This doctor delivered my first child a very long time ago. She shamed me during a very long pitocin induced labor. Shamed me because I was in intense pain. I've never forgotten this. read more

RUN AWAY. FAST. Worst doctor I've ever been to in my entire life. Worst mistake going to her. Went in for a routine annual visit. (Under the ACA you're allowed 1 free annual visit per calendar year to get a checkup). Margaret Chen was incredibly condescending and short with me. This was very disheartening considering it was my first experience with this medical center that I chose mainly because I trusted that they would have competent staff. What a joke. She ended up billing my insurance wrong, (a free visit ended up costing me $450). And nah, I didn't even get some operation done or get anything out of it but blood work. I'm now in the process of disputing these charges with both the hospital and my insurance. This wouldn't be so bad if the staff weren't so rude. Oh and did I forget to mention THEY LOST MY URINE. I have a voicemail as proof. They called me apologizing for losing it and asking me to come in to give another sample. Cool. AVOID THIS CENTER AND DOCTOR LIKE THE PLAGUE. You will only be caused a headache. All malice aside, please avoid this place. Please please please listen and save yourself this mess they've put me in. read more

This doctor is unprofessional and unsanitary. She did a procedure on me and went to talk to her assistant twice. She touched the door and came back to work on me without changing her gloves. She had me do unnecessary test just to charge my insurance. When I asked her if that test will be expensive. She said, "What difference dose it make since your insurance will pay for it." Well now I'm stuck with a large deductible that I will have to pay out of my pocket. She was very aggressive and I was in a lot of pain. I had to stop her and somehow she talked me into letting her complete the test. I just pray that she didn't infect me with something due to her unsanitary practice. Be smart and don't let her touch you. I wish I had read the yelps that have been posted about her in the beginning. read more

Dr. Chen was my awesome gynecologist for many years. She is retired now.

It used to be a real pain to schedule an appointment with Dr. Chen, so I was tempted to only give four stars because of that, but I realized that the last time I called for my annual check-up, it was easy and smooth, so they must have fixed that problem. And I love Dr. Chen. She's delivered two of my three sons and taken care of me through test scares and health worries for many years. As other reviewers have mentioned, her practice is busy, so sometimes I've had to reschedule because she still delivers babies. And sometimes I've had to wait, because once you're in the exam room with her, she really focuses on you and takes the time to answer your questions and do a really thorough exam rather than hustling you out to keep on schedule. I've always found her warm and caring and knowledgable, and she keeps very current with the latest research on women's health. read more

I have been going to Dr. Chen for many years now and can truly say I've been happy with her. The women at the front desks are very busy but courteous and do their jobs to assist patients. Dr. Chen is a well qualified physician and a very down to earth person. She made me feel comfortable that I was able to talk about feminine problem issues. She listened and really had given me good advice and treated my symptoms. Every year, I am happy to see her for my routine pap smear. read more

