If you also have Cigna, I wouldn’t recommend getting lab test done here. It’s not going to be billed as a PCP lab, but rather through an outpatient facility. Sutter wouldn’t provide cost estimate and the price is significantly higher than places like Quest and LabCorp.
Also as a new patient, it’s almost impossible get the visit done as preventative. Instead of reviewing medical history, PCP would ask and encourage you to talk about problems you have. Then it’s all diagnostic. Labs as well.
I’m writing this review for the phlebotomy department (blood lab/blood draw). I can’t even exaggerate the fact that this place is worth commuting out nearly 50 minutes from home to get my labs done. I get my blood drawn 1-2 times a year, and out of all the places I’ve been to for the past 6 years, this specific clinic has the best phlebotomist. I’m fairly certain the same phlebotomist saw me all three times I went in recent years, and she has always been incredibly professional, respectful of my needs, and skillful. I’ve had many, many bad experiences over the years with blood labs, because my veins are very thin and my body doesn’t absorb water very well so it’s difficult for me to stay hydrated, so finding this phlebotomist is a true blessing, and I wish I had gotten her name before I left. Some phlebotomists in the past refused to even try the butterfly needle when I requested it until they had already failed to draw blood using a regular one. In contrast, this phlebotomist listened the very first time I requested a butterfly needle and didn’t try to argue with me about it. Each time I went, she was polite, professional, and efficient. Even though I know from experience that I’m considered a “hard poke” (or something, I’m kinda unfamiliar with the slang), she made it look easy, which made my experience so much smoother too. I feel safe in her office, more than at any other clinic in the past, and I would absolutely try to see her again for her services whenever my next lab is due.
Dr. Mekonnen is a truly exceptional physician. Her care is marked by a remarkable blend of professionalism and genuine warmth. She’s incredibly thorough, taking the time to listen attentively to my concerns and explain complex medical information in clear, easy-to-understand terms. What sets her apart is her evident caring nature – she genuinely seems invested in her patients’ well-being, which goes a very long way in building trust and confidence. I felt completely comfortable discussing my health issues with her, and I left each appointment feeling heard and understood. Her personal touch, combined with her expertise, makes her an outstanding doctor. I would wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Mekonnen to anyone seeking a compassionate and skilled physician. My family and friends would be in excellent hands under her care.
My original appointment was rescheduled without a reason. Fine. I show up to my new appoitnemt for a physical exam and the doctor is 30 minutes late. Apparently the doctor had an “important meeting”. Fine. The exam lasts less than 15 min and we order lab work. The following month I get a bill $700. The office is still using insurance which I no longer have from 2012. So now I have to deal with that.
Sutter tried to charge me $343 for an annual physical that should have been free. They claimed it was for a “comprehensive exam” as a new patient, even though the doctor only spent three minutes asking two questions and doing a quick check.
I challenged the charge, pointing out that my adult kid under my insurance plan, also a new patient, wasn’t billed for the same thing. I even brought a written statement before my visit saying I wouldn’t pay extra for preventative care, but Sutter didn’t disclose any additional charges during the appointment.
After my appeal, Sutter reversed the charge, resubmitted it to my insurance, and reduced my bill to $0.
J Wang
If you also have Cigna, I wouldn’t recommend getting lab test done here. It’s not going to be billed as a PCP lab, but rather through an outpatient facility. Sutter wouldn’t provide cost estimate and the price is significantly higher than places like Quest and LabCorp.
Also as a new patient, it’s almost impossible get the visit done as preventative. Instead of reviewing medical history, PCP would ask and encourage you to talk about problems you have. Then it’s all diagnostic. Labs as well.
Al Liu
I’m writing this review for the phlebotomy department (blood lab/blood draw). I can’t even exaggerate the fact that this place is worth commuting out nearly 50 minutes from home to get my labs done. I get my blood drawn 1-2 times a year, and out of all the places I’ve been to for the past 6 years, this specific clinic has the best phlebotomist. I’m fairly certain the same phlebotomist saw me all three times I went in recent years, and she has always been incredibly professional, respectful of my needs, and skillful. I’ve had many, many bad experiences over the years with blood labs, because my veins are very thin and my body doesn’t absorb water very well so it’s difficult for me to stay hydrated, so finding this phlebotomist is a true blessing, and I wish I had gotten her name before I left. Some phlebotomists in the past refused to even try the butterfly needle when I requested it until they had already failed to draw blood using a regular one. In contrast, this phlebotomist listened the very first time I requested a butterfly needle and didn’t try to argue with me about it. Each time I went, she was polite, professional, and efficient. Even though I know from experience that I’m considered a “hard poke” (or something, I’m kinda unfamiliar with the slang), she made it look easy, which made my experience so much smoother too. I feel safe in her office, more than at any other clinic in the past, and I would absolutely try to see her again for her services whenever my next lab is due.
Tira Webb
Dr. Mekonnen is a truly exceptional physician. Her care is marked by a remarkable blend of professionalism and genuine warmth. She’s incredibly thorough, taking the time to listen attentively to my concerns and explain complex medical information in clear, easy-to-understand terms. What sets her apart is her evident caring nature – she genuinely seems invested in her patients’ well-being, which goes a very long way in building trust and confidence. I felt completely comfortable discussing my health issues with her, and I left each appointment feeling heard and understood. Her personal touch, combined with her expertise, makes her an outstanding doctor. I would wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Mekonnen to anyone seeking a compassionate and skilled physician. My family and friends would be in excellent hands under her care.
Luis David Santibañez
My original appointment was rescheduled without a reason. Fine. I show up to my new appoitnemt for a physical exam and the doctor is 30 minutes late. Apparently the doctor had an “important meeting”. Fine. The exam lasts less than 15 min and we order lab work. The following month I get a bill $700. The office is still using insurance which I no longer have from 2012. So now I have to deal with that.
Stanley Wu
Sutter tried to charge me $343 for an annual physical that should have been free. They claimed it was for a “comprehensive exam” as a new patient, even though the doctor only spent three minutes asking two questions and doing a quick check.
I challenged the charge, pointing out that my adult kid under my insurance plan, also a new patient, wasn’t billed for the same thing. I even brought a written statement before my visit saying I wouldn’t pay extra for preventative care, but Sutter didn’t disclose any additional charges during the appointment.
After my appeal, Sutter reversed the charge, resubmitted it to my insurance, and reduced my bill to $0.
Avoid this medical office if you can.