I was hopeful I'd receive care for an ear infection that was lingering after my strep and URI had resolved. I was told in advance about the $175 new patient fee, which seemed odd, but my long-time ENT had relocated out of the area, so I was desperate. Issues: unlike almost every doctor in Marin, Dr Shapiro is unable to access MyChart; despite requiring me to fill out 6-8 pages of paperwork online prior to my appt, I had to redo it on their forms in the office; I had to produce & hand over 3 forms of ID. So, I handed a credit card, 2 insurance cards, CDL, and filled out redundant forms. The woman at the front desk handed my cards, receipt for $175, and copies of forms. I completed the same questionnaire I filled in on line and took it to the front desk. After waiting 45+ minutes past my appt time, I was called. Dr. Shapiro quizzed me on where I had worked and what I did for a living, then dismissed my career as uninteresting. He spent under 5 minutes looking in both ears and holding up a tuning fork, which I could hear. He said he didn't know what I wanted from. Fewer than 5 minutes earlier, I told him precisely what I wanted: how much of my hearing loss was due to my infections and what was permanent. He handed me a card of an audiologist and told me to make an appt. He spent less than 5 minutes with me. He made it clear that I had to use that audiologist because he got a referral fee. Later, at home, I received a call that the office was closing. I could pick up my credit card the next day! I didn't realize they held onto it. Yep! The doctors' policy. I asked them to send it. I called the following day. They weren't open until 10 am, closed from 11-2, and were leaving at 3! I reported it stolen. What way is this to run a supposedly professional business? read more

Dr Shapiro is kind, efficient, and doesn't make anything complicated. I have been going to him since DR Pletcher retired and that was decades ago. He doesn't recommend stuff you don't need. He cares and has a great offive staff, too read more

Charges $175 administrative fee (just to see you). This is with a high insurance monthly, which apparently he is "part of the PPO network" so I'll need to call my insurance, and find out what's the real deal. read more

The office is filthy. You're there at an allergist and a dog comes in the exam room. Nothing here is clean

Two visits, a few years back, the second exceedingly and strangely rushed. I think Dr. Shapiro has a lot of knowledge, and skill, however, this is marred by the impression he gave off (especially the second visit) that he had way too much coffee, maybe a problem with coffee. I didn't mind the friendly little dog in the exam room. It was concerning that Dr. Shapiro's observable non-verbal behavior and eye contact was as if there is some kind of issue here -- with coffee? That coffee buzz behavior may have detracted from otherwise would be a highly skilled provider. At any rate, I feel safer going to someone elese. read more

I have taken my children to Dr. Shapiro various times in the past. Last week was my turn as my left ear was bothering me and I had vertigo. The doctor worked me into his schedule quickly knowing I was suffering. He found a hair deep in my ear that needed to be removed. I really didn't feel a thing and didn't even know he removed it until after he was done. He never rushed the visit despite it being scheduled with little notice. As in visits in the past, he spent as much time as necessary answering my questions. I thank Dr. Shapiro for taking such good care of my family and I. read more

I give Dr. Shapiro ENT my highest recommendations. I called Dr. Shapiro's office this morning, because my ear canals were "blocked" and inflamed, and I could hardly hear anymore. The office personal were very professional and able to "squeeze" me in for a 1:30 pm appointment. Dr. Shapiro explained every little procedure he performed, and also what it might feel like. I felt so well prepared and taken care of. And oh my gosh, I feel like a new person being able to hear again. Thank you Dr. Shapiro for your superb treatment and professionalism. I am a retired RN, and I know a good Doctor when I see one. You are definitely one good Doc. read more

Dr. Shapiro has been my ENT for the past decade. I highly recommend him for any ear, nose, or throat issue. He's knowledgeable, efficient, and to the point which I appreciate. read more

