Neil Stollman is a luminary in his field. His knowledge, compassion and caring for his patients goes beyond any other doctor I've ever met. He's kind and follows up with personal notes to let you know that he's there for you in case you need him. The kind of doctor you feel safe the moment you meet him in person. Unfortunately he will retire sometime in 2026 or 2027. read more

Dr Stollman is a class act. I came to see him after visiting with a different GA doctor who didn't seem to pay much attention to my individual case. Dr Stollman was very engaging and easy to talk to, and genuinely eager to answer all of my questions. He answered my questions perfectly, citing what research can tell us and where things become a judgment call, and citing numbers to guide the judgment call. He was fantastically prepared, he had studied my medical record and knew about everything that's happened to me medically in the last several years. Like he could probably give my primary doctor a run for his money. Color me impressed and very glad to have found him. read more

I went to Dr. Stollman for a colonoscopy based on all of the 5-star reviews on Yelp. I agree with these - he is a 5-star doctor and East Bay Endosurgery is a 5-star practice. Everything was communicated, explained, painless, and perfect! Dr. Stollman was very personable and he took time to answer my various questions in a way that I could understand them and feel really confident about the whole exam. From prescribing the prep materials I wanted (SuTab), to answering my many questions in the 5 days leading up to the procedure, to explaining everything that would be happening during the procedure, and explaining the results - he was patient and caring. I highly recommend him!! read more

My procedure all went fine. The office is a bit busy and its challenging to get a person on the phone leading up to the appointment. I had to call for logistical arrangements and each phone call to Dr. Stollman's office took approximately 20 minutes. 19 of those minutes were spent on hold. Some of the office processes are not by the book.... I submitted multiple written HIPAA requests for my medical records and they failed to release them, even after confirming receipt of my request in writing. During the intake interview, and during the procedure, they collect and generate a lot of personal medical information that they are obligated under HIPAA to release back to the patient. After confirming receipt of the request (in writing), they failed to supply my complete medical record. Also, the procedure code they submitted to my insurance was a surgical code that had a higher reimbursement to their office than the procedure actually performed. This is also illegal. Its insurance fraud. Having said that, Dr. Stollman seems knowledgeable and competent. read more

I went to Dr Stollman for a routine colonoscopy sceening at East Bay Endosurgery Center. EBEC has a separate Yelp page, so this is just for Dr. Stollman. My experience was about as good as I imagined for a colonoscopy. Dr. Stollman was very professional and friendly, delivered information at an appropriate level, and was flexible to my preferences. I wanted to do the procedure without sedation (propofol), and the nurse I talked to a couple days before the procedure cleared it with Dr. Stollman. That was a neutral experience. Nice that I didn't get any pushback. But not sure I really got a full risks/benefits discussion--the nurse just focused on the risks. Understandably so, since I explained how I thought I would benefit (eg, faster recovery, memory of the experience). But other potential risks/benefits, like safety, never came up. And I still had to get an IV in the hand (presumably so I could be rapidly sedated if the procedure proved too uncomfortable), which was probably the worst part of the whole experience. The full IV bag just went in the trash after I was done. For whatever reason, Dr Stollman wasn't available to do my procedure at the appointed time, so during intake I was offered a different doc. I had already cleared my afternoon, and was able to reschedule my ride home, so I chose to wait instead (bring a book!). I cooled my heels for an additional hour or so. Not sure I can put this on Dr Stollman. Stuff comes up. And the people managing his schedule (ie, EBEC) have their own Yelp page. The procedure went well. Obviously doing this for years, Dr Stollman seemed very adept and efficient. He narrated throughout the procedure, much like a tour guide, which I really appreciated (he did offer a more silent experience, which I declined). I also feel like he did a thorough job. Dr Stollman gave me a written report at the end of the procedure, including color pictures. Perhaps that's standard (rather than just sending to my primary), but I still appreciated it. Overall, I would definitely recommend Dr Stollman. He was the highlight of my experience at EBEC, and I would definitely ask for him again. read more