I deliberated long before deciding to write this review. I used to think that the driving factor in poor AND expensive health care (particularly due to over-testing and over-diagnosing) were the big "profit-minded" hospital conglomerate's and their business practices --like milking "fee for service," the blight on our medical system. In fact, I believed that many very excellent doctors, perhaps most of doctors, are caught in a vicious system and are NOT a key part of the problem of rising patient costs in spite of middling health care outcomes. I have started to think that there are some doctors who ARE very much a part of the problem, by being party to that "fee for service" and "patient-be-damned" approach. In my last pregnancy, the problems with my first visit were LARGELY a result of the doctor who "treated" me. That was Dr. Chen. I may as well have been a deaf-mute because what I had to say in the visit had no bearing on what she had already decided to do when I stepped in the door. I went to Sutter Health to get prenatal care because I knew that I was pregnant, full stop. I KNEW. I only scheduled the first doctor's visit for prenatal care at nearly 4 months pregnant only after administering several hCG level pregnancy tests at home and actively conceiving after three to four months of charting basal temperature. I told her all that. Dr. Chen gave no consideration to my own understanding of my pregnancy and the fact that I KNEW that I was pregnant and KNEW the due date with precision. She showed not to know that I had successfully conceived and knew to, to the day, my due date. I told her what it was. She was more interested in hurrying through the screening questions: "Do you have sex with one partner?";"Do you use recreational drugs?" This dismissive attitude was galling. I had just charted and practically ENGINEERED this little fetus into existence tirelessly over four months. That happens ONLY when you are laser focused, sober and having intercourse with the SAME person several nights and mornings per month during that precious ovulation window. My condition of pregnancy was not an accident. It was intentional and proven. After the fact I learned that Dr. Chen coded my diagnosis as "missed period." How insulting to dismiss a woman's ability to get pregnant and then know that she is pregnant! She really must think average women are idiots when it comes to their reproductive health. She seemed little interested to know that I had successfully conceived and knew to, to the day, my due date. I told her what it was. She didn't even register a reaction and impatiently went through the rote gestures of screening me, as another mare getting "knocked up" accidentally. She treated me like a number. She pushed me through the Sutter agenda of egregious unnecessary testing and had zero tolerance in knowing how I was managing my own health and pregnancy. She impatiently went through the rote gestures of the visit with me, as if I were another mare getting "knocked up" accidentally. I denied the intrauterine test that she wanted to perform, and yet she didn't consider my objections and went ahead with the test anyways without having any consideration of my concern for the cost. In short, CPMC claims to require an ectopic pregnancy ultrasound screen on any pregnant woman on her first visit. They code you as "missed period" regardless of whether you are showing and that you are 100% certain of your pregnancy because you ran several hCG level tests on your own time and dime. They force you to undergo their $500 pregnancy test with an intrauterine ultrasound to determine due date (which I already knew because I charted my basal temperature to know my ovulation and conception date to the T) and if it's ectopic (1% chance!). These practices go against ACOG recommendations which state that interuterine ultrasounds to screen for ectopic pregnancy only need be done when other symptoms present, which THEY WERE NOT. So remember this, as a matter of practice, CPMC obligates pregnant women to undergo test and services like this before being admitted for routine prenatal check-ups which are 100% covered by the law. My theory is that Sutter takes this test money as a sort of "cover charge" to pregnant patients before granting them the 100% covered services. The worst kind of Doctor-patient relationship is where don't even treat you like a fellow human anymore, but more like an animal. They are acting on behalf of the for-profit hospital conglomerates who are their bosses and will waste your family's hard-earned money on unneeded tests. Dr. Chen was insensitive and could be argued oblivious to her patient's needs. I am convinced of this because after seeing her in my first visit I fortunately ended up being seen almost exclusively by another doctor at CPMC-California ObGyn who treated me in a manner TOTALLY OPPOSITE to how Dr. Chen did. This other doctor HEARD my concerns, ANSWERED my questions, I read more

If you are pregnant, you are taking a risk with this practice because Dr. Chen might deliver your baby. When she delivered mine, she was so awful that I decided to write this review to spare others. Not only is her personality very cold and unfriendly, she also acted like she wanted to rush the birth and get out, without taking our own concerns or feelings into consideration. Originally in this review, I told the whole story of my delivery but I've decided to erase the details to keep my anomininity. That's b/c I have decided to stay with the practice b/c I like my gyno, Dr Farner. Since I'm not pregnant, I won't have to take the risk of having Dr Chen. As a side note, after my birth, I met someone who is a delivery nurse at CPMC. She told me that Dr. Chen is notorious for being mean to patients and nurses. She also said that she is quick to perform C Sections. I hate to say it but Dr. Chen made my first birth experince an unpleasant one. Both my husband and I were very unsatisfied with her. If you have any specific questions, feel free to contact me. read more

I haven't written a review yet, but I felt compelled to tell anyone out there looking for a doctor to NOT go to Dr. Chen. I had a procedure done, and she actually damaged my body. Without going into details, it jeopardized my chances of ever having children. I have been so disappointed with Dr. Chen's response. Basically I was told that it wasn't her fault. However, I have had to go see a team of specialists, and I have been told by all that it was her fault, 100%. It's just so sad that this type of service is perfectly acceptable, and that women continue to go to her without realizing how dangerous her practice actually is! Please, if there is one thing you can do for yourself it would be to NOT go to this practice. read more

