Long ago, in October 1987, Dr. Sutro performed back surgery on my back. I was 41yrs. old at the time, and having a great deal of nerve pain. He had been recommended by another doctor, and over the course of diagnosing my situation, and coming up with a treatment plan prior to an operation, I found him to truly be an expert, and he had my full on trust. and certainly respect. After a few months, surgery seemed like the best option. I never doubted Dr. Sutro's ability to do the absolute best possible job. All these years later, I am so grateful for the excellent care from Dr. Sutro. He truly has a gift!! read more

Thanks goodness I did not see any of these negative reviews prior to my visit with Dr. Sutro. I have been dealing with a low back issue (L5/S1) for a couple of years now and it continues to worsen. At the suggestion of a friend I went to see Dr Sutro and wow I am so happy I did. Yes, he was all business from the get-go (I wasn't looking to kibbitz over coffee). I forgot my MRI disc at home and even without that he nailed what the MRI showed He held off talking about treatment options until he could confirm once the MRI was received. I dropped it off the next day and he called me and talked to me for about 20 minutes coming up with a plan. His front office followed right up with next steps. I am already feeling relief know Dr Sutro has my back (HA!). read more

So, I noticed that there are a few negative reviews that seem largely centered around disliking Dr. Sutro's demeanor. To that I say: 1) Are you going to the doctor to make a new best friend or are you more interested in quality care? 2) Get a sense of humor! Dr. Sutro has one: he's dry, sarcastic and witty. Yes, he's matter-of-fact and frank and maybe people want some foreplay before getting down and dirty with their diagnosis. Personally, I'm in a lot of pain, I'd rather not shoot the shit. Please just give me an accurate diagnosis and some good recommendations, so that I can get back to not being in pain. Ok, rant over, review begins: Accurate diagnosis? Check. Dr. Sutro nailed it within about 90 seconds of the physical exam (herniated disc and named the exact spinal segment, which was subsequently confirmed on MRI). Good recommendations? Yes. I am by no means fully recovered, but I am improving, having followed Dr. Sutro's recommendations, which so far, have avoided surgery even though I was told by another MD that that would likely be in my future. Lastly, in addition to being an excellent physician, Dr. Sutro has an excellent office manager in Susan. She has helped me in all sorts of ways to navigate the nearly full time job that is completing paper work for LOA and SDI mumbo-jumbo. She is always polite and helpful when working with me to get things handled efficiently. All in all, I find this to be a highly professional, efficient and results-oriented practice. read more

There is definitely something wrong with Dr. Sutro. My two experiences with him were very similar to Ed. H.'s. He never examined me during either visit, and during both visits, he fired question after question at me without ever waiting for an answer. I had been referred to Sutro by my primary care doc because I had worsening back pain for over a year. My doc was just prescribing pills and I finally begged her to order an x-ray. After she relented and saw that the report said I had "moderate to severe degenerative disc disease," she referred me to Sutro. At the first appointment, he just read the radiologist report (did not actually look at the images) and told me that moderate to severe degenerative disc disease is normal for a 53 year-old and can't be causing my pain. I have relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and he said that I must be having a relapse and needed to go to my neurologist. After a couple of months, a few MRIs, and several thousand dollars, my neurologist told me my multiple sclerosis was benign and not the problem (something I already knew), but that the bulging disc that she saw pressing up against my spinal cord probably was the problem. I went back to my primary doc, and she made me go back to Sutro. At the second appointment, he didn't have my MRIs yet, but said that what I described wasn't the problem. He said something bizarre like, "Maybe you're just one of those mysterious cases, and no one will ever know what's causing your pain." He said he would look at my MRI's when they arrived and he would call me if he thought there was anything he could do for me. Of course, I never heard from him. I told my primary doc that there was something wrong with the guy and that he should retire. (I am also now looking for another primary care doc as a result of these referrals to someone who clearly should not be practicing anymore.) Stay away from Dr. Michael Sutro. read more

