how poorly I was pushing. I almost started crying because she was being so abrasive with me. She stayed long enough to stitch me up and then darted out. The next day when she came to check on me, she called my he baby a she baby, like she wasn't even there when he came out. I felt really robbed of a great delivery because she was so cold. I had a great delivery with my first child, so I have something to compare it to. (She didn't deliver my first child.... obviously...) I am pregnant for the third time and went to the office just to have my pregnancy confirmed. After that, forget it... Giving birth is something you want to have amazing memories of..... not the ones I have. Kind of sad.... read more

WORST EXPERIENCE WITH A DOCTOR EVER. If you don't want to be followed up with after your ultrasound appointment and your ovarian mass scare [THAT COULD HAVE BEEN CANCER], by all means, go here. Also, if you call in and ask about them getting your results back and request any contact back, they will say they'll get back to you and then won't. Dr. Gerdes on top of all of this treated me like I didn't know my own body and what was normal and what was not. Terrible experience. Terrible experience. Terrible experience. Go anywhere else but to this clinic. read more

I do not recommend this office to anyone ever. At first, I liked the doctor, but things really went downhill. At the end, I filed a medical complaint with my insurance and with the state because of my experience with this doctor. She ruined months of my life by prescribing the wrong meds. The doctor seemed confused at times when I was in the office. She doesn't check your chart prior to you being there even if you're the first patient of the day. The doctor doesn't respond to calls or letters. Her med assistant didn't ask anything when she was taking during intake. She is unfriendly and sits in front of a sign that says 'be nice or leave'. IMO She should leave. No one in the office responds to calls or letters. The doctors billing department does not respond to voicemails, emails, faxes or letters. Instead, Then they sent my bill to collections. The woman at the collections company was the only decent person I interacted with in this entire nightmare. She has nothing to do with this office. But if you go there you might start getting calls from collections. read more

Dr. Gerdes' expertise and office support tip the scales, once again, to excellent! I've been Dr. Gerdes' patient for over ten years. Her bedside manner is warm and caring and her knowledge and expertise impressive. She answers all my questions, and I have a lot of questions !!! A recent medical scare had me on the phone detailing symptoms to the receptionist. In a short time, Dr. Gerdes called me back, asked a handful of questions then recommended a test the following morning. Before the office even opened, I received a call offering to help schedule the test then after a short chat, yet another follow-up call confirming the test time, location and prep later the same day. The test was performed at Alameda Hospital (the best folks there as well). Shortly, Dr. Gerdes called again to deliver encouraging news about the test results and offered other possible reasons for the symptoms. Again, she answered all my questions. This all took less then 24 hours! I got what I needed delivered in a professional and caring manner. And I was contacted at the number I requested. I'm very thankful her office is right in my neighborhood. read more

One star is over rate for a doctor practicing as Dr Gerdes. I was referred to her by my primary doctor because of abnormal bleeding. I visited her few times after a medical procedure in a hospital under her care. A year later I came for a follow up and all was well. A month after the visit I received a collection letter for the hospital services a year earlier. I never received any statement or a word from the office secretary. I paid it and moved on. Dr Gerdes recommended to stop to take hormones as the abnormality bleeding stopped. Couple of months past and again the bleeding returned. I consulted with my primary doctor who again advised me to see Dr Gerdes. I called in and after been identified by her secretary I was told that I owe them money (same as I already wrote). I told her that I already paid to the collection agency despot the fact that it was over a year bill that was never sent to me. She was rude demanded that I will provide a copy of the payment, which I absolutely refused to do. She asked me to allow her to check the payment. She called me back confirming that indeed I had zero balance. We scheduled an appointment for the next day. I was running a fever and showed the next morning to the clinic. Dr Gerdes and her secretary were behind the front desk. Dr Gerdes said to me cold, straight, mean and rude: She absolutely refuse to be my doctor. A letter of explanation was already sent to me. AND as I asked to know why no one contact me she had the dare to tell me that if I don't leave her clinic at once she will call the police on me. Ofcourse I left the clinic shocked and with tears as I never felt so upset by a dr. The good news was that a quick decision was made by me knowing that neither Dr Gerdes or her anyone in her staff(if she has anyone else beside this secretary) were worth me at all. My health issues were addressed by another female Dr and all has been well since this incident with Dr Gerdes. Final, Thank you Dr Gerdes for turned me over and refused to taking care of me, as I found how late are you in this field of humanity and obgyn. Save your self lot of time and complication. If you are insured find a good practice and don't go to a place old fashioned and rude dr and Staff. Again one star is over over rated. P.S Did anyone receive any follow up call or letter or a comment by Dr Gerdes? I bet even good reviews were not acknowledged! Run run from dr gerdes read more

