Have used his services years ago and must say have not found anyone as good as him. You may ask why don't you continue, the answer is the office is too far and I am no longer a spring chicken. read more

Dr. Gardner is without fail the most dedicated and devoted doctor - I am lucky to have been a patient of his for over 10 years now. He is my general practitioner of course, but also my dermatologist, psychotherapist, nutritionist, gynecologist as well! He routinely checks over my annual blood work and doggedly compares it to years of past tests. He's so up to date on all vitamins, new homeopathic breakthroughs, and other remedies- he's written a few books on anxiety and depression I highly recommend. His staff is warm and I actually enjoy going to see them all! read more

I'm so blessed to have met Dr. Gardner, he is an amazing doctor and extremely intelligent. Throughout the years I've come to him for just about any and every issue imaginable and he and his staff have always been so accommodating. Dr. Gardner takes the time to really get to the root of the issue, and isn't quick to dismiss you (like other doctors I've had). He really cares about the well being of his patients, and will explain whats going on with your body in a way thats easy to understand. I've always been a bit intimidated to see male doctors in the past, but Dr. Gardner is so professional and shows you that he's not there to judge but there to help and make you feel better. The office both front and back is very clean, and beautifully decorated. His staff is amazing and have always been on top of it, if there was ever any need for documentation, they would have it sent over almost immediately. I really wish in this sensitive field, there were more doctors like him out there. read more

I'm a new Bio identical hormone therapy patient of dr Gardner and I have to say this has changed my life. It's been only a couple weeks since insertion and I already feel like a million bucks! Dr Gardner explains everything so completely, is very caring and thorough. He spent a lot of time with me explaining every detail of my blood work and the procedure. His office staff are so pleasant and very competent as well, professional and friendly. I'm very grateful I decided to take the hormone plunge. Best decision ever. Don't hesitate. read more

Excellent doctor! Highly recommend him. Very intelligent and is really easy to talk to and great at making me feel comfortable. My family and I have been patients for years. Always feel confident in his diagnosis and treatment. Patti is wonderful as well. I am not a big fan of going to the doctors, shots, blood draws etc but coming here, I know that I will get better soon :) Thank you for the years of care! read more

Dr. Gardner is great! I didn't have insurance and he saw me within a day. The prices were normal for 'insurance-less' people. It was worth it for me because he really takes his time. He cares about what your concerns are and he is VERY thorough! He even asks about your psychological health during the visit. He will always leave you with a complete understanding of your issue. He shares all of his knowledge with you; it's impossible to leave the office thinking that he has some magical power that's inconceivable to non science people. He speaks to you like an equal. He discusses how he will test you, why he's giving you those tests and he will go through all of the results with you. Ask questions if you have them! He has the answers and he is very honest too. I've gone back to see him multiple times. read more

Dr. Gardner is amazing! I had been to Kaiser for some skin irritation. They diagnosed it as rosacea, but the medications weren't working. Frustrated, I called Dr. Gardner to see if lasers would help. The minute he saw me he said "this isn't rosacea" - he immediately prescribed a medication that solved the problem immediately. I felt like he gave me much more care and consideration than any other dermatologist I've seen. He's honest, ethical and kind. read more

Doctor Gardner has been in his Greenbrae, CA office since I was a teenager. Going to the doctor can be nerve racking for me, I have a lot going on for my age. Yet at Dr. Gardner's I always feel as though I am family in his office. He cares deeply about each visit taking his time to thoroughly examine symptoms and make good decisions with me for my health. I always feel at ease when I am talking to him. Recently, I was left with no diagnosis or direction from my rushed Kaiser Doctor appointment for a spider bite. I quickly booked with Dr. G and left the appointment feeling so much better with clear answers. He listened and thought it was a brown recluse as I did and even made me laugh while he recommended ways to get my house sprayed to protect my kids. He is the best! He has also written some awesome books. read more

I saw him initially because of the horrible pain I was having with shingles. He agreed to try a procedure that was written up in a medical journal. Within 3 hours my pain was gone. I can't say enough good things about him!! read more