At first, I had a very positive experience with Dr. Sutro. He took the time to explain to me the particulars of my condition and I felt very relieved to finally have a good doctor to work with on a long term basis. Then, after I had been seeing him for about 3 months I had such an awful experience that I didn't see another doctor for 2 years. He asked how I was doing and before I could even answer he started to berate me about my weight, when previously he'd told me he didn't think it was a factor in my condition. I am a size 20. When I tried to defend myself he continued to nastily castigate me. Ultimately, he said he would not treat me if I didn't have weight reduction surgery. I would have to gain 100+ pounds to be a candidate for such a surgery. I know we all have bad days, but he was abusive and inexcusably cruel. I would not recommend him. read more

Dr. Sutro was recommended by my primary doctor. I met with Dr. Sutro who was really helpful in terms for my nerve pinch. He was great with details of my MRI. I don't know why other have put these negative comments about this doctor. He does not mess around and we have a great conversation about the holiday season and his travel experiences. I did not really mind the fact that he cusses here and there. I figure this guy has high expectations of those who work in the same profession. read more

Some of these reviews scared me a little and I almost didn't go to this guy. But he was recommended by my primary care physician so I went today. Dr. Sutro is perfectly nice! I found him kind, informative, and pleasant. I left with a treatment plan and a diagnosis. What else could I ask for? read more

I am so surprised to read these very bad reviews of Dr. Sutro. I have chronic neck and back problems and have been seeing him periodically since 1997, as symptoms warrant. He's not one of those arrogant doctors who ignores what his patients say because he thinks he knows everything a priori. He has respect for his patients--he asks probing questions and then LISTENS. I won't go to a doctor who doesn't listen. However, because he's so smart and knowledgeable, I can picture him getting impatient if a patient were going on and on about things he'd already grasped, or if a patient were deluding him/herself. He did a cervical fusion on me 15 years ago and a laminectomy about 12 years ago, both of which were successful. He can no longer perform surgery because of his own spinal problems, but this has not diminished his knowledge or diagnostic abilities. read more

I'm a new patient with Dr. Sutro (just left the office this morning.) I'm also not a regular Yelper but I felt the need to in this case. I went in for neck pain I've had for a couple weeks and was a little nervous about seeing him mainly because of some of the reviews I read here. The receptionist was an absolute sweetheart and managed to squeeze me in to the schedule within 24 hours of calling because I told her I was having a hard time finding someone who could see me before I went out of town this week. Dr. Sutro was kind, professional, thorough and very personable during the visit. I couldn't have been happier. He took the time to explain to me reasons why I should or shouldn't do certain things to treat the pain. He also didn't push anything drastic and told me to check back in if the pain persisted. read more

The last time I saw Dr. Sutro was in Aprill/May 2012. I had gone to the ER about 2 weeks before with a very severe neck spasm and pain, and the dr. there had recommended a cervical collar. He said, "I never recommend those", so I took it off. He then asked how long I'd been in pain, and I told him about 9 days, which he said wasn't that long. He then said "so what would you like me to do?" I started to apologize for wasting his time, so he stopped me and said we should get films. When I returned a week or so later with the film, he said he didn't see anything wrong. I left his office and never went back. The pain has gotten much worse, so I went to a new spine surgeon, who asked for the old film or report. That report from 2012 reported significant disc issues in 2 locations. Dr. Sutro used to be, from what I've heard, a great surgeon. Now, he is suffering from degenerative back issues and can't operate any longer. I believe that his pain is so great that he now lacks empathy for most of his patients. Lucky are the few who catch him on a good day. read more

This is one strange guy. First visit, he was courteous and willing to talk through my films. Second visit, he was late, rude, and whenever I asked if physical therapy, ergonomics, etc, might help, he snapped, "Didn't help me!" Ok dude, but we are talking about my back, not his, and he was unwilling to consider my own proposals, let alone make any of his own. I left believing strongly that he's either manic depressive or dipping into his own pain pills. I strongly advise avoiding him. I'm happy to report that I found a great doctor and have much improved via some basic PT. read more

