Dr. Steven Goodman, MD

I feel I should write 2 reviews - one for Dr Goodman and one for the front office staff (Stephanie and Jennifer and later on the phone, Valerie). Dr Goodman saw me for the first time and was never rushed, asked all the pertinent questions, and answered all of my questions explaining everything in depth in language that I could understand easily. Stephanie, Jennifer and Valerie went way above any possible expectation I had, helping me without my asking in a situation that would have caused me extreme distress. They were kind and caring and solved my problem(s) when I had no idea what to do. And this was the first day in their new offices! Such professional, personable care under what must have been at least a little stressful was impressive as are they all.

My husband and I set up an appointment with Dr. Goodman for an annual check-up. We had to wait 7 mths for the appt.and during my appt. day, I had to wait for 3-4 hrs to see him. He seemed to be caring asking about my concerns and my husband’s concerns. Little that we knew that he used those concerns to bill our insurance company for an outpatient visit (supposed to be a preventative care). We tried reaching out to the billing department several times but they argued that the note said an outpatient visit due to X concern for me and Y concern for my husband. I told them I would have died if I had to wait for 7 months for the appointment and 4 hours during the day of the appointment if my X concern was really life threatening that required an outpatient visit. I would have gone to the ER if I really had that serious problem. We also reached out to Dr. Goodman but no response. He never followed up about our blood tests nor our health. WORST doctor ever! He only wants your money.

Goodman is a knowledgable Doctor. But I have found him cold, unfriendly, and I have disagreed with him on several times. He is not a good listener.

Late in the day on a Friday and only had to wait about 20 minutes. Staff was friendly and competent even though it was a super busy week (as usual)! His staff has always been polite and pleasant. They just don’t always have time to hold your hand. As for dr. Goodman, he is kind, knowledgeable and has a great chairside manner and good shoulder to cry on.

Dr. Goodman is very personal and takes the time to explain and answer all questions. I appreciate his direct communication style. My experience is that that staff is always courteous and genuinely helpful.

My experiences with Dr Goodman are always a relief. As for his staff, I’ve done their jobs before and it is unfortunate that they are under appreciated and overworked. Being nice to them is like leaving a tip for a wait person, it’s appreciated more than you know and they remember it and are kinder for it. Lighten up!

Good.

I’ve read many of the comments. I’ve known Dr. Goodman as a patient and consider him a friend. I have a good relationship with the office staff. I also understand they are under a lot of stress to help each patient. Sometime that it can’t happen. In addition, I’ve watched his group of patients over the last 20 years - funny thing they all are getting older. Some must be in their 90’s.! If Dr, G takes a few extra minutes with his senior patients. I think that’s Good - we are not numbers to him!

Dr. Goodman is an excellent doctor. Better than many. His staff is extremely busy and people are people. Show kindness and, eventually, you will receive kindness back. As for Dr. Goodman, I would definitely recommend him to anyone. If you bring a good book and prepare yourself for a busy day, you'll be fine. It's not all about you (to the complainers...). He listens...he's very intelligent...he has compassion and understanding and I trust his diagnoses.

I actually like Dr. Goodman himself, but his staff is horrible! They are rude and cruel even! And Dr. Goodman is aware of this problem but fails to do anything about it. Too bad. Again, I like Dr. Goodman but I don't think he really knows much; however, that's true of most family doctors in this area. Doctors in this area refuse to collaborate and help each other learn. They stay silo'd. They also have ego issues. Meaning, they are closed to new info. Too bad!

Like many, many others, I detest my interactions with Dr. Goodman's office staff. HE is a great physician (I've been a patient for 20+ years), but he consistently hires dreadful people at the front counter -- defensive, incompetent, and unpleasant. There's an exception or two -- Mandy is terrific. But others, like Nancy, are just a waste of time. SO tired of having to brace myself for unpleasantness every time I have to phone in. SO tired of being told, "Oh, we'll call you" -- they NEVER do.

When my 90-year-old father's long-time doctor left the area, I found it nearly impossible to find him a new one. Dr. Goodman is one of the few Doctors in San Luis Obispo who is willing to take on new patients, even though he has a heavy caseload. Yes, we had to wait for about 30 minutes to see him, but that was late in the afternoon. I found Dr. Goodman to be friendly, caring, and extremely perceptive. His questions were on point and his memory for details excellent. I feel lucky I found him.

Dr. Goodman is a dedicated Dr. who has been completely sabotaged by the Dignity Health System and his abysmally incompetent staff. Expected to be fifteen minutes early for an appointment and then wait for an hour and twenty minutes. I am changing to a different Doctor.