Although I was at first turned off by seeing a nurse practitioner on many of my visits, I actually found her very knowledgeable, personable, and great all around! I found the office waits to be abnormally long (up to an hour in the waiting room!!!), and that Dr. Gerdes was always in a rush to get me out once I did finally see her. But I was most disappointed with my delivery. I had made it clear that I wanted as natural a delivery as possible, and although I may get the epidural, I wanted no other drugs. I went into labor in the evening, so it was pretty late when they paged Dr. Gerdes. She seemed impatient and ready to leave, and even though I was progressing pretty rapidly (only in active labor for a few hours at this point!) she ordered pitocin to "speed things along." I wish I had been in the state of mind to argue, but I just let them give me drugs I DID NOT NEED. It made no sense to give me pitocin when I was dilating and contracting very quickly, and this was my third child. I will never go back. read more

Dr Gerdes is not only a good doctor, she is a wonderful person. I first met her professionally as I was a medical rep with a line of Gyn products. She was very kind to and interested in learning about my products. I just started seeing her as a patient and she has been providing me with excellent care. If you only need Gyn care( no longer delivering babies) I would highly recommend her. read more

The only reason she has one star is because I can't leave negative or even zero. Went to Dr. Gerdes because she was on my health plans website for abnormal bleeding. Had a Pap and was sent for multiple lab tests & ultra sound. I called a week later inquiring about my results. I was told by the receptionist that they only receive mail results!!! So it could be a week or more. If that itself isn't ridiculous enough in this day and age, when the dr called back with the results only part of them were in. She did not realize this, I did. So she said she'll have her receptionist look into it. About a week later I call back and was told the lab, supposedly, lost my Pap results. Also the dr. Didn't put the other lab tests to be drawn on the form so I only got the one. I'd have to return to get another lab slip and take another Pap. I went today for my 2nd Pap and lab slip to be handed a form saying I'm acknowledging I'll have to pay for the 2nd Pap because my ins would deny it. It had my medical group name on top and none of my info. I thought it was odd but I'm not in insurance so I asked why I'd have to pay for another since the first one wasn't complete. I didn't get any results! The receptionist said I'd have to talk to the dr. She said I didn't get a Pap last time. I was confused because she's the same one who told me it was lost. She took me into the room and didn't tell me dress down. Red flag. The dr. Comes in and was very aggressive saying how I don't want a 2nd Pap and asks me a history of my exams which I respond I told her last time. She looks at my chart and replies oh they're right there. I kept asking why I have to pay for another exam & why I'm being held accountable for the loss. I said it should be a comp & she & the lab should work that out. I started crying because I've been waiting for results & was still having the issues that I went to her for. She got angry and told me to find another dr! I explained I was confused as to what was happening and I'd have to wait weeks to get into another dr. I was scared to wait. She refused. I asked for my first copay back since I paid to have a Pap and she argued that despite I didn't get results for the Pap she gave me a well exam so it's justified. I didn't need a breast check for abnormal bleeding!!!!! Sobbing, I left the office & called my ins. They knew nothing of the letter that I was given. The rep helping me called the dr office about it and they refused to read it to her. They said it was from the biller, not my insurance. I've never had such horrible bedside manners and incompetence. Dr. Gerdes treated me horribly and didn't have any compassion for me dealing with the error between her office & the lab or for screwing up and not marking all of the labs on the sheet. Nor did it seem to bother her that I was told the Pap was lost and then never done and then reaffirmed that it was lost. I wish I would have checked Yelp first. After reading other complaints I probably would have gone to another dr. To begin with. This was the worst dr/office experience of my 41 years. I'm sad that she is allowed to practice. read more

