A few months ago I lost stride jogging, landed hard on my heel, and after a month of pain and not being able to job decided to see a podiatrist. My health insurance listed Dr. Schwartz as one of my nearest DPMs. I am very impressed by Dr. Schwartz, his professionalism, knowledge, and capabilities. Dr. Schwartz performed a few diagnostic tests, suspected I had a massive heel spur impinging on my Achilles tendon, took a few x-rays (in his office) to be sure and verified his diagnosis. My only concern at first was that he recommended surgery before orthodics. I'm always reticent to undergo general anesthesia surgery (having had it once in my life and that not being an experience I care to repeat.) However, after researching my condition, I discovered surgery is likely the only way to prevent recurrence, and Dr. Schwartz has the right plan. In general, Dr. Schwartz strikes me as a very knowledgeable, competent, and friendly doctor. I plan to go back for my heel treatments and have complete faith that they will go well. Since writing this review, Dr. Schwartz performed my surgical heel spur removal. The operation is called a retrocalcneal heel spur reduction with Achilles tendon suture bridge. When my spur grew to a point of it causing some pain every day just by being there, surgery became the best option. Dr. Schwartz has performed this surgery since the 1980s, which I liked because it meant he has a long track record with this procedure and I wouldn't be part of his learning curve. This is also a 'delicate' procedure and a mistake could have life-long ramifications for the patient. I made the right choice having Dr. Schwartz perform the surgery. It went well, he took my care and recovery VERY seriously, and I'm looking forward to a full recovery and regaining pain-free use of my foot. read more

Dr. Laura Schwartz is a miracle worker! For months I woke up nightly with burning pain at the back of my right heel. She assessed the problem to be nerve related. She recommended inserts for my shoes for possible overpronation (when the foot rolls inward during movement), but more importantly, she showed me a simple stretch to do to address the nerve problem. I was cured that night! read more

First I will say I personally like Dr. Schwartz. We share a common interest in automobiles. However, after many years as a patient, I had to bail. I have read the other reviews and noticed descriptions of Dr. Schwartz prescribing expensive orthotics. I had the same experience. He stated up front that there would be no refund if they didn't work, and that payment would be cash or check only. They most emphatically did not work, so I bid a sad farewell to my $500. One benefit of this practice is all the car magazines in the waiting room and exam rooms. Often I would be reading one and then carefully escort it out of the office to finish at home. The very last time I was there, I asked him if I could take the one I was reading. He thought about it, then said well, it was OK if I returned it THE NEXT DAY! What? I'm gonna drive an extra 90 miles to read his magazine? There's a pile of about 50 various magazines on the table in the waiting room. Do they carefully inventory all the People, Time and Sports Illustrated magazines, or just the car stuff? Seriously, Schwartz, were you kidding? You could have used my five hundred bucks and bought about 100 damn magazines. Sorry, I will calm down now. Anyway, I could talk cars with Dr. Schwartz all day, but I was pretty disappointed and insulted about this silly magazine issue. I should have ripped it off as usual. But overall, I advise seeking another practice which is less focused on relieving you of your cash for ineffective accessories. read more

Dr Schwartz is a great and experienced doctor. I have been treated for plantar fasciitis, toenail fungus and the last one a Cyst. All the treatments have been succesful. I recommend him to anyone. read more

I suspect Dr. Schwartz is a good podiatrist but couldn't make it pass the crowded waiting room. The office confirmed my appointment the night before and reminded me to get there 20 min. early. I became suspect of the doctor seeing me on time when the receptionist called the name of someone who was already in a room. The's person's spouse said, "she has been in that room for weeks." Another patient walked in and reported she was early. The receptionist said, "he cant take you early since he's running late." At that point I've been waiting for 45 min. and had to ask, "how long is he backed up?" The receptionist replied, "30 min." I then asked for my money back. I didn't have a good feel for how things were going and couldn't risk further delay. I declined to reschedule and knew that I had to share my experience with others. I wasn't surprised to see the poor reviews when I logged into Yelp. I will add terrible patient management to the list of problems with the front desk. Those that made it past the front desk and crowded waiting rooms have great things to say of Dr. Schwartz. For me, it's about the whole office visit. Fortunately the Bay Area has many options. read more