I have been going to Dr. GARDNER for 2 years for hormone pellets. Very professional office. Hormone pellets have change my life. Reducing skin inflammation, better sleep, and elimination of night sweats! I highly recommend both! read more

I suppose if my girlfriend and I ever met Dr. Gardner for real we might be able to comment but his rude receptionist has made that impossible. We recently called to set up some appointments (March 08) because of the reviews HERE and she first informed us that he wasn't a certified Dermatologist but simply a regular M.D., then she said that they don't accept our Blue Cross P.P.O. and finally called us back and said they are not accepting new patients. Not sure who hired the Debby Downer who is answering the phones or what the current status of their office but gotta give him an emphatic thumbs down. read more

I must agree about the comment about the receptionist here- I don't know if the same one is still there but I've dealt with one young lady for the two or three times I've been out to this office. Once, she tried charging an extra fee out of nowhere and we had to talk to a superior to have her straightened out- but generally, she just seems uninterested and a bit flaky. Once you get past that though, Dr. Gardner is a pretty helpful guy. He took quite a bit of time to discuss with me another issue I was having and made suggestions on a couple other specialists to see. He really seemed quite thoughtful in that regard. Problem is, the botox must be overdiluted because it was largely ineffective. I went somewhere else and got results. So, wouldn't rec this office for that purpose but it's hardly the specialty there. read more

Dr. Gardner is one of the best Primary Care docs out there. From the time you walk into his office you are greeted with friendly, knowledgeable staff, and a beautiful waiting area. Often his dog Gizmo is running around back or sitting in the reception area. You never feel rushed, and he is very thorough and always eager to explain things or answer questions. He's always kind and helpful. I imagine this is what it was like back in the "good ole days" before insurance companies dictated medical care.. read more

Dr. Gardner was my Mom's doctor for almost twenty years until her death this past month. I can't say enough good things about him. He's kind, caring, competent and thorough. Although my mother didn't see him for cosmetic issues (he was her GP), i'm sure he would show the same traits in any endeavor he pursued. His wife, Patty, was always warm and pleasant to us. And when they stopped taking Medicare a few years back, Dr. Gardner continued to see Mom for free. Now that's heart. Thank you, Jamie and Patty! read more

Wow Robin, you sound like you were having a really bad day. I, like Joe W. believe Dr. G does walk on water and I've always had great support from his staff. I used to live in Sausilito and loved having Dr. Gardner as my personal physician. I currently live in La Quinta and I can't begin to tell you how much I miss the kind of care that I got when I lived in Marin. Whenever I know I'm going to be in S.F., I make a special trip to see him. There aren't many doctors who take the time that he does--I always leave with all of my questions answered and never have felt rushed out of the office. He has always been right-on in my care, as well. I've always found that people treat you as you treat them. You might want to think back on your tone when you called. Food for thought. My recommendation is that most doctors could take lessons on how to treat patients from Dr. Gardner. And, Dr. G., if you and Patty do decided to retire, I hope it is to the desert where you would be very welcome. read more

My view is that Dr Gardner is very good, but perhaps not deserving of the highest rating. At this point I've seen him for physicals every year for the last 3 years or so, and have had no other issues. As others have mentioned, he is very knowledgable and allows more time per visit than most other Dr's I've had. He has provided me with good advice, and is easy to talk to. He is pretty comprehensive in his exams, but interestingly is relatively cursory in skin examination, which is his specialty. He appears flexible in his support for a range of possible therapies. OTOH, I sometimes think he talks a bit too much about subjects that are a little off topic. He requests two visits for my yearly physical (ostensibly to first direct and they go over lab results), when in fact one would do perfectly well. He refuses to provide email support, which is clearly one way to make this terribly inefficient industry more efficient. (Kaiser Dr's and others that I've had do provide email support. I'm told by a friend in the business that private pay Dr's can get paid for email support, but apparently they don't feel it worth the effort.) All in all I like and would recommend him, but I don't feel he is among the very best of the GP's that I've had. read more

Doctors literally do not get better than him. He is the most caring understanding and informative doc I have ever visited. He really takes the time to explain all treatment options and goes out of his way. I wish I could give him more than 5 stars... he's that good. read more

