Surgeon Victor Prieto from St. Francis Memorial Hospital's Sport Center sent me to Dr. Richard Ward for a pre-surgery examination for a knee replacement in November 2022. When I saw Dr. Ward, he acknowledged that he and Dr. Prieto were friends; however, he expressed surprise that I came to see him at Dr. Prieto's request since, according to him, Dr. Prieto ought to have known that he does not perform pre-surgery examinations. I was nonplussed. What was I to do now? Because this was my first-time seeing Dr. Ward, he asked me who my prior PCP was. When I gave him the name, Dr. Ward quipped sarcastically, "He was an oddball. It's good he's no longer practicing medicine." What an unhelpful, snide comment about another professional. Dr. Ward nonetheless gave me a superficial examination, checking my weight, my vital signs, and my blood pressure. I do remember asking Dr. Ward about my leg that suffered from edema. I told him I thought I had lymphedema. He didn't even look at my leg, but simply and openly diagnosed me with varicose veins! He did not even try to understand that my leg was full of edema because my knee replacement had broken and was tearing into my bone! He did not even tell me why he was performing an examination that had nothing to do with my surgery. When I left Dr. Ward's office, I still had no clue as to what to do to get my pre-surgery examination or who to see about it in order to get it done. Dr. Ward offered me no referral. Later, I nearly choked when I learned that Dr. Ward charged my insurance more than $300 for an exam that had no bearing on my upcoming surgery. The second interaction I had with Dr. Ward happened over the telephone - when I had to find a different surgeon from Dr. Victor Prieto who had decided last minute that he did not want to perform the knee replacement surgery that had been already set up. I telephoned Dr. Ward for advice. Could he recommend another knee surgeon for me? He informed me that he had heard of Dr. Prieto's refusal to perform my surgery and exuded over the phone line a dark, contemptuous attitude that explicitly conveyed I must have been at fault for that refusal. Ignoring his negative attitude, I inquired nonetheless if he knew of any other knee revisionist surgeons I might see instead -- to which Dr. Ward said he knew nothing at all about knee replacements or knee surgeons, except for Dr. Prieto, so I brought up the name of Dr. Nikolai Wolfson, whom I had researched myself online and stated to Dr. Ward that Dr. Wolfson's website stated he was "world-renown" as a surgeon. Despite his saying he knew no other knee replacement surgeon, Dr. Ward quipped snarkily, "In his imagination, Dr. Wolfson is a world renown surgeon." How could he make such a nasty remark when he claimed he knew no other knee surgeon than Dr. Prieto. He was obviously contradicting himself and inspiring mistrust in me. I was on my own to seek out a surgeon. The third and last time I saw Dr. Ward was after my knee surgery and I was still hampered by problems of lymphedema and I also had nail fungus in one toe. He inspected my foot this time and touched my leg that had edema, saying to me what I already knew and had known for some time: I had lymphedema. He also told me I had nail fungus. I asked him what I might do about these two conditions since his recommendations were not forthcoming. He said he could not provide any referral for lymphedema as he knew no lymphedema specialist, and as for the nail fungus, he could, he said, provide me an antibiotic, but it would be prescribed for six months, if it worked at all, and it might harm my liver. He seemed to leave it to me to figure out what to do next. He recommended nothing, just as he did the first time I saw him. I was on my own to provide my own medical solutions. A few days after my last visit with Dr. Ward, he sent me a survey via email asking my opinion about the service I had recently received from him, inviting me to give my opinion and to state whether or not I liked what service I had received from him. I had no problem answering the survey in an honest and straight-forward manner: No, I did not like the service I received. I hadn't really received any advice or help whatsoever through my visit with him. I felt ignored and abandoned to develop my own medical solutions on my own. Shortly thereafter, I received a stunning, cutting email followed by a letter both of which declared that he was now refusing to be my primary care physician. I saw immediately that he did not value an honest response nor was his survey anything more than a begging gimmick for self-flattery. I never met a doctor who displayed so much narcissistic indifference to a patient and who showed so little medical skill or knowledge. He could have been an actor playing a doctor on TV for all the help or advice I received from him. read more

