Very talented surgeon! Took care of my carpal tunnel. Great hands! Used ultrasound guidance for the nerve release - the techique pioneered by him years ago. Amazing doctor! read more

Dr. Markison, told me exactly what was wrong with my hand and what would happen if I didn't take care of it. He took care of my Mother and did very well by her as well... He is a really great hand specialist!! read more

OMG what an amazing doctor he is. Along with a doctor, he is an artist too. I was blown away with the art that was displayed in his office. And as a doctor, he knew exactly what he was looking for. He knew exactly where it hurt my hand and why did it hurt. I liked his approach of natural healing and not to go through medication or MRI if its not needed. I also loved how he opened his book of Anatomy of hands and explained me what are the parts of my hand that are associated with my fall and where exactly its hurting and its the muscles that I need to let it rest and heal it out. Amazing doctor, I havent found someone who is so informative and creative. read more

Dr. Markison is simply the best hand surgeon. As a teacher of other doctors, he is at the top of the knowledge pyramid. He uses the most appropriate and innovative technologies in his practice, while still being a very personal, hands-on doctor. As a patient you are not off-loaded to a nurse practitioner - the doctor takes care of you. He is very gentle and has a wonderful way of explaining the medical situation in a simple and understandable way. He will take the least intrusive, effective steps to correct issues, and escalate, only if needed. You will be in good hands with Doctor Markison. read more

Just to add to reviews about Dr. Markison's excellence, his note taking insures acute awareness of past visits and unique general knowledge of a patient he hasn't seen for some time. I have found his recommendations seemingly unrelated to a patient's current health issue most welcome, a result of his thirst for general medical knowledge and refusal to have the too common specialist's tunnel vision. read more

Superb surgeon and bedside manner. This gentleman physician was truly impressive in every sense. I had bilateral Carpal Tunnel surgery done by him with a minimally invasive 3-5 mm incisions with great results. Very very happy!! read more

I saw Dr Markison about two years ago, so this is a bit late. I'm almost embarrassed to say how many different hand surgeries and surgeons I've had. I'll just say I've had more than two. I've been incredibly lucky for the most part but I have had some post surgical complications. I heard about Dr Markison from friends but experiencing him is another world. He is a 21st century renaissance man. He's obviously highly intelligent and creative. I've never met anyone who is so skilled in so many different areas and makes healing a compassionate endeavor. As a woman of color, I was deeply moved that he prominently included people of color in his artwork. I wish everyone had the insurance he accepts and could afford his level and style of care. read more

What a nice man! I saw Dr. Markison for a lump on my palm. There isn't anything that can be done, but he explained what it is and assured me that it isn't anything serious. read more

I cannot sing enough praise for Dr. Markison! He is absolutely the best doctor I have ever had! He is highly intelligent and knowledgeable, yet kind, compassionate, and humorous. I recommend do not waste your time with any other doctor if you are having issues with your hands! He performed a minimally invasive left carpal tunnel release surgery on my left hand last week, and in early January he performed a complex right CMC joint arthroplasty and minimally invasive carpal tunnel release. I had an excellent outcome and am anticipating an excellent outcome from the surgery I just had. I can barely see the scars from my surgery in January. I am so happy with my outcome! I am so happy with Dr. Markison! He is the best! read more