I think Dr. Gardner does walk on water. He is my favorite doctor ever. I have found him very well-informed and expert at treatment. He really spend times listen to me and try to find the best treatment or option for his patients. He is competent in a number of areas outside of general medicine. read more

Five Stars for sure regarding Dr. James Gardner. He has been serving my family (mom, dad, sister and me) for many years. He is very very good at diagnosing symptoms and problems and providing the right solutions and meds. My wife kept going to her doctor for her re-occuring headaches. They referred her to 2 different doctor before I convinced her to come to Dr. Gardner. He was able to diagnos her properly and in 3 days of meds she never had "that" headache again! He has helped my mom and dad so much, both of whom have chronic problems with different things. Here on Yelp I read a couple of reviews about his firm and they are all positive which I agree with. Yes, sometimes his 2 receptionists need a little help, don't understand or are overwhelmed. He does not accept new patients becuase he is so over booked and that is becuase he IS THAT GOOD! They are always very nice when I go in there and I think the receptionist problems are spotty at worst. AWESOME DOCTOR!!! I have never been to a more involved doctor in my life, he volunteered to come into work 1 hour earlier just to fit my wife in becuase she was so sick...what doctor does that? My whole family loves Dr. James Gardner! read more

We are new to the Bay Area, and searched for a dermatologist for my husband, who is 67 and has Medicare. He found a growth on his arm that he wants to check. We called Dr. Gardner's office today, based on the fabulous reviews on yelp and also on his impressive website. We were told by the receptionist that they will not take new Medicare patients, even though we offered to pay cash, because of the contract they have with Medicare. I don't understand how this whole insurance thing works, and it's probably legitimate, but still it feels like age discrimination to me, especially if we can pay cash. Since they refused service to my husband, I think they should make their limitations clear on their website. read more

My wife and I have been patients of Dr. James Gardner for over 20 years. Shortly after we moved to Marin County from our home state of Indiana we made a serious effort to find a worthy physician. As brand new parents, our aim as was to find a private practice doctor with whom we could establish a long term relationship for our family. Dr. Gardner came highly recommended. During our first visit, we were encouraged in finding how easy it was to talk to this doctor, how keenly he listened and how quickly he processed information. Right away we knew we had found the right doctor. The care we all have gotten over these many years is outstanding. The enthusiasm Dr. Gardner shows in his practice makes it obvious that he loves what he does. When discussing any given topic, you get a chance to see how organized his mind is and analytically the man reasons. Dr. Gardner's knowledge and quick recall allow him to sort out medical variables short order. Of importance is his innate ability to boil technical information down and fluidly communicate the relevant facts for a layman patient to understand. I believe this ability makes this doctor very special. We feel secure in Dr. Gardner's care. There is a tangible comfort in having such trust in our primary care doctor. David and Julie V. Mill Valley, CA read more

My wife and I have been going to Dr. Gardner for ten years. We moving to Kaiser because we could no longer afford Aetna, but plan to keep coming to Dr. Gardner out of our own pocket. Dr. Gardner is smart, listens well, and consistently thoughtful and pragmatic. You just can't build that old-fashioned doctor-patient relationship elsewhere these days. His diagnostic skills are great. In fact when two visits to the California Pacific Emergency Room failed to turn up a diagnosis for my wife's serious illness, it was Dr. Gardner who figured it out in an office visit and promptly sent us the Marin General ER with that diagnosis. Perhaps he saved her life but at least he limited her misery. I've seen gripes about the staff but honestly just buck up and bear it. It is hard to run an office. So if he has an opening, become his patient even if you have to pay for it yourself. read more

I think Dr. Gardner is exceptional. Been seeing him for years and for everything from standard physicals to migraines to a couple of fights gone wrong (years and years). He's got good medicine but is also a wise, and kind man. read more

I have seen Doctor Gardner on and off for over fifteen years. When I ve moved, I would see him, when my insurance changed, I would see him, if I wanted a second opinion, I would see him. He was always correct when other physicians were wrong or over reacting when it came to my medical or skin issues. When it comes to dermatological issues, he is just as , if not MORE knowledgeable than any Dermatologists-ONLY MDs I have seen. He is also extremely caring, gentle, goes out of his way to make his patients feel comfortable and heard. Doesn't try to Up-sell you with any of his own products like most Marin Derms. Sometimes it gets busy, like any office, but I have never seen any patient being treated disrespectfully. I adore Dr. Gardner and his wife, Patty and no matter where they go or I end up going, I will always seek Dr. Gardner's "Sage" advice and educated treatment. read more

Good doctor if you have the right insurance carrier. I have a PPO with a new company and he does not accept. Boo.