Dr. Stollman has a wonderful demeanor & great sense of humor. He also has expertise in C Diff. If, however, you have IBS or SIBO, steer clear. It greatly displeases me to leave this low review as I completely enjoyed my lengthy history with Dr. Stollman, but I'm doing this in service to others. Many years ago he had me tested for celiac which came back negative, but no mention was made of gluten intolerance for nearly another decade. Why?? Then in March 2019 as I layed on the OR table, already quite ill with SIBO, he told me it was "a made up internet thing." Au contraire! Five years later, & with much (still ongoing) intervention from other G.I. specialists & a very competent dietitian, I am slowly healing from the ravages of SIBO. So take heed, I am not the only reviewer mentioning his inattention to & dismissal of IBS related matters. read more

I chose Dr. Stollman for my colonoscopy this year because of the good reviews that I found in the internet. I am so glad that I did that! Dr. Stollman is truly excellent in all aspects. During the whole process, Dr. Stollman was very kind and at same time very professional. I requested to have the colonoscopy without anesthesia. At our first meeting, he explained clearly what the procedure will be like and what possible risks are. And he suggested that although he would do the procedure without the sedation, it would be better to have it ready just in case of any contingency. Then, last Monday, Dr. Stollman carried out my colonoscopy which went very smoothly and no sedation was applied. Hence I was conscious during the whole procedure and followed every step of it. Dr. Stollman explained clearly and patiently (often with good humor) his findings to me. Thank you Dr. Stollman! You made this an educational (even entertaining) experience instead of an unpleasant one (there were several short but uncomfortable moments). Also, the staff at East Bay Center for Digestive Health is very nice and helpful. I strongly recommend Dr. Stollman and East Bay Center for Digestive Health. read more

Dr. Stollman treated me for some gastro issues and recommended I get a colonoscopy. After some hesitation, I decided to move forward. Good thing I did as it was soon discovered that I had early stages of colon cancer as cells were found. I can't say how grateful I am to Dr. Stollman for catching it early and the procedure was fairly painless. I eventually had a colon resectomy and so far the cancer has not come back. It would have been much different story if went about my business for years not knowing what I was walking around with. read more

He seemed quite skilled but what I would know better is his kind manner, strong communication, and sense of humor. Digestive health is really important, early detection matters, and I strong recommend Dr. Stollman and the whole team there, notably also Nurse Mardochee Val. read more

VERY nice and clean office located in the beautiful Rotunda building in downtown Oakland.The Doctors and staff are all smiles and very attentive to the patients here.Parking is a task so you're better off using the parking garage in case the office is behind and avoid yourself a sky high parking ticket. Dr Valenzuela was very nice,informative and gave us a great plan to approach my son's condition...made it worry free and easy.I can't stress the professionalism and knowledge here enough. Do yourself a favor and give this office a shot. read more

I visited Dr. Stollman twice in 2017. He diagnosed me with IBS and did not order any tests. His solution was to wait and see and take some peppermint oil. Two years later, now that I am with Keiser, I am finding out that I have h.pylori. I could have started dealing with it two years ago if the doctor ordered some basic tests. Good demeanor and jolliness are nice but don't treat the problem. read more

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Doctor Stollman. He helped me through a very difficult time in my life when I had C Diff. I felt lost, confused and very scared. Doctor Stollman was not only patient, but very understanding and kind. He is EXTREMELY knowledgeable and actually trains/ instructs other medical professionals. He answered all my questions on numerous occasions in a manner that was comforting. He knew I was scared and overwhelmed. I 100% felt like he was there for me and that he truly cared. I will always be grateful for all of his advice and help. Do not hesitate to see him, you will not be disappointed. It will become quite evident that Doctor Stollman meets the ideals of professionalism on every level. Thank you Doctor Stollman!!! read more

I can't say enough positive things about Dr. Stollman. Informative consultation, friendly, appropriately funny. He narrated the entire procedure with information and humor while executing the procedure with as little discomfort as possible. See you in 5 years Doc! read more