I feel like I should do two different reviews for Dr. Chen, one for before I got pregnant and one for after. Pre Pregnancy: She's been my doctor since I was 16 years old and all I can say is that for a once a year check up/pap smear/birth control discussion, she's very competent and thorough. She's not warm and fuzzy but she knows what she's doing. Since her office delivers accross the street there have been numerous times where my appt has been cancelled with very short notice (once I was on the bus on my way in) because she was on call and had to run over and deliver someone. But if you need a procedure done or a test, she is reliable. Then I got pregnant. I went in for my first appt with my husband and wanted to know what my options were for delivering with her at CPMC with a natural childbirth, (i.e. maybe no epidural, maybe different pushing / laboring techniques). She was 30 min late to the appt, kind of abrupt and when I brought up natural childbirth she told me that "I'm not catching your baby. You labor and deliver on the bed." Then she did the exam, got the due date wrong by a week (we later found out when we switched OBs) and announced that I (suddenly) have a narrow pelvis which may hinder delivery and pushing the baby out. I found it interesting and a little weird that this "narrow pelvis" business hasn't been spotted in the 10+ years that I have been her patient. Later, my new OB was very keen in examining me, as she's never heard of such a thing, unless the patient had osteoporosis or had been in an accident and Dr. Chen specifically included this note in my chart. The concensus was that at my 9 weeks of pregnancy she'd already tried to prep me for having a C-section at delivery. We switched doctors and delivered (vaginally) at UCSF with only 15 min of pushing. So if you're looking for a doctor to do your check ups, Dr. Chen is absolutely fine. If you're looking to have a baby, stay away....far far away. Or she might tell you you have a narrow pelvis. read more

I've moved around the country a few times and, therefore, have had several doctors over the years....and I can safely say that Dr. Chen is the worst doctor I've ever visited. She has no bedside manner; she is quite judgmental and rude. She actually told me that everything else that my other doctors were telling me was wrong, and I said, "okay, if they are wrong, then will you please research this and follow up with me and let me know what you find/recommend?" Of course, I never heard from her ever again. Did she realize she was wrong and didn't want to tell me this or did she not care enough to do the research and get back to me? Either way, she is extremely unprofessional. read more

Long overdo review. As a Gynecologist Dr. Chen was fine. I saw her for a few years before becoming pregnant. When I mentioned I was planning to start trying to conceive and asked what I should be doing to prepare, she said "nothing." Didn't even mention taking folic acid. Once pregnant she got me in right away for an ultrasound, but made me wait about 45 mins for that appt. Pretty much every appt was a long wait. She got my due date off by a more than week, which I know happens, but kind of annoying. Prenatal appointments were very brief, which I know is typical, but she never even asked me how I was feeling or really gave me time to ask questions. What she did spend a lot of time on was lecturing me about proper nutrition. Which was fine the first time, but when she was constantly bringing it up, it became really annoying. I was not overweight and lost weight due to morning sickness in the first half of the pregnancy. Later on in second trimester I started gaining slightly faster once my appetite returned. Nothing crazy, maybe a couple more lbs in one month than is recommended. She lectured me about this and told me I was gaining more than I should be, when I reminded her that I had actually lost weight in the beginning she didn't really say anything. I ended up having premature rupture of membranes and had to be induced. When it came time for me to push they called the doctor on duty, Dr. Farner. She took a very long time to get to the hospital and I ended up waiting to push because of this. It was the morning and she came in with wet hair, so I'm guessing she decided to get in a quick shower before heading to the hospital. Not cool. My baby ended up being born stunned, which may have been because I stopped pushing waiting for the Doctor. Thankfully he was healthy and started taking deep breaths after several of the longest minutes of my life. I did think Dr. Farner did a great job once she arrived. I just wished she had gotten there sooner. Post-pregnancy I went to a couple more appointments. At my second visit she lectured me again about my weight (still not overweight, just curvy) and talked about how many calories I should be eating to drop the weight before I got pregnant again. Thanks for the unsolicited advice. I asked if I needed a pap smear and she said no. Later than day I received a VM stating that I was in fact due for a pap and that I needed to call and schedule another appointment. This was after having to arrange for my husband to be home from work to take care of our son while I went to the first appointment. I decided it was time to move on. I am on my 3rd pregnancy now and have found a Doctor I love. The best part about the new hospital I have switched to (besides no one offering condescending nutrition tips) is that there is always an OB on call to deliver, so no waiting to push. In hindsight I wish I would have have switched practices with that pregnancy. Live and learn. Oh and all of the nurses and front desk staff are very cold. I didn't enjoy peeing in a small dixie cup and walking it across to the sink and having my weight and blood pressure taken in a narrow hallway with other patients and Doctors passing by. Perhaps they've changed things since then as that layout was a mess. read more