My husband said his actual visit with Dr. Schwartz was excellent. The doctor listened and provided solutions. The rest of our experience--not so good. This office does not accept credit or debit cards. This is no big deal for regular visits, but for orthotics services that aren't covered by insurance, this is a big problem. I spent far too much time trying to work with the office staff in either getting a bill or statement that I could submit to FSA for payment directly to the doctor. Ok, so you won't take a card, you refuse to issue a statement for the amount owed so I CAN pay you on or before service date, yet payment is due immediately upon services rendered? Strange. On top of all that, they required signature on some sketchy "contract" that seemed to be drawn up in MS Word. The silly thing wasn't on the doctor's letterhead or even have his name printed on it for goodness sake. Honestly, you can draw this up and require signature, but you can't draft me a document stating that "the full amount of $X will be due on XX date when services are rendered" so I can submit it to my FSA? We got an appointment with another doctor whose office said, "of course we take cards, everything is plastic these days". read more

I have many things to say about Dr. Schwartz's office, but I'll start with the most important: Dr. schwartz is very caring and knowledgeable. He was flexible and really worked with me when I lost my insurance and had to be smart about really expensive health care. For this I am exceedingly grateful. As many others have said, he has great bedside manner and is a good practitioner. The office is simple, clean, cozy. Also as many others have said, he definitely packs his patients in, though unlike most of the other reviews I do not find this to be at all different from almost all other medical offices I go to these days. Every office is trying to pack in patients in need, and I can honestly say that while there is always a wait, it's never been that long for me and definitely less of a wait than other offices. It is quite odd though that in 2019 they don't accept credit cards. I am sure this is a problem for many people, and I certainly was caught off guard by it. Also in today's world, An online patient portal is often the expectation and would be very beneficial for communication and scheduling. I had to call the office SO many times. Luckily the office staff was nice and accommodating, but I can't say that their system is particularly efficient or especially effective. read more

The office staff here has a very poor attitude toward patients, are not at all helpful (lazy in fact), they do not know much about insurance billing. Renee in particular. She submitted my claim under the wrong program option all the while claiming she had done it correctly (it was rejected). She just couldn't handle the situation at all when I switched from a PPO to an HMO option on my insurance. She wouldn't talk to my primary to work out a problem with getting the referral, saying it was my responsibility. Maybe it was I don't know, but I could have used some help (and didn't get it). I kind of thought medical office staff should know insurance billing and procedures. When I asked to speak to the doctor I couldn't get past the staff. Communications in this office are really made difficult by the staff, so poor that I canceled my scheduled surgery and went elsewhere. They also changed an appointment without telling me, naturally I missed it! I had two visits with this doctor, the first one he kept me waiting 40 minutes, the second one an hour. Between the waiting and his staff's issues it just wasn't worth the hassle. read more

Please think twice before seeing this doctor. He told me the only way to recover from plantar fascitis was to have him make me a new pair of orthotics (i already had a pair from a few years ago from another doctor). The orthotics caused enormous pain in my knees and hips requiring me to go to chiropractor twice a week. Dr. Schwartz would not remake them. Instead, he told me to go see another doctor. He would not stand behind his product, and insisted on keeping the $585 i paid for the orthotics. I checked with other podiatrists and chiropractors, all of whom said they refund money if their patients are unable to wear the orthotics. Feel free to message me if you would like more information on this situation. read more

Greatly appreciate his professionalism as well as his humor! Tremendous bedside manner!

Dr. Schwartz was great to work with. Immediately made me comfortable and diagnosed my problem. Great bedside manner!

I called their Office way before Christmas 2011 and was promised a return call from either Dr. Schwartz or the front desk person, and today 1/2/2012 no call. I find this somewhat disturbing that they really don't care. read more

I saw Dr. Schwartz today about my left foot and couldn't have been happier with the visit. Based on prior Yelp reviews, I was prepared to sit for a while and wait, but I was called almost exactly on time. Dr. Schwartz listened to my complaint, asked some questions, examined my foot, asked some more questions, took X-rays, and then told me what's wrong and what can be done about it. His explanations were very clear and made it easy to decide which of the 3 options to go with. I also understand now why some people have complained about the front desk. The person is receptionist and patient support staff at the same time. The poor woman had to answer the phone, make new appointments, check people in, then take them to the exam room, take their blood pressure, etc. She was running back and forth between exam rooms and front desk. At least today, she had to do all these things and wouldn't even have had time to assuage patients' feelings for having to wait a long time, had that been necessary - which it wasn't. read more