Look elsewhere. I was referred to Dr Shapiro for fluid build up in my ear over months. I was also referred for chronic uvulitis which sent me to the ER twice in the last year. My Dr. from one medical faxed over my referral. The receptionist had no record of it. For the ear, he basically had me blow air into my eustachian tube and commented that it was cool to watch. He then prescribed flo-nase, saying if it doesn't get better it would need a tube. (my PHC doctor already did that) For the Uvula he took one look and said it looked normal and was dismissive of any issues. (Clearly he hadn't read up on my history in the referral) Literally a day later I had another uvulitis attack. Not wanting to go the ER again I tried to call his office at 4:45. I was put on hold for approx 10 minutes and when I called back I was put on hold again only to be hung up on. When I called back a 3rd time it was after 5pm and I was sent to their overnight system. It's also worth mentioning that he has a dog who comes into the exam room. It appears to be his dog? I love dogs but I'm allergic to them. This isn't something I would expect to be present in an ENT Dr. office and made me very uncomfortable. Definitely not going back. read more

Dr Shapiro has performed surgery on a couple of my family members. He is a qualified surgeon with positive healing results

I took my Gram to the audiologist today because her hearing has declined and her hearing aides were whistling, apparently a sign of wax build up. So, off we went to see Dr. Michael S. Shapiro, ENT in Greenbrae. Now, Gram is fragile: she's 100, maybe 100 pounds fully dressed and soaking wet. She did her hair, put on her makeup and was, as always, very polite. This asshole, on the other hand, never shook her hand - never even reached out for it. Never called her by her name, never said hello, nice to see you...nothing. He motioned for her to sit on the bed, and when she inquired, "Where should I sit?", he snapped "where I told you." She hadn't heard him. Things our going well, right? Then, instead of talking to her - you know like doctors do - he pushed her head down on the examination table. Her head doesn't go all the way because she kinda hunched over now because SHE IS 100 YEARS OLD. Instead of talking to her asking her to move her head he just pushes it around. I'm literally paralyzed with shock. I ask him a few questions about her hearing, get grunts for answers. Ask him why were the hearing aids never fitted properly, got a grunt for a reply and was told there is nothing to be done and he "certainly didn't know" why she would have been told they could have worked better for her. Oh, sorry to bother you. He's digging in her ears, not speaking to her, no comforting her, no nothing. She grimaces and says ouch several times; he could care less. To my 100 year old Gram. Is he kidding me? This guy is the most disgusting excuse for a doctor I have ever seen in my life. Short story: NEVER EVER EVER entrust your body or any loved ones to this "doctor". Well, unless you want to be treated like &*(^ and disrespected. read more

Very unprofessional, he has a hairy filthy dog wandering around the Office! Hardly an environment to perform sterile procedures. Rushed and seemed to have no concern for the pain I was experiencing. Never said goodby, on to the next one. read more

After being told that I would have to wait 3 weeks+ by another Ear Doctor, I called Dr. Shapiro. He was able to see me within 48 hours. He was very pleasant and efficient. He cleaned out my ear and restored my hearing! This was a great experience and resolved an issue that had been bothering me for over a month in less than 20 minutes. I recommend him highly! read more

