DAvis Square Family Practice must be what they call a "unicorn" --- one of a kind. Dr. Bershel is amazing, caring, thorough, smart, experienced, thoughtful and all the people there in the office are competent and put patients first. This is what health care should look like. Dr. Bershel used to call my elderly father up, way after hours. She also calls me with information, after normal hours. When I had some concerns about numbers in a blood test, they went back over 20 years, combing thru extinct medical records to get the information, which turned out to be very helpful. They go WAY above and beyond. Any one would be lucky to get their care there. read more

Been part of Davis Sq for about 20 years now and have always enjoyed Dr. Bershel as a doctor, but this office is run about as poorly as it can be. I often get told they are very busy and it takes a few days to a week to ever hear a response back about getting a script filled. read more

We've been with Deb and team since my son was born 24 years ago. In addition to providing excellent attentive care for my kids at all ages of development I joined the practice 15 years ago and theyve been wonderful. I also appreciate their on call service. They are practical down to earth and are always up to date on new issues. As example Deb was tracking Lyme disease well before it was mainstream read more

Moved from another city three years ago and glad I found this practice near my home. Great listeners, mindful staff. And then after the pandemic I found the communication and access (if I needed it, which I didn't) to be phenomenal. read more

I recently shifted the care for my infant daughters here. We have Carmen Phillips as our PCP. I was thrilled with our first appointment. Everyone was warm, professional and caring. We moved from a practice that was the opposite ( a nightmare) so I am very relieved and grateful to have found a respectful family practice. read more

I feel a little bad about what I'm going to say in this review -- I'm not sure if medical practices *should* be reviewed in such a public forum b/c it's so easy to malign a doctor and there goes the business -- and if I were a doctor, it would really piss me off if I had one bad day with a patient and that patient turned around and rated me horribly on Yelp and the business went into the crapper from that day forward. So keep that in mind when you read this! My partner and I both had Dr. Bershel and neither of us had a good experience. I went in for abdominal pain. I answered a series of questions Dr. Bershel asked me, including "did you eat breakfast" to which I answered "no, i didn't eat breakfast." Immediately, she jumped to the conclusion that I had appendicitis because I "lacked an appetite." I said "hold up, I didn't say I had a lack of appetite. You asked me if I ate breakfast. I said 'no,' but that doesn't mean that I'm not hungry. I just didn't eat because I thought you might do a blood test and I didn't want to fudge the results (most docs require that you fast before your appt). Really, I'm starving." But the die was was cast. She got it in her mind that I must have appendicitis and send me directly to the ER where I spent the next 8 hours and was subsequently released with a negative diagnosis for appendicitis, but not before I had to undergo a barrage of tests, including getting stuck in each arm to the point of tears, 6 times over, and a nice barium drink before the CAT scan (which gave me the runs for the next 12 hours). Long story short, it was a night of absolute misery (literally one of the worst nights of my life) and I switched doctors the day after. My partner said that the staff in the office was rude to her and that Dr. Bershel had some off-color remarks in reference to her state of mind, implying that she was depressed when she knew she was not. Also, the office is dingy and looks like the inside of someone's apartment. No joke, the "medical lamp" was a fricken clamp-on $12 dollar office lamp from Staples. Yeah I like the idea of an LGBT doctor, but not at the cost of my health, duh. read more

