Tom Waddell Urban Health Center - San Francisco, California

courtney E.

This place has the primary function of taking addicts and putting them into a small dark corner of the public health system. Limiting their access to competent and compassionate care.
From the women in the call center their addiction specialists, they take the power from the patients by being as unhelpful as possible in fixating what isn’t possible instead of what is.
A woman, Malika, made it a point to return a message that didn’t solicit a reply that showed me instead of seeking clarity through calm effective communication and showing she has the patients best interest at heart she’d only called to have a last word in an authoritative and condescending nature that was an embarrassing waste of everyone’s time on her part. I didn’t even leave my number on the brief message I left. She went out of her way to vindicate herself. It made me sad for the people stuck at this clinic being told their coverage won’t allow them to go anywhere else. Which is what she tried to tell my uncle in this case. Wrong. Deeply unnerving and wrong.

Nichola K.

Good service if everything goes right. If there is an issue with scheduling, or something like your primary care Dr is out, front office staff, answering service, security guard, etc. will make it extremely difficult to get it sorted out.
I’m sure they are underfunded and understaffed, but that is something that the administrators need to resolve.
Expect long waits.
Unfortunately this is one of the main primary care facilities in San Francisco for trans people and other underserved communities. There should be more resources for the unique needs of the trans community.
Consider Lyon Martin (the only other clinic specializing in trans care) before you commit to your care here.

Chris

My appointed nurse at the time of my visit, was very caring and transparent. They did what they could to address my concerns. They told me that patient visits are set on a 30 minute timer due to an influx of patients. It's shameful to know that a supposed Federally Regulated institution like Tom Waddell Clinic is compromised by leading groups who aim to exploit people by undermining their needs due to their financial situations. My appointed nurse was also very clear that Tom Waddell clinic doesn't provide patients with on-site dental or vision services; which was something that my insurance company assured me they did. It's a shame to know that the talents of great nurses and great front house staff are being wasted in a place like Tom Waddell clinic.

David E. L.

Helpful treatment and compassionate medical care.

604 B. B. M.

This is an excellent resource for health care in the Tenderloin. I have been going there for 10 years. I have a wonderful doctor & they take care of everything I need. If the staff seems rude you might ask yourself how you would feel servicing a lot of deranged patients. People often take over the restrooms, locking themselves inside & making a complete mess of the facilities. It's rare if anyone else can use them once they are gone.

Kenya B.

Rude front desk staff, roundabout policies, and an extremely slow dirty clinic in the Tenderloin. Arrive about 1 hour before your appointment and even then will wait another hour to be seen. Expect to wait approximately 5 minutes for anyone to answer the phone. Staff do not seem very educated or qualified for basic healthcare and customer satisfaction services. Getting assistance with doctor's notes, prescriptions, setting up appointments, and referrals are all as painful pulling teeth. This clinic makes SF General look like a palace. Tuesdays are transgender health days where the front doors are locked and the staff gawk at patients.

Jan N.

No referral, no x-ray, nothing. Muscle rub and a smile. White Christian and one less voter here.

Although, do they want you alive? Hell no! $1,000 bucks, needles, food so you can spend more? They are aware that your life expectancy is 4 years. So they make you feel better like hospice.

The NP was verbally abusive. She throws put down like you would not believe.

I'm going to Dignity Health. Sounds good now.

서다니엘

- The address is wrong in google map
- Never receive phone call
- Long wait