First time she saw me. Had annual check up. She's great. Had little chat which gave me peace of mind. Very friendly doctor. Love the way she explains. So happy with ther service provided. read more

Had an IUD experience with Dr. Chen and it is much less pain than I had expected. She was very patient in addressing all my concerns. I think she is really experienced when doing this and makes me feel not that nervous. Overall, the procedure went on well. read more

I am never one to write reviews on anything, but I felt after looking up Dr. Chen's phone number online and reading these reviews, I had to share my own experience. For the record, I want to be clear that I don't want to discount anyone else's personal experience, because I realize we all have our own stories and experiences, which are important to share, so here is mine. I was recommended to Dr. Chen by one of my best friends who also recently moved to the bay area, and I was not disappointed at all, in fact I had one of the best first appointments I have ever had with a new OBGYN. She took the time to introduce herself, and take my health history in person, be present in all of my concerns without making me feel uncomfortable, made suggestions and talked about sensitive matters in a really positive, uplifting way. She was encouraging and personable and I would highly recommend her to anyone who is looking for a authentic, down to earth, straight forward doctor. I personally like a doctor who is honest and isn't afraid to say it like it is. read more

Dr. Chen is quite thorough and caring. I saw her for postpartum care and she was there for me when I had major pain issues. All my concerns were addressed anytime I saw Dr. Chen! read more

Very good customer service, both from the doctor and the nurses on the reception. Very fast processing of tests, I had my blood work results back the next day with dr Chen calling me on the phone going over my test results. read more

Today, I am writing a thank you to Dr. Chen. Twenty seven years ago she delivered my little girl. She was not my regular doctor, but when I was rushed to the hospital after having a seizure, she was on call and was there waiting for me. I was very thankful it was her, as she saved my life and the life of my baby. I was always very fond of her, but I also knew that she was a very skillful doctor. I know very well had it been another doctor, I might not have made it through, nor would my daughter. I had a very complicated pregnancy, but it ended well. I have nothing but the best to say of her. read more

Do Not Go To This Doctor This was my first visit as a new patient. I asked to have a pap as a bench mark since I was a new client. She said I didn't need one since my last one a year ago was fine. I insisted and guess what -- the test results showed I needed additional test!!! If it wasn't for me insisting I have a pap G-d knows what could have happend. Her bedside manner is curt and abrupt. You have been warned. read more

I am in my sixties and have been going to Dr. Chen for many years - she is a wonderful, competent, and caring doctor, who takes the time needed to discuss any questions/health issues that I bring up. I have had back problems for years, and even though I'm not seeing Dr. Chen for back issues, she never fails to ask how I'm getting along with my pain management in my daily life. In my opinion, the world of medicine needs more Dr. Chen's - she's ther best! Elena M. read more

As it was my initial visit I was asked to fill out a medical history form which the assistant gave to Dr. Chen. However, the doctor asked practically the same questions that was on the form. Also my medical history being with Sutter Pacific is available online, but the doctor did not read it and asked me about a test that was performed in 2009. Because I could not recall the exact information she had to go search for it, but it was indeed there in my online files. Although the doctor was pleasant and relatively easy to talk to she clearly did not empathize with me and the fears I had about her only best suggestion: A total hysterectomy. A total hysterectomy is a last resort, drastic procedure that all advice states if given one needs to get a second opinion. While she did very slightly mention a non-surgical procedure it was passed over quickly in favor of the dreaded full hysterectomy option. Maybe some women like the doctor could care less about losing their body parts without hesitation and go through a potential very risky surgery, but others like myself are concerned. It is not an easy surgery, and I did not care for the attitude that I ought not to be afraid as it's just a simple thing. read more

My friend recommended me to Dr. Chen when I and my husband decided to have a baby. She listend to my concerns and prescibed me prenatal pills before I was pregnant. She and her group took very good care of me when I was pregnant. What I really like is that there is virtually no wait in the waiting room. It's usually very much on time. There are 5 ogbyn in the office although only 4 will actually deliver babies. Dr. Chen walked me thru the whole process when I needed to take tests for spina bonfida, and when I was having gestational diabetis. Although she was not the one who delivered my baby, I was equally impress with the care her group doctors gave me. I winded up having a C-section, I heal very well. While I was in the hospital, a doctor from the group visited me every day. read more

