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Category: Ear Nose & Throat [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Union Square, Nob HillAfter a depressingly bad experience with Dr. Steven Sloane, I almost gave up trying to figure out what was wrong with me...until my regular doc recommended I go to Dr. Jacob Johnson instead...I'm sooo glad I did!!!!
Not only was I able to get an appointment in a reasonable amount of time, but his office was well-organized, staff was polite, the wait wasn't long, and the doctor himself was polite and attentive, everything you want a doctor to be. He ordered a battery of tests which helped diagnose the problem, without which I'd still be miserable. If only Dr. Sloane had paid as much attention and hadn't ignored my very real symptoms! Dr. Johnson was a breath of fresh air after dealing with a lot of mediocre medical care in this city. He isn't condescending, is open to trying multiple plans of attack, and didn't give me the brush off. Instead of trying to sell me his own patented nostril openers the way Dr. Sloane did, he tried to find out what was causing my breathing problems.
In short, this doctor will take you and your body seriously. That's what I want from my doctor.
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I've seen Dr. Johnson at least 3 times... My first visit to this office was with a female doctor that I wasn't impressed with. I am happy that she wasn't there during my follow up!
He discussed all my options, didn't sway me in anyway! He was great! I didn't feel rushed or pressured.
I am booked to get some work done but it took the admin person Leah at least 3 emails and a phone call to get an appointment.
Dr. Johnson is the BEST doctor I have had in 20 years. I have had 3 surgery's with him on my sinus's to remove chronic polyp problems.
His staff is the best and VERY attentive to YOUR needs. I would recommend Doctor Johnson in a heartbeat for ANYONE who has gone to other ENT doctors and has come away disappointed. I would NEVER even consider another doctor. Im a patient for life!
Dr. J ROCKS!!!!!!!
Yeah, Jacob Johnson took care of my best friend and after surgery, he gave us all his contact numbers--probably even his mother's--then called our house the evening after the surgery, just to check up on my best friend, James. And he answered a ton of nervous pre- and post-operative questions.
Quite a guy.
I'd say you could probably trust all your non-sexual orifices to him.
But he's so good, in a pinch you could probably trust him with the sexual ones, too. And it being San Francisco and all, I imagine ALL orifices have been used sexually at one time or another, but you know what I mean.
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Dr. Johnson is a great doctor. He has basically become our family ear, nose, throat doctor. He took my tonsils out 4 years ago and removed a tricky benign tumor from my brother's jaw a year ago. Both times, he has shown himself to be an excellent listener, a calming presence, an expert in his field, and an expert surgeon -- he's a genuinely nice guy too.
Dr. Johnson has one of the best bedside manners I've ever experienced. He helps me deal with chronic sinus infections. But, he really won my husband and me over when we discovered a small lump right below our one-year-old's throat. Our pediatrician referred us to Dr. Johnson (we didn't know he was a pediatric ENT too). His care, concern, willingness to order all tests, refer to the best specialists, spend all time necessary, put himself in our shoes, and help us make the right calls for our daughter was just outstanding. I wish he could be our doctor for all matters. He's expanding his practice to include outpatient surgery, therapy for kids, botox, etc. He explained to me that this is just what needs to be done these days to make a go of it in San Francisco medical practice. I know he's thoughtful enough to do it right. If you need these procedures, I'd give him a try.
I spent years cutting out activities and sleeping as much as possible to avoid the sore throats, but they never stayed away for long. In 2007 I had a terrible sore throat for 8 months that never went away, despite sleeping 12 hours a night and cutting out all smoking, coffee, and alcohol. Eventually it got to the point where I was sick 2-3 weeks out of the month, no matter what I did. And when I wasn't sick, I was just waiting to get sick again.
So I spoke with my Dr. friend about my supposed weak immune system, and he asked the one question that changed everything: "Is it just your throat that's always bothering you, or do you actually feel sick all over?" Huh. I never even considered that there was a difference, but now that you mention it, I guess it's just my throat.. Well, he suggested I make an appointment with an ENT specialist and see about how to rectify the situation.
The next morning I did a yelp search and found Dr Johnson. I was amazed at his ratings here. Everyone seems to love him! I was lucky and got someone's cancelled spot and met Dr Johnson the very next morning. Immediately I understood his high ratings. He's a very charismatic and respectful doctor. He's not much of a talker, but he's a great listener.