I had my second colonoscopy today and this one was performed by Dr. Stollman. I have not been to this clinic before and I can't emphasize enough how pleased I was with the staff and the doctor. Everyone was so very pleasant and professional and made an otherwise not so pleasant situation much more pleasant for me. You know you are in good hands if you go see Dr. Stollman and his colleagues. Dr. Stollman, if you read this, a big thank you for everything! You're fantastic! I will come back and see you in five years for my next colonoscopy! With my gratitude to you and your wonderful staff! read more

Dr. Stollman and the ENTIRE staff at the East Bay Center for Digestive Health are awesome. I had switched to this office because I previously had a bad experience with an East Bay gastro doc and I am so happy I did. From start to finish, they were helpful, informative, professional and kind. Given my health history, it was important to me to establish a very positive relationship with a gastro doc and office and I feel very confident I found it. read more

It's late July, 2017. I called to book an appointment. The receptionist took tons of info from me, which said was required before I book. It probably took 10-15 minutes total, and included getting asking some very personal medical questions regarding the reason for my visit (i gave generalities only). I finally interrupted her after 10 min, and asked when the next available appointment was. She said: Let's see, his next available appointment is...NOVEMBER 2nd. So, I took it and got on his cancellation list. Good thing I'm not in a rush. Nor should you be if you want to see Dr. Stollman. I'm hoping he'll be worth the wait. I gave him 4 stars because I can't really berate someone for simply being this popular. But a 3.5 month waiting period until the first appointment? Wow. I may update this review after my visit. read more

Had my colonoscopy a couple of hours ago and feel good, the process was very smoothly handled and I felt informed, well-cared for and prepared. Neil is full of energy and character, he is so-o into what he does, He is very open, communicative and even gave me his email address which came in handy when I sent emails and pictures of points I'd forgotten to mention at the pre-op interview. His tips on how to flavor, cool, drink through a straw, the gallon of Trilyte fluid you have to consume made one of the hardest tasks "go down" relatively easy. I now have fond memories of Countrytime lemonade powder mix. By the time colonoscopy day arrived, I was ready. After a couple of calls from his staff checking in on me, answering questions, making sure I was following the diet rules, a nice calm steady stream of input that made me feel prepared. I went to the downtown Oakland center in the beautifully restored ex-Liberty Store space adjacent to the gorgeous multi-story rotunda. The front office is handsome but small, hiding the large surgery operation beyond. All the nurses and staff were well trained, serious, helpful; no slip-ups, I.V.'s go in, B.P. checked and you're ready to go. They have a diverse staff who help out when you have patients from different cultures. I'm probably still on the anesthetic so I don't feel ask frisky as I usually do writing this review, but I'm also happy and relieved that things went so well. The procedure is interesting - I knew from the pre-op meeting that he does not completely sedate you (put you to sleep), it's just a local so you're awake. It's nice because you're not totally out of it afterwards, plus you can watch a video (in hi-def!) of the probe going through your subterranean sewer system. I thought I couldn't watch, then I couldn't stop. It was so cool, I could ask "what's that?" and he could go back and show me a potential future problem area, etc. There was no pain or discomfort...fasting the day before and drinking the Trilyte liquid was worse Initially apprehensive, I had as good an experience as this kind of thing could be - thank you Dr. Stollman! read more

There is no better doctor anyplace, in any specialization. For patients with routine issues, Dr. Stollman eases the GI experience with his wit and jolly personality. For those of us with serious illnesses, he has the ability to make it seem that things will be all right, after all. After delivering a worrisome diagnosis, he has given generously of his time, responding to the wide range of my complaints, giving me accurate information, lifting my spirits. He has gone much farther than any doctor would need to, running interference when I have logistical hassles in accessing the medical system. I am sure other doctors in his position would simply brush me off, telling me to deal with the primary care doctor or get a psychotherapist. But Dr. Stollman seems to have an enormous heart and a true commitment to the highest standards of patient care. If that weren't enough, he is actively involved in improving Summit Medical Center, and participates in national bodies advocating for advances in health care public policy. Thank heavens that Dr. Stollman exists. He has revived my faith in the medical profession. read more