I would give a hundred stars if I could. This man is the most brilliant person I have ever met; he is engaging, thoughtful, caring and amazingly talented. I had been treated for arthritis in my right hand, specifically my thumb, forefinger, and middle finger, for approximately 10 years. I had gone to my family doctor, three rheumatologists and a hand specialist for treatment of my "arthritis". I had received shots, pills, massage, you name it. It was continuing to get worse with swelling and tightness, and I could feel heat from the inflammation. My husband had gone to Dr Markison previously for three different "trigger finger" operations and was very pleased with him and the results . I thought maybe I had something similar and decided to go see him. It was the best decision I ever made. After examining my hand, the first thing Dr. Markison said was "let's get an MRI", which had never been suggested by other doctors. The first MRI came back with a recommendation that I get an MRI with contrast because there was a "mass" present. The second MRI with contrast showed a massive tumor. Surgery was scheduled and I am still shocked by the results: a massive tumor (approximately the size of my thumb) had been growing around the muscle in my hand. It was deep and the extremely delicate surgery took an hour and a half. He said this type of tumor was rare (and benign, thank God!) and found in only 2% of the population. It's been three weeks since the operation and my hand is fully functional already. I can tell the scar will be minimal because he thoughtfully cut a small opening along an already existing palm line. That's how much he pays attention to the details. I have shown the pictures of the tumor to other medical persons I know who appreciate this type of work and all they could say was "wow!" And to top it off, there's NO ARTHRITIS! I love this guy! read more

Dr. Markison is as good as it gets. I have never met a doctor who is so curious, compassionate, and holistic in his approach to healing. I've had my fair share of hand/wrist issues in the last year and the more specialists I saw, the deeper my appreciation grew for his work. Could not recommend him more highly. read more

Great doctor and interesting person as well. His administrative staff is also very helpful and supportive. I would highly recommend him if you have any issues with your hand/wrist. read more

Dr . Markison is an unusual presence and might not be everyone's cup of tea, especially because he has broad opinions (for example, he gave me advice about totally not hand related medical issues, and other more relevant specialists told me not to take that advice). But, I still give him 5 stars because he cares so deeply about his patients that he remembered treating my routine hand injury from almost 30 years ago. He will do his utmost to give healing advice. I wish all doctors were as passionate. He has a special interest in looking after the well-being of musicians and their hands. Super caring doctor. read more

Annnnd cured! This update is way late, but it only took a few months of physical therapy (and possibly the yoga) to fix my wrist problem. Several years have passed and I'm pain-free. Dr. Markison pushed Red Hawk physical therapy to accept me as a patient and my PT (whose name I forgot, I'm sorry, it's been years ... Susan, maybe?) was fantastic. She quickly realized that the pain was caused by an ELBOW injury -- her theory makes total sense to me -- and she got me on track to recovery. Gentle exercises, soft therapeutic putty, and massages really helped me. Eventually I was strong enough for yoga, and I think it was the downward dog that did the most good for me. Anyway, I'm rambling, but I'm a very happy ex-patient. I would 100% recommend Dr. Markison for his advice, demeanor, and for advocating for me as a patient. read more

I went to see Dr Markison for a torn ligament in my thumb, I had a nasty fall snowboarding and landed right on my hand. I'd also seen him years before to treat a repetitive stress injury from computer work. He's fantastic, hands down one of my best experiences with a Doctor. It's so refreshing to find a Dr. who doesn't rush through your appointment and genuinely seems to care about your well being. He's truly devoted to the craft of healing, it's clear that's his passion. He spent at least 1/2 hour to an hour with me at each visit, so rare these days to get that much attention! I also left each appointment with very detailed notes that he provided, about my diagnosis, healing and treatment. I also appreciate his holistic view, he talked to me about nutrition and vitamin supplements to consider as part of my recovery. I highly recommend Dr. Markison! I got so much out of our appointments about hand health, creativity and overall health, I'll actually miss our visits. read more

HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY Recommended. My wife and I flew from Dallas to San Francisco to receive the Manos carpal tunnel release in both hands and he exceeded our expectations in both the consultation and procedure. The most impressive part is that Dr. Markison has followed up with us multiple times after the surgery. It was well worth the flight to get the job done right. Thank You a thousand times! We also posted a link on YouTube for a 1 week after testimony. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHreyKQGhpw read more

I went to see Dr. Markison for RSI as soon as I read this article: http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/3.12/mccarthy.html Even though I was nearing the end of my RSI recovery, I hadn't had a complete physical exam for the condition before and I wanted to be sure. It was a very complete exam, accompanied by complete recommendations and referrals. What a rare treat in today's medical arena. Like the other reviewers have said, he listens thoroughly and responds thoroughly and hands you his report as you leave from that very appointment. read more

