Exceptional Care from a Physician in a League of His Own I'm in my 50s and have lived in three major cities, experiencing care from multiple internists and general physicians over the years. While a couple have been good, Dr. Douglas Severance and his staff are in a league of their own. What sets him apart is not just his deep medical expertise but his pragmatic and caring demeanor -- a rare combination in today's healthcare landscape. He has successfully diagnosed complex medical conditions that others might have overlooked, guided me through holistic lifestyle changes that have significantly improved my health, and helped me navigate chronic conditions with both medical precision and compassion. Dr. Severance takes the time to truly listen, understand the full picture of his patients' health, and offer practical, sustainable solutions rather than just quick fixes. His thoughtful approach to patient care has made a profound difference in my life. Plus, he is just a great guy. He reminds me of my brother, an M.D. on the East Coast, who pursued medicine out of a genuine desire to help people. Dr. Severance embodies this same commitment. If more physicians were like him, healthcare would be transformed. I cannot recommend him highly enough--he is truly an exceptional doctor and a trusted partner in my health journey. His staff matches his caring ways. 5+ stars. read more

Dr. Severance who practices family medicine, listens attentively, he is an excellent communicator who truly cared about my well being. The staff is friendly, and extremely efficient and caring. My experience was very positive all the way around. read more

This review is only for Nurse Aimee. I would rate the front desk as "needs improvement" because 1) for my 1st appt they took my insurance info over the phone and didn't tell me I had to also bring the card in person which I don't carry with me (I probably should but that's not my point ) 2) for my 4th appt they booked me for a physical and when I show up, they said it wasn't in the system and they almost couldn't get it rescheduled within the year. They asked me to show the confirmation text but I have only gotten a reminder text 2 times out of the 4 visits I've done, so clearly those aren't consistent either. Anyways, let's talk about nurse Aimee - she's so awesome that I can't even think about switching care anywhere else and it's the first time I've felt compelled to write a review on Yelp. She first saw me in April 2023 when I relocated to San Ramon. She probably spent a whole hour getting to know me, my history, my health goals and any supplements I take, and she even looked one up on Amazon to see what ingredients it contained and how those may be interacting with my hypo medication. She also takes notes on everything and I swear she must be typing every word because every visit thereafter it feels like she knows more details about my life than I do. I've lost ~25% of my weight this year (it's December 2023 at the time of this review) and she makes sure to check and ask about every possibly issue that may result from that. She also orders labs to recheck my hypo levels periodically to ensure the medication is still at the correct dosage and goes over the results in detail. I really appreciate understanding everything. Oh, and yesterday she noticed my rosey cheeks and started asking some questions regarding my skin, including if my eyebrows felt dry, to which I said yeah, and she prescribed some cream for that. I was mind blown. Over the years I've seen so many Drs and they only do the necessary tests to check their boxes and off you go, and since I feel healthy and don't know that some things are a symptom of something else, I rarely bring anything up. But how awesome is it to be proactively and thoroughly evaluated!! I respect everyone as a person but seldom does someone stand out to me. However, I admire nurse Aimee. She's knowledgeable (you can tell right away she has a wealth of information insider her brain by the way she talks), curious, thorough, patient (I have never felt rushed, unlike at other offices), and beautiful inside and out. What a power woman. I'm just amazed! read more

Absolutely do not recommend this doctor. I'm not surprised by all of his bad reviews. I've been going to him since 2010 and am done with him. In 2018 my pain specialist referred me back to Dr S to find out about side effects from discontinuing a medication - the first thing Dr S did when I told him what I was there for was to laugh at me. He seriously threw his head back in laughter at my medical issues. Then he proceeded to be very dismissive towards me. He does what it takes to rush you out of his office as soon as possible. I've noticed he does this and it seems to be designed so you have to go back in for yet ANOTHER office appointment for clarification or if you are not any better. This brings him more money. His part-time nurse assistants are usually very young and inexperienced. The NP are not always in the office so you have to wait to see them until they are back in the office - which might not be until the next week. His staff -besides Paige - is the same. Seems to always be young and inexperienced with high turnover. This may be the strangest issue I had over the past 12 years that I was going to him - it seems to me that when I was dressed up in my work (office) attire with full make up and went in for an appointment he took more time with me and was more comprehensive. When I would go in for an appointment feeling sick (as you do sometimes when going to a doctors appointment) and wearing jeans and no makeup he would rush through things and not pay much attention. So ladies if you want good medical care from him, make sure you look pleasing to the eye! Last summer he sent me an email to let me know due to a test result I needed to see an endocrinologist on a urgent basis and I may have a rare tumor that needed urgent surgery. The next day I called his office and they gave me a name of an endocrinologist to call for an appointment. The endocrinologist's office said they would not schedule anything without a referral (of course!). So I had to call Dr. S.'s office again and ask them to do an actual referral. Dr. S.'s office said they would not give me a referral because I could self referral with my insurance. Although it did get worked out, when you have been told you may have a rare tumor and need urgent surgery the last thing you need is your doctors office jerking you around. read more