I made a subsequent appointment with Dr. Stollman because my stomach was absolutely killing me with pain every day. When it was my turn to go in, Dr. Stollman launched into a complete review of my colonoscopy/endoscopy. He had already given me a complete review and he sent me home with lots of pictures and a discussion of everything he found and what should be done about it - so this lengthy review was a waste of time. And attempts to redirect him failed. It displeases me when a doctor does not listen - or if the doctor does not know what to do, then acts like nothing is wrong. I appreciate it if the doctor can refer me to someone who might know what is wrong. I would not be going to the doctor if there was no issue. Just sending me on my way with a smile does not fix the problem. I left his office very frustrated. I suspect Dr. Stollman is usually more helpful. One last thing: parking is horrible and expensive. I paid $8 to park for an office visit. And I got one of the last spots in the parking lot. So plan on spending some time parking your car. read more

I will agree with everything Allan O said on 2/3/2010. I couldn't write it better! Dr. Stollman is definitely a character - he joked with me through the whole procedure, and made it as fun an operation as it could be. The first thing he told me that set me at ease was "I've done 15,000 of these [colonoscopies]!" I had such a positive experience, my husband is begging me to set up an appointment for him! The fact that he found polyps and removed them, probably saving me from colon cancer, certainly made the procedure a happy thing! Dr. S wrote on my report: "Facebook Status: Twisted and Kinky" referring, of course, to the shape of my colon, but who has to know? ;-) read more

Went for my second Colonoscopy with Dr Stollman today. This guy runs a slick painless operation and it seemed to me that all of his staff were happy to work there and ALL were very helpful. I see low reviews scores for not getting a speedy appointment date. The probable reason for this is I think its because he is good, compassionate about his work and very customer orientated. Not sure how you can get excited about getting a Colonoscopy, but he and his team make it more pleasurable and no, I am NOT gay. I strongly recommend Dr Stollman and his team read more

Tried to book an appointment to get a second opinion from Dr. Stollman after another GI doctor recommended surgery. The operator told me that he isn't available until August, which at the time of this review is 5 months away. For all I know, he could be an amazing doctor, but no one should have to wait that long for a consultation. Sorry. read more

I'm at retired ER nurse with 22 years experience in a level 1 ER. I think this doc is top notch. Knows his stuff, is happy to answer questions. When I left after my colonoscopy I had a printout of my exam in hand complete with procedure notes and pics of "problem areas." He answered all my questions throughly. Lots of folks here say he is a bit breezy. I found him thorough and very forthcoming to my questions. read more

Very happy with my experience with Dr. Stollman, and the whole crew at the East Bay Endosurgery Center. I'm relieved that when the time comes again, I'll be in good hands for my next procedure. read more

Great doctor. I went to him because he had a great reputation, and he lived up to it. He was kind, really thorough and explained everything without being patronizing as some doctors are. He spent a lot of time with me. The procedure was smooth and his anesthesiologist was wonderful. So were the nurses. read more

I met Dr. Stollman last year at UCSF. He was giving a lecture on gastric pathophysiology to my graduate nursing class. In addition to him being an expert in his field, he was exceptionally entertaining and charming. I have been avoiding having an endoscopy for years, but Dr. Stollman seemed like the man for the job. He sat down with me at our first office visit, took a complete history, and gave me my options for treatment. I saw him a second time for my EGD which went smoothly. I met Dr. Stollman for a third time to go over my test results, and again, he was just great. I highly recommend him to anyone with a GI problem since he specializes in Gastroenterology. read more

At first I was annoyed that the doctor was 45 minutes behind schedule, but once I got in his office, I realized why. He's not going to hurry you along! It's rare to not feel rushed, to feel listened to, to feel relaxed and to feel the confidence like your doc is going to get to the bottom of what's going on. Basically, this was the best consultation I've ever received from a doctor. Dr. Stollman has great communication skills and has a compassionate way about him. Neil Stollman has all of these qualities and more. He is a true doctor! read more