Comprehensive and kind. I went to Dr. Sophie Mirviss and still do for certain things, but she just wasn't as thorough. Dr. Gardner when through my blood panel and explained levels and what my options were to feel better. His lovely wife manages the front desk and Patti is a delight. This is not convenient for me coming from SF and working in the South Bay but I've never found a more concerned, professional and adept doctor. read more

I have the highest respect for Dr. Gardner. Not only because he is incredibly knowledgable, but because he EXPLAINS everything in a way that is not demeaning. I am the type of person that has to understand a process or a treatment to feel comfortable, and he takes the time with each patient that they require. Most doctors rush you, but not Dr. Gardner. He also was able to alleviate symptoms that i had causing me to break out over my chest and back after I turned 40. Possibly hormonal, but his direction helped take care of the issure, as well as a few other issues that he was able to address like getting rid of moles and skin tags and educating me about the pro's and con's of laser resurfacing. He is a rare find, with ethical dignity that is too short in supply these days. read more

I have been going to Dr Gardner for the last 13+ years. I am chronically Ill and so I do have to see him fairly often. He has always treated me like a human, unlike many other Dr's or Specialists I have gone to. I have been without health insurance for about 10 years, well actually, I was about 2 years without it, and then I was given insurance through my husbands company. However, I have never had an insurance provider that Dr Gardner accepted. So for 10 years or so I have paid out of pocket to see him. I could have changed Dr's and found someone who was covered by my Insurance. But I never have. Dr Gardner knows all the ins and outs of my health problems, and again treats me like a human. He always explains exactly what's going on with me. When I have a flare of any kind, he always manages to fit me into his schedule, even if it's a same day appointment. Yes, it can be expensive to see the Dr and especially on a regular basis that I need to, and I've had many people tell me to change to someone who is on my plan, and I suppose it would make more sense to do that, especially financially. However, I refuse to change Dr's. I don't want to go through 13+ years of medical history with a new Dr, but more importantly, I refuse to put my health care into the hands of someone I know nothing about, or who knows nothing about me. Dr Gardner is the best Dr I've ever had, even out of all the specialists ive seen, I can relax knowing that there is always Dr Gardner who is on my side and is always thinking of the best (and most cost effective) way's to treat me. I plan on being a patient of Dr Gardner for as long as he'll have me. As far as some people's comments on the front desk staff, I have never had a problem with any of them. I have seen front desk staff come and go, but I have never had any problems with any of them. They have all been able to speak English and assist me with making appointments and giving me info on referred specialists. The girls working there now are great and very helpful! l read more

Dr. Gardner knows his stuff. Fast talker, leads the conversation, and I leave with an education rather than a diagnosis. He overbooks a bit, but maybe it's because I expect a lot of attention. I get the impression that the women that work there are his family. Agree that she is frank but I don't think she's dishonest. read more

As a happily satisfied patient of Dr. Gardner's for more than 10 years, I've referred him to several of my friends and family. They all like him as much as I do. I've never once encountered the reception problems that people have mentioned in some of the other posts. I find that the entire staff is helpful and friendly. Just last week, I was in a panic because I had neglected to refill my prescriptions the day before my vacation. The receptionist not only called it in immediately, but called me back to assure me it was ready. I even get my Botox and Restylane there--he does a great job--it's like a one stop shop. His office is almost an hour from my home. It's worth the drive for the peace of mind. I'd never go anywhere else. read more

I hear that Dr. Gardner is great.... Unfortunately, I must agree with everyone about the receptionist!!! She is really costing him patients and reviews.... Hope that he learns of this soon.... read more