The best in the business! I have been a patient of Dr. Severance for over 20 years and he is professional, thorough, personable and efficient. I never feel rushed, he takes the time to answer all my questions and be sure I'm comfortable that I have all the information I need. His staff are terrific, especially Paige. She has been there as long as I've been seeing Dr. Severance and I am always reassured when the phone is answered, "This is Paige." I know, if I'm talking with Paige, whatever question or concern I have will be handled. Truly a great office. read more

Great experience with a couple of visits with Dr. Severance. He's knowledgeable about substance abuse recovery and has helped me understand medical options available. Considering him as my primary. read more

Dr. Severance has been our family doctor for many years. He is knowledgeable, caring, kind, and attends to all of our medical needs. One can always get an appointment with him, whether in office or video. In 2016 he was the one that found that I had a very rare cancer. His vast experience showed something was truly not right. Through testing that he ordered I was sent to specialists, had my surgery and treatments and it has been 6 years cancer free. We respect him and are blessed to have him as our caregiver. He is truly an amazing doctor you can really trust. Paige and all of the staff and PA's are amazing. Our whole family definitely recommends Dr. Severance. Thank you, Sincerely, Rosemarie K. read more

I have been going to Dr. Severance for 2 years now. He is the best GP doctor I have ever been to. He is very thorough in his examinations He schedules me to do all my bloodwork when I schedule my appointment so when I go in for my physical he has all the results already. He actually sits down and takes the time to talk to you about your physical and mental history each visit and goes over everything. I would highly recommend him and the others in his office. Jennifer the PA and Aimee the FNP are also very nice and friendly. They also are very thorough and get back to you right away when you email them. I can't say enough good thing about this office. Very happy that I found a Doctor this good. read more

Love Dr Severance and entire office. My husband and me have been patients for 24 years plus. I see Aimee.. she is terrific. Would highly recommend. We drive from Acampo to go to their office! read more

Great Staff , Rn's Are Very Friendly . Great And Caring Doctor Takes Great Care Of Patients , Seen When Expected To Be Never Late Or Have You Wait Long Ask For Page She Is Amazing read more

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It took a letter from an attorney to get Dr Severance to approve a referral for an MRI. He literally threw the referral slip on the floor at my feet and stormed out of the exam room. I wound up needing emergency neurosurgery the next day. No apology from Dr Severance or anyone else in the office. read more

Dr. Severance is thorough, compassionate, experienced, knowledgeable, and down-to-earth. I am 50, and he is by far the best general physician I've had, and I've moved around the country and lived in many big cities, so I've seen several over the years. He is very good. read more

I went to this practice since I was really young ( 18+ years with this doctor) Since I moved away to college, I hadn't been there since 2009, so my records had been moved to their storage unit somewhere in San Ramon. ( YES, they are still on a paper system! ) I called them a month in advance to get my immunization records I need for graduate school. They kept telling me the same story " the person who goes to storage isn't here today but they will go tomorrow," "next week we will have them for you," " there was a blackout in San Ramon and it was unsafe to go today," "you fell through the cracks and we forgot about you," so on, and so on. OVER 6 WEEKS LATER and after calling once a week to see if I could have my medical records, they finally were going to " get them tomorrow." I called once again and they had them.. shockingly enough. They taped the envelope to the outside of their office door because they were closing 45 minutes later. It was a horrible, blurry copy of scribbles on a chart. I couldn't make out anything it said.. but it was better than nothing. This is literally insane! It's 2015, and the fact this medical practice is still run on a paper system, took an extensive amount of time to get my records to me, and was unpleasant and unhelpful was an awful experience! I have still not gone to their office and will not return again! HORRIBLE organization and professionalism! I advise to go elsewhere! read more

I've been with Dr. Severance for several years. He and his staff are awesome. I have referred several of my friends to his office and they are just as happy as I am. read more

Dr. Severance has been our family physician for 20 years. He has always been there when we needed him. He is an excellent diagnostician; both he and Sachie his nurse practitioner have correctly treated every problem our family has experienced. He saved my mother from the pain of shingles by his diagnosis and treatment. He literally saved the life of a friend of ours by getting him to the correct physician to treat his a growth on his pancreas. Yes, he has had a full practice, and is sometimes brief. I appreciate his time when it is truly needed; he always fits us in if we have a medical problem. Sounds like a disgruntled ex-employee wrote the last review.... read more

