I cannot say enough about my best doctor ever ever in my whole entire life. She is a tremendously caring, honest and accessible expert. Lisa is an excellent physician and her network of specialists is also really truly top-notch. She never punts on a recommendation and takes whatever you need to ask about seriously but nonetheless remains candid. She also keeps the communication friendly and encourages updates about more mundane things like work and such that give her insight into what's going on and such. Three important comments: 1) I am a guy and feel 110% comfortable with a female primary care physician (actually feel more comfortable with her than with my male doctors of yore); 2) DO NOT be late. Try it some time and see what I mean. You won't be late ever again! 3) Put your cell phone on vibrate or silent before you enter the office or again push those limits and see what happens. Don't worry, she's not a hard-ass; just trying to make sure we all respect each other and help her stay on schedule etc. read more

I have to echo the reviews below about Dr. Sterman. She is exactly the kind of primary care physician that person could ask for. No judgment on your discussions of, well, anything really. You can be honest with her and she will make you feel secure about your decisions, both past and present for your health. I had a physical with her today and left feeling better than when I came in, and there was nothing wrong to begin with. She makes you feel that she honestly cares about YOU personally, and that is a great feeling to get in today's day and age of crappy health care. Five Stars!! read more

I've been seeing Dr. Sterman for 4+ years now. Even though I've moved to LA, I still make the trip up to see her for my annual exams because she's that great. She once went out of her way and asked her staff to buy a vaccine from another doctor's office, just so I can get my insurance benefits as it expired the next day. She gives good practical advice to being healthy, not just write you a perscription for a quick fix. Dr. Sterman asks good questions and best of all remembers me when she has tons of patients and I only see her once or twice a year. Minus one star only because she's so popular it's hard to book an appointment for regular check-up's (I usually call at least a month and a half in advance to be safe). However, there has been several times when I've been really ill and she was able to see me that day. P.S. Her office has the coolest pens and I'm tempted to steal them read more

My favorite doctor on EARTH. I don't ever want to move from SF unless I can take Doctor Sterman with me! Non judgmental, understanding, excellent listener, THOROUGH. I left feeling so satisfied with my appointment. I love you doctor Sterman--Also, thank you for calling in my RX when I was in Mexico AND introducing me to Yoga Tree. Many Thanks! read more

Dr. Sterman is the best, but I'm not a fan of her current staff. Made a call to talk to her after surgery. Her staff relayed the message incorrectly and was unprofessional in communication about it. read more

I've been going for maybe 6 years now. She's a good doctor and I am very comfortable with her for certain. And if she's not available, which is definitely one of her drawbacks, there are other doctors in the office that are helpful and available. For instance - one time I came back from Mexico and was feeling really sort of "off", like my equilibrium was seriously distorted for a few weeks. I couldn't figure it out and so I went to one of Sterman's doctors. He tried to help me with no real information to go on. Then I told him I also had a really swollen thing on my "down there" area, and within 5 minutes, after thoroughly examining my embarrassing yoo-hoo boo-boo, he diagnosed me with a Staph infection! If I didn't mention it then I would have gone home and probably died or gotten really sick. Well at least I didn't get Montezuma's revenge like the little lady. read more

Continuing to testify the positive on behalf of Dr Sterman and her entire office. Well informed with the latest and greatest. Will really listen and acknowledge your concerns. And leave you better educated, and taken care of. I feel safe, and absolutely confident I am getting top quality attention and care. read more

Dr. Lisa rocks. She's been my dr. for almost 10 years now and I lurvs her. I second the feeling of the previous reviewer about Dr. Lisa being understanding about, um, let's say "alternative" lifestyles. Very unjudgemental and cool. You really know you can tell her anything. read more