Avoid this office at all costs. I cannot speak to Dr. Sutro's medical expertise (he may be a bloody genius) -- because I never got in to see him. But I can attest to the fact that he obviously has SERIOUS time and office management issues. As a new patient, I showed up for my 3:45 appointment early, to complete the inevitable paperwork. By 4:15, when I inquired "how are we doing on my 3:45?" his receptionist acknowledged that he was well behind schedule. A woman who appeared to be his office manager asked when my appointment was scheduled to begin, and when told 3:45 she replied "actually, running only half an hour behind is pretty good for him" which tells me I was not the victim of an unusual or emergency situation but rather merely was enduring one of Dr. Sutro's standard days. Give me a break. This is not an ER doc or a surgeon who can reasonably be expected to respond to true emergencies that throw the day's schedule out the window. Dr. Sutro primarily diagnoses and treats in his office and controls his own schedule. Finally, over one hour past my appointment time and still cooling my heels in the waiting room, I decided that my considerable back pain was easier to tolerate than the lack of professionalism and disregard displayed by Dr. Sutro. When I told the receptionist that I had other responsibilities and couldn't wait any longer, she kindly returned my co-payment and sweetly inquired as to whether I wanted to reschedule. You must be kidding. Perhaps, like PG & E or COMCAST, he should give people three hour time blocks instead of actual appointments. read more

I just read the current reviews for this doctor, and I have to say that I disagree; totally! I was referred to Dr. Sutro in 2005 by my now-retired PCP; Dr Munter. After a thorough exam; he scheduled me for a MRI to further assess my condition; sciatica. He went on to schedule me for an epidural, which was totally successful. Forward five years later. After non- satisfactory treatment from my current PCP; I contacted Dr. Sutro. Once again he was thorough, informative and decisive, and I felt comfortable and relaxed in his presence. I found him to be warm and engaging. I expect no less with my follow-up appointments, because of his consistency I highly recommend him. read more

I went to Dr. Sutro because he was close to my work and had an opening. I arrived 20 minutes early to fill out paper work, and before I finished he was already ready to see me. On top of being super punctual, he took his time to take my medical history and perform exams. He clearly explained the results of the exams (to test nerve function and pain) and was hesitant to move on with a scan unless physical therapy failed. He treated me with respect and I would go back to him even if he weren't close to my work. read more

I have to say, is it not odd how one person can have one situation with a doctor in the negative and nearly the next month or so another can have a situation in the positive? Believe it or not a doctor can have a view point about you before he even meets you. They are just people but boy can they have very extreme views of you depending on what they may have read about you or possibly what your referring basic M.D, may have to have said about you to him. My doctor that referred me to him was purely checking up on me to see if i was faking the back pain i was having. No, no faking here as i have had 3 surgeries since but lord no, not by him,never. Exit, stage left! read more

Dr Sutro is everything one could ask for when looking for a doctor for back pain. He is above all vey smart, compasionate and experienced. He has operated on my 92 year old father, treated my husband as well as helped me cope with my bad back read more

Dr. Sutro is an exceptional back specialist. He has many years of experience performing back surgeries and had seen it all. Since he does not perform surgeries anymore, he is the perfect doctor to give you an unbiased opinion unlike young doctors who want to hones their surgery skills...on you! He has a dry sense of humor and he does not make sweet talks. This is probably why he is not ranked #1 on Yelp. He does, however, spend lots of time with you, unrushed, and will provide you with a treatment that is right for you even if it means no treatment. If you are looking to solve your back problem and considering a surgery see Dr. Suttro for at least a second opinion. The one thing worst than having a terrible back pain is to have more back pain after a surgery! read more