Heads up: Potential for surprise unexplained charges from Dr. Gerdes. While I have appreciated preventative annual exams with Dr Gerdes, this year I unexpectedly received a bill. Since all the previous years exams had been covered by UHC under their preventative care program, this didn't make sense. Despite multiple calls to my insurance, UHC and to Dr. Gerdes this was not resolved. UHC advised that Dr Gerdes had made a charge under "medical" rather than "preventative" I have no idea what the source of the additional charge was and neither UHC nor Dr. Gerdes' office were helpful in sorting this out. I am paying the bill to avoid credit problems and next year will make sure that my exam is with a doctor whose charges are covered by the preventative care provision of UHC or who gives me better information on the source of an additional unexpected charge. Billing info update: While I have several times found Dr. Gerdes' to be a helpful doctor, now that she is using the services of Medical Paradigm Solutions for her billing, as noted above addressing her bills is problematic. Now payments made to her are to be by check only, which cuts out the effective use of a Health Savings Account. That means that payments made to her can't be from pretax money. Also, while previously the evaluation she provided was completely covered by the preventative provision of my medical insurance, there is now an additional charge (3 figures) that I could not get explained, despite multiple attempts. I am mentioning this now since it is info that I would have found very helpful before the evaluation on 1/17/19. I have since received feedback from many people who have been frustrated with the less than honest practices of the billing service of Medical Paradigm Solutions. read more

My wife and I wanted to choose an OB close to home, on Alameda. Having read the reviews, we interviewed Dr. Gerdes during which she assured us that she had plenty of experience with twin births and that she would work closely with us when it came to delivery. The short of this review is that Dr. Gerdes abandoned us at 37weeks with twins - essentially at term. We had started having issues such as uncontrollable itching at 34weeks and had called her to ask her advice a few times. Dr. Gerdes didn't call us back but told the nurse we should try benadryl then zyrtec. Neither worked and at our next appointment, she told us we should've called and we should be tested for cholestasis. We were concerned about these communication issues and when we brought it up, she suggested out of the blue that we should seek another doctor. This was at our regular appointment, just 5 days away from a scheduled c-section at Alta Bates. She handed us our medical notes (already printed and in an envelope) and left us with no referral. When we asked if it would be difficult to find another doctor so late on, she said no, people move doctors all the time! It is however very difficult, and some practices say dangerous, to move doctors this late in pregnancy, especially with no support. The stress this caused to my wife and family was beyond compare. We would hate for anyone else to have to endure this and for such reckless behaviour to endanger anyone else's health. Clearly Dr. Gerdes is both unethical and unprofessional. We have not yet decided what further action to take as we are enjoying our healthy twins - delivered vaginally at UCSF, who stepped into the breach and admitted my wife for induction at 38weeks, due to cholestasis. read more

I was looking for a gynecologist and I found Dr. Gerdes through my insurance company's website. I wish I had read these Yelp reviews first. I had been experiencing some concerning women's health symptoms and explained my situation to Dr. Gerdes. I did not feel like she took my concerns seriously, and she also spoke to me in a judgmental tone. Her demeanor did not make me feel like she cared about my health or was listening to my concerns. Because of the symptoms I was having, I asked for a particular test to be done. She seemed to disagree that I needed the test, but scheduled it for me anyway. When I showed up for my appointment to have the test done, she told me that she had decided against it - but didn't tell me this beforehand! She wanted to do a Pap instead, so I went ahead and followed her advice. Two weeks after the Pap, I still hadn't heard back from her office about any results. I called the office, and was told by an unfriendly person that they mail out cards to your residence about the results. I waited and waited for a card in the mail, which never came. I called the office back again (three weeks after the Pap test), and the receptionist told me that my Pap results were "NOT NORMAL." Understandably, I was very scared and was shocked that no one thought they should call me about these results! I asked why no one called me to let me know, and she said that she would "leave a note" for Dr. Gerdes to call me back. About an hour later, I called the office again to stress that I would like Dr. Gerdes to call me back about my abnormal Pap results. A different office assistant said she was looking in my chart and that my Pap results were actually NORMAL. I was floored. Why would anyone tell me over the phone that I had an abnormal Pap, if my results were normal?? I was nearly in tears at this point. I again stressed that I needed Dr. Gerdes to return my call and clear up the confusion. She never did. I am absolutely horrified at this place. Why would a doctor never return a patient's call, especially after a screw-up like that? This is an extremely unethical and disorganized practice, with apparently poorly-trained employees giving out inaccurate sensitive information over the phone. I've never had such an awful medical experience before. read more