I just have to say that I transferred BACK to Davis Square Family Practice after almost 10 years in other states. I also travel an hour and a half from rural western MA to come here for appts. Let me add the disclaimer here that I am what most doctors would probably consider an incredibly annoying patient. I'm studying a field of alternative health care, talk a lot, ask a lot of questions, and while I respect the vast expertise and training of doctors, I also question a lot of accepted medical paradigms and seek my own answers. My daughter and I both have complex health issues as well. Dr. Bershel is not only puts up with me, but she is always so welcoming of my questions. I know the reviews here seem mixed, and I want to say why I travel this far, and why I value Dr. Bershel so much. Everyone needs a different type of doctor, and not everyone is going to be a fit for everyone, nor is any doctor perfect, period. But I think she is a pretty special and rare sort of doctor, for various reasons I'll explain. The main "pro" to me is Dr. Bershel is an incredibly REAL human being who deeply cares about her patients, and takes a lot of extra time helping them. I feel her visits are almost like counseling as much as medical care. I always get the feeling she truly cares about my family not just as patients, but as people. On that note, she also takes a long time with everyone. The patient care itself EXTREMELY reliable and way beyond the level most offices provide. If you have a problem with the occasional wait, keep in mind she is going to take the same time and care with you! The second HUGE point to me is the very integrative approach Dr. Bershel takes to health. This means she offers a lot of holistic or complementary healthcare options under the umbrella of a standard office visit. If that's important to you, or you are broke and can't afford alternative healthcare but have regular insurance, this is like striking GOLD. Some of the techniques she offers include low level laser treatment for pain, neurofeedback (a type of brain/neurological retraining system that may help with assorted emotional and cognitive issues), Tong Ren, and homeopathy (not sure if she still uses homeopathy in her office, but she did in the past). She is also great with referring you to the right specialists. To those of you who are upset she didn't issue antibiotics or delayed vaccines... this is one of the reasons I really like Dr. Bershel! She is very conservative in her approach to using meds and delaying vaxes until a baby's immune system has had a chance to develop more. When my daughter started getting recurrent ear infections as a baby (she is 11 now), Dr. Bershel gave me a homeopathic remedy that CURED her overnight. She never got them again after that! So no, not every illness needs antibiotics, not even an infection. She knows what red/pink flags to watch for in an illness. Thirdly, Dr. Bershel gets the BIG PICTURE when she takes your symptoms. She asks the questions a lot of doctors don't consider, and notices the details. I have NEVER experienced her as rude, but she's very honest, direct and often funny. She always puts me at ease and makes me feel listened to. I have very complex healthcare needs, and her concern and desire to help me find answers is very real. She is my health care home base and does way more work than the average family care doctor, coordinating my massive health needs and questions. Dr. Bershel thinks outside the box, in this regard! She will dig deep to order many dx tests that most doctors wouldn't authorize, even some that fall outside insurance constraints, and pull the necessary strings to get it approved. For example, she had me take some third-party "alternative" blood tests that I paid for out of pocket through the office (I approved the expense beforehand). These tests changed my life. This is just one example of times she's pulled strings, noticed small signs other doctors might miss, and dug deep to help me find solutions. She is a real problem solver. (I would compare her to Dr. House but she's much nicer!) Fourth... Dr. Bershel is the ONLY doctor I have ever had in my life who will call or email you after hours if you have a concern. I wonder if she ever is off duty! I don't feel the building is "run down" at all. I lived in Davis Square for years and it looks like any other office in Davis Square. Dr. Bershel collects quirky antique medical posters and paraphenelia, and these are always very entertaining and educational for my daughter and myself to look at. Cons: Maybe one or two occasions (out of MANY), things got a little chaotic or some paperwork got delayed. I don't mind this... the whole vibe of the office is unique and personal, and that's why it is special. These are small beans in the big picture of quality of care here. Dr. Bershel has helped my family so much, and gone the EXTRA MILE to such a huge extent, that I feel she deserves way more than a 5 star rev read more

Michelle, Carmen and Andrea are wonderful Health Care Providers, and even better Human Beings!

I break a lot of things. My leg, toes, fingers, hands, ribs, left ankle, right shoulder and your sister's heart. I also hate going to the doctor when I'm sick, so I make a vested effort to go when I'm healthy, thereby staving away sickness. Preventative care, baby. Just call me Tha Zit Killa cuz I be ProActiv. Wow that was dumb. Whether I'm limping in asking for an insurance-sponsored set of crutches, running a routine physical or getting tagged as Patient Zero for some hyper-mutated Rubella strain, Dr. Bershel and Marie have always been incredibly kind, straightforward and thoroughly informative about what's either killing me or making me stronger. Never felt rushed, slighted or skipped over and their availability for emergencies (shoulder? it's fractured) or perceived emergencies (appendicitis? wrong side) is unreal - they've always made time to see me. In the past three years, I've had three different insurance carriers and DSFP accepted them all. Don't expect high-tech gadgets or even recent magazines in the waiting room; this clinic is all about solid medical practice and exquisite bedside manner. read more