I've seen Dr. Ward for 5+ years and agree with the folks on here who say he's the best doctor they've had. He's knowledgeable, responsive and a good listener. I've kept my current insurance mainly so I can continue to see him. He's very good at responding to electronic questions when something comes up, his staff has always been able to get me asap when it's urgent. I hope he continues to practice for years, I was very happy to find him when I moved here. read more

Very pleasant Doctor and cares. Easy soft approach and understands patient needs. Definitely recommend.

Dr. Ward is an excellent physician, very knowledgeable, compassionate and easily accessible. He understands that ailments should be dealt with NOW while one is ill or in pain and his attentive staff will squeeze you in ASAP. Dr. Ward acutely listened to my concerns BEFORE the hands-on diagnosis, and he delivered his professional opinion all along the way which put me at ease. He recommended a fantastic surgeon and his staff made sure I had an insurance path with the least amount of resistance. Great overall. read more

I haven't had a primary care physician in over a decade, Dr. Ward was referred to me by another health care professional who was her personal care physician. I met with Dr. Ward a few days ago and couldn't be happier with the results. Aging isn't too fun and Dr. Ward helped me understand a few things I had overlooked about my 58 year old body including why laying out at the beach in So. California decades ago has contributed to certain skin blemishes he examined. Dr. Ward is a pleasant caring doctor who even apologized to me over a very short wait period. I'd highly recommend! read more

I was referred to Ward by my doctor who retired. I am not impressed with Ward and currently looking for another physician.

Scheduled a week in advance to take a look at 3 things - a lump on my arm, an ankle injury, and general blood work. I showed up 15 minutes before my appointment. Waited for an hour before asking what happened to learn the doctor had messed up his schedule and they suggested it might be ok because it was just my ankle so they might be able to rush me through and squeeze me between some other appointments. In fact I had scheduled the appointment for 3 reasons, the ankle being the least pressing. So they forgot what I scheduled the appointment for, messed up their calendar, then tried to rush me through. I just canceled. If they screw these trivial things up, how can you trust them with your health? There are plenty of great alternatives nearby - go elsewhere. read more

Dr. Richard B. Ward is really a great Dr. Like Dr. John M. Mckuskey now deceased, dr. John Pierce now retired. Dr. Ward and his assistant Mariana both are great people. Both of them really are good enough people. It really is hard to find good people in California, and especially San Francisco. Dr. Pierce was a Democrat, but at least he was a good Democrat. With Dr. Ward, he is a working stiff, like The Bob Newhart Show in the 1970's-early 1980's. Dr. Ward really is great because even if he gets a bit impatient sometimes, he is actually right. He is really old school, not like a lot of these phony baloneys you got all over california. For sure you got someone with integrity and ethics with Dr. Ward. If you are a halfway intelligent person, and have Dr. Ward as you're Dr. You will not waste your time looking for another Primary Care Physician. It would be a total and complete waste of time to look for another Dr. If Dr. Ward is your Doctor. I wouldn't even bother myself personally speaking. read more

Great guy with fantastic laid-back bedside manner. Am approaching my Late-Summer years, and my wife has been leaning on me to go get a full work-up and physical. Let's just say he's well-versed at giving bad news in a relaxed and dignified manner. My cholesterol may have been off the charts, and I'll be having no more bacon cheeseburgers for the rest of my life, but he let me down gently and with a firm, authoritative tone. He may as well have told me I've got 3 months to live. NO CHEESEBURGERS?!?! Great office, receptionist is a bit inexperienced but incredibly friendly and efficient. Short wait times, good magazine collection, timely billing. I have just found my new favorite doctor!! read more