Dr. Gerdes herself seems competent, enthusiastic about your health, friendly and all that you'd want in your ob/gyn. But after years of abuse by the whole reception/nursing staff, I stopped going to her. SO MANY times, probably every time I went there, I waited very patiently for all the gossip, chatter and joking between them to stop so I could get service. When I finally got some attention, you would not believe how quickly all the smiley jokey stopped and the receptionist's poor fat face turned to evil-looking, ugly stone, emitting hatred because I was still there. This is not an exaggeration, and is only one example of their rudeness. Also quite incompetent (and rude, did I say rude?) regarding rescheduling an appointment that got canceled because of THEIR mistake. I was offered one 5 months out. Oh puhleez. read more

I wanted to update my review with additional information. At my UCSF postpartum checkup, I got my discharge papers and the notes on my delivery. I was upset to see that Dr Gerdes outright LIED and claimed that we had decided to find a new doctor. What pregnant woman would want to look for a new doctor at 37weeks and risk the health of her babies? That's just unethical - I'm really disappointed that doctors like this exist. If I had suspected that this could ever happen, I would've tape recorded the conversation. WATCH OUT FOR HER - SHE HAS NO MORALS. read more

Long story short, the doctor was a no show with out any warning. Details: I scheduled a second opinion with her for a serious health matter that requires surgery. They book me 4 months out, that's the soonest they say. I wait patiently for these four months. They called me and left a message reminding me of my appointment. I get to my appointment anxiously early only to be greeted by an empty office, it's ok, I'm early. Maybe they're on break or something, I'll wait. 10 minutes later a nice young lady comes to the dark lit closed off area window, opens it and asks across the table into the waiting room, "can I help you". I inform her I have an appointment. She looks me up and says oh yea the doctor had an emergency surgery and had to cancel. She normally doesn't work later but she's willing to come back for you. We tried to call you but we don't have your number on record...So if you still want to see her you can wait another hour. They have my number but what ever. I've waited for months, sure I can wait another hour. I just want to get this scary but very important appointment over with so I can take care of my health. It's like a ticking time bomb, the more I wait the worse it can get. She takes my info and processes it while I fill out forms. After all of that she says, oh we can't see you. Your insurance changed. After going back and forth about what I can do ultimately I tell her it narrows down to, "so you guys won't be seeing me and I came here for nothing". She nods yes. Thank you Dr.gerdes and staff for wasting my time and being careless with my health. read more

I made an appointment and took time off work. I showed up a bit early to fill out any paperwork, since I had not been there in a while. When I arrived, the receptionist told me the doctor was not in. Hello? No courtesy phone call to let me know? She said she was very sorry. Well, so was I. No one can pay back the time I took off from work for nothing. The least someone could have done was call me to let me know. No excuses! Poor office management. read more