About a year and a half ago, I chose Davis Square Family Practice and Dr Bershel as my primary care doctor. Though I rarely have a need to see the doctor, I am happy to say that when I do, I know that I am seeing a doctor who cares and that the overall experience will be a pleasant one. Mostly, anything medically related tends to scare people, stress them out or just get on their nerves. Understandable, with all the questions that come with coverage and medicine in general. Of the appointments I've made (general check-up, once with a severe cold, and most recently to have some stitches out), I was able to make an appointment within the day (in the case of being sick) or within a day or two in the other cases. I've seen both Marie Botte and Dr. Bershel, and have been warmly received and treated by both women. They are kind and gentle, and make polite, inquisitive conversation when you are being treated. Dr. Bershel is quick to address situations with her staff and won't hesitate to give you a call at home to make sure you're doing okay with any recent prescriptions or procedures. Though things can often get busy in this office, and sometimes they run behind, the care is always excellent and the environment comfortable. read more

I had several mildly unpleasant experiences with Dr. Bershel before I finally changed primary physicians. She's very nice, but her head seemed to be in the clouds most of the time: she'd forget where she'd set things, forget things I'd just told her, put on her rubber gloves, leave the room (touching doorknobs and things) and then come back and wear the same rubber gloves as she stitched me up. None of this resulted in any kind of tragedy, but gave a pretty unprofessional and sketchy vibe. I love family practices in general, and I love how near and convenient Davis Square Family Practice is to me: but I was tired of feeling like I was being treated by somebody's stoner roommate. (Also, if any questions come up with your billing -- and for some reason, this happened all the time with me, with all kinds errors on their end that they'd eventually tell me to "just ignore" -- have fun with that. Their billing department is nearly impossible to get a hold of, even during usual business hours.) read more

I decided after my last trip to this office that I wouldn't be returning, because I just didn't like the way I was always rushed in and out. That said, had I not already made that decision, I would have today, when I got a denial of a claim letter from my insurance company, saying that I owe my doctor's office $95 for "cessation of smoking treatment". This "treatment" they have billed me for was literally six words. "Smoking is so unhealthy for you." This doesn't meet the requirements to bill for that particular code. Not even close. Because I haven't gotten a bill from the office itself, I suspect that they were trying to bill my insurance company for it, and when they denied it, they aren't going to bill me because they'd have to actually talk to a person and explain why those six words are worth $95. It's a pretty classic insurance scam. I'm not saying it's not a legitimate practice. It is. I am, however, saying that you need to look long and hard at your EOBs when you get them. read more

TL;DR: Not for kids... Or really anyone. Since I'm on yelp today to find a new PCP, I feel like I should probably help someone else from making the same mistakes. I choose Dr. Bershel as my PCP when I moved here a couple of years ago and was fine with that (I think I came once or twice-I thankfully don't get sick often). Then I had my daughter and Dr. Bershel seemed to have really thought out the vaccination timing (they are pro vaccinations --which I hope everyone thinks seems like the right idea-- but she just suggests postponing some a month or so) and baby care issues so I signed my daughter up as well. We lasted a little under a year with my daughter there. The doctor may have a well thought out vaccination plan but she doesn't seem to share it with her staff or write anything down well so the final straw was when the nurses asked me what shots my daughter should be having and whether we just wanted to "go ahead" with one she "might need" because the doctor was out and there were no records to refer to. When I went to a new practice they asked about a blue immunization book and I had to stare blankly like an idiot because there was no such thing here as far as I know. In addition to that, her bedside manner with the mother of a newborn was sarcastic and superior. Don't give shit to a sleep deprived mother because her baby isn't sleeping through the night. Honestly, who does that? And coming from a doctor, are you serious? And the nail in the coffin was that the lead test blood work that is suggested to be given between 9 months and a year (we left when my daughter was year-- should have been earlier-- Moms, listen to your gut) hadn't been done and came back high at our new pediatrician. So, basically, we could have started treating my daughter 3 months earlier if they had been on the ball. It wasn't serious or extremely high or harmful to my daughter but still, something I'd have rather jumped on 3 months earlier. So since then I've been lazy and didn't change my own doctor. And unfortunately for me got sick last year and had to go in. They wouldn't give me antibiotics for what they diagnosed as a sinus infection (which it was) and told me if I was still sick in 2 weeks to come back in. Now, I understand not wanting to doll out meds so people become resistant but I had already been sick for the previous 2 weeks and what they did give me was a steroid inhaler for the most minor of my symptoms which seems excessive. Since then I've been hitting up the CVS Minute Clinic (like a lot of their patients after reading these yelp reviews) but time to be a big girl and find someone else. I started off this review at 2 stars because the nurses weren't bad and the staff seemed well-intentioned but seeing it all out again just makes me angry at the incompetence. read more