Long overdue review. My main complaint is she gives you no time. In/out....on to the next one. My friend and I both left her for this reason. She's gone in a flash and you don't even have time to think about the meds she suggested or if you have any questions. I have been to a couple of other OB's I liked way better because after you get dressed they tell you to come into their office and finish up the appt (write your scripts, answer any additional questions, etc.). I think she has too many patients and doesn't focus enough on each throughout the day. read more

I too had to write something after seen the last three reviews. I've been going to Dr. Chen for over 20 years now and she's great. I agree, warm and cuddly is not her thing but she will ask about what's going on in your life, vacations, etc as she's doing her exam so she's not completely business only. I guess what you can say is she's friendly but doesn't get too personal, which is what you need in a doctor. As far as doctors go, I just need someone to give me the facts that I need and my options. As far as waiting, I've rarely waited more than a few minutes in the waiting room or the exam room. I always know that for a regular check-up, I can pretty much be in and out in about 15 minutes. I've recommended several friends and they're all regulars now. read more

I am actually a patient of Dr. Kim's but a perspective patient contacted me who was a bit concerned about joining this practice due to the less-than-stellar reviews of Dr. Chen. Although she was not my doctor, the practice suggests you rotate through to other doctors at the later stages of your pregnancy, so that you have had a chance to meet the four delivering physicians (Kim, Chen, Farner and John Fasset). My first appointment with Dr. Chen, I defintely waited a few minutes longer than I would have liked, and i was upset. BUT that is the only negative thing I can say about her. She is a GREAT doctor, especially when it counts. I had early contractions at 7 months and had to go to the hospital. Dr. Chen came over to see me and initially I was disappointed it was her since she had been late during our appointment, but she was so outrageously comforting and reassuring and THOROUGH at this situation that I realized.... maybe she had been late that day because of something like THIS. She spent time with me as I was scared of delivering early, my husband was out of town, etc. True that she isn't super bubbly but that isn't what I need in a Doctor... especially since she really connected with me on what these contractions meant, what I could and should do to take care of myself, what to watch for, etc. I was so comforted by her professionalism and grasp on a scary situation. Dr. Chen is a great doctor, I have two friends who go to her and love her. If I was told that Dr. Chen would be delivering my second, I would not hesitate for a moment. read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Chen's for a handful of years now. I very much recommend her. Going to the obgyn is no picnic, but she is very nice, friendly, supportive, attentive, all the things a doctor should be. read more

I have had NO problems with Dr. Chen and I'm sorry to hear that some others have. I will say I have gotten the feeling before that the medical practice she's part of is overly-busy...the office and other support staff there are not the most pleasant. But like I said, I attributed that to their being super busy. read more

this is my first Yelp review ever. The last three reviews are so off the mark I felt compelled to register to write this review. I have been going to Dr. Chen for over 25 years. She is smart and her advice is sound. She saved the life of my daughter with an emergency c-section 20 years ago, and then supported me when I elected vaginal birth for my second child (and it was successful by the way). My daughters have recently become patients too. I can't comment about the office staff, but in my view I can tolerate "no eye contact" with the staff in exchange for a top-notch OBGYN. If you want someone to cuddle you, she may not be the right doctor for you. But if you want someone who will discuss your choices with you intelligently and will earn your trust, Dr. Chen's the one. read more

I went to Margeret Chen with a tumor that my regualr OB missed. Margeret got me scheduled for surgery within a week of my fist visit. She performed a 4 hour surgery that saved my life and she managed to do it while saving my ability to have childeren. She has since my suregery called me several times to check up on me, and I can't explain how grateful I am to her. She is now my regular OB and I look foward to the day when she delivers my child. read more

Despite good experiences with everyone else in this practice, we were disappointed with Dr. Chen, who ended up delivering our baby. My wife and I felt that Dr. Chen was impatient and critical of us and rude to the staff. She also made us wait 45 minutes for a procedure and began without me in the room, despite my request to the hospital to be present. Dr. Chen seemed plenty competent but was so unpleasant that we intend to request someone else should we have a second child at CPMC. read more