I have been going to Dr. Sterman for about 10 years. I have known her longer than my husband (who also goes to her). My brother goes to her. My sister has seen her.....She is hands down the best doctor i have ever had. Even in the beginning she remembered me and what was going on in my life. She is easy to talk to and the staff there is great as well. Even if you have to wait to get in with her i would say its totally worth it. The office is in a really convenient location on Divisadero where it meets Castro, and i never have to worry about street parking or meters because there is a parking garage... If you're ever in need of a Dermatologist, Chiro, or any other specialists Dr. Sterman's referrals are great, and i think thats important too... read more

Dr. Sterman is first rate. She is both my primary and my husbands and we both love her. She takes time with you during the consult, is very knowledgable and always makes me feel comfortable. No issue is a big deal and she has a great network of specialists that are just as wonderful. I haven't found a primary as good as her in years! As for hard to get in to see, most doctors have the same wait time. If you are a patient of hers and need to see her quickly you can get in. If you are just going in for a check-up the wait time is longer but well worth it. As far as I can tell this is the same as any other doctor. read more

Do not call this Dr. if you are a new patient. They will tell you that they are accepting new patients, then can only give you appointments four months in advance. Uhhh...I plan trips to DisneyLand 4 months in advance, not to a Dr. My advise...stay away. read more

I really love Dr. Sterman. She's so thorough and attentive to her patients. I had trouble finding a good doctor when I moved to the Bay Area and Dr. Sterman fixed all of that for me. She specializes in LGBTQ health and really focuses on the patient not on everything else. She's kind, she's smart and she listens. Her office is responsive and does their best thing get you what you need. read more

I don't understand. No matter how many times I try to call Dr. Lisa Sterman's office, no one is ever available to take the call, and no one calls back! I've been going to her for about 10 years now, and this is a recent and incredibly frustrating development. She won't refill my stomach meds unless I come in for an appointment, but I can't get through to anyone to make that appointment!! This is a terrible cycle to be in!! Even before this, though, I was thinking about changing doctors. While at first Dr. Sterman seemed to listen to me and my goals, she has since started ignoring my input and trying to impose her own one-size-fits-all agenda. She wants me to take a specific medication which I tried, but it gave me constant stomach aches and GI problems. When I told her this, her response was that I should "just try to stick with it." Um, lady, I can't live that way! It was really having a negative impact on my life that was far more severe than the impact the condition I was trying to treat was having. Eventually, I just listened to my own body, decided I didn't want to be bullied into taking something my body didn't like, and stopped taking this medication. Next time I see her, I'll be telling her to find a different medication for me to try, because I'm refusing to take this one. It's not a life or death situation, and I don't want to live with horrible side effects just because she's too lazy to try to think of another solution. This is a great practice to go to if you are a gay male living with HIV. This is a great practice if you are someone who loves to be told what to do, doesn't have a lot of opinions about her own medical care, and for whom conventional, statistically average symptoms, treatments, and results are the norm. But if your body is unique, if you often get side effects from medications, if you have strong opinions about your own care, if you are female and HIV-negative, this might not be the right practice for you. Of course, all of this is a moot point now that no one seems to ever answer the phone over there anymore :( read more

I injured my wrist so I thought I could see the PCP I signed up for through my insurance. WRONG! A month and a half wait to see new patients, WTF. I know this review is based on not even seeing Dr. Sterman, but I'm pissed off, can't ride my bikes without pain and I want to get this shit fixed. Time to find a new PCP.... read more

Dr. Sterman rocks! I've been seeing her for almost three years now. She moves quickly through the process, but I never feel like I'm being rushed out. She's a no-nonsense lady - she listens to you and offers something only if you need it. She is difficult to schedule, but I've found her PA to be a perfect side-kick. And everyone in the office is very friendly. read more

Dr. Sterman is one of the best doctors around. She has so much compassion for her patients. I'm so glad to highly recommend her and have her as my primary read more

Dr. Sterman really is the best doctor one could ask for. She sincerely cares about you and you really can tell her anything without judgment which is key in getting proper medical treatment. I consider myself so lucky to have her as my doctor. read more