Dr. Stollman is great, really solid, friendly guy that actually meets you at the door from the waiting room to the examining room - I don't think I've ever had a doctor that was so very personable. But his office seems to be run poorly, could be better organized. The medical records that were sent to him 2 months before my appointment were stuffed somewhere, so he did not have them in hand to review before meeting me at my first appointment. When I called the office to get a refill on my Vicodin Rx from my previous GI, they told me I had to have the pharmacy fax them. They did, and got no response the office. The next week the office said Dr. S doesn't prescribe any pain meds at all. Why not tell me that in the first place? Why have me calling back & forth and involving the pharmacy at all? When you're in pain everyday like I am, having a delay in pain medication is no joke. read more

After not being happy with my previous gastroenterologist, I actually came to yelp, looking for the highest rated Gastro doc in the east bay. Dr. Stollman happened to be it. I called the office for an appointment and was promptly told that there was a three month wait to see him. Since it wasn't an emergency, I figured a man in such demand must be popular AND good. After the three months wait, I finally got to see him recently. The reviews weren't wrong. A great guy. Super personable, friendly, takes time to explain things and knows how to reassure his patients. I am glad I changed doctors. read more

I contracted E-Coli 0157H somewhere between home and Pebble Beach in August 2012. Reportable to the Health Department and everything. Oh joy. When the ER nurse, Sarah whom I had seen 2 days in a row told me she was going to make sure I saw a GI doctor, I told her that as someone in the health field I wanted the freaking best one she could find. Dr Stollman appeared at my bedside as he was working on admitting me and getting me doses of painkillers that would make the misery tolerable. Literally, he was the only person who actually held my hand, sat on the side of the bed...made me feel less totally gross. To this day, I tell doctors this "hold people's hand...make them less scared." Let's just lay something out there...GI is weird, we don't like to talk about it, we joke about it and we're embarrassed about it. The hideousness that was a week in the hospital sicker than anything I could imagine was made better by Dr Stollman...the guy emailed me while I was in the hospital so I could contact him while he had to leave town for a few days (his kid HAD to go to college back east??) and he wrote me back, kept the progress moving and eventually all returned to normal. If anyone ever mentions GI to me I like to say "I have a guy who is awesome." read more

I had my 2nd colonoscopy the other day (the first, also with Dr. Stollman) was about 4 years ago. I'm a wuss when it comes to anesthesia but both of these procedures were flawlessly conducted. The technicians are real friendly. Each of the staff goes to great lengths to explain exactly what their role is going to be and what is going be happening. Dr. Stollman is about as competent, knowledgeable, patient-centered, and humorous as anybody you could find. He's a very likeable guy and sets at ease even the most surgical-procedure-uptight patient like me. He's also as big a fan of the City of Oakland as I am so my only regrets are that I never get to hear all of his recommendations for interesting places to go in this city before it's time leave! read more

Dr. Stollman and the team at East Bay Endosurgery Center were amazing: from my check-in to my awesome nurse practitioner and finally ending with Dr Stollman. I don't think I've had a better bedside consultation (which took place both before and after the procedure). Dr. Stollman reassured me he will still be there in 10 years when I am back again and I am holding him to his word. If I could give my experience 6 stars, I would!!! read more

Dr. Stollman is the bomb!! I love him! Fantastic communicator. And Louisa is a gem, a real sweetie!