It is now 2 1/2 weeks after surgery and the pain is completely gone. I can't say enough how thankful I am not only that Dr Johnson performed the surgery on me, but that he was available to help if anything went wrong, and was able to answer every single question I could come up with regarding the procedure and the recovery process. This man is a complete saint and a wonderful doctor. We need more doctors like Dr. Johnson in this world!
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Dr. Johnson knows what he's talking about and has a great personality.
I really don't understand the person who gave a 1 star review, because my experience here was about as close to perfect as it gets.
- Competent, polite office staff? Check.
- Able to get an appointment in a reasonable timeframe? Check.
- Didn't have to wait long to see the doctor once I arrived for my appointment? Check.
- Doctor was attentive and listened carefully? Check.
- Doctor explained exactly what was going on and then asked if I had any questions? Check.
Count me impressed. I wish more doctors ran their practices like Dr. Johnson.
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I went to see Dr. Johnson a couple of weeks ago when I woke up unable to hear out of one ear. It turns out it was just earwax (exacerbated by my trying to clear it out with a q-tip, which undoubtedly made things worse). Dr. Johnson was great - very thorough, personable, and knowledgeable. They have a new office, which seems very nice, bright, and full of the latest technology you'd expect of a prominent ENT practice. I wholeheartedly add my recommendation to all the others here.
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I miss Dr. Johson! I saw him a gazillion times back in 2004 when I had strep throat 5 times in one year. I battled frequent episodes of strep throat for almost 10 years and I couldn't get a doc to rip those suckers out (my tonsils that is) of my throat to save me life! Dr. Johnson is awesome! He worked with me and trusted me and I him. He performed my surgery and I am strep free 3 years later. He's also one of those docs that will call you to check up on you. I thought they stopped making docs like that lonnnnnng ago.
He is super knowledgeable and willing to explain in the inner working of the ear, nose, and throat in great detail.
I really miss our bi monthly chats about tonsilitis and antibiotics.
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the office staff got way better since last time I went, and as always dr johnson is amazing!! Change my review, he addressed the issue!
06/13/2008
DR Johnson is amazing, the office staff is horrible. that's the jist of it.
Dr Johnson is a sharp doctor indeed and Blessing to all his patients. He detected my thyroid problem something my ex general physician did not and b/c of this I am being treated for this properly. I second these wonderful ***** reviews for Dr. Jacob Johnson and thank him for having the 007 doctor gift. He is surely on top of his craft and a charming electrifying always in a happy joy joy mood, He is just great all around person as he is a caring on top of his game professional. Forgot to mention that the staff is great too, another family type atmosphere that bounces positive vibes around the office.
mahaLO Dr J and Team
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As a first time patient I found Dr Johnson on Yelp, and after the rave reviews I was ecstatic to be seen next day (!!!) for a problem with my ear. When I got to the office a young woman huffed at me when I told her I didn't have an insurance. I noticed many people in the office had been waiting for a long time and I was told I would be waiting 45 min, ("At least....") During my consult with Dr Johnson, I found him to be helpful, extremely nice, and overall a wonderful practitioner he even told the lovely young woman at the front desk who had greeted me with a scowl and a groan to lower my fee as I was uninsured. He was gentle, careful, and informative, all the reasons he is rated so highly and why I didn't mind waiting. Dr Johnson even waxed poetic with me for a minute about being a starving student, and I of course really appreciated the discount and was thrilled I had found such a nice doctor who I really felt I could see again.
So I was more than disappointed when about a month ago I had what I felt was a serious ear and sinus infection, I knew Dr Johnson would be the perfect man to see, as a I don't have an internist yet. Again I was greeted on the phone in a less than friendly way. The woman on the other end of the phone clearly ( and rudely ) told me there was NO WAY I could see the doctor, and even if she could I would have to wait a few hours even if I came in. She literally sounded like a 12 year old brat telling her mom how un-cool doctors are. She sounded like a mean bully. She tried to get me off the phone as quick as possible and when I asked her what other options a person with out insurance has, she answered in a short and concise way " ummmm...go to the ER." As far as I am concerned the ER is not a place for a sinus infection, and especially not for the uninsured. Granted I know receptionists are not care providers, and I know receptionists are human beings and have bad days like the rest of us, but I felt her attitude and demeanor were out of line and definitely out of sync with Dr Johnson and his demeanor. If in fact Dr Johnson is so busy he cannot take appointments at all that is more than understandable but the staff should be more accommodating to that or at least more helpful or even less rude about telling me I wont be seeing him if that is the case.