Gotta jump on the love parade for Dr. Sterman. Easily the best primary care physician I've ever had. I mean, anyone who can talk about contracting Hep C from coke straws, taking your vitamins and recommending yoga in the same breath is rad in my book. read more

I work in healthcare and have never experienced such incompetence and rudeness on the part of her management team. This is unfortunate because Dr. Sterman is an excellent provider read more

Dr. Lisa/ Felicia Sterman save my life from a severe disruption in my lower spine called Severe Cauda equina syndrome. she contacted the top neurosurgeon in San Francisco through CPMC now Sutter health. If it were not for her I would not be alive or I might be a paraplegic. This is not a common spinal injury leaving severe nerve damage below the knees. Dr. Sternman was the best doctor I've ever had who looked at the big picture, all comorbidities, and listened to me, she actually looks at labs, diagnostics and the whole picture of the medical notes versus just judging.... especially in the LGBTQIA community where doctors judge so often.. I am forever grateful To have had her as a primary care physician. Since leaving San Francisco, which I completely regret, I have had only doctors that judge versus Listening to the patient to understand the big picture. Dr. Sternman never would've done this nor would her staff. I have several autoimmune, mixed connective tissue disorder, no immune system avascular necrosis of both hips, chronic late stage Lyme disease. My health problems are complex and I would give anything to see her and have her As a doctor again, even over telemedicine. read more

I have to say, I've been a patient of Dr Sterman's for 10+ years now & she is top notch. She is always very understanding & not at all judgemental. She offers alternative solutions instead of the usual 'take these pills & you'll be fine' approach. She really seems to enjoy what she does for a living & seems to have a very fulfilling personal life that shows through in her care as a doctor! read more

I have been a patient of Doctor Sterman's for almost 6 years and cannot say enough about her and her abilities as a physician. The staff is does outstanding work. Dr. Sterman is "Real", she communicates very well and I always look forward to our visits. Any need or special request has always been met in a timely manner. While she was out on leave, another physician, Dr. Scheibel noted something in my lab results and he was on it! I was referred to a specialist and the issue was addressed, with surgery unfortunately, but was within months of the first indication. I cannot say enough about this office, the physicians and the staff. I have referred numerous close friends and hear nothing but accolades. Dr. Sterman is the best! read more

Dr. Sterman is the best primary health care physician in who specialize in treatment adherence. She has been my doctor for almost 10 years and I would not trade places with anyone... read more

Dr. Sterman has been my doctor for thirteen years, as she happened to be standing for my doctor when I was hit by a Muni bus. I completely trust her. I'm a fairly healthy guy so she gives me day-to-day practical advice regularly (I haven't needed many diagnoses, but don't all people/doctors have different advice?). I've directed many folks to her over the years and all have been very happy. read more

I've been seeing Dr. Sterman for over 10 years, and in general I'm very happy. Her expertise in HIV care is well known in the community, and she's a nice person, easy to talk to and not judgmental. Sheis in high demand, so if you are a new patient you can expect a wait to see her for the first consultation. Your patience will be rewarded. read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Sterman for the past 6 years; picked her based on the Yelp reviews. She is as great as everyone states; I just took one star away as she is hard to see so often have to see someone else in office. She is very attentive to VM's and will call you back same day and it truly seems like she cares. She is very easy to talk to and I feel I can disclose anything to her and she understands. I can be a hypochondriac at times and she humors me with my ideas which I appreciate. It is really hard to find the type of compassion she shows to her patients. I definitely recommend her for a PCP. read more

