I don't understand the negativity ...... I have seen Dr Marin for almost 10 years ....... has always been very good ..... has listened carefully, has recommended appropriate treatments, has been empathetic, when I have needed a quick response then I have received it ...... I have not had bad experiences with the front office admin staff ...... so I don't really understand the level of negativity that I have seen here and hence this review ...... he's a good doctor, nice person, pretty responsive ...... read more

BEWARE!!! Unethical business practice! I should've listened to all the negative reviews. I was booking a physical with Dr. Marin and his secretary told me that he was only booking physicals in May which was still 2 months away. I wanted to book the appointment sooner because I knew if I waited I would probably not end up going. The secretary then told me I could come in for a "meet and greet" to meet the doctor. I said ok figuring it would be a good way to meet the doctor and see if I was comfortable with him. Well boy was that a huge mistake!!! He asked me what my concerns were and his response to every thing I told him was that we will take care of this during your physical. I felt he was rushed and could care less but I decide I would still see him for my physical. Well come a month later and I get a bill from his office!!!! The bill is around $200!! For a "meet and greet"! He literally talked to me for 5 minutes and told me we would do everything when I come back for my physical. WTF am I paying him for. I take this up with the billing department and she asks the doctor if he can "give me a discount". He says the services and charges are valid because I saw him for two reasons. Umm no I did not!! If you ask me what my concerns are and I tell you and you say we will take care of it in my future appointment that is not seeing you for those reasons. The secretary should be more clear when offering this "meet and greet". I understand time is money but to offer a 5 minute appointment to meet the doctor and be charged $200 is unethical and ridiculous. Beware!! He could give two $h!t# about his patients. read more

I've been a "patient" of Dr. Marin's for about a year and a half now. In that time, I have been ill 2 times and never stepped foot in the office. Both times were instances of strep throat. I called each time in the morning, barely able to speak, hoping to get in for that day or the next. The first time I left a voicemail... which was never returned. I called again the following day and although I got someone on the phone, I was told I would be called back "when things aren't so crazy" and was never called back. I ended up at the UCSF Urgent Care Clinic. The second time I called in the morning, again hoping to get in for that day or the next, ya know, to help relieve the golf-ball sized tonsils currently making it impossible for me to eat and the 101 temp I was experiencing. I left a voicemail... which was never returned. I called back just before the office closed that day and was told that the earliest appointment was in two weeks. I returned to the UCSF Urgent Care Clinic. Fool me once... I'm on the hunt for a new doctor. read more

I had to switch doctors because of insurance problems, so I switched to Dr. Marin based on Yelp reviews. I have not been happy at all. The main problem is that he never has appointments available on the same day or even the next day. Typical conversation: "Hi, I have horrible nausea and I haven't been able to eat for three days. I decided it was finally time to see my doctor about this--can I come in today?" "No, I'm sorry, Dr. Marin is all booked up today and doesn't have any appointments available until next week." Uhh... Totally useless. When I actually did get in to see him, I thought he was very nice and professional, but found wasn't as thorough as I'd like. Like the time I went in when I threw my back out-- he just tested to see how flexible I was (which is very) and told me to take ibuprofen and put ice/heat on it. Whee. No referral to get x-rays or anything to check to see if I had any sort of slipped disc or torn muscle or anything. Bah! My back still hurts, a year later. I've switched back to my old doctor and am much happier. read more

Dr Marin is great. I've been a patient for over 10 years, and he is smart, a good listener, and he carefully considers what might be right for you. Kay, the physician assistant, is simply awesome. I have often gotten an appointment with her for physicals etc. because it's much easier, and she's a real star. She takes her time, makes sure she checks everything, and has a great bedside manner -- and will get you what you need. So why 2 stars? The front desk is often brusque, aggressive, demanding and makes you feel like you're interrupting something more important they have to do. There is no way you're getting in to see anyone anytime soon; that is if you can manage to reach anyone by phone. Forget anything truly important like vomiting non-stop for a day or two: there's no way you're getting in the same day. I just head off to urgent care for anything that can't wait a week or two -- fortunately my insurance will pay for that. So there you go: a great doctor and PA hobbled by an awful front desk. If you can get an appointment, you'll get great care. read more