All of the reviews for Dr. Schwartz - the good and bad - are fairly accurate. Yes there are long waits and probably his office could be run more efficiently however - which is more important to you - a doctor who really cares about his clients and is unbelievably conscientious and thorough in his treatment, and who knows what he is doing - or is it more important to you to have less of a wait and better paperwork. It has been my experience that the best doctors I've had over my life have the longest waits. As a patient - think about - you want your doctor to take their time with you and be careful. I would much rather have a thorough conscientious doctor who makes me wait occasionally and whose office is sometimes challenging than a so-so doctor who may be technologically etc is better but is not as good. A human being is not a widget. read more

My husband and I just finished a very good first meeting with Dr. Schwartz. We found him to be very caring, pleasant and knowledgeable. He gave us lots of good information about the problem my husband was having on his foot. The staff was equally as pleasant and efficient. All good for us! read more

Dr. Paul Schwartz DPM is extremely knowledgeable, professional, and kind. I came to him with a long history, file, x-rays, and pain. He methodically went through all of my records and got back to me with a complete picture of what I am facing. His diagnosis pieces together all of my procedures and ensuing chronic issues. Without seeing him, I would still be in the dark about why I have continuous problems. I have seen many doctors this summer but Dr. Schwartz is by far the most cohesive and thorough doctor. I have 100% confidence in his diagnosis and prescriptive recommendations. You would be in great hands to see him. read more

I have had the pleasure of being a patient of Paul Schwartz, DPM. He is a very knowledgeable, caring, compassionate, & a very competent physician. I recently had an Achilles debridement, calcaneal exostosis with speed bridge surgery. Prior to the surgery, we had tried conservative methods that failed. Dr. Schwartz thoroughly explained the entire procedure, as well as what to expect post surgery. He spends the time he needs with each patient to care for them & answer our questions. Post surgery, Dr. Schwartz is available to you in case of a medication change. He is truly concerned of his patients. I would recommend Dr. Schwartz for any of your podiatry needs! read more

I went in to get an ingrown toenail removed and was quite nervous as my last procedure with another doctor didn't go so well. It was quick, easy, and most of all PAINLESS! Would defined recommend for ingrown toenails read more

Mine was not a good experience with this office. After waiting several weeks for an appointment, they cancelled it only after I had arrived. Ok, so I would expect to be squeezed in at the next earliest possible time, but nope. I was coldly told it would be another 6 weeks for an appointment! All the while I was in extreme heel pain. After investing this much time waiting, I took the appointment they offered, endured suffering for additional weeks. Finally the day arrived. He spent the whole time trying to sell me on his own orthotics, even though they are not covered by insurance! It was like pulling teeth to get him to tell me where I could obtain the insurance covered orthotics. Of course it makes more sense to at least try them first, if they are covered, rather than fork out 600 bucks for his version. The whole experience left me very leery of this office. I will not be going back. read more

My Dad has been going to Dr Schwarts for years. He is elderly and gets his toe nails trimmed and feet inspected. The wait has always been an issue. Today we got here 15 minutes early before the office opened after lunch. We even got a great parking spot. They opened a bit after his scheduled appointment The receptionist instructed the doctor to go to the patient who came after my Dad. So my Dad had to wait for 30 minutes after his scheduled appointment time to be seen even though he was first in the door. This is so irritating. I asked the receptionist about it and she said that she thought the doctor wanted to see the other patient first. Not sure what the actual situation was but I am not a happy camper. My Dad likes Dr Shwarts but the waiting room situation is sub par. read more

I went to Dr Schwartz for treatment of toenail fungus. He recommended and sold to me a tiny bottle (about 7 ml) of product call ClearNails Pro. He charged me $50 for this tiny bottle. This product is not available through the Rx process where I would have only to pay a copay. So, I looked it up on the internet. It is a product marketed exclusively to DPMs so they can enhance their profits. The wholesale price is less than $20 per tiny vial and if you buy more than 15 vial, there is at least a 10 percent discount off the wholesale price. My objection is that the Dr recommends and profits from a product the patient cannot get anywhere else. The price of $50 for such a tiny vial seems like price gouging to me. I recommend the Dr either lower the cost to the patient or give lower cost options for treatment since this is not covered by insurance I concur with other comments about them not accepting credit cards and not helping you with insurance matters. Staff was less than friendly when questions were asked. read more