I am a hand surgeon from Los Angeles I go to Dr. Markinson for my hand surgery carpal tunnel and trigger finger he's a hand surgeon that hand surgeons go to. There is none better in the United States read more

I visited Dr. Markison in August because i was experiencing pain in my wrist. While he was examining me, he said 'let's take a look' and waived my wrist under an ancient fluoroscopy device. He did not tell me that this would be an additional fee and I left paying the copay. I got a bill for $250 in the mail for this which my insurance only covered half of. I think he or his staff should have explained that there would be an additional fee. If so, I wouldn't have given permission to do it as I already knew it was sprained or broken. It also felt like Dr. Markison was trying to sell me on voice activated software for my computer the whole time or these cell phone pens he sells in his office. I left knowing I didn't want to return and the surprising bill that arrived in the mail weeks later cemented this. read more

If good humor heals than I'm already done. Dr. Markison clearly takes every moment of the exam quite seriously while managing to weave in observations about the human condition that I found to be spot on and quite hilarious. The exam was beyond thorough and while wrangling his computer to record/write the requisite medical notes, he also thoughtfully managed to provide a direct reinforcement of the conclusions and treatment path such that I left without being able to think of any additional questions or clarifications -- a first for me with a specialist doctor's visit. He brings a rare and wry artistry to his clearly competent science. I'm very grateful. read more

I am a HUGE fan of Dr. Markison. I jammed my thumb in the wall a few months ago and searched for the right doctor to help me. Dr. Markison is the guy. Look no further. Dr. Markison took extra time to explore my issue and explain to me what was going on. I enjoyed seeing the medical book illustrations, too. And I could care less about what kind of chairs are in the waiting room. I pulled my radial lateral ligament. I think that's what it is. I believe most surgeons would have directed me toward surgery, but Dr. Markison suggested we see if heals on its own first. I'm extremely thankful for that. We splinted my thumb up and after a couple of months the ligament reattached on its own. Brilliant. My visits with the good doctor went far beyond just healing my thumb. He directed me to Dragon Dictation software, which has already saved me oooodles of time in my business and life. He also shared the story of how important our thumbs are, which I can really appreciate now. I'm also going to explore his suggestion of going off the gluten. I am VERY picky when it comes to doctors, and I'm glad I made the choice to visit Dr. Markison. I'll take it one step further and suggest that you visit him even if you don't have an issue with your hand. Let him tell you some stories...it may change your life. :o) read more

Prepare for sticker SHOCK!!!!! I went in for a hand issue, obviously. He appears to be competent, unlike other docs in that strange building, but he spends an unnecessary amount of time with you - I hope not to inflate the cost of your appointment, but it certainly felt like that. I was asked to pay well over $400 (supposedly the contracted rate with my insurance before deductible) for a one time visit! It certainly feels like they overcharged for x-rays (nearly $200 for three pics) and an extremely low dose cortisone shot, in addition to his time. I have paid less for far more value from other orthopedic docs. While I appreciate that he tired to be thoughtful about making a diagnosis, he was over the top and had me sit there while he entered everything into the computer. I think I would have been ok, if not for the inordinate charges. But, I left feeling pretty angry. As for the pain, time will tell. read more

Dr. Markison is not your average doc. Some may see him as eccentric, but personally I found him to be unusually intelligent, interesting, kind and compassionate. He is truly interested in you and your issue, respectful and flexible about treatment options. And he's clearly passionate about what he does. I've been to him for a trigger finger -- that after more conservative treatment ended with a successful surgery, and for my daughter's ganglion cyst, still an ongoing issue. This is not a big machine of an office, just the doctor and his receptionist, Anna. Yes, I've had to wait sometimes, but the flip side of that is that Dr. Markison will spend the time to explain, educate and support you. Believe it or not, I even enjoyed my surgery -- and that's a real complement. I've recommended him and will continue to do so. read more