Disclaimer: I never met Dr. Marin. I was scheduled to see him for the first time. Due an error caused by his office in switching my primary care doctor to him, there was a delay while we straightened out the problem with the insurance company. This was done while I was there, and because of the slight delay, I was going to be seen roughly 10 minutes late. Again, not my fault, but the fault of his office. The doctor refused to see me (the staff checked with him, I was told). I was asked to reschedule, which of course I refused. I got another doctor. I wrote him a letter expressing my feelings, and did not get a response. BTW, I am also a physician. read more

What a wonderful doctor! Like Nadia M said, I always seem to be able to get an appointment with Dr. Marin, but it's not like he's a patient factory or some unheard of doctor. He takes his time, doesn't rush, and is very thorough. Great manner about him. He's smart, and isn't someone who just writes a prescription to deal with problems. You can tell he truly cares about the well-being of his patients. And the nurse practitioner who works with him is also terrific -- friendly, high energy, and very knowledgeable. The wifey likes her as much as Dr. Marin, perhaps more so for issues of women's health. read more

Yet another update. I've seen a marked improvement overall in the front office staff - it's not great but it's much better! Also, I've now actually seen Dr. Marin for two instances when Kay was not around and he is wonderful. He is attentive, listens and has accurately diagnosed each time. And, GET THIS, after my first face-to-face with him (after 10 years with the office - we had a laugh about that..!) he called me over the weekend to see how I was feeling. Seriously. He also personally calls with test results and is happy to talk through your questions. In this day and age, it's tough to have a personal relationship with a healthcare practicioner - this is what keeps me schlepping downtown for appointments. read more

Cruel and uncaring. Left me on meds for far to long regardless of my bringing it up at every visit. He blew me off and didn't take me seriously. My health and life were significantly altered for the worst due to this. Never had a cure or a solution to any medical need. Thankfully he's now retired and I can only hope that I find a doctor who will actually care about me and my health as a patient. read more

My husband and I have been patients at dr. Mark Marin's office for the past five years. Our first pcp since we moved to SF. I have never met dr. Marin, but the RN is very nice and explains everything you could possibly ask her. My husband is a fan of dr. Marin himself. We had two major issues that result in the one star. 1) twice we were referred to the wrong type of doctor. Once in an emergency situation. 2) my husband needed shoulder surgery. There was a small window for when this operation should happen. We needed to get a pre op physical done with 72 hours notice. Dr Marin was not available, which is fine, but still rude since the physical would have taken ten min. Than the receptions hung up on us, than never called back when we wanted a referral to another doctor. We ended up finding a very nice place called care practice in the mission. When we called to let dr m know, the receptionist said great and hung up on us again. This was a scary emergency operation and dr Marin's office aggravated everything we had to deal with that week. So if you eve actually need your PCP to be helpful in an emergency I would stay away from Dr. Marin's practice. Side note: they do not accept credit cards. read more

I have met Dr. Marin only once and that was when I was able to schedule an appointment 4 weeks in advance. When I saw him, I must have spent 5 minutes in his presence. I think Kay is a very good and experienced nurse practitioner but her calender is often booked days (or weeks) in advance as well. Unfortunately I can't schedule my illness. The breaking point was when I called in needing either to see a doctor , or just get a prescription for a very painful UTI, only to get the office voice mail saying "call back after lunch hour." When I called back the phone was disconnected and I never actually got through. I had to go through my GYN to get the medication. I understand and even appreciate not wanting to overbook so patients don't have to wait, but emergencies happen. I'm looking for a new Dr. read more