To be honest- I just picked the first doctor that was accepting patients when I had to switch over to a new insurance, and this is what I got. So far, not happy with this practice at all. I wish I had done more research and I hope to help others from making the same mistakes. The nurses (I'm not sure their technical names) that check BP, wt/ ht never seem to quite know what they are doing (though they fake it well). The first time I went and had my blood pressure taken the nurse was holding the stethoscope with her thumb (which is poor form) and she told me my BP was 120/80 (when I asked), even though I know its almost always much lower than that. In my opinion, the staff can be a bit too liberal- the nurse (?) asked if I would like to step on the scale and I jokingly said 'not really' as most girls may, and she was like oo thats fine you can always refuse. It was winter and I was wearing like 19 layers, and stepped on the scale and she recorded my weight without any mention of shoes/ coat etc. As someone who works in the medical field blatantly getting inaccurate data is a 'no-no' Terrible bed side manner- the entire time she was in the room with me asking questions, she just stared at her lap top and rattled off the questions from the computer, rarely looking up and making no attempt to make it conversational. Also, she used far too medical terminology,- she even busted out some random abbreviations I had never heard of. It was all of the terms we are taught in school to not use when talking to patients who will likely not completely know what we are talking about. Inconsiderate use of time and money: I had my first appt, and while at it she said she needed to see me for a follow- up in 6 weeks... so I made the appt, came in paid, and the extent of the appt was telling me that I needed to go see specialist. Um, hello? what kind of a follow up was that. Nothing had changed in my condition from the first appt, why didn't you just refer me to a specialist then, rather than making me wait 6 weeks and then pay an additional co-pay and take an hour out of my busy day for that useless 5 minute appt. read more

I've been going to Davis Sq Family Practice since I moved to the area three years ago, and my experience has been completely positive. I've never had difficulty getting a same-day appointment when needed, and the quality of care I've received has been excellent. Thus far, I've seen nearly every doctor and nurse practitioner they have on staff, and all have been very professional and friendly when examining me. My favorite aspect of this practice is how well they balance both natural, holistic treatments and being not TOO shy about prescribing appropriate medications. When medically appropriate, I've been prescribed everything from acupuncture to antibiotics. Recently, for example, I came in for an issue I was having with a recurring injury. Since I'm familiar with how these flare-ups usually go, I told them I would like a muscle relaxant and a referral for physical therapy. With other doctors, they might have recommended I wait a bit before offering me medication, but this staff listened to my history and agreed that this was the best approach. They also prescribed me a topical medication and recommended imaging if the problem persists (although they didn't pressure me into it). This is exactly the kind of partnership I'm looking for in my healthcare. I've had minor issues with billing here, but have never had trouble getting it resolved. Glancing over the other reviews, it looks like most of the issues were from before my time, as I haven't really witnessed any of these problems in my experience. I would strongly recommend the Davis Sq care team to anyone in the area! read more

I've only been once, but so far, so good. This place has good reviews on Livejournal (not that I use that or anything, shh). All women docs, LGBT-friendly. They gave me a last minute appointment on a Thursday night so I didn't even have to take time off of work. They even gave me an unplanned tetnus shot when I mentioned I was going to Thailand! (not that my arm is thankful). :( poor arm. read more

Well thank heavens I don't have to come here too often. FOUR Stars 1) The staff is helpful (ie they answer your questions, and use body language that tells you to calm the fuck down without their having to say it). 2) I was able to have a prescription refill authorization done over the phone. 3) They're pretty good about last minute appointments. 4) I'm a whiny bitch and the staff is still nice to me. read more