So, I am jaded and just can't handle the constant hassle of getting an appointment/ refilling prescriptions/quick question, etc. dance that I have to do at Dr. Sterman's office. Six weeks to get a check-up appointment. If she is that busy, she does not need me as a patient and I am doing her a favor by freeing up her schedule. Life is too short and there are lots of really good physicians around and I am heading to one! My new doctor is very attentive and personable. read more

i'm so excited that dr. sterman is my new doctor. usually, when i meet a new doctor for the first time, i have to ease them into chatting about my weirdo, artsy, freaky lifestyle, and gently break the news of certain topics. but i knew i was in good hands when i mentioned burning man and, not only did she know what it was, but she goes! never have i felt like i could be totally honest with my doctor. she's very personable and casual. and she didn't rush me through my appointment and seemed to actually take me seriously. nice for a change! read more

Dr. Sterman is friendly and likable, but I think she can miss the big picture. Dr. Sterman can help with smaller day to day problems, but I would recommend someone else if you have other complications. I am looking for another doctor after being her patient for about 5 years. Here's my recent experience: She had known for over year that I have been trying to get pregnant before she finally recommended a Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. She said I should have the vaccine before I get pregnant. And she also recommended the Hepatitis B vaccine, but their office didn't haven't any in stock that day. So I went home with only the MMR vaccination. When I checked the Center for Disease Control website, they recommended AVOIDING getting pregnant for a month after the MMR vaccine even though Dr. Sterman said I could continue trying. I was really frustrated because each precious month was going by. In addition to that, I read about the Hep B vaccine and I wasn't in any of the groups that needed the vaccine. Even after telling the doctor that I didn't want or need the Hep B vaccine... I got several calls from the staff trying to schedule the Hep B vaccine shots for me. In addition to all this, I had mentioned some pain in my pelvic area especially before my period. Dr. Sterman said it was nothing to worry about. So I went to a different doctor, who found a fibroid on my uterus that turns out to be the size of a plum. It's not life-threatening, but it's such a relief to know what is causing the pain. I'm so glad I got a second opinion to find the answers I was looking for. read more

I was a patient of Dr. Sterman's for a few years. She's great if you have a cold, but that's about it. She was so focused on me losing the 10 pounds that I had gained that she failed to see that my shortness of breath was caused by a lung disease, not an extra 10 pounds. Thankfully I went to another Dr. who did a chest x-ray and immediately sent me to a pulmonologist. Don't go to her if you don't have to. read more

Based on the other reviews, I certainly seem to be in the minority. On our first meeting, Dr Sterman did take the time to listen to some of my concerns. However she also seemed to make some snap judgements about my lifestyle not based on what I said to her but rather based on one minor comment of community work I did many years ago. Subsequently, based on test results, she had her physician's assistant call with a drug she wanted me to take that is contraindicated based on my previous health history. At our appointment, she was surprised that I hadn't started the medication, even though I had told her staff I wouldn't. I didn't get the feeling that she remembered me at all or that she had even bothered to look at my chart before entering the room. I find the office staff rushed and harried, almost frantic. They shared personal information loudly enough for everyone in the waiting room to hear. Also, they made a big deal of my needing to pay for a prior visit before they would book my follow up appointment, even though I had not yet received the bill. Their statements made it sound as if I was attempting to avoid payment even though I immediately handed them a credit card when they asked for payment. Between the unprofessional staff and Dr. Sterman's unconsidered choices regarding possible medical care, I will be looking for a new primary care physician who attempts to treat the individual. read more

We looooove Dr. Sterman. My wife and I met her in the ER 13 years ago, and she has been our PCP ever since. Between my migraines and my wife's chronic pain due to MS, neither one of us is an easy case, but Dr. Sterman continues to provide us with excellent care, no matter what the issue. She IS hard to get in to see and her staff can be difficult, but having built relationships with them as well as Dr. Sterman, we find that it is rare that we can't get the appointment/RX/referral that we need. I love Edlyn at the front desk, will miss Gloria (who usually does prescriptions, but is going to PT while she goes to school), love that Teresa can always be counted on to get paperwork where it needs to go and will push to get an authorization when needed, and like the techs. Not crazy about Dr. Knox as Sterman's backup after hours (he shows little compassion imho), and wish Lucy (I think that was her name) was still her PA, but we go to Steven Scheibel when Sterman is unavailable, and we like him, too. Bruce isn't bad, but he is reluctant to write scripts when Sterman isn't around (ones that have been in our files for years). If I racked my brain, I'm sure that I could find fault with Sterman, but I'd rather not. After all of these years, through ups and downs, she remains a keeper. Be patient, try honey not vinegar with the staff, and be happy that there is at least one health care provider in your life who actually acts like a human being... read more