I was very sad to learn that Dr Gerdes is semi retired and no longer delivering. She did a wonderful job with my son almost two years ago. I'm honestly very surprised and shocked to hear these negative reviews because my experience with her was nothing but warmth and understanding. --There were several times they rescheduled my appointment the day before or morning of--the reason is she always delivers the babies herself. All of them, unless she's on vacation which never happened during my pregnancy. --She listened to all my concerns. I have sciatica. She made sure I was put on leave when I was too big to work. When I had cramping and spotting she made sure I got an ultrasound to make sure the baby was okay. She was always extra careful and showed concern with everything I said. --My delivery was very hard. My abdominal wall split and my epi didn't work, so I was in a lot of pain and couldn't push (stomach muscles collapsed). She was very encouraging and patient, even though I was panicky and scared. --She visited me the two days I was in the hospital to check on my recovery. She was very sweet and asked how I was feeling, checking my stomach and telling me what to do. --Her staff was always very friendly to me and my little girl, giving out stickers and snacks. One time I was stuck on the table because my back started spasming, and her nurse practitioner came in to assist me. I'm so sad that she won't be delivering my next child. This will be my third and I really hoped it would be with her again. But for a woman who has been dedicated and delivered all the babies herself, it doesn't matter that she had to reschedule a few times. I wish she wasn't retiring from delivering, but I will never forget how she helped me thru my difficult delivery. Thank u Dr. Gerdes. read more

My review on Dr. Gerdes is wonderful. She is always on time and never late or has not have to reschedule on me at all. She is very personable in that she doesn't just ask you why you are there but she takes her time to get to know you -- how you are, what you've been doing, what you are really up to. Then, she asks why I am there. I really feel like I have a caring friend doctor. She was like this from my very first appointment. Very caring! My beef is with the front desk girl. She is clueless re insurance. I tried to give her a co-pay saying I have $25.00 but she said I don't. I know my insurance and I have seen numerous doctors. I told her if it's under an annual exam, I don't have co-pay but otherwise, I have a $25.00 co-pay. She said she called my insurance and absolutely not. She was annoyed the fact that I was questioning her. I called my insurance right in front of her and my insurance told me straight up that I have a $25.00 co-pay and that if I want, she can talk to the girl in front. I asked the girl in front if she can talk to my insurance -- she flat out refused! She said no. So, I hung up and said fine. Bill the insurance and you will see I have $25.00 co-pay. Today, I received the $25.00 co-pay bill. I don't even feel like paying for it because I was ready and willing to pay but she said I didn't have a co-pay and that she spoke with my insurance company and she flat out refused to talk to my insurance in front of me. This really bugs me to no end... read more

Dr. Gerdes is a wonderful doctor whom I have been seeing for the last four years she helped me through my first pregnancy and postpartum and would give her 5 stars alone.... but, her staff is rude and her N.P. Pat is rough ( in an exam once she made me bleed and it hurt like hell), and she doesn't listen at all! I used to try to avoid her at all costs and get Dr. Gerdes or Nicole (whom, I love) but I hear now Nicole has left so I am not sure I plan to stay on for baby No. 2. Her staff at the desk is lazy and rude and I often wonder how they get to keep their jobs. read more

Dr. Butt came recommended by a friend, who incidentally didn't even see her but we're glad we did. Our friend had considered switching doctors mid pregnancy and evaluated several OBs along the way. Even though she never switched she came away impressed by Dr. Butt's knowledge, honesty and directness. Choosing the right obgyn is not easy. The doctor's competency is just as important as the rapport you have with them. Because you are dealing with very private and "personal" issues and also sharing arguably one of the happiest moments in your life with an outsider you really have to be comfortable with your OB. My husband and I found Dr. Butt to be compatible to our needs and views as a young couple. She has great bedside manners and is extremely professional and competent which we appreciate. We do not like chatty doctors who try to be friends to gain our trust or comfort level. What makes us comfortable is a direct and to the point approach and a doctor who treats us as smart individuals interested in learning the necessary medical information to guide our decision making process. Dr. Butt more than exceeded my expectation especially with how she handled my husband who is a handful at times. My husband is a smart man but dangerous when armed with the Internet trying to learn something new to impress/protect me. He read everything he could online and thought he knew more about my body than I did. This was very annoying and definitely one time the power of the Internet was mis-used! So during regular pregnancy checkups I knew my husbands would have most of the questions for the doctor because of his online "knowledge". Privately, I really wanted Dr. Butt to be harsh with him so I don't have to deal with his big ego at home. I even rolled my eyes at some of the questions and comments made by my husband. To my chagrin, Dr. Butt was very tactful and patient in addressing his questions and concerns. Not only did Dr. Butt handled my husband well she also handled me so well as my hormonal imbalance caused me to be bitchy and neurotic at times. The grace and tact with which Dr. Butt displayed in handling us demonstrate her understanding of the stress and pressure patients go through. Needless to say we couldn't be happier in choosing Dr. Butt to deliver our first child. I know I will be seeing her for years to come. read more