I have worked in the Healthcare profession in many different aspects for over 15+ years. From a healthcare provider , instructor, and in the business side of Healthcare (Utilization Management. I saw Dr.Sutro months ago for a back injury. My first interaction with him was disappointing, but I just figured he is near retirement and practices the old approach to medicine, which is he thinks he is GOD. Today, I went to see Dr.Sutro. My mistake was I scheduled with the wrong physician. I was stunned to see Dr.Sutro walk out to see me instead of the physician he had referred me to. It happens, not generally with me,my mistake.I advised him I made an error and immediately he says "well you cannot cancel now and you have to pay your copay since you are here". Then immediately he tries to move the visit along. He only seemed concerned about getting paid for this visit .I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt ,that was a big mistake. I wish I had just paid $40 and walked out and saved myself the complete hassel and disrespectful engagement this visit turned out to be. Dr.Sutro is great if you want to be told what to do and how to think. If you are a patient who does not advocate for themselves.If you can let a condescending and rude insults roll of your shoulders. Dr.Sutro cannot take anyone questioning his directives and gives an implicit projection of "I am better than you, you little person". I was seeking answers to alternative treatments and reassessment options for my injury. I told him I know my body and we missed something. I was pinpoint on my symptoms and anatomical location. He just sat their blankly and told me "how would you know, your not the doctor". I pretty much had to ask him to palpate the injured area, as he was to busy sitting and starring blankly at me.. He put forth zero effort in hands on examining, offered no alternative explanations of possible causes and said there is nothing else it could be. This guy is unreal. I was so pissed and felt so disrespected I had to immediately end our visit. He arrogantly agreed and showed me the door. As I stood by the receptionist desk, I advised her how distasteful and unprofessional my visit was and that I wanted to file a grievance and speak with the office manager. I am not going to pay a copay for an experience such as this. Its not about the money, its about principal and that we all deserve to be treated with respect. Dr.Sutro then comes out of the hallway, stands over me and very matter of factlly says "you can leave now, you are done here". At this point I could not believe this man talks to an educated 40 yo man this way. Biting my tongue I advised him that I was not done, I had business to discuss with the receptionist and that I was done continuing my dialogue with him. This physician should retire. Its obvious he is a bitter and his type of bedside manner should not be alllowed in this day and age. This is not the 1940's and you are not the almighty. He has no patience, his skills are weak and bedside manner is disgusting. What a blemish on a otherwise fine Medical Group: Brown & Toland.If I could give ZERO stars ,I would. read more

Have had persistent pain in my neck and back for weeks, so I went to see him. My appointment was at 3:45 and at 5 I was finally taken to a room. I wish I could have posted a video of the exam. He was so rude that if I hadn't been so tired from the pain, I would have gotten angry. Honestly, it was so weird, I kept feeling like I was on some sort of candid camera. He was quick to prescribe pain meds and when I tried to explain that I was more interested in getting to the root of the problem, snapped: "Do you want the prescription or not?" His receptionist is really nice, though. read more

I have to agree with the review by Christine V. It was a pretty bizarre experience. I am a 50 year old professional who is athletic with chronic low back pain and foot pain and numbness due to buldging discs. I've declined pain medications and cortisone shots in the past as I wanted those to be a last resort but at this point I was going to try a cortisone shot and was referred to Sutro for that but we never got far enough for me to even express that to him. It was an odd experience from the start. He was brusque in his introduction to me. But, not just brusque like he was having a busy day and trying to get through the list of patients, though I was the only person in the waiting room. It was as if he had some kind of chip on his shoulder for some past offense I had committed against him. But, I had never laid eyes on the guy as it was my first visit to the office. I went to the examination room with him and in literally less than four minutes I walked out becasue he was so agressive in his questions and manner and unpredictible in just those few minutes. His first question to me was phrased in a weird way not the typical: What's brings you here today or I understand you have been having back problems. It was more along the lines of: What do you think I can do for you? It was one of those odd moments where you wonder if you heard someone correctly. I explained that I'd been having low back pain for some time and foot numbness which had become more intense recently. He then asked me a series of rapid fire questions, cuting me off before I could give a complete answer and then asking me follow-up questions in a pretty agressive manner. I mean like a raised angry voice agressive manner. He accused me of not answering his questions and told me he could not help me. It was surreal. Christine V's. description of a "candid camera" type feeling is spot on. It was that bizzare. I was done. When I opened the door to get out of the examination room to leave and get away from the guy, his receptionist was standing in the hallway listening and looked stunned (though I bet this is not the first time she has heard him act this way towards a patient). While she was standing there I told him that he was incredibly unprofessional and rude and that he could not help me I did not want him treating me. There is something wrong with this guy. If I could give him no stars or negative stars I would but Yelp doesn't allow that. read more

In the past, our daughter was seen by Dr. Sutro for severe back pain. We found him to be extremely knowledgeable, caring, and conscientious in diagnosing her problem and recommending a treatment plan.. This past year, she once again needed his services after a major auto accident. Dr. Sutro again demonstrated great skill and empathy. I am stunned by some of his reviews and have nothing but the highest praise for his medical expertise and bedside manner. read more

Dr. Sutro was very supportive when I was diagnosed with DDD. He was very nice and thorough in explaining my options. He does seem to have some back problems of his own so he can sympathize with you. He did mention his other yelp reviews in my 1st meeting with him which I thought was inappropriate. But my over all experience was positive and he still is my doctor. read more

