This physician has been our family doctor for many years. I have never met an expert in so many areas that is equally compassionate and patient. He demonstrates his expertise in a holistic way: diet, exercise, relationships, medications, surgeries, etc. I think he's brilliant and very human. In addition I am profoundly grateful that he communicates with the whole care team for the patient. For example, if you need cardio care, he coordinates the data and consults with the other physicians and gives you as much time as you need to understand your options and your diagnoses. This is critical when you're at a juncture between several experts and doctors. He's a real mensch. read more

Dr. Cortes is such a good docter. I recommend Dr. Cortes without hesitation. I have been his patient for a few years now and I really like him. He really listens, I never feel rushed, I never feel judged, and Dr. Cortes is very friendly and really cute! ( And happily married.) He is always concerned with my health and well-being. Dr. Cortes has always been successful with my diagnosis and treatment, but he avoids pilling on the meds... And he really likes my little dog!! I hope Dr. Cortes stays in Santa Cruz for a long, long time. Thank you, A very appreciative patient. read more

I've been to many doctors in my life and Dr. Steven Cortes is the most caring and friendly doctor I have ever been to. I had to get a series of vaccinations since I'm moving to China and Dr. Cortes looked up all the vaccinations I needed and ordered them. He also had his secretary call me back and tell me to come in once they came. I told my last doctor I needed vaccinations and she told me to go look up whatever I needed online and call her back. Dr. Cortes went above and beyond and did all that for me and even scheduled when I should come in. He's a great doctor. read more

What to say about Dr. cortes?? Possibly the best Doctor.......EVER. He is compassionate, kind, family-oriented and knowledgable. I have been seeing Dr. Cortes for many years. I have seen him for many health issues and never been offered ANY drugs to help me "deal" with any issue I have encountered. It was ALWAYS a last-option for him. In 2008, my Autistic son tried to commit suicide from being bullied so much and Dr. Cortes was the most loyal, caring and empathetic individual that helped me through this trying and frustrating life experience. WITHOUT drugs!!! In 2009, my brother died in an unexpected accident. Traumatized does not EVEN begin to describe what happened to me. I was suicidal and depressed for months. He went out of his way to call me, see me in his office on a dime, and pretty much arrange all the help that I needed for the next YEAR or so. He is a STAND-UP physician. My kids LOVE him. He is a family man. He talks about his family and life- IF you ask him and ONLY if you ask him. He has never been anything but, awesome. He has amazing energy, enjoys his chosen line-of-work and makes you feel like the only patient he has on his schedule- every time. Unfortunately, he has recently been directed to not spend so much time with his patients due to the increase in patients at his office. I have to book weeks and sometimes a month or two out to see him and then, I get very little time when I do see him. I feel terrible that him and his nurses are to be rushed now. It doesn't take away from him being a good Dr. though. He is still the best of the best of the best. Thanks for ALWAYS caring Dr. Cortes. I will never forget your kindness when Danny passed away. You are the most positive person I have ever met!!!! read more

My husband and I both saw Dr. Cortes when we lived in Santa Cruz. Sadly, we've moved, but I wanted to leave a 5 star review for him since he's the best doctor we've ever had. Whenever we had emergencies or urgent situations come up, he was always able to help us get the quickest and best care, be that with him or by referring us to a specialist. I always felt safe and secure in the knowledge that we truly had a doctor on our side, and if something went wrong medically he'd be there to help us. Thank you Dr. Cortes, you're truly a gem! read more

Dr. Cortes is amazing! Vibrant, friendly, caring.

Dr Cortes is amazing but I waited over an hour. And after asking (not being informed) I was told he's running an hour and 15 minutes behind. There were not a lot of patients. Seems the office management is poor. I have been in a room alone for 25 minutes, after having an unfriendly PA take my vitals. I wish there was a non- family practice doctors office where busy professionals can come, not be exposed to sick kids, and have their time respected. Since I am healthy, I just pay for insurance and never go to the doctor. It just doesn't make sense. I would pay more for the 'privilege' of being seen on time and treated well. read more

Great doctor. Attentive, caring and doesn't jump to conclusions regarding diagnosis.

I love Dr. Cortes. He was my husband's GP first and now he's my GP as well. He is an amazing doctor. I truly believe his thoroughness and care for me at a time when I was very ill attributed to my full recuperation. I feel honored to have him as my doctor. When I was sick he called our home himself to personally check on me. He's always listened to all of my concerns and he has always made me feel that everything I say matters to him. He is truly a gift to our community. read more

My wife, son, and I have been patients of Dr. Cortes for about seven years. Since I always accompany my wife and son for their medical visits, I have taken part in at least two dozen such visits among the three of us. After every appointment, I felt obliged to write a five-star review for Dr. Cortes to acknowledge and appreciate his outstanding service. The reason I did not was because he was already showered with five-star reviews, to which I would have had little to add. Since I do not see any recent reviews, it seems right for me to step up to the plate. After a few years of being my family's primary care physician (PCP), Dr. Cortes changed from Family Doctors of Santa Cruz to Palo Alto Medical Foundation, and from a Santa Cruz office to one in Watsonville. After locating him after this move, I immediately contacted my insurance to change him back to my family's PCP. Considering that I'm 75 years old and have had the misfortune of needing the services of more than a dozen other doctors with various specialties, I have a reference point of what constitutes a good doctor and who is only satisfactory (or less). There is no other doctor that my family ever had who would have motivated us to switch PCPs and drive an 80-mile round-trip to keep as our physician. As others have stated already, Dr. Cortes is in a league of his own as a physician. What he brings to the profession is more than can be taught in medical school. In other words, he is not only a doctor by profession, but mostly by calling. His medical knowledge can be taught at school and, with time, accumulated by a very bright student. However, his genuinely caring and compassionate nature--way beyond the call of duty--cannot be taught and is innate to his character. read more

From my first visit it was clear Dr. Cortes cared about me, not just as a patient but as a human being. He asked about my work and lifestyle, and congratulated me because he felt I was doing something good with my life. When some blood lab results came in Dr. Cortes went over every thing with me in great detail, and answered all of my questions. Dr. Cortes radiates positive energy, and when I came in with a health problem he was confident we would get things fixed up. When I needed a referral, he displayed a lot of knowledge about local practitioners, and sent me to someone good. I feel very lucky to have Dr. Cortes as my doctor. read more

Dr. Cortes is one of those people who elicit trust from the first time you meet him. He listens, to you and doesn't roll over your thought. I feel very lucky yo have as my GP. read more

We just met our new doctor at PAMF and were pleasantly surprised. He actually looks at you when he is talking and doesn't just stare at the computer screen. His philosophy seems very humane, he isn't just a shill for Big Pharma. I think he probably spends too much time with his patients, someone came and knocked on the door after a while, probably to tell him to hurry up. read more

My doctor retired and I had to get a new doctor to get prescription refills. With trepidation I went to a last-minute appointment arranged closer to my house wondering if I would even like or get along with a new doctor having been through so many because of my ailments. I now LOVE my new doctor, Dr. Steve Cortes. If you have to wait to see him, please know it's because he's spending time with other patients and he is worth waiting for. I know my 15 minute appointment went long because I was now a new patient and he needed more info than just a short visit. I apologize to those waiting and the staff who kept knocking on the door and paging him. He never blinked an eye or got rushed, he just kept listening and talking with me about my needs and concerns and his recommendations. I need longer with him even yet. I can learn so much and I already know a lot about my health issues over the years, but he knows newer info that I will continue to glean and learn. For the first time ever, I am looking forward to going to see my doctor. My husband even wants to see him. read more