I'm updating my previous review... I have been a patient of Marie's for over 5 years. She's wonderful. Unfortunately, every aspect of the rest of the practice is mediocre, at best. I've been kept waiting EVERY single time I've come here: waiting for Marie, waiting for Dr. Berschel, waiting for the phlebotomist. The office itself hasn't been updated in god knows how long: paper records literally line the walls of the front office, the exam room walls are stained, there are space heaters and fans in every room since there's barely any climate control. More than once, there have been paper forms filled out by another patient left in the exam rooms. I won't even bother elaborating on the time Dr. Berschel forgot about 2 acupuncture needles she put in, and I had to remind her to take them out. I've been kept waiting too long, too many times. I've been frustrated by complacent, lazy behavior too many times. Time for a new PCP. read more

Davis Square Family Practice has a convenient location. Its within walking distance to 2 pharmacies and public transportation. There is plenty of area parking (bring your quarters) and spots to get tea to help with that sore throat or cough. My son and I have been going to Dr. Burshell for about 6 years and I could not speak highly enough of her. She is an excellent listener, trusts your instincts, is never dismissive, I have never felt rushed by her. In my experience, she understands and respects that as a patient, I am an expert on my own body and if I say something hurts, or that I have been dropping things more than usual, or whatever, she listens and pursues the root of the problem. She never dismisses or makes light of my concerns. I deeply appreciate that Dr. Burshell has always been respectful and thorough. I have recommended her to my family and friends. My son and I love her. I have also seen a few of the other Doctors and Marie and have had good experiences with all of them. read more

Dr. Bershel and her staff are excellent. They always have great bedside manner, are quick to follow up when you've got pending lab results, and do anything they can to help their patients. It can take awhile to get your first appointment, so call and schedule your first visit before you need to see the doctor. Once you're a patient, I haven't had any problem finding appointments. If you have a very limited schedule, I'm sure it's more difficult, but they will work with you the best they can. read more

The doctors, PA's, and other staff are always so friendly here. Thanks, DSFP, for not making me feel uncomfortable when I show up with my various ailments, like last month when my face unexpectedly swelled up (food allergy) after eating some icky Chinese food, or today, when I came in and announced that I had whooping cough. They took the joke well, and squeezed me in quickly. I absolutely love Dr. Deborah Bershel. She is not only a sweetheart, but a straight-shooter who will really tell you like it is, not beat around the bush, but still manage to be compassionate and set you at ease. I appreciate this immensely when discussing sensitive topics like my health. Today I saw Allison for the first time when Dr. Bershel wasn't available, and she was an absolute joy. Me and my sinuses left smiling, for possibly the first time in 2 days! 5 stars for the friendly, accommodating staff, and for being LGBT friendly. Somerville is lucky to have such trustworthy doctors in town. read more

I've been going to Davis Square Family Practice for about 7 years. Overall, I'm very happy with my experience there and referred my husband there after he had a bad time with a PCP he picked out of the phone book. Allison, the PA who I usually see, is very thorough and has a great bedside manner. I love that they're using electronic medical records now and e-prescribing means I just walk into CVS and pick up my prescription. read more

My son Matteo has seen Michelle Clark for 2 years and we couldn't be happier. Michelle has always been excellent, understanding, caring and always available, either in person or over the phone. She truly cares about her patients and she always listens carefully without any judgement. I would totally recommend her to any new parents! read more

Dr. Bershel is a great no-nonsense doctor. She's unfortunately rushed, like most doctors these days. But she always starts with your concerns, outlines the exact steps to take to figure out what the cause would be, and pushes it forward. She has always been supportive and helpful of any health concerns. And she seems darned good at what she does in that respect. Unfortunately, I had to change health plans and QED PCP's. If I didn't, I'd happily still be her patient. read more

Do NOT go here. I went in November & 3 months later no one called back in regards to my lab test and then today i get charged oveR 200$ even though my physical is covered by my insurance becausee they couldn't COPY my last name from my form cOrrectly, so i have to fix it. PLEASE go anywhere else. Not very apologetic either read more

My doctor, Dr Bershel, is a super hero. She's been working to test for the current pandemic but I have been seeing her for a while and every visit was amazing. She resolved my issue. I have my daughter and myself at her practice. I have deep respect for her. She s smart, she listens, and she is experienced in what she does. She also does accupuncture and has training in alternative medicine. Not many doctors have the whole package like she does. Even the personnel in the front office and the nurses are great. I am so happy and fortunate she s my primary doctor. I m saying this with confidence because I havent had such a magical experience before with any other doctor. read more