i started seeing Dr Shapiro in 2004 for what was the beginning of my sinus problems. at first, simply diagnosing the condition (polyps, sinusitus, infections) was a way of making me feel better. he ordered a CT scan, he showed them to me, he admitted the condition was extensive, though didnt recommend surgery, and simply proceeded to throw drugs at it: antibiotics, prednisone, and nasal steroids. i was averaging about 3x-4x sinus infections a year. [*] Everytime i had an appointment, i NEVER was seen on time. One time i waited almost 45 minutes. [*] The receptionists were icy-cold, grumpy and unprofessional. You could hear them bitchy on the phone with other patients. No eye contact. No sense of pride. No business working with people in a service organization. [*] Each appointment, he treated me like a new patient, never once seeming to have reviewed my file beforehand. Even sometimes taking a full silent minute to himself during these short meetings to read my file in front of me. [*] Every appointment was a rushed affair, with very little emphasis on educating me on how my condition was progressing, good or bad. i suppose if he doesnt know me from any other patient, he cannot be expected to track progress let alone provide such information to the patient. [*] When once i asked to SEE the polyps, i got an impatient reaction that hinted at arrogance, as if i didnt believe they were there. A deep sigh and a serious beat while he thought about how he was going to fulfill what, i am not sorry to say, is a basic and field-able request. i prolly saw Dr Shapiro a total of 6 or 7 times from 2004-2008. In late 2008, my sense of smell was almost entirely gone, which in the mind of his patient, was a dramatic progression of the condition he was treating. he all but shrugged his shoulders when i offered-up all the research i had done online about surgery, polyp removal surgery to restore my sense of smell. i *knew* my condition to have worsened. he repeated what he said back in 2004: that i still was not a candidate for such surgery. I knew then that i needed a second opinion. so i went to a new ENT: Dr Gary Rust (found using Yelp & his 5-star reviews), who i enthusiastically recommend, regardless of which Bay Area county you live in. Dr Rust used tools that made Dr Shapiro's office feel like a MASH tent. Dr Rust asked questions that Dr Shaprio NEVER asked. Dr Rust squarely placed me amongst those whom surgery would benefit. Dr Rust reminded me that 4+ years of treating the condition with drugs, the alternative is by default worth exploring. I get the feeling now, after said surgery, and with a great sense of sinus hope, that Dr Shapiro is simply a dinosaur. A doc from the old guard, though he himself is not old, and not that age alone is any factor for MY consideration of a doctor. rather, that Dr Shaprio's office, his personality, his methods & techniques, his *whole* practice is a perfect example of how NOT to treat patients. a slow barely-perceptible-until-you're-stuck-in-it dismantling of the Hippocratic Oath. he seems to have only a single bullet in his arsenal: drug treatments. no variety. no suggestions. no chance for a meaningful practice to thrive. In my opinion, a quality doctor should treat the patient first, then treat their condition. i dont mean all touchy-feely. rather, to do their due diligence and make a patient feel like they're on their doctors radar. regardless of how busy they think they are. if they cant be bothered to walk into that room having read the file beforehand, then they dont deserve to be practicing. he's a nice guy i suppose. but as a doctor, i cannot recommend whatsoever. read more

I went to Dr Shapiro for a mystery combo of deafness in one ear and vertigo. Brusque is the word for him. He spent 5 mins on me with the door open. Gave me a hearing test and a check for fluids. Told me I could try steroids but would only have a 50:50 chance of their being relevant. When I declined them on the grounds of their side effects he proceeded to leave the room while I was still asking him questions about my options. He concluded our conversation in the waiting room. Wait it out was all he offered me. read more

I have had ENT doctors for most of my life, so I know good treatment, bad treatment, and indifferent treatment. Dr. Shapiro is one of the best ENT doctors I have seen. I am at a loss for the negative reviews on the ground of brusqueness and unfriendliness. I see him probably every year for a sinus infection, and each time the appointment is short, to the point, and he gives the medications which eliminate the problem. He also is friendly. If he has the medication as samples, he will give samples rather than forcing me to pay for a prescription. If you have a genuine emergency (no a cold is not such), they will try to squeeze you in. He is busy, but that is due to the fact he is good. read more

Got stuck with him due to Dr. Hribar not having any availability. Dr. Shaprio Lacks attention, patience and rushes you out the door. Reminds me of workers who are just clocking in and out but mentally checked out. No clear explanation of my symptoms, "wait it out", possible surgery....all vague responses.....with muttering. I only recommend if you have no other options and desperate to get some "professional" advise. Always try to book with Dr. Hribar who is complete opposite of experience you will get with Dr. Shapiro. read more