Dr. Marin doesn't seem to be a very knowledgeable doctor. He's nice, easy to get an appointment with and will give the patient the full four minutes allotted, but if you have any problem other than an ear ache or ankle sprain, better go to UCSF where the real top notch physicians practice. Sad to say, I've found that many of the "community" docs in SF are, like Marin, second tier. read more

I go to see Kay Kugler and she is fantastic. Her bedside manner and wealth of knowledge is remarkable. One word to the wise though - if you need them to call in a prescription for you, this is the order they would like you to follow. Call the pharmacy and try to refill the prescription. This will make the pharmacy call them for approval of the prescription. The front desk staff prefers that the pharmacy call them, not you. If you call them they'll just tell you to call the pharmacy. read more

Unfortunately, I joined yelp just so i could write this review. Dr. Marin's office staff and their billing specialist are some of the rudest and most unprofessional people i have ever come in contact with. I imagine it is not easy working in the billing department and i don't have a lot of experience dealing with those people BUT this woman was off the charts. She returned my call on an invoice question and was immediately rude and began fighting with me, she didn't have accurate billing information, and she gave me incorrect followup information. This just makes the "going to doctor" experience so much worse. Please beware! As far as the doctor's services ... that was fine. I saw Dr. Marin's assistant once and she wasn't too knowledgeable but got the job done efficiently. read more

I'm down with Dr. Marin. He's got a great, downtown location and he's a really nice guy. I was a little concerned going there for an old knee injury that I never had checked out. Dr. Marin immediately referred me to a top specialist for additional care. My physical also went smooth and I got the impression that Dr. Marin is a highly skilled professional. Appointments are booked up months in advance and I got the sense that the receptionist wanted to get me off the phone as fast as possible when I called. But hey, they do general medicine in the financial district and accept HMOs. You can't fault them too much for being busy. read more

I see Kay in Dr. Marin's office. She is an absolute delight! Very friendly and very thorough. All of the specialists she's referred me to for various serious ailments have been just as personable and knowledgeable as herself. She tends to refer people to doctor's she's worked with personally, which I find refreshing and comforting. The only reason I don't give this place all 5 stars is because I find it difficult to be seen on an emergency basis. I broke my wrist while on vacation in Alaska. The Alaskan doctors told me to follow up with my PCP in two weeks if I still had pain. I did, but I couldn't get in to see Kay or anyone for over a week after I originally called them. read more

I've seen Dr. Marin once and liked him just fine, but the 5 stars are for Kay. It's so hard to find a doctor you like, and I think Kay's just wonderful. Very thorough, knowledgeable and she has a great bedside manner and sense of humor. She always manages to put me at ease, and if I'm not sweating like crazy at the mention of an unexpected pelvic exam, you know she's doing something right. I'll go to see Kay as long as I live in the city. Maybe longer. read more

I would like to say, that I miss "My Doctor" Mark Marin, M.D. He was so awesome, when I didn't have insurance and I was out of money he still wrote me prescriptions for things that he had seen me for in the past that were ongoing issues and really helped me out. I love this Doctor and I'm sad I don't have the insurance that allows me to have him as my primary care DR. Now I'm in Los Angeles, I really miss him because now I'm at Kaiser P. and it just doesn't feel the same. read more

Great Doc, Great staff. Really - I interact with the staff more than the Doc (who I fortunately don't need to see too often) and they are just great - attentive, responsive, and they just get things done. Dr Marin is great as well - case in point - when I needed a procedure done he referred me to one of the best docs in the city (who was covered by my insurance). So it wasn't just a referral, it's a good referral. read more

I've been a patient of Dr. Marin for about 4 years. He's an excellent diagnostician and he's a kind and caring doctor. As with most medical practices these days he's often busy and a little rushed. There are times I wish he would take a little more time to review my file, but I think that's just the reality of medicine these days. Chis, in the office, is a lovely person. Very friendly and always knows who I am when I call. Kay Kugler, the nurse practitioner, is also fantastic. She's a bit better at not rushing. Overall, a solid, traditional small practice that will meet most of your health needs. I'm a happy patient. read more