I ruptured my plantar fascia and was limping and struggling to work and go about my normal activities. I was referred to Paul Schwartz by colleagues (I am a nurse- and several nurses HIGHLY recommended him ). I had been limping for at least a year with plantar fasciitis and my fascia finally snapped. He was able to take care of me and rehab my foot to the point that I can work busy 12 hour shifts with zero foot pain. I have no pain now, and I owe it ALL to Dr Schwartz. I have many many more years to work and needed to be able to have full function in my foot and thanks to Dr Schwartz - I am back to normal- working, hiking, spin class - all thanks to his great care! read more

Over all my experience at Dr Schwartz office was good, he is a very caring and intelligent foot doctor! On the down side the front desk ladies did not seem very friendly. Better customer service would be highly appreciated! read more

I found him to be arrogant and not very understanding. No bedside manner at all. He told me I needed to take 3 weeks off. Yeah right...let me know when the shuttle lands doc. He was also very quick to let me know that he wasn't "comfortable" prescribing pain meds. A little troubling that he was more concerned with his comfort than mine. Did not like him and did not go back. Found a much better doctor, in network, and right across the street. read more

Great Doctor that seems to really care for his patients. I had been struggling with painful tendonitis in my heel and had been under the care of an orthopedic doctor with no results and it sounded like surgery would be next. I went to Dr Schwartz for a second opinion to be sure and he recommended a non surgical treatment that has worked. Pain is gone and I getting back in physical activities. His xray equipment seems a bit old school but he always has taken time to explain his thinking and diagnosis. read more

We went to this doctor for our son's basketball foot injury. They were 45 min late on first appt, and 40 min late on the third appt.---they were on-time for second appt but that was booked for 8:00 AM. Doctor was unapologetic in both late instances, the last time rationalizing that "the medical profession is not like other professions, unforeseen things happen... when I go to doctor I expect to wait an hour." Amazing! Initial visit was reasonable aside from the wait. We took some xrays but were told that a bone scan was needed to definitively determine if there was a stress fracture, and if so the treatment would be 2-4 weeks in a walking boot. Bone scan completed, stress fracture identified, so at second appt we get the walking boot. However, this time we're told 3-4 weeks (hmmm), and if no pain after that, then he's free to play again. Three weeks later, third appt, son has no pain. Doctor takes another xray, then says bones take 4-6 weeks to heal, come back in 2 weeks. I remind him that he's previously told us 2-4 and 3-4 weeks. Doctor says son has growth plate issue. I ask, where did that come from? Doctor says "the bone scan... it either indicates stress fracture, growth plate irritation or both". I remind him that he told us it was the "definitive test" for stress fracture, and never mentioned anything about growth plate. Doctor says he saw it in xray. I insist he show me in latest xray compared against prior xray. Doctor recognizes there is no new identifiable issue between old/new xrays, and that the previous issue (stress fracture) is no longer apparent. I pointed out to him that he therefore had no new information yet had suddenly come up with a changed diagnosis. I pointed out to him that he changed his treatment from 2-4, to 3-4, to 4-6 weeks. Doctor says "I changed my mind". In response to the bewildered, angry look on my face, doctor then says "I have a right to change my mind". Doctor says come back in 2 weeks for another check, and we'll also make an appt to get son fitted for orthotics. We will not be doing this. Bottomline... I believe this doctor is interested in extending his engagements so that he can continue ringing the cash register. I also believe he is habitually late on his appointments. read more

I've been struggling with plantar fascitis for months. Dr. Schwartz recommended orthotics for which he personally did the casts. I am finally pain free and couldn't be more pleased. He and his staff are very personable and caring. I would hightly recommend Dr. Schwartz. read more

I had a horrible time at Dr. Schwartz's office, and I will never go there again. It takes forever to make a follow up appointment, and the wait in his office is unbearable. Dr. Schwartz is extremely rude and impatient, and I would not recommend that anyone trust their health to this joke of a provider. read more

I went to see this doctor after needing my toes clipped due to diabetes. I made an appointment. When I arrived 20 mins early I was not greeted, and than was treated rudely. I was taken 30 mins after my appointment time which was quite frustrating. On top of that the room I was in was not clean, there were nail clippings all over the floor, and the lady at the front came in to clean the instruments in front of me. She got a dab of alcohol and wiped them down barely which was very disturbing to me ..The Doctor was ok as in professional but not nice at all. After all this I made another appointment for a follow up due to my insurance etc, and it was not much better the second time. First I called to confirm my appointment time and they did not even have me in the system after I had made the appointment 3 weeks earlier. Second the lady at the front was a complete nut job. Rude, impatient, and non apologetic. After two attempts I would say DONT GO TO THIS Doctors office. read more