While I've had a good impression of Dr. Markison's experience as a hand surgeon, at least through two visits to his office, I'm sorry to say my overall impression has been reduced to poor. Dr. Markison is listed as a provider for Anthem Blue Cross, which is the whole reason I chose that of the two plans offered through MediCal (I'm currently unemployed and was forced in MediCal by Covered California). However, what his office refused to admit even after much go around (claiming against all statements and evidence to the contrary that Anthem did not have them on their provider list), is that Dr. Markison won't accept the lower Anthem MediCal reimbursement rate. Hard not to feel like that's a bit greedy. It's certainly dishonest. read more

Dr. Markison is a genius. He speaks fast in a monotone (he is eccentric and maybe a little in the autistic spectrum), but he is the only hand specialist that I recommend year after year. Don't blame him for workman's comp incompetence. I went to him years ago and he said things I didn't want to hear. But the years have borne out his words and advice. read more

I've had trigger finger issues for the last 20 years. When I started showing symptoms in another finger, and after repeated cortisone injections failed to resolve the problem, I consulted Dr. Markison. We agreed that surgery was the right next step. He spent at least half an hour with me in the office. Scheduling the surgery was very easy. The procedure, a few days later at St. Mary's Medical Center, went very well. It was only done under local anesthetic, so I was awake and listening to him describe what he was seeing and what he was doing. Recovery was almost immediate and I was home later that morning. Dr. Markison saw me for two follow-up visits, on each taking enough time to make sure that I was progressing well. Of the three hand surgeries I've had in the last 20 years, this was the best, with the fastest recovery. Moreover, I knew that if I needed to consult him again, I would be able to get an appointment quickly. Be aware that Dr. Markison is a very proficient user of speech-recognition software for taking case notes during examinations. At first it might seem a bit odd, but I really think he's leading by example. Seeing him use his software convinced me to go out and to get Dragon Naturally Speaking and to use it instead of doing so much keyboarding. I would heartily recommend Dr. Markison to anyone with hand issues. read more

I am amazed how it took only 4 days to recover full hand function after surgery on my long finger, performed by Dr. Robert Markison, hand surgeon, for removal of a bone spur and large ganglion cyst. Everything went so smoothly with him, his staff, Roe in the office and in the hospital. I was free of pain all through the post operative course and am back at work day 4. Dr. Markison's professionalism matches his great sense of humor, sharp skills and incomparable kindness and care. He thinks of everything and educates you along the way. He anticipated all questions and concerns I had. I truly wish more doctors were like him. I.M. read more

Dr. Markison is a true healer, clearly an expert and beyond that, keenly interested in his work, and enhancing the human essence, translated into manual dexterity. I have been a patient of his off an on for over 10 years, starting when I tore the tendons in both wrists in a car accident. Conservative and pinpoint knowledgeable care retrieved full function then. Heavy labor over the years brought me back for other reasons, and every time I knew I was getting his full attention, and the best options for my needs. And every time I was brought back to either full or better functionality than before. Further, Dr. Markison has an open mind, and if an alternative therapy or modality works, or might work, he is willing to study it and implement it. He is willing to have ideas, and discuss yours without evident judgement. I never felt I was asking a stupid question. ( Not because they weren't in fact stupid, because they well may have been...but because Dr. Markison was open to discussing them, and studying up on them and reporting back on his findings..) His commitment to the result makes him refreshingly ego-less, which is not a characteristic of many surgeons. ( My husband recently did have to have surgery, and while prepping, I noted that Dr. Markison took time to greet every one of the surgical nursing staff by name, and make personal detailed inquiries about them as well.He clearly knew and respected his team, they knew and respected his in return and all of that showed in the excellent result.) I have usually been disappointed in the medical profession, with Doctors that seem more interested in deciding what code they can assign to the visit so they can call the 5 minute session a complex visit justifying 6 different billings. That most definitely is NOT Dr. Marksion. If the use of your hands is at all important to you, and if you are having issues/concerns with them, go to Dr. Markison. read more

I am very grateful to have been referred to Dr Markison. He really took his time with me, reviewing both hands and long term issues. He does not push surgery. We discussed various options, a few which I have tried. I saw him recently for a cortisone shot and I'm already feeling better! He clearly has an interest in how I take care of my very valuable hands. I certainly know where to go if I need further help! read more

Basically what everyone else says. Really amazing doctor. I've already referred two people to him, and would do it again.