Saw Dr. Shapiro twice--first time he was helpful, albeit a bit quick, not someone to explain much. The second time he suggested I have a hearing test before he could help me with my ear pain. So, still with the pain, I had to wait a week or so to see an audiologist. After the audiologist found I had perfect hearing I called Dr. Shapiro again. He never returned my phone call. So, after paying him and the audiologist, and waiting some weeks to be seen by both I was left in the same condition--in pain. I later found another ENT doctor in San Francisco through Yelp and had a night and day different experience-- a thosand times better. His manner is a bit odd too, kind of flipant. I too had to wait a long time in the waiting room before called for my appt as others have noted. I'd recommend going elsewhere if you have the chance. read more

I was referred Dr. Shapiro by a manager at Marin Community clinics. I knew I needed cauterization, I've had it done years ago. Out of the blue, someone from Dr Shapiro's office called and said they could see me that same day. I showed up and the price was very generous. Dr Shapiro looked in my nose and saw the offending blood vessel. He cauterized it, said if it persists to come back free of charge, and sent me on my way. Thanks! read more

I went to Dr. Shapiro's office after noticing a bump under my tongue. The receptionist got me in very quickly and Dr. Shapiro determined what it was and recommended that I wait 3-4 weeks for it to go away if not I could call and get a referral to a specialist. After the bump did not go away, I called SEVERAL times and left SEVERAL messages for him to send over a referral. Even got promises from the reception that they would put my chart on his desk and make special notes for him to see. After no messages I decided to schedule an appointment just so that I could ask him in person. My second visit lasted 5 minutes to confirm that I would need to see a specialist, charged to insurance, charged a copay, and it still took an additional 3 weeks to get the referral. Nice guy but slow to follow up. read more

I cannot rave enough about Dr. Shapiro! Ok, it all begins in 2004. I had the most horrible sore throats because of some crazy oversized tonsils (too much info?) and Dr. Shapiro went over and above the call of duty of a normal doctor to make sure I was okay. First of all, I was living overseas at the time and came home to the US for a funeral. While there, my tonsils got so bad that I couldn't breathe if I had a stuffy nose. I seriously needed to get my tonsils removed but I didn't have insurance! I went on Medi-Cal really quickly (which was amazing, by the way, now I completely believe in government-run health care), but no one in ritzy Greenbrae would take my Medi-Cal. At the time, Dr. Shapiro didn't take the insurance but he made an exception and we set up a hospital appointment right away. The operation went great, but during the 3 week healing period (which was HELL), I was still sick with a cough and managed to open up my wound (too much info again?). I had to be rushed to the hospital on two different occasions in the middle of the night to close the wound, and Dr. Shapiro showed up both times, and he was always smiling. I love this doctor! Fast forward to 2010. I'm living back in Marin and my husband wakes up with the WEIRDEST cyst-growth thingy under his tongue and it just keeps growing like a blood blister. GROSS. We rush to our general practitioner who looks at it and says she has never seen anything like it, we have to go to a specialist or to the emergency room. We wanted to avoid the emergency room, so we called around to all ENTs in the area, and no one had an appointment that month. Crazy! I remembered Dr. Shapiro and gave him a call. His receptionist said he was also booked but I pleaded and she said, "Ok, where do you live? Can you be here in 10 minuets?" Sure enough we were there, and Dr. Shapiro saw my husband right away. He also had never seen anything like that weird cyst thingy, but drained it RIGHT AWAY. Amazing! I love this doctor! Take it from my husband and me, two people who have really weird things going on in our mouths and throats, this doctor is the BEST. read more

Dr Shapiro and his front office staff were wonderfully helpful to us when our 11 year old son had a plastic BB gun pellet stuck in his ear drum. They fit us into Dr Shapiro's busy schedule and were very patient with our scared son. Dr Shapiro worked tirelessly with our son and stayed with him through his lunch break. He gave us his cell phone number to reach out to further discuss our son's care. He and Danielle at the front desk went above and beyond our expectations. We really appreciate the care Dr Shapiro and Danielle provided us. read more