Dr. Severence, Page and his other staff are wonderful. They care so much, their honest too especially when most would candy coat. I've been coming here for over two years and now my whole Family comes. They have a female Dr for those types of appts as well. Dr. Severence sits with me and I can talk with him about anything. He has a great sense of humor and he doesn't act like a pretentious Dr. as most seem to, he is just a regular guy that is so very kind. I wouldn't go anywhere else if I could help It. Thanks you Dr. Severence & staff!!! (Esp Page) read more

Dr. Severence has been our doctor since we moved to San Ramon 13 years ago. He is great, but we usually see his Nurse Practitioner or Physician's Assistant. His current NP is Aimee Paulson and she is absolutely wonderful! Very thorough and really takes her time to address concerns and tests. My biggest reason for this 5 star rating though, is for Paige Floris. She is amazing! She just knows what you need before you even know you need it. She fills out paperwork in time and always follows up. Dr. Severence's office is so lucky to have her. Dealing with many other doctors offices, I can tell you Paige is first class! read more

I Love this office and Dr S. He's a wonderful caring helpful Dr and the staff has always been helpful and caring to me. I've been here for many years and staying til I'm old and gray. There's no judgement and they always follow through. I have never been left without questions answered or helped when needed. read more

We were referred to Dr. Severance when we first moved to Danville in 2010. I, in turn, would recommend Dr. Severance to any family who is looking for a family physician. He takes his time with his patients. And his follow through is second to none. In addition to being a knowledgeable and thorough doctor, he is a compassionate and genuine person. An added bonus is that he has an amazing staff! read more

IMHO one of the best. Saved my life.... Enough Said.

This is the dr that called me on the phone while I was at the grocery store to tell me I had cancer and I need to find a surgeon immediately. I sat in the parking lot for about an hour and cried. I don't remember the drive home. Never went back to him..how cold..a phone call. .found a new dr with MUCH MORE TACT AND COMPASSION and happy to say I'm cancer free read more

Great Staff Jessica and Page are incredible. Very easy to get in for an appointment and Dr. Severence is very patient and listens to every detail to figure out what needs to be done to get you better. He really cares. All in All your in great hands with everyone there. read more

Dr. Severence was friendly and very sincere. He listened to my symptoms and previous treatments, made a diagnosis, and explained his prognosis, reasoning, and methodology behind it. The staff is very friendly as well, and very understanding. All in all, it's a rare gem to find a doctor that's been around for a long time and still has such a high level of care for his patients. read more

Dr. Severance has been my family physician for nearly twenty years. In the years prior to that I had several other physicians, and while they were each professional and competent, finding Dr. Severance was a true gift. I am grateful to count myself and my loved ones as his patients, and wouldn't dream of entrusting my family's health care to anyone else. Dr. Doug Severance is extremely skilled, yet balances his vast experience with what I believe is a genuinely caring and interpersonal approach to the practice of medicine, something which is becoming an increasing rarity in today's modern, corporate-managed world. I have always been able to get a same-day appointment with Dr. Severance when one of my family was in need of urgent care, despite the fact that he has a robust practice and office is typically quite busy. No matter how harried his staff might have been due to the volume of patients that day, (Beware of physicians who aren't busy during cold and flu season!), they have always been courteous and professional, and dealt with me promptly and with consideration. In terms of Dr. Severance's medical skills, I simply can't say enough. On too many instances to count, he has diagnosed and treated me with a minimum of fuss and a maximum of accuracy. And his abilities as a treating physician are only exceeded by his warmth and sense of humor. My wife is retired from the medical field and I am retired from a career in law enforcement; we both have significant experience dealing with the good, the bad, and the ugly of the medical profession. Dr. Douglas Severance's practice represents the best the profession has to offer, and I would recommend his practice to any person or family looking for only the top-shelf in medical professionals. read more

I've been seeing Dr Severance for over 5 years, he has helped me completely turn my life around and I am forever grateful for him. He is a good man and an even better doctor, they just don't make doctors like him anymore. For years I traveled all the way from Dixon to continue to see him because no one compares to Dr. Severance and his team. Not only is Dr. Severance wonderful but so is his right hand Paige. I absolutely adore Paige who manages the phones and front desk... She is always a pleasure to chat with and has consistently gone out of her way to make sure I am taken care of and has even helped me to get better deals on medication and more coverage with my insurance. Every nurse, nursing assistant, front desk person I've ever had has been friendly and knowledgeable, there have been several times I've been dealing with issues with my pharmacy and they have gone above and beyond to straighten things out for me even after hours, and had the answering service put me through to the front desk much later than they are open for phone calls. I constantly have to reschedule my appointments due to work and they are always amazing about getting me rescheduled promptly. This office cares so much for it's patients and I feel truly fortunate to have found them. I recommend Dr. Severance and his staff to anyone, and I assure you you will not be disappointed. read more