Dr. Markison is a genius. I am a violinist and a neuropsychologist who works with him at St. Mary's Medical Center. I have recurring tendonitis, and he spent 90 minutes with me, helping me with learning how to use Dragon Naturally Speaking, and to take Liquid Qunol. I am so much better, it is amazing. He spent so much time with me, and was so helpful and kind. He is a brilliant, talented, amazing doctor who saved my career!!!! read more

Great, personable and knowledgeable Doctor! Very talented and artistic!

I was referred to Dr. Markison for my Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Markison is an expert in the latest (and least invasive) corrective technology, called Manos. Manos is different from traditional Carpal Tunnel Release surgery in that it's handled arthroscopically, it's "stitch-less" and requires little down time. I saw him once at the very end of last year to confirm that my Carpal needed real attention and then it took me a few months to decide to pull the trigger. Once I was "ready", I scheduled the surgery for a recent Friday morning so that I'd have the weekend to recuperate. I opted for a local anesthetic instead of general, and, after laying low on Fri/Sat I felt great by Sunday. The attention and care provided by Dr. Markison was outstanding. Dr. M is a very humorous, very intelligent man. I could sit and talk with him for hours (and at one of my appts I did!). He has a great "bedside manner" - there's no getting rushed out of his office for his next appointment. He creates a calm, inviting environment that puts the patient at ease. And, what I find most fascinating about him is that in addition to being a spectacular hand surgeon, he is a self taught artist, musician, glass blower, shoe maker and designer, and the list goes on and on. He uses his hands in so many creative ways - his office filled with some of his treasures. That kind of creativity and medical intellectualism is a duality I've never seen and made him so human and approachable. While some doctors can be somewhat intimidating, Dr. M's casual yet professional nature made the experience so relatable. Best part about a visit to Dr. M at 2000 Van Ness: - Easy parking (use paybyphone - an iphone app - to plug your meter and you're golden) - Convenient location - Professional and kind office manager (thank you, Roe!) - Punctuality! Dr. Markison never kept me waiting - I arrived on time and he was always ready to see me. - Attention to detail. Dr. M is incredibly thorough. He doesn't just diagnose and ditch - he explains in layman's terms what's going on and what the options are. - Speedy surgery. I was able to schedule my surgery pretty quickly after deciding to take that next step and without any fuss. - Seamless experience. Because the surgery was performed at St. Mary's, the experience was totally seamless - the entire staff was awesome - and I was in and out in just a few hrs. - After hours care. Dr. M called me over the weekend to make sure I felt alright and didn't have any questions. He even gave me his cell phone number so that I could phone him if necessary (That never happens! It was totally reassuring.) - I felt comforted every step of the way and will be going back before the end of the year for the surgery in my other hand. Thanks, Dr. M! read more

Due to a workstation that was not ergonomic, I developed tendonitis, tenosynovitis, trigger thumb and other problems with my wrist in the 1990's. Dr. Markison was not only a superb hand surgeon, but an extremely kind and understanding man. His bedside manner was five stars. I recommend him with absolutely no hesitation whatsoever. read more

Dr. Markison is a dream. I had seen a specialist for my hand problem and was not satisfied with the "wait and see" approach he took during the 10 minute appointment. Dr. Markison spent one hour with me, suggesting various ways to improve the condition. I left his office wishing he were my internist, so I could see him for all my medical needs. read more