I have only been to Dr. Gerdes' office once for my annual. I was turned off by the fact that she has the nurse practitioner handle the first visit. Now the nurse practitioner was very nice and helpful but I just thought that as a doctor with a new patient she would be interested in establishing a relationship from the start. To me it felt like she couldn't be bothered because it was just a regular well woman checkup. It seemed like those types of visits are less important. It was as if the fact that you weren't coming in because of pregnancy then you are expendable. The whole scene just really turned me off and I have not gone back. read more

Dr. Carol Gerdes and her RN have excellent, sunny bedside manners and went out of their way to help me, even calling me on the weekend. They are also open to home birth, extended breastfeeding and all that good Bay Area stuff. In contrast, I've sadly found their receptionists to be inattentive and rude on every visit. read more

It is with great sadness that I write here today. I just got home and have a huge migraine after my dealings with insurance. I was reduced to tears today. I'm not feeling well and I know I need urgent medical attention. I called your office today and reintroduced myself since I just moved back. I had been a patient for many years and you delivered both of my children. I was told I could be seen but only with my medical card in hand. There was an issue with my insurance and despite me switching over a month ago my cards are not here and the website won't print them. Blue Shield tried to convince your office to accept an affidavit from them showing I am covered but your office said you won't accept it. I needed you today, I am very scared and now I have to go see the ER at great time and expense. I gave Blue Shield an earful for placing me in this situation but your office really broke me. It's 12:30pm now and I'm still in the ER waiting...my appointment with you would have been at 10:15am. All I have to do is sit and think about how I am sitting here due to your office. read more

Dr Gerdes is the BEST! She made me feel safe and at ease for my first surgery ever...a hysterectomy. Her skill, expertise, grace and kindness exceeded my expectations. Also her wonderful office staff was always so helpful and friendly. Thanks so Lindsey for helping me with all the disability paperwork! I would give this dr and her team 10 stars!! read more

Dr. Gerdes was my doctor through my first pregnancy and she was AWESOME! Her bedside manner is so sweet and she was always willing to listen to my first-time pregnant concerns without any judgement. The delivery was fantastic! And I can tell you that it was so easy and stress free because of Dr. Gerdes. I just recently switched insurance and had to get a new doctor and after visiting her, realize how really special Dr. Gerdes is! Her staff is also wonderful too and has gone above and beyond for me during my time with them. read more

I have been a patient of Dr.Gerdes for 5 years. I highly recommend her practice to anyone who is in search of an OBGYN. She has always been professional and compassionate. She is always worth the wait. She always takes the time to not only advise but also takes the time to listen. And NP Patricia Stewart has always been great. Lindsey has been just as wonderful throughout the years. ( I recently met Pam and Susan and they too are a pleasant addition to the practice ). I could only speak for the staff mentioned. I have not met Dr. OLIVIA BUTT....although my co-workers have expressed their satisfaction with her care. read more

I recently delivered my first child and cannot be happier with Dr. Carol Gerdes and her staff! The receptionists were always kind and attentive. Dr. Gerdes is top-notch; our office visits went very smoothly and she always was patient to answer all my questions and put me at ease (since this was our first afterall!). She came to check on me while I was still at the hospital after my delivery and even called to see how I was doing after I was discharged. Very happy with my experience Dr. Gerdes as my OB/GYN. Hopefully my husband and I will still be in the area when we have our next child so I can have Dr. Gerdes deliver our next one! read more