Dr. Gardner is the best doctor I have ever had. I have been with him since I was a teenager and he has really been there for all illnesses or medical issues. I couldn't speak higher of him and his staff. read more

I have been a patient for nearly 20 years. Dr. Gardner is one of the best doctors in Marin. He is patient, informative, supportive, and available for emergencies. When I was diagnosed with cancer, he called me immediately and volunteered to be the support doctor for all my treatments, tests, etc. I have no idea what people are talking about when they mentioned the staff. Patty and the entire staff are always friendly, efficient and timely. I have recommended many people to the practice over the years, and everyone of them feels the same as I do. Even though he does not take Blue Cross PPO, I still go, pay and then get reimbursed. I may pay a little more to see him than one of the program docs, but I know I am getting a great doctor and that means more to me than a few extra dollars. Even for people without insurance, his prices are very reasonable. You will be lucky if you can get him for your primary care physician. read more

Dr. Gardner is a very thorough doctor, who is very highly regarded among the medical community I am connected to. I would like to really write this review about his lovely wife, Patti, who has gone above and beyond for our family recently with regards to insurance issues. Patti is an outstanding person who really cares about the patients, and is willing to work hard and long to get things authorized, etc. She's a gem. read more

I have been seeing Dr. Gardner for about 15 years. He is one of the best doctors I've ever seen. Kind, compassionate and really takes the time to talk with you and explain test results, diagnoses, etc. Unfortunately, he no longer direct bills to insurance because of the paltry fees GP's receive from insurance companies and the bureaucracy involved (made worse by the Affordable Care Act). His staff will provide a bill that you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement. But, I still see him because he is just fantastic. read more

I can't adequately express my admiration and gratitude for Dr. Gardner. About 8 years ago, I was misdiagnosed by a gastroenterologist with gastric lymphoma, and in those terrible days when we were awaiting the results of the biopsies, Dr. Gardner spent his nights and weekends reading up on the most current research. He called me at home a few days before the biopsies came back, and told me that my symptoms and history did not in any way indicate such a diagnosis. He reassured me with stories of other patients who had been misdiagnosed. Meanwhile, my gastroenterologist casually gave my husband the diagnosis and urged him to contact a gastric oncologist and a grief counselor. As it turned out, I did not have lymphoma, and I will always be grateful and loyal to Dr. Gardner for his diligent care. In every case he takes the time to answer your questions and explain any health-related issues. He's brilliant, personable, and dedicated. I have never had a negative experience with his staff, but I urge any readers not to be put off by this if it is in fact true. Think of her as the dragon guarding the treasure: he's worth the effort. read more

Dr. Gardner has been my doctor for 20 years. He's a Stamford trained doctor, very knowledgeable and really enjoys explaining things in detail. The office is lovely, decorated beautifully in a relaxing Asian style that makes the waiting room seem more like a comfortable living room than a doctor's office. Dr. Gardner always goes beyond the basics, and rather than just throw a drug at you, discusses options, including some holistic options that might work as well. Lucky for me, I was in for a routine update on medication before heading overseas, and Dr. Gardner spotted a skin cancer on my face. He removed it so perfectly, I have no scar and I hardly remember where it was on my face. If you need to be referred to a specialist, he seems to know all the best ones in the area, and makes a reference easy. Even though my current insurance is not covered at Dr. Gardner's, I still go, knowing that I'm taking care of the most important asset I own...my body. read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Gardner for several years now and I feel very lucky that he is my doctor. I went to see him for a physical the first time but over the years he has treated me for anxiety/depressive issues, stitched up a deep lash on my forehead perfectly, not even a trace of a scar btw- and most recently helped me get through a severe case of neuropathy in both of my lower legs from a scuba diving incident a couple of years ago. His wife & staff have always been wonderful and kind and Dr. G. is an EXCELLENT physician taking the time to answer my questions on all issues. He is also the only Dr. that respects your time. If you have an appointment at 10:30 or any other time, you will not be sitting around waiting to see him 30 minutes later. My husband and I are thinking about moving away from the Bay Area and I always think to myself if it will be possible to find a Dr. as great as Dr. G. (as I affectionally call him) He does not deserve any less than 5 gold stars! Thanks Dr. G ;-) read more