Dr. Sterman is the best doctor I've ever had - compassionate, kind, funny, open-minded, and knows what she's doing. When I moved to LA 7 years ago, she wanted to make sure I had a good doctor there, too, and called up her friend from kindergarten who was also a doctor -- and who wasn't taking any new patients -- to take me. She's great as well, but I still miss Dr. Lisa. I sent all my SF coworkers to her, including one with a pathological fear of doctors. If I move back, I hope she will take back her old patient. read more

Unfortunately I won't be able to experience Dr. Sterman's good care (according to most reviews). Here's my story. I recently moved to the area and needed to find a new PCP. I contacted my health plan and was informed that Dr. Sterman was accepting new patients. I obtained her information and called her to schedule an appointment. First red flag- no one answers the phones. They have one of those message systems where you have to enter extensions for different services. I entered the extensions and no anwer-either the line was busy. I left a voicemail. Red flag #2- no one called after leaving a voicemail I called the next day and after repeating the "entering the extension number" with the same results, I requested the operator and finally a human being answered! I explained to her that I needed to schedule an appointment and she informed that Dr. Sterman's first available appointment for a new patient was in April! I asked her what happens between now and then if I get sick, and calmy replied, "Go to the emergency room". OMG, WTF!!!! Are you kidding me? If she has that many patients that new patients have to wait months for a first appointment, perhaps she should stop taking them for awhile, don't you thing? I'm contacting Brown and Tolland. read more

Dr. Lisa Sterman is the best doctor I have EVER had in my entire life -- and I've been to many, many doctors in many states and I'm very critical of the healthcare system. She is the role model for doctors everywhere. Caring, knowledgeable, open-minded, and responsive, thank god for Dr. Sterman!! read more

Lisa has been our family doc forever and she is totally the best - bright, kind and understanding.

I revceived the list of doctors from my insurance company and thought this is a real roll of the dice. After reading the reviews and having my first appointment I am happy to say that this is the best Primary Care Physician I have ever had. read more

Winner!!! The best doctor experience I have had in a VERY VERY LONG time. Totally on the ball: knowledgeable, attentive to details, open to all questions, concerns and suggestions. I am 100% satisfied with my decision to switch to her as my PCP! read more

Best Doctor EVER. Humane, calm, compassionate, I can't come up with enough adjectives. I'm a doc too, and I only wish I could be as good as she is. read more

Lisa- has been my doctor for the last 5+ years. I feel really comfortable discussing any medical issues with her. She really takes the time to listen and demonstrates a genuine interest and concern for you as a person. She isn't always easy to reach for appointments but when you do call in BE WARNED!!! There is a really nasty receptionist named Teresa, who is very unpleasant to deal with. The first two times I spoke to her I thought it could be a bad day for her. The third time I had to call and deal with her I concluded that she is just a BITCH. Teresa really needs to wake up though and realize that she is not doing Dr. Sterman or especially her patients any service by being so unpleasant and cold. Who want's to call their doctor's office and be treated rudely and in an unprofessional manner? Dr. Sterman and team should definitely get her off the phone and into a new position where she doesn't have to interact with people. Still all & all don't let Teresa scare you off. Dr.Sterman is worth any amount of trouble including dealing with Teresa. I plan on asking for Teresa the next time I'm in so I can see if she is as rude & nasty in person as she is on the phone. read more