Great doctor. I'm happy with him. I go in with a problem and come out with a solution. I need clear goals and Dr. Marin has always made them clear. read more

The front desk is often rude, brusque and inefficient. Dr. Marin is fine if/when you get in, but good luck getting that far. I agree with the other reviewers about going elsewhere for anything serious. read more

I had to post this in response to Spendi S's post about doctor shopping for pills. From the little bit you said in your review (and not very well said, I might add), it sounds like you have a problem with a drug-addicted husband, not Dr. Marin. You shouldn't be blaming the doctor for giving pills to your husband if your husband is going to him complaining of pain. It's not a primary care physician's job to make sure your husband doesn't abuse his pain pills, but it IS his job to help him if your husband is claiming to be in pain. Too many people don't take any responsibility for their own care and look for everybody and anybody who they can blame for a problem other than the person who's truly responsible. Sure, the doctor is the medical professional, but we're adults here & have to take SOME part in our own care. I want to point out that I'm not ignorant of this kind of situation. I've struggled with addiction to pain medication myself ever since I had back surgery a few years ago. I would never blame my back doctor for this because I feel strongly that it's MY issue and nobody, not even my doctor, has forced the pills down my throat. He can't refuse to prescribe them to me because I'm in pain daily, but he also can't be held responsible if I don't take them as directed. There are organizations out there who can help your husband, but only if he's ready to get help. In any event, stop looking for somebody else to blame and try to figure out what is the real reason for this problem, as it's certainly going to be deeper than just a doctor being too free with the prescription pad. And by the way, I've been seeing Dr. Marin since 2005 and have NOTHING bad to say about him. He's good, he's willing to fit you in when you need him but he's busy, he doesn't make you feel like you're wasting his time, and the ladies running his office are awesome. I don't even live close to his office anymore, but won't change doctors because I like him so much. read more

Dr. Mark Marin is outstanding. He's been my primary care lead for 10+ years. I can't say enough good things about him. He's a great doctor and smart, caring, no-nonsense, certified good human. One thing that may sum it up - he follows up to see how you're doing. When was the last time you received a phone call from your doc, out of the blue, to see how you are doing? I'll never forget that. read more

Click on "17 reviews not currently recommended." You will see even more negative reviews. Do Not see Dr. Marin! I wish I had seen those reviews before I decided to see him. read more

I left Dr. Marin because it is impossible to get an appointment. The front desk is beyond rude. I left after I called to complain that I thought I had swine flu, and the receptionist told me over the phone that she did not think it was swine flu. I saw another doctor that afternoon and it was in fact swine flu. Dr. Marin seems like a nice person, but if you actually want to see a doctor when you are sick, go elsewhere. read more

Well I had selected him as my primary care doctor for my HMO, but without even giving the guy a chance I'm changing that asap. Why? The woman who answered the phone, I'm assuming is a secretary I'm not even sure because she didn't say, was EXTREMELY RUDE TO ME. I would not talk to another human being how she just talked to me let alone a PAYING CUSTOMER. So you've now lost my business and hopefully others. Get an attitude adjustment lady. read more

I found Dr. Mark Marin through Aetna so I trusted he'd be a good doctor. I called, hoping to make an appointment, but reached a busy signal. After 5 min of waiting, I called and reached another busy signal. (Seriously it's 2010, can't you afford Call Waiting?). Another hour passed and I called again. After 2 minutes of ringing, lady picked up and said "please hold." That hold lasted for about 10 min. when I knew that I had to hang up. I tried again 30 min. later to find myself being placed on hold for at least another 15 min. Seriously? Knowing the hassle of scheduling an appointment to see the doctor in this office, I'd rather look elsewhere. read more