I love this place. Dr Burshel and all of the NPs are caring and take their time. Those who are complaining on here about having to wait or the wallpaper being old do not share the same values as I do. Personally I don't think i have ever been to a primary care doc who regularly runs on time and if they did I assume that would mean they are rushing people out of their office without addressing their concerns. Dr Burshel always responds to inquiries after hours or by phone, and quickly. If you have young kids this is priceless and rare. read more

This practice is horrible and I created a Yelp account to save others the trouble of having to find this out for themselves. I broke my leg last week and went to MGH for emergency care, and MGH referred me to one of their orthopedic surgeons for follow up care. Davis Square Family Practice refused to sign my referral to MGH, so my insurance would not cover any of my follow up care costs. This practice is the embodiment of business getting in the way of patient care- this practice has a deal with Mt Auburn so they only refer to this hospital. Instead of putting their patient's health first, they focus on profits. If you're looking for an NP or MD who cares about your health, look somewhere else. In addition, they were rude, mean, and condescending when explaining how their referral system works. You never know when you may have a medical emergency, and using this practice for primary care will cause massive roadblocks if you're ever unfortunate enough to have to deal with one. read more

These people suck.... 1st off i had to cancel a physical because of work and because it was within 24 hrs they charged me $50. I rescheduled and on my next visit i was 15 min late and they would not see me and said in order to reschedule id have to pay another $50. The black lady was such a bitch i told her to kick rocks and walked out before i lost my shit. I hope they all get diareah read more

Marie Botte and the medical assistants in this practice - especially Nicole and Meghan - should be ashamed. I have been without a required daily medication for days because Marie a) called my prescription into the wrong pharmacy, b) sent the incorrect prescription to said pharmacy, c) requires an appointment to refill my prescription even though I have been taking it for years, and d) does not work a full-time schedule and is gone (and totally unreachable) for the weekend by 6PM Thursday. This morning I contacted the practice for a status update and Nicole stated that because Marie is off work for the next 3 days, I have to continue waiting for my prescription until next week. I reminded her that this issue was caused by Marie's error and she stated that she will "see if the other doctor will do it". She then called me back several hours later - at 3:10 - to tell me the other doctor would only call in the prescription if I came in for an appointment... at 3:45. I am at work on the other side of the city and cannot get out of work and to the office in 35 minutes. I asked if the doctor could call me so I could explain the situation and she said "sure" and hung up. The office closed for the weekend and the doctor did not call. Now it is the following Monday, I still have not heard from either doctor, and when I called the practice at 3PM to find out why I was told that Marie is once again gone for the day. This is at least the 3rd time I have been through this with Marie and her team in the last year. The office staff treats me as though I am bothering them every time I call, and have absolutely no respect for me as a patient or a person. I will be finding another doctor, and will tell everyone who will listen about the terrible experience I have had at Davis Square Family Practice. read more

I've been to this practice several times over the past few years. The building and facilities are very run down and sad looking. Almost every time I'm there you can hear the girls behind the glass being pretty unprofessional and making jokes at the patients expense. However.... I recently met with their new Nurse Practitioner Michelle, she was great! She was very thorough and explained everything very well. I was planning on this being my last appointment with this practice, but given how impressed I was with her I will be back again. read more

Marie Botte is great. She's knowledgeable, responsive, and remembers pretty much everything you tell her about yourself. That being said, she's only a NP, and while there's absolutely nothing wrong with having a NP do some of your care, having an actual doctor should still be pretty high on your list of "things I want in a primary care physician." Which brings me to Dr. Bershel. In all honesty, I would never suggest Dr. Bershel to anyone. Three weeks after my initial visit with her, I had to come in again because my asthma was acting up a lot more than usual. After waiting for 20 minutes, she arrived, introduced herself (since we hadn't just met 3 weeks ago), and asked what I was here for. After I told her I was here because my asthma had gotten a lot worse in the past week, she asked me if I HAD asthma (Strike one: a doctor forgets that they've met me, fine, I can understand. But not bothering to look at my CHART they wrote a couple weeks ago?), proceeded to answer a personal call on her cellphone, walking out of the room mid-sentence (Strike two), and returned 10 minutes later, referring me to a "pulmonary specialist," who in actuality was a semi-retired 1000 year old family practitioner who was NO LONGER PRACTICING PULMONOLOGY (Strike three, you're OUT). In short: unprofessional, undependable, and generally incompetent. read more