Dr Ward has been my Primary Doctor for a month. He's been great and is careful listener and does not seem to be in a hurry whatsoever. His diagnosis was accurate and the meds worked! read more

In the 1990s I was referred to Dr. Richard Ward by another patient of his. That friend had the highest praise for Doc Ward. He said Doc Ward not only provided excellent care, but also that he was compassionate, highly competent, and exhibited a high degree of professionalism. (Trivia: I think Dr. Ward got all that from his father, who was a doctor too, so the medical profession runs in the family and in his genes, as the saying goes.) As my doctor over the years Dr. Ward has seen me for a number of issues. Each appointment has been on time and he has never rushed me in and out the door. (I hate being rushed like I am passing through on a patient conveyor belt.) Trivia: In all the appointments with Dr. Ward he has NEVER taken a phone call, and he has never allowed anyone to disturb our appointment. That's a true professional, not like those mill operations where the doctor is taking calls during the consultation. Overall what sticks out about Dr. Ward, his breadth of knowledge. When I have mentioned an issue, drug, or wives-tale remedy I've read about on the Internet or seen on the nightly news he knows what I am referring to and provides me with guidance, direction, and an opinion. He has always answered my questions and addressed my concerns. Also remarkable, Dr. Ward has returned my calls, even after-hours and on weekends.That's what I call personal care. The Office: Dr. Ward shares a medical professional suite with other doctors, in a building across from St. Francis Hospital at Hyde and Bush streets. That makes for his location being convenient to get to if you are located anywhere in the area. If you live on Nob or Russian Hill his office is very convenient, within walking distance for me on Nob Hill. The office suite is nice, and very comfortable. The office being located at Hyde and Bush MUNI buses stop at that intersection. The cable car stops at Hyde/California. Bonus: There's also lots of shopping choices by the office (e.g., Trader Joes, pet store, hardware store, Walgreens, etc.) enabling you to combine your Doc appt. with shopping. Staff and Customer Service: The staff have always been very helpful. Dr. Ward and staff almost instantly respond to my calls and e-mails, e.g., when I have requests such as when I need the office to contact Walgreens to authorize prescriptions. His staff always keeps me updated and never treats me like I am a bother (even though at times I know I'm being a gargantuan pain in the ass for which I know they wish they had a prescription). Note: I hear Dr. Ward limits the size of his practice so he can give patients individual attention. So when you call to make a first appointment don't be surprised if there's a delay to get in to see him. He is worth the wait, especially since getting a good doctor is like finding buried treasure. Insurance: Dr. Ward works with insurance companies and I believe half his practice is Medicare patients. But if you don't have insurance he works with you on payment, and on providing a discount on price charged. Prescriptions: Doc Ward and his staff are blazing fast in making sure you get your medicines. Note: there's a small Walgreens (pharmacy only) on the first floor of Doc Ward's office building. So if you want to make things easy on yourself, consider Walgreens, and in particular the location on the first floor. Like location in real estate, a doctor's reputation is everything: Apparently a lot of Dr. Ward's new patients come from recommendations by current or former patients. IMO that speaks volumes about Doc Ward's reputation in the community, that your family, friend or colleague recommends him. (Over the past 20 years I have sent three friends, my brother, and his wife to Doc Ward. My brother has now been with Doc Ward about 15 years.) read more

Dr. Ward has been my doctor for over twenty years... Anything life throws at me, he has fixed. What else do you need form a good doctor? Even when i had no insurance he understood this and saw me for a discounted rate. read more

Dr. Ward is awesome he's taken care of me for many, many years. My review is for the front desk receptionist Mariana. I was very pleased with her compassion in getting me in to see Dr. Ward on the same day. Great job Mariana. I was very pleased with her assistance in scheduling me in on the same day. read more

My husband and I both saw Dr. Ward (before switching insurance plans) and I could go on and on about how well he treated us. I wish I could still see him as a primary doctor. Go! You won't be sorry. read more