I was not pleased with the service at this doctor's office. It seems they were not interested in patient's welfare. The service of the front desk and appointment staff is especially poor. Not recommended. read more

The front receptionist is a total bitch who acts like she hates her job. I told her she had an attitude problem on the phone and sounded like it was a BIG surprise. Dr. Marin is nice and the other receptionist is very corgial, but if he wants to continue getting business, he should consider hiring some customer service oriented people. I have never in my 29 years dealt with someone like that in a hospital environment - unacceptable. And kudos to the comment about not getting an appointment. I could drop dead while I am waiting for an appointment -- I would rather go to emergency and pay a higher co-pay than deal with that lady in the front again. read more

I had been going to Dr. Marin for almost 12 years, and it saddens me to say that a recent experience has shown me that he doesn't really care about his patients. I would give 1 star except I had been with this doctor for so long that it would be unkind. Most likely, the change for the worse has to do with his recent move of offices -- he used to have his own practice and great people who worked for him. I injured my shoulder/back and needed to get it checked out and also something to help me sleep, since over the counter medications weren't helping. I called to make an appointment and as one was not available that day, asked if he could call in a prescription for me for a muscle relaxant or whatever he saw fit that would be effective compared to the OTC meds I was taking. I was given a message via his receptionist that he didn't feel comfortable doing so because I hadn't come to see him in 2 years (this is actually not true but he switched offices recently and the records might not have transferred). The appointment was scheduled for a week after I called, which meant I had to spend some more sleepless nights with my OTC meds. That he wouldn't even call himself was disappointing after all these years, but it's understandable -- he's busy. The day before my appointment, the receptionist called me at work telling me that they likely don't take my insurance anymore. I gave her the information on my current insurance card and it sounded like she had no idea which insurance I was talking about. I told her I would call her back, since I was very busy at work. I called back around 4.55pm and had to leave a message as no one was at the office, saying I may have to reschedule my appointment, as I couldn't track down whether the doctor accepted it. After more research I called back and left another message that it looked like my insurance was ok and that I would like to keep the appointment. The whole thing was strange, anyway. How can a doctor's office not know if they accept a certain kind if insurance? The next morning, I show up and I'm not on the schedule -- my appointment has been canceled. The receptionist admonishes me for being late (which I was by the time I spoke to her -- they had another receptionist who told me I wasn't on the schedule) and says she canceled the appointment after my message. I asked her if she listened to both of my messages and she claimed she did. She actually offered to play them for me, in a crowded office. Kind of rude but at least it would have shown that I rescinded the cancelation. She thought better of it at the last second, I guess, because she didn't. She then checked with the doctor and said he could see me in an hour from the current time or 2 days from now. I couldn't wait for the offered appointment due to work commitments and the whole experience soured me. It has been a week and I'm still taking OTC pain relief meds. It's been miserable and the doctor doesn't have a moment for a patient that has been loyal to his practice for over a decade. read more

I would think there must be an 'elite' group who get to see/talk to Dr Marin. I'm not one of them (and from the looks of these reviews, there are a few others who are not). It's not a good office that can't see the difference between someone who is in need of an appointment, and someone who is need of help now. I needed help now, and this Dr and his staff let me down. Dr Marin WAS my Primary Care Phs for about 3+ years. I'm now shopping around for another Doctor. read more

Dr. Marin is wonderful. I've seen him for years, and he's both knowledgeable and helpful. His staff, however, are a bunch of rather unhelpful pit bulls. I'm a low maintenance guy and only have basic questions. But they never seem to have answers, are exasperated by having to lift a finger, and are pretty rude. They could use a lesson in manners (and in not being lazy). 5 stars for the Main Man Mark Marin. (His NP is also a solid professional). 1 star for the office staff and their attitude. read more