I want to give no stars. I also feel odd writing a review for a Dr.'s office, but that's how disappointed I am in this establishment. I came here for a physical a few months ago because I got new insurance that no longer covered Harvard Vanguard. Say what you will about large medical practices, but that place was streamlined and they had everything figured out. I never had any problems there with billing, never felt rushed or pressured. Coming from such a positive experience, I suppose I'm a little...spoiled? But shouldn't we all get streamlined healthcare that's affordable and patient-centered? Ok, ok, I won't get political here... The receptionists are nice. The woman who took my blood pressure was quirky and at first I was uncomfortable by her lack of professionalism, but she was nice and so I rolled with it. She asked me if it would be ok if a nursing student came in with Marie (the nurse practitioner) during the appointment and I agreed. Well, the nursing student came in first, without Marie and started asking me lots of questions and typing away on her laptop. This was bizarre to me. I had agreed for a student to be with the NP, but not alone. She explained that she would just be asking me some general questions and that Marie would be looking over everything she typed. Ok, fine. She asked me the same questions that I had filled out on my medical history form. Instead of going over it with me, she asked all the same questions again, and then some. It was maddening. Then, Marie came in and ASKED THE SAME QUESTIONS. I was there for an hour and a half. It was ridiculous. I also have an issue with being examined TWICE. The procedure of a student examining me was not explained upfront. UGH. Marie pushed vaccinations on me such as tetanus and whooping cough, telling me that these are necessary and that I should have been re-vaccinated years ago, making me think I had dropped the ball. Come to find out it was fine not to be vaccinated again. Then she told me to come in for blood work to have my cholesterol and white blood cell count checked. Fine. I did that 2 weeks later and ended up with a $200 bill from their lab because she decided to check my Vitamin D levels since I had mentioned I take D supplements and what do you know insurance doesn't cover that shit. Terrible, terrible experience. I won't be back unless it's an emergency in the next few months, and even then I might just got to the ER or CVS minute-clinic. I don't know if I could bring myself to set foot in here again. read more

SO annoyed with this place. I went to pick up a very important monthly pill that is normally automatically refilled, only to be told the doctor hadn't called the refill in yet. Um, I am out of pills. Today. I need them so I don't have any little Rebecca R.'s running around. FML. read more

My experience with Davis Square Family Practice was a few years ago, and I've no idea if the doctor I saw then is even still there. It wasn't Dr. Bershel nor Marie, the two most often cited in other reviews, but I honestly can't remember the name of the person it was any more. Regardless, I found my experience as a whole upsetting. I went in because I was quite sick and needed to go somewhere that could see me quickly, and they were the only place with an appointment available soon that was within the distance I could walk with how poor my health was that week. I first got the basics done with a nurse, whom was apparently forgettable as I don't remember anything particular about that any more. Then a young man - if I am remembering correctly, someone who was interning there on the path to becoming a full doctor - came in to talk with me while we waited for the on-staff doctor, a wait that took some time. He was quite pleasant and supportive, asking on-target questions, listening thoroughly to my answers, and then telling me his opinion of what was wrong with me. He concluded that I likely had a virus that they had recently been seeing in other patients, and said that he believed the doctor would send me on my way with no prescription and the advice to just take it easy and be sure to hydrate. When the doctor still didn't come, he then starting making small talk with me to make the time pass more quickly for me. The doctor himself was rude, judgmental, and overtly very opinionated. He gave me an antibiotic prescription "just in case" he was wrong that it was a virus - the young would-be doctor looked surprised as the doctor scrawled the prescription - and when I answered his questions explaining that I didn't have a primary care physician that I regularly saw at the time but that I got regular gynecological exams at a gynecology specialist, he expressed the opinion that that was all that a woman my age really ever needed to do in terms of regular health care. I found it offensive, but when I passed on what he had said to some of my female friends after I started to recover (with no help from the antibiotics, which did turn out to be unnecessary), they found it even more offensive than I had. read more