Dr. Chen is getting a bad rap here. I don't have any babies, I am just a single girl who goes in for her annual checkup, but I have no complaints about Dr. Chen. She is professional and business-like, but I wouldn't call her "cold" at all. She is definitely on her game, always asks me follow-up questions about the things we discussed a year ago, reminds me about taking vitamins and calcium, etc. She also spends a decent amount of time chatting and I get a nice caring, almost big-sisterly vibe from her. She is very matter of fact in answering questions, and I like that she has a clinical, not judgmental, point of view. She is very up on the latest drugs and will give you her opinion. At the end of the day, I don't need my doctor to be my best buddy, I need her to be thorough and professional without extending the time it takes to get through an appointment that is just unavoidably awkward. Dr. Chen does a great job of this. read more

This review is LONG overdue but figure better late than never. After years and years of seeing Dr. Chen for my annual check-up, I finally decided "never again" after my last check-up. First, I waited in the examination room for nearly 40 minutes . It's so nice that I was always on time yet she was consistently late. (I recall one year when I was in the waiting room and she left to go deliver a baby. So much for my appointment.) When she finally deigned to appear, she was more interested in making small talk and barely looked at my chart. She had basically finished the exam when I had to remind her to do a check for a health concern from the year prior. "Oh yeah - forgot about that." Back on the table... feet in the straps. Super fun. The final insult was when she gave me my annual prescription for birth control pills and she misspelled my last name. Zero attention to detail. Oh - and she never did leave a message with my test results. Seriously, find another doctor. One that cares. read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Chen's for 18 years. I am writing this review because it is long overdue. Let me just start by saying that I DID have a very highly recommended OBGYN in San Francisco who was going to perform a fairly routine surgery on me for an ovarian cyst. He had me sign a release form giving permission to remove both ovaries if deemed necessary during surgery. (to speed things up?) I scheduled the surgery but didn't have a good feeling (they also referred to the wrong ovary when discussing the surgery in several appointments!) After talking with my husband we decided to get a second opinion. It was recommended I see Dr. Chen. She did find the cyst in question and ANOTHER one twice as large on the other ovary. (The other practice missed this altogether in two separate sonograms). Needless to say, I cancelled my surgery with OBGYN #1 and scheduled the surgery with Dr. Chen. She told me that her goal was for me to come out of the surgery with both ovaries. That was all I needed to hear. She was not in a rush in the operating room- where it really matters! It was not a quick procedure. I did come out with both ovaries and my husband and I credit Dr. Chen with the birth of our two children. She performed two more surgeries (similar in nature) one after child #1 and the third surgery after child #2. My advice to others looking for a doctor is consider their track record, results, cutting edge technology and let your questions and fears be known. read more

I never write reviews but I I think this one is important since is the doctor that could be attending someone else labor. I went to doctor Chen when I was living in San Francisco because a friend recommended her. She was never very friendly but I did not mind because I did not want a mom, I just wanted someone who did the job well and take care of me and my child. The very bad part was when I started labor. She was negligent. They started inducing me one night before because I had Gestational Diabetes and I was told I could not pass week 40 (I was on week 39 and 3 days). My cervix was dilated to 10 centimeters at 12 pm next day , which is considered complete, so I started pushing. I went on pushing for 6 hours and the doctor never appeared once! Until I started having fever 103.64º F and they told me that they need to do a C section because it was considered dangerous to the baby. Even though I had fever I had to wait 1 more hour for her to arrive to do the procedure (she was busy with something else). Now I am pregnant with my second child and I have incompetent Cervix (which i did not have in my first pregnancy) and I need to be on bed rest. My new doctor told me it is because the difficult labor I had with my first child and that they should have done something once I passed a limit of 2 hours pushing (NOT 6 HOURS PUSHING!!)This made my cervix weak forever and I would never have a normal pregnancy again. She never apologize or explain the reason why she let me on pushing for 6 hours and never appeared during the whole process to see what was happening with me (believe me pushing 6 hours is not normal, once your cervix is full dilated the baby should be born in 2 hours maximum) So, if you are pregnant do not go to this doctor! I do not know if she is good in other things but definitely you do not want to have her as your OB when you are pregnant. read more