Dr. Shapiro saw me on short notice and was an absolute life saver. Professional, friendly and a fast office visit. Highly recommend if you need an ENT in Marin!!!!! read more

Needed immediate help with an ear problem. He got me in that day, took care of the problem with no extra issues that some docs like to create ie blood pressure, weight, history, etc. Did exactly what I needed and I was in and out in 30 mins. Exactly what I wanted to be done and no more. Highest marks. read more

Dr. Shapiro several years ago for a chronic cough for over 6 months. My PCP had prescribed every possible test and we still couldn't figure it out. I saw Dr. Shapiro and he suggested antacids (much to my suprise). Within a week I was cured. I don't usually write reviews but I happended on the last review and wanted to give another side of Dr. Shapiro and a really effective diagnosticion. read more

Dr. Shapiro is top notch!!! I have been going to him for over 10 years, and have always found him to be both professional and congenial. I found his staff to be friendly at all times and they make scheduling an appointment to see the doctor both quick and easy. p.s. Dr. Shapiro's little dog's name is Brutus, and he is a sweetheart. read more

I have had a persistent ear issue that I've been having trouble diagnosing. It has left me with vertigo and migraines. Dr Shapiro squeezed me in last minute, gave me a thorough exam, got me into get an audio exam same day with specialists, gave me his mobile phone to send the results to and called in an Rx for me same day at 8pm. It's been a long time since I had a doctor who would extend himself like this to ensure I am getting attentive care. I'm grateful and highly recommend him. read more

My experience with Dr. Shapiro is the same as many who have reviewed him - rude, unprepared and seemingly more interested in collecting insurance payments than curing my increasing deafness. read more

I had a blocked ear. It was driving me crazy and after trying a few home remedies I decided to see a Dr. I made an appt with Dr Shapiro and I was able to get in the next afternoon for his last session. On my way to the appt I was caught in traffic. I called his office to let them know. They actually put me through to Dr Shapiro who asked me some prep questions and said he would still see me. In the end I was almost an hour late. When I arrived, his staff told me he'd gone but that they were instructed to call him on my arrival. A few minutes later he returned and completed my procedure. He explained what he was doing during the procedure. He used ear diagrams to explain the cause and show the impacted areas. He provided me with answers to all my questions. At the end of the day, a blocked ear wasn't life threatening, but I greatly appreciated he went out of his way to wait around to see someone who was not a regular patient. read more

I went to Dr. Shapiro for a second opinion, after another Dr. had told me that I needed surgery for a deviated septum, but that the surgery would not be effective unless I got a rhynoplasty (nose job), which I could not afford. The previous Dr. had been very cold, brusque and discouraging. When I went to Dr. Shapiro for a second opinion I was immediately so relieved! He was very warm and reassuring, and informed me that, of course I could have the corrective septum surgery without getting a nose job! I have since been to see Dr. Shapiro because my ear was blocked and I couldn't hear and I had vertigo, and he treated me successfully for that, and again was very kind and reassuring. I am quite surprised to read some of the other unfavorable reviews, as I have consistently found him to be knowledgeable, with a refreshingly kind and caring bedside manner. read more

I have seen Dr. Shapiro infrequently over the years. On every visit I find him to be very friendly and knowledgable. I'm completely satisfied with the services that I have been provided and would recommend him without question. read more

I'm so glad I went to Dr. Shapiro. He is excellent. I was hesitant to go to him after reading some of the reviews on this page, but he was willing to squeeze me in as a new patient between his regular patients within one hour of my phone call in order to take care of a blockage in my ear. (This was in contrast to the other otolaryngologist offices in the area who told me I would have to wait over a month to be seen.) He took care of me right away. I only had to wait briefly in his office before I was seen. He is friendly, efficient, and very accommodating. His receptionist is the same. Excellent service all the way around. read more