I've been taking my son to Davis Square Family Practice since he was born. Dr Bershel is extremely friendly and during the hospital newborn visit provided a wealth of information to help us make the final few decisions on testing and screening at the hospital. All our follow-up visits have been with Marie Botte who has been wonderful. Her care has been excellent and she always talks us through the examination: explaining what she is looking for and what we should normally expect. Beyond the routine exam she has always been there to listen to our new parent anxiety and offer advice and much needed reassurance. read more

Dr. Bershel is a total flake and I wouldn't see her again or recommend her after several bad experiences, but Marie is an absolute doll, and the rest of the staff is great too. I have never had a kinder, friendlier, or more competent medical person look at me than Marie, and after dealing with her I would never want to see anyone else. I first came here after being unable to get a same day appointment for an earache anywhere else, and being frostily told by another practice (who didn't have any availablility for 3 months) to try Mt. Auburn's walk-in clinic. Yeah, not so much. So I wasn't even a patient there yet, and Davis Sq. Family Practice gave me a same day appt without any snobbery. I saw Marie and she took wonderful care of me and told me to come back for a physical, which I avoided for several months (yes, I am a doctor-phobe, or at least I used to be). When I finally did go in, it was the least-uncomfortable physical I ever had. I strongly disagree with the person who said the exam rooms are unprofessional. They have decorated all of them with old ads for patent medicines and things like that and it's really cute. I feel more at ease there than at any other practice I've ever been, and they DEFINITELY don't treat you like a number. When I see Marie she always makes me feel like I'm her only patient of the day, and she always takes the time to answer all my questions, address all my concerns, and she calls me back promptly when I need to speak to her about something. I no longer dread physicals, in fact I look forward to seeing her ;) The times she's been unavailable and I've had to deal with Dr. Bershel haven't been the greatest. In the future I would definitely wait for Marie to have an open appointment. read more

I was raised to think, if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything. However, in this situation, I can not keep silent. Davis Square Family Practice was an excellent place for a Primary Care Physician... 5 years ago. I have been disappointed over and over again by their seeming lack of care for the individual. I am a very healthy person, and rarely need any medical attention, however Dr. Bershel has found a way to completely ignore me the two times I have called in the past two years. My most recent encounter is what has pushed me to write this review. Long story short, I have had a cold... but my symptoms have not dissipated at all in the past 8 days. I figured it was time to call on the medical profession to help. To my dismay, I have received nothing. A call at 9:00 am to try and be seen was immediately turned down, as Dr. Bershel is far too busy to see me for the day. (Doctors are busy, I understand that and this was something I accepted) To help, the staff informed me that Dr. Bershel would be able to call something into my pharmacy without me being seen, and they would call me when this was completed. So they said. After waiting until 3:00pm I had not received a call, and upon inquiry, the staff informed me that Dr. Bershel does not call in prescriptions until the end of the day (silly me for calling early). At this point I feel the need to explain that this is the exact same thing that happened to me about 8 months previously for a completely different prescription. Both times, when calling to ask about when the prescription would be called in, the staff was completely unhelpful and rather rude. My only option after hanging up the phone, was to call back AGAIN come 5pm. (the staff member informed me that they would be open until 5:30) So I called back shortly after 5:00 pm, to get THE RECORDING that the had CLOSED for the evening! Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on ME. I will never call on Dr. Bershel or her staff for help ever again. Now I begin my search for another PCP. read more

Guys. This place is the best. I seriously don't know why this place doesn't have 5 stars. I came here on the recommendation of a friend. I had an appointment with Michelle Clark who actually listened to my issues. It was the first time I've felt HEARD by a doctor. She doesn't just look at the numbers, she looks at the whole patient. I seriously can't say enough good things about this place. Everyone who works here is FANTASTIC. read more

I just started going to this clinic, and I feel lucky to have found Marie Botte: she is the warmest, most caring health professional I have ever encountered. She spends plenty of time with you, listens carefully to what you say, explains everything clearly, and really conveys a feeling of genuine care for you. I wish more doctors were like Marie! Marie is a Nurse Practitioner, not an MD; but I feel every bit as comfortable with Marie as I would with any MD, she seems fully qualified as a health professional. read more