I trust him with my life. He is very caring and will call to check up on my status. When my wife was hospitalized, he made a point to stop by and see how she was doing. He has an excellent circle of specialists he can refer patients to which is one of the more valuable aspects of his practice. Definitely have recommended him to freinds and family. read more

First let me say this "I GIVE SEVERANCE A 5 out of 5 RATING. HES A VERY GOOD MAN AND IM SURE HE WOULDNT BE TOO HAPPY HEARING HOW HIS STAFF IS TREATING HIS PATIENTS. " The only reason I'm leaving one star is strictly because of his staff and his completely clueless, helpless answering line. First off, if you can get a hold of them in there normal hours, then you've already done great. The calls go to the answering service before there office hours even close, so say someone needed to call to make sure the filled that VERY important prescription that sadly, you withdrawal from, when you don't have it. It's Friday and you just got off work, not knowing the office closed at 3 on Fridays, you call at 3:04 just to double check that it gets called in. Rarely does it. Ohhh what do u know, the "exchange" answers! "There's nothing we can do and we can't put you through to the office. " no matter what I said she said there's absolutely nothing they can do, and apparently After talking to a pharmacist about this incident, the reason for a answering service is to be OF HELP to a patient and to put them through to a 24 hour on call doctor! The pharmacist couldn't believe what the exchange person was telling me and the pharmacist did 100x more towards trying to get this straightened out than the "exchange" did. Now, come Monday, withdrawaling and having panic episodes nearly every hour, I call and calmly just ask for them to please just call in the refill. "Oh we can't find your file now, did you have a pharmacy fax us?" Me"uh ya! I've been sick and basically cant even function and your exchange didn't help whatsoever" staff "(laughs) that's what u get for not going to custom care it's not our job to remember which patients need to get there refill called in" ---*leaving the rest of conversation out because if I get too specific I'm sure that 1) my refill won't be called in today 2) they'll treat me worse than they already do and handle urgent situations even slower.* --- couldn't believe how lightly the situation was taken by his office. It's making me reconsider who my doctor is. I have to call every single * days for my refill? Whatever. The fact of how rude his exchange was, and how the staff didn't get up and immediately start looking for my file to make a simple phone call, made me sick. You prescribe these meds, you know what happens to people when they don't have these meds, yet you laugh at the patients and are mean and take your sweet time during situations that's are extremely urgent. wow. I told myself Friday night I should just go to the ER and get enough til Tuesday because I doubt they'll straighten it out by Monday. That's not something you should have to worry about, ever. It's THEIR job to keep your meds always ready to be called in, and when it is that time, YOU CALL IT IN. Not one apology or anything. I don't get it. It's beyond me I guess. Whatever, Paige I don't hate you, I really like you as a person, but seriously? The withdrawal from benzos is no joke. This shouldn't have been taken lightly and then laughed at and still going slow on. I've been coming to him for years. Besides these (becoming) somewhat frequent random episodes it's a great office Severance as a doctor? He's a great guy. He really is. He's awesome. But with a staff that won't go anywhere near the fullest to make sure you're okay, it's hard, extremely hard, to give a decent review after what has happened today. I write this after just getting off the phone with them after finally gettin the office with the 3rd call of the day. Anyways. read more

We are new to the office. Last week, my daughter saw Helen Lu, Dr. Severance's P.A. What a wonderful experience! Not only was she knowledgeable about my daughter's condition, she was patient, warm, and nurturing. Even though my daughter is away at college, most of the time, Helen called my daughter this week to check in with her! Helen has an open door policy and my daughter knows Helen is easily available by phone for a consultation or prescription. My daughter was nervous to visit the doctor's office in itself, but to be a new patient was even more nerve racking; however, Helen's calm, soft demeanor and compassion immediately put her at ease. In addition, the office staff was efficient, friendly, and helpful. As a new patient, I was able to call and get a convenient appointment quickly. I believe my family has a found a new medical practice! read more

Dr. Severance is a wonderful doctor. I trust him fully with my health care!

I have been a patient of Dr. Severance for over 20 years. Went to several physicians before him but no one who was as genuinely caring and knowledgeable. He and his staff really care and take the time to get it right. Always able to get an appointment and never have had to wait long. When a member of our family was taken with a sudden illness we called Dr. Severance and after hearing the symptoms he insisted on our meeting him in the office even before regular office hours. Then after being admitted to the hospital he came by to check on us. He didn't need to do that and it spoke volumes to us about his character and kindness and integrity. Great guy and great physician! read more

If not for his 'rush' attitude, Dr. Severance is great. He usually spend only around 10mins during our visit. Not enough time for us to ask questions. We feel that he's always in a hurry. read more