Dr. Stollman is a top-notch physician in his field. One of the best gastroenterologists I have met with. I highly recommend a consultation with him. read more

Dr. Stollman is the best!! I was referred to him by a family member who is also a Doctor after I had unresolved complications after a gallbladder removal. The nature of my illiness was complicated and having Doctor Stollman in charge was huge relief. He always takes the time to answer my questions and is always consulting other experts when needed. I really liked his direct approach combined with his great sense of humor. Lastly his office staff have always been very organized and professional which is hard to find these days. read more

I usually review the other end of the alimentary canal, but Dr. Stollman deserves a review. He is everything the other Yelpers say. I even referred my ex to him (a good thing). On the colonoscopy process, jello and bullion saved me and next time I would use real sugar lemonade vs. Crystal Lite. So much fake sugar in 12 hours was gross and I could use real sugar energy during the long fast. The Oakland outpatient center Dr. Stollman uses is GREAT, and it was not necessary to go under (I enjoyed watching the monitor). Looking forward to my 10 year checkup (this was my first at 50). Well, not really, but Dr. Stollman made it as nice as possible. read more

My mother had chronic c diff, which recurred 5 times over the last year, and she needed a procedure known as an intestinal fecal transplant. The major hospitals don't do it. Dr. Stollman does, and by the time my mother went to him, she just wanted her life back. The picture of humility and hospitality, Dr. Stollman practically tripped over himself as he led me and my mother into his office. We were treated courteously and given no run around. He knew the severity of the situation and acquiesced as a human being. The spirit of Medicine is inside this man. He isn't in the business solely for the money. He is a gracious man who genuinely wants to cure sicknesses and honestly, self-effacing, acted as my mother's saint. I've never had a doctor treat me and my mother so much not as prospective money sources but as human beings the same as him. I brought my brother to my mother's procedure. My brother is a salesman and works with doctors. Never in his experience had he too met such an open and genuine doctor. Not only that, but the man is talented and gifted at what he does. My mother did the procedure, and after that, Dr. Stollman sacrificed twenty minutes of his time talking to me and my family about the procedure, what to expect, and what to do in an emergency. He could have just as soon left us without a word and gone back to his office. Indeed, I was told by his receptionist that of all the many doctors at his facility, he is the only one who talks to the patients after the procedure. The man is the best, not just for his talents but for his humility and empathy. Doctors like this are not easy to find, but when you do find them, they should be recognized. read more

I had such a positive experience with Dr. Stollman, and his staff. He is one of those rare physicians who truly cares about his patients. He is compassionate and has a sincere desire to help make people's lives better. He goes above and beyond. I honestly do not know if I would be here today if not for Dr. Stollman. read more

It's true, Dr. Stollman's office is very nice and so is his personality, however, this is not the reason I came to see him. He was impatient with me dismissing most of my concerns. He answered just about every question that I had with: "We don't know. Come back in five years." I got a feeling he is an old-school doctor who is not willing to think outside the box. I was hoping he would be more progressive in his approach. Most disturbingly, he was not willing to do any tests, saying they were inconclusive and unreliable in any case, and that my symptoms were not sever enough (ok, not in those words). So if you care for his friendly personality or have a well-understood condition, he may very well be the doc for you, but he was a waste of time and money on my part. read more

I just came back from my first colonoscopy -- something I've put off because I was so anxious about doing it. Dr. Stollman couldn't have been better. He was just amazing. He was exceptionally reassuring and kind. He asked me if I had ever had a colonoscopy before. I said, "No. But, I know I should have." He said, "No problem. You're here now and that's great." Before he started, he reassured me that he thought everything would be OK. As soon as I woke up, he said, "Everything's fine." I found Dr. Stollman through these Yelp reviews. I usually favor personal recommendations, but I'm very happy I went to Yelp and read all the reviews for him. I chose Dr. Stollman because of all the wonderful things said about him. I found him to be as good, if not better, than his most rave review. If you've been putting off having a colonoscopy, because you're anxious about it, I strongly recommend you see Dr. Stollman. (If you're not anxious, I think you still couldn't find a better doctor to perform it.) PS Everyone at the center was great: friendly, thoughtful and kind. The nurse/anesthetist helped me get re-positioned before the procedure began because he noticed my shoulder was getting scrunched -- something I hadn't even noticed. Sitting in the recovery area, a staff member saw me waiting and asked if I needed some water which he graciously brought me. All in all, an A+ doctor and an A+ staff. read more