I've been coming to Dr. Ward for a few years, and I have always appreciated his unrushed demeanor. He was even very responsive to my email about a medical emergency while I was in Europe. He also caught a condition before it turned into something much worse. What else could you ask of a doctor! read more

Dr Ward has been my PCP for the past few years. He is very professional and truly makes you feel like he cares about his patients, never rushes an appointment. A couple years back, I had severe vertigo and was out of town and unable to see Dr Ward. Visited 2 different clinics who were unable to figure what was wrong with me. Went to see Dr Ward as soon as I got back, he was able to diagnose it as an inner ear infection which was causing the vertigo, just by asking a series of questions regarding my symptoms. He is very intuitive and gifted, and I highly recommend him. read more

Dr. Ward is the best doctor that I have ever seen. I decided to see Dr. Ward based on the many positive Yelp reviews. And I have to say, that the 5 stars are warranted. Dr. Ward really seems to want to get to know you as a person. Perhaps most importantly, he does not seem rushed or does not seem to make the patient feel rushed. It was, by far, the best experience I have had with a doctor. And I am very happy that I have decided to have Dr. Ward as my primary care physician. read more

I found Dr. Ward about 5 years ago on Yelp and I am extremely happy that I did. He is probably the best doctor I have ever had in my life. He is extremely professional, personable and very knowledgeable. I highly recommend Dr. Ward. read more

We had to find a new PCP when ours retired and based on recommendations, have switched to Dr. Ward. I was so surprised to find his office incredibly comfortable. He was kind, and patient and took his time to really get to know my history. Easily accessible to multiple muni lines too which is a plus. My visit sort of felt like when I went to the doctor as a kid... one doctor, one office, one or two examination rooms and engaging. So many others have several doctors in the same office and you shuffle through like cattle these days. Not with Dr. Ward. read more

Dr. Ward is thorough, friendly, and knowledgeable. He's the first doctor I have ever been to who sat me down at his desk for 15 or 20 minutes to learn about my medical history and concerns before doing the physical exam. He gives his patients his undivided attention and does not push them off on nurses. He is the best doctor I have ever been to, and he is very knowledgeable if you have questions (e.g., cholesterol concerns). read more

I have been seeing Dr. Ward for 13 years, since my mid-20's. He's thorough, non-judgmental, relaxed, confident, willing to push back when needed, and willing to listen to what you need if you're assertive. I plan on seeing him as long as I live in San Francisco. read more

I came to Dr. Ward after experiencing continuous inflammation in my left knee. It got so bad that I had it drained twice in one week and was crutches (in San Francisco no less!!). Went to a specialist, had the MRI, CT, the works, no one knew what was wrong. I went to Dr. Ward for a general physical and explained to him what had happened. He was perplexed and scheduled a few blood tests. He said he would check for some things that were a shot in the dark but they might help. Turns out I tested positive for a gene that is common in a form of early onset arthritis. He referred me to a rhuematologist and I've been seeing him ever since. Great bed side manner as well! He's super easy to talk to! read more

A good, solid doctor, who came by recommendation.

I have been seeing Dr. Ward for almost 17 years. He is a great guy who is professional, takes the time to get to know you and ask questions and is very hands off on medicine. Highly recommend him. read more

Dr. Ward is great. He takes a lot of time with each patient. I've never felt rushed when speaking with him. He's kind and patient and knowledgeable. Also, his front desk staff is great. They've helped me a lot with prescription paperwork, referrals, etc. I definitely recommend him. read more

Dr Ward is a terrific primary care doctor - and his assistant Phelia is also super helpful and empathetic. I thoroughly recommend this office. read more

Dr. Ward has been my doctor since 1994. He came by way of a friend's recommendation and has seen me through numerous health issues. These days I consider him a friend as well as my doctor. read more

I have the greatest respect for both Dr. Ward and Phelia his assistant. They are both helpful, kind, honest and attentive to needs. I recommend his care. read more