My experience with was very good! The front office was friendly! I did not wait for more than 15 minutes. Dr. Shapiro explained things to me and I did not feel like he rushed through my visit. He even called me back on his day off to answer some question I had regarding my upcoming visit. read more

Superb ENT Doctor! He was kind, professional and was able to see me immediately for a painful ear. Dr Shapiro is someone passionate and listens to patients. read more

Dr. Shapiro and his staff have been unfailingly kind, patient and helpful to my 87 year old mother for several years. Her husband (my father) was a physician and she is very sensitive to how she is treated. I also feel supported in my role as caregiver. The only reason I can't give him 5 stars is that he is unable to cure her long-standing deafness! read more

His office is very busy, but worth if you have to wait. Made my life easier with one small proceedure!

I went to see Dr. Shapiro because I had a continual "lump-in-my-throat". He quickly told me it was acid reflux disease and told me to get OTC Prilosec. He was very abrupt and had horrible "bedside manner". He didn't ask questions and would have sent me on my way, so I interrupted and told him that I had considered recent changes in my life that may have caused the problems since I had never experienced heartburn or any sort of problems with my upper digestion or acid. I told him about 2 prescription drugs I had starting taking about a month ago and he dismissed them as being unrelated. In fact, one the drugs (a tranquilizer) he said might help because it would relax me. I picked up the OTC Prilosec and tried it for 14 days with no relief. I also did my own research and found out that Dr. Shapiro was wrong. The hormone replacement drugs I was taking as well as the tranquilizer are listed as 2 of the top 8 causes of Acid Reflux. He was also wrong about alcohol having no affect. It is one of the causes as well. I just don't trust his diagnosis and he is quick to write a prescription or put a "label" on your condition. His non-caring attitude left me feeling like something more serious could be wrong and he would overlook it in a hurry to get to the next patient. Any caring doctor would have asked more questions and told me to come back if I didn't notice any improvement--or recommend I see a different specialist if my condition is outside his area of knowledge or expertise. I am going to find another doctor and would not suggest Dr. Shapiro to anyone with a serious condition seeking thorough medical attention. read more

This is a secondhand review based on my wife and 2 y.o. daughter's experience with Dr. Shapiro. She called me afterwards with tears flowing and the following is her account. She arrived at his office and had to wait 40-45 minutes past my daughter's scheduled appointment time to get in. The waiting room was packed full of people. When she did get in to see him, he never closed the door to the exam room. My wife explained the history of my daughters ear issues which he ignored or did not listen to, then recommended treatment she had just told him we had already tried. She said he was very uncomfortable with my daughter and my wife had to talk him into trying to flush her ears out. He relented and gave it a shot but when my daughter started to get mildly frustrated he immediately stopped. She got the impression he didn't want to bother with a toddler and just wanted to move on to his next patient as the waiting room was overcrowded. He had no further advice except to recommend we stay on the path that hasn't worked for the last year. Maybe he is better with adults, but we'll never know. read more

This doctor was negligent in handling the diagnosis and treatment of my son's sinus troubles and allergies. He misdignosed my son without doing the proper tests. Also, he was dismissive and arrogant when I asked if he would look at my son's sinus's with an endoscope. He said it was not necessary. When I asked him how he knew there was not an obstruction in my son's nose he said, "I just know." Not satisfied with his thoroughness, I subsequently took my son to see a specialist, at the Sinus Center in Redwood City, who did do the proper tests: endoscopy (camera), and CT scan. The tests showed that both turbinates were so hugely enlarged they were nearly totally closing off the airway; a severely deviated septum; and one missing sinus. After a turbinate reduction procedure my son, who suffered nasal infections and allergies for 12 years, is finally breathing easy. My advice: don't go see this doctor and trust your instincts and don't let any doctor bully you out of getting the tests you need. He is not the only doctor who refused to do proper testing and made a judgment call that was completely incorrect. read more