Dr Markison is a gentle genius. He knows so much about everything but especially hands. It is an informative experience just to spend a some time with him. He is a physician in the true sense of the word. His office is a testament to his many interests, small with one helper...no corporation enterprise here. I have seen him for many hand problems over for many years. He has been enormously helpful, empathic and expert. My recent thumb surgery was easy for me with an excellent outcome. read more

Dr. Robert Markison has the rare gift of being able to sense, with compassion and accuracy, what the individual before him needs in order to heal. The exceptional quality of attention he extends toward the patient is deeply felt and appreciated; he discovers the parts of the self that need healing surrounding the injury, and guides one toward healing the whole self. I was fortunate to be referred to Dr. Markison during a most difficult time, having just been mugged and left with a fractured hand and bruises. It was imperative that my hand be evaluated as soon as possible, and Dr. Markison found the time to see me. Due to the emotional trauma surrounding the fracture, I felt as though a part of myself was fractured also. Dr. Markison comprehended who I was as a person and what this experience meant to my life. As an artist, my hand is a finely tuned instrument through which I create. Dr. Markison understood. His office is filled with paintings, etchings and glassworks that he created, & he is an improvisational musician. Dr. Markison saved my hand from having to be pinned and requiring surgery; intuiting that it would heal most naturally without. In addition to his recommendations for cast support, he addressed areas of nutrition, vitamins and arm posture, to address bone melding. Most importantly, he inspired trust and confidence at a time when I felt shattered. During a follow up visit, Dr. Markison clearly described how intricate systems in the hand interacted, referring to visual images for ease of understanding. He adeptly integrated exercises to eliminate bruised areas & retain dexterity, & introduced a method of breathing to relax the body for increased circulation, from the heart to the hand, to promote health. This state of relaxation also helps to heal the effects of trauma. Further, Dr. Markison recommended a book entitled, "The Gift of Fear", which I have since read and would strongly recommend, especially to women. It encourages the appreciation of intuition, how to recognize early signs of potentially dangerous situations, and the life saving instincts of fear. Dr. Markison is a kind, generous and exceptionally gifted healer, who will guide you in the journey to heal yourself, throughout. I am thankful to Dr. Markison for his invaluable contribution to my life. read more

He's a renaissance man and one of the best hand doctor/surgeons in the country. His knowledge, abilities and communication skills will amaze you. read more

Dr. Markison is the most amazing doctor I have seen in my entire life. After being extremely frustrated for several years from seeing a series of cursory, nonchalant physicians for my hand condition, I saw Dr. Markison as a refreshing exception. For starters, rather than taking me directly to the patient's room, we went into his personal office, where he listened very patiently and intently about the history of my condition and the symptoms I have been feeling. Then, he literally took out textbooks from his bookshelves to educate me on the hand anatomy and related biomechanics, while making sure I understood how to integrate this knowledge into my daily activities and in ways that would maximize the probability of my recovery. He patiently answered every question I asked, and was encouraging in the process; this is in stark contrast to many of the other doctors I visited, who were too much in a rush to even acknowledge my concerns, let alone encourage me to voice them. After a thorough conversation, Q&A session, and anatomy 101, Dr. Markison wrote a very detailed, prescribed treatment plan. He brought to light various areas of the body (i.e. certain vitamin/hormone deficiencies) I should have checked (outside of the immediately obvious, the hand); this highlighted his intimate knowledge of the body's interconnectedness. This was important for me, because up until now, no physician had yet been able to prescribe a detailed, comprehensive treatment plan. On top of all his expertise, thoroughness, patience, humility and compassion, you can easily tell that Dr. Markison is personally committed to his profession. He is a surgeon, musician, and painter who views the hand as the true instrument in our daily lives. He has given me renewed hope, and I give him my highest possible recommendation. read more

Dr. Markison is one of the leading hand surgeons in the USA. He has an amazing reputation. In fact he also makes his own clothes and jewelry. I had a lump in the palm of my hand and he made it for me so easy to help me get rid of it. read more