I saw Dr. Sutro about my spine problem and was very impressed. He was thorough and explained all the details necessary for me to understand my condition. Also he discussed multiple treatment options which few doctors do. He gave me choices and guided me, leaving me in control. I was very reassured. read more

I recently sought the help of Dr. Sutro for a lower back/sciatic nerve issue. I needed help immediately as this developed in the middle of a tight schedule as we were preparing for a move out of state and had a long drive ahead of us. It was such a relief when he agreed to squeeze me in asap. After an initial assessment, he referred me for an MRI and was reassuring throughout my first visit. There is a history of spinal problems in my family and I was terrified my time had come. My second visit to learn the results of the MRI was also worked in just two days later. Throughout all my interactions with Dr. Sutro and his office assistant, I found them to be most attentive and kind. Unlike some doctors, Dr. Sutro took his time going over my films with me, patiently answering my many questions, and he gave me a thorough explanation of how things work. He is conservative in his treatment suggestions, which I really appreciated. As a result, my anxiety evaporated and I am looking forward to healing over time. What a nice man and extremely well-informed in his practice. Lots of experience! He no longer performs surgery, but focuses on treatment. I cannot recommend him too highly!!! read more

Recently I needed advice when my father began to have a debilitating back problem. Dr. Sutro read my dad's x-rays, explaining in great detail the issue, the alternatives for treatment - including his short- and long term recommendations - and the pros and cons associated with each. We were very pleased - not only for his obvious expertise - but for the time, education and attention he gave me and my dad. (Dr. Sutro even followed up with my father in Florida to discuss his x-rays, answer questions and review treatment options.) Being well-informed helped minimize and calm our fears about an unknown and potentially scary health situation. I recommend Dr. Sutro enthusiastically -- and do whenever I have family or friends with back or neck problems. read more

My experience with Dr Sutro over the years has been nothing but positive. He no longer performs surgery so he has no skin in the game as to recommended treatments. The correct PT and exercise/stretching regime has made my lower back issues go away. Compressed neck discs, too, are being managed. He recommends treatments where appropriate, and is willing to let you know that some items are simply facts - such as getting older. read more

Run in the opposite direction. This doctor is well known to me. I was his patient back in the day. He ogled my x-ray which displayed vague images of my breasts and recommended I would do well with wearing a "Victoria's Secret corset" to help my back pain. He then called me at 10 pm to "see how you're doing". I ran into him the next day in the hospital cafeteria (he and I both worked there) and I told him to never call me at home again. I begged my work comp manager ( I had a work-related back injury) to switch my doctor to another and thank God they did. I reported him to the hospital management, but my manager did not submit the report because she was also being sexually harassed by him. A few years later, my manager's director was informed of the problem but I don't know where things went with this. When this all happened, I was an attractive 33 year old woman. Now, I'm an over-weight mother. I would NEVER send my child to this horrible man. Nor, would I ever recommend him to anyone with back pain. There are plenty of other doctors who can give you great advice. Yes, #me too. By this jerk. I would report him to the California medical board now that I am old enough to know better, but it's too late. The law only gives you seven years. read more

Dr. Sutro is the finest spine surgeon I have ever had the pleasure of meeting & being treated by. Not only is he thorough in his clinical evaluation, he give you all the time you need to explain his recommendations, treatment plans and answersed all my questions. Since leaving the Bay Area, I have been diagnosed with severe osteoprosis resulting in many fractures, surgery and total dissatisfaction with both spine surgeons & sports medicine "specialists" and have to travel 120 miles round trip to see these docs. My spine is in very bad shape and have an MRI scheduled next week which I plan on sending the results to Dr. Sutro for review and recommendations. He fused my cervical spine & after recovery I have never had pain in my neck since :). Not only is he a great clinician but has a terrific bedside manner & delightful personality. Whatever Dr. Sutro reommends i plan on following his advice. I cant thank him enough for all he has done for me! P.S. i was morbidly obese when i initially saw him and never ever did he insult me. He treated me as a human being with a real medical issue. He is a fine man with an impecable reputation. If you have back issues Dr. Sutro is the one to see. read more