Dr. Marin runs a very small practice that is conveniently located in the financial district. He has had the same receptionist for years and she is friendly and organized. Since he is the only physician it can be a while to get an appointment for a routine physical but whenever I am sick they have worked me in right away. He will provide samples but he REFUSES to talk to drug reps. This guy has real integrity and stays abreast of everything new in the medical journals. I find him candid and I am comfortable with him. I am never rushed during my appointments and never have to wait. read more

Sometimes great health care delivered too late is much worse than good health care delivered immediately. That's why I don't like seeing Dr. Marin. I just switched from Dr. Marin to Dr. Diamond at the Metropolitan Medical Group at 2 Embarcadero. They are much, much better. Dr. Marin is very difficult to make an appointment with. I was feeling ill (the type where if you get some antibiotics, you're good in a couple of days) but he couldn't see me for a week and a half! Another time, I had some very important tests done that should take 1.5 days for results. He didn't call for 3.5 days, and only after I had to call asking what the results were. When I called just after noon, the receptionists said he had gone home for the day. Great. Thanks. When he finally called me after 4 days, he rushed me and kept trying to say goodbye when I was trying to ask him important questions about what the results meant. He gets the stars he gets because I think he cares and is competent - he's just way too busy for his own good. Forget about getting a physical - 3 months minimum. I just called Metropolitan Medical and got a physical for tomorrow. read more

Dr. Marin is fine, but woefully unavailable! In fact, I cannot remember when I last saw him - I usually get a prescription called in based on self diagnosis. The receptionist is not the nicest or most helpful! Since I think I might benefit from actual medical care I have decided to switch to another doctor. read more

I've been going to Dr. Marin (and team) since I moved to SF 6 or 7 years ago. I randomly picked his office because it's close to my work and I have zero regrets. Dr. Marin and Kay are the nicest people and have always taken great care of me. I haven't had scheduling issues at all (at least a dozen appts over the years) which it sounds like some people have complained about. It has always been easy and I'm always treated with respect by everyone in the office. I'm extremely satisfied with my Doctor and his team and highly recommend. read more

Dr. Shopping? If so, you've found your man! :-D Bum elbow? Glass in foot? It don't make no never mind, the Vicodin is flowing, folks. I've even called this doctor and his front desk over the last 5-6 years, to try and do something about my Husband's drug abuse. They blow me off like it's nothing that they've been giving him narcotics for years now. Total blind eye when it comes to fakers seeking pills. I swear these pill excuses are so laughable. I'm writing this solely out of frustration and being at the end of my rope. Check your patients bloodwork once or twice a year, maybe, doc? Nope. Doesn't matter to him how much APAP you consume in a day (chased by vodka). Doesn't seem to matter how prevalent alcohol abuse is, either. It's all good, he won't even check your liver! Ever! No one gets a pass here, IMO. Not even me (!!) but this doc might wanna step up before it's too late. And for sure not my Husband doesn't get a pass. But when said Jackass Husband is clearly getting up every other day, still half sh*tfaced and running off to this Doctor because his butt hurts, I'm gonna say something about the docs accountability. It's irresponsible. I'd have the dude committed for alcohol and drug abuse myself, if this doctor might some day cut him off finally! read more

What a shame that such a kind doctor is let down by such a disgusting administrative staff. His personal assistant is especially rude, inhuman and vicious. Her manner was appalling and she should not be working with people, when she lacks basic humanity and empathy. If you want to feel like a piece of nothing, then go to this doctor's practice! It's a pity, as once you've made it passed the labyrinth of administrative evil, the doctor himself is pretty good. read more

I love Dr Marin. Even though I no longer live in SF, I still go to him. And every specialist he's ever referred me to has been the best in their specialty. Dr Marin is very professional, respectful, calming, and he's a dead ringer for James Taylor. He also stays on schedule -- I barely have time to take a seat and I 'm whisked off to an examination room. Kay is awesome, and I always go to her for women's issues or minor problems -- I can usually get in within 24 hrs to see her. She has a great "motherly" bedside manner, very empathetic, thorough. read more