Dr Gerdes wasn't taking new patients so I made an appointment with Dr Butt. I really liked her. She was thorough and answered all of my questions. I was concerned about a diagnosis I had received in my teens and Dr Butt let me know 'there is no such thing'. She was concerned by the previous treatment for the female issues I'd been having and said there was a chance I could have polycystic ovarian syndrome. She sent me in for a ultra sound and I don't have it. She did tell me I have a twisted uterus which is unusual but shouldn't cause reproductive issues in the future. I'm a happy client. She really treated my concerns fairly and thoroughly and with patience and kindness. read more

As a doctor, dr gerdes was wonderful and knows what she's doing . I'm grateful for what she has done. However, my Number one complaint was having to wait more than 45 minutes to be seen. My suggestion is to be more organized with booking appointments and leaving time going from patients to patients . I understand that things happens but not almost an hour wait !!! Time is precious and I don't have all day to wait. read more

Billed me for service did not render. I am getting a lawyer to get to the bottom of this. Billing clients for service You didn't provide is really bad karma. Many people will just pay and let it go. DO NOT encourage this type of behavior! Write a letter to dispute! And ALWAYS Check You bill when you have this provider. read more

I visited Dr Gerdes for the 1st time back in June 2011. After reading the Yelp comments I was a little hesitant but overall very relieved to find an office staff that was very through, friendly and competant. I did wait about 15 minutes after getting into an examination room. While I waited I decided to use the wait to call my dentist about a toothache after a recent filling. Dr Gerdes walked in mid conversation and abrubtIy ended my phone call. When I apologized for multi-tasking while waiting for her she was very understanding and wanted to know more about my discomfort. She expressed concern for my toothache and visibly swollen jaw, so much so that she had me call back the dentist office. While on the phone with dentist she had me asked what kind of antibiotic would the dentist recommend and my call wasnt ended until I got a early next day appt, which resulted in a root canal. Yea me! If not for Dr Gerdes insistance that I be seen and cared for, I would have taken a more passive approach and missed out on antibiotic treatment that certainly made the root canal more bearable. I was really amazed by her genuine concern for my well-being. I am scheduled for a 3 month follow-up and frankly for the 1st time ever I am looking forward to seeing a gyn appointment. Dr Gerdes is easy to talk to, funny, quirky and caring. read more

One word to describe Dr. Gerdis, Awesome! She delivered all three of my babies. Childbirth is no joke so if your experience was painful don't blame it on the Doctor. It hurts like hell! read more

Recently, I sent Carol Gerdes a patient who was scheduled to undergo a hysterectomy for fibroids by another gynecologist. Carol thoughtfully offered the patient an alternative, which allowed the patient to keep her uterus and also relieved her of her painful symptoms. I have always found that Dr Gerdes places the patient first, with considerable compassion, combined with expert care, an unusual and tremendous quality. read more

I went to Dr. Gerdes twice, and I won't be returning again. The office/building itself is dingy, dimly lit, and tends to have a bit of smell. The office staff is nice but incompetent. I was repeatedly bumped and asked to reschedule appointments. Whenever I called nobody could give me a straight answer regarding medical records, billing, scheduling, or what would be going on during my appointment. The first visit Dr. Gerdes rushed me through and seemed completely unconcerned about my questions about birth control. I had called her office earlier to check if she was planning to do an exam or just a consult. They told me just a consult, but when I got there Dr. Gerdes wanted to do an exam as well. Since I had been bumped so many times I had started my period (which is why I had called specifically to check what she wanted to do...). She seemed annoyed and asked me to reschedule, . The second visit was worse. She clearly remembered nothing about our previous visit and didn't even bother to read my chart. Most of what she said to me was in complete contradiction to what she had told me at our last appointment The visit itself was just supposed to be a pap/well woman. First she says she also wants to do a colposcopy. OK. She then out of nowhere TOLD me she was going to do a biopsy, without previously discussing it with me at all, while the exam was already in progress and I was splayed out on the table. The whole thing was very upsetting, and she just seemed bewildered as to why I was unhappy. I surely can't be the only one who likes to be asked and decide what medical procedures to have done. The whole experience was rude, disorganized, and insensitive. Luckily none of my problems were urgent. read more