I will not call again, and I will not attempt to make an appointment again.
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Referred to me by the lovely Sally, Dr. Johnson saved my sanity. He cleared up an ear problem I'd been having for a while, and figured out a couple allergy things for me as well. A really nice guy who took the time to listen. That seems rare.
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Dr. Johnson has been attenting to my ears, nose, and throat since May of 2005. I trust him more than any other doctor at this point.
For almost a decade now, my normal family doctors (four of them) have said the same thing time, and time again.. "Your tonsils are huge.. They should probably come out of there" .. and then never followed up, or said "I probably can't talk your insurance company into it". Finally I got fed up with the bi-annual strep throat infections, and south out a specialist.
Doctor Johnson was the guy I felt most comfortable with, and it was the right choice.
Doctor Johnson, and his wonderfully attentive staff, have been saint-like dealing with my crankiness, my extremely hectic schedule, and my incompetent insurance provider.
In August, Dr. Johnson took out my tonsils, & adenoids, and straightened my septum. He also solved the problem I'd been having breathing while sleeping, and referred me to a sleep apnea specialist, who put me onto a CPAP machine. Somehow, during all of this process, Dr. Johnson found the time to find that my diet was too high in sodium, and was causing a problem in my ears, that's somewhat related to migniers disease.
My life has been improved by going to Dr. Johnson, and I recommend him to anybody. His manner is compassionate, professional, and genial. His staff is professional, attentive,
and very understanding.
He has my highest recommendation, and has earned my respect. That's a very rare statement for me to say about most people I've done business with in this city.
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A solid ear, nose and throat specialist, Dr. Johnson was the otolaryngological sleuth who helped me track down the source of an annoying ear problem. He is knowledgeable and thorough, but perhaps more important is that he is able to listen patiently and to communicate as much -- or as little -- as you care to know about the intricacies of your diagnosis or treatment. From what I can tell, he does a good job of shifting his attention from causal factors that fall within the focused area of his specialty to those that lie in the domain of general medicine, thereby giving me the impression that, unlike some specialists, he is able to see the forest for the trees. (One block from Union Square, his office is in a bustling area that will likely require you to park in an expensive garage if you don't live or work nearby.)
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Their new office is nice. He's professional and thorough. He even gave me some samples to take home. Recommended.
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I wish I had a GP just like Doc Johnson. I always have to wait in the boring waiting room with no good magazines but I still give him 5 stars. I do wish they'd make the the long wait more palatable by providing reading material or something. But Dr. Johnson is the best. Most specialists just focus narrowly & refuse to look at the big picture. Not Doc Johnson. I had seen GP's & a horrible neurologist who all treated me like I was crazy but Dr. Johnson not only listened & recognized my problem but got me the tests that proved I had a balance disorder, etc. He is brilliant & thoughtful & will work to find an answer. A godsend, wish they all could be...
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I have allergies and sleeping problems because of it and he thoroughly explained to me what was going on in my nose and throat.
He gave me the option of just prescribing me the drugs to relieve the symptoms or go the next step and head to an allergist to figure out exactly what I was allergic to. He said a pencil-like rod with a microwave-emitting tip placed up my nose could be in my future. Since I'm ready to have my nose cut off and vacuum everything out of my sinuses, I went for the allergist option.
And he told me to avoid gaining weight (by having children or becoming obese) because sleep apnea would mess me up even further. His colleague, noting my incredible height of 5'10", encouraged me to have children and then offer them as recruits for his rowing team. The office assistant chided both of them for offering me contradictory directions in life.
Overall, a satisfactory visit.
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Dr. Johnson is one of the best doctors I have ever seen..period! He was able to help diagnose what nobody else could seem to figure out.
The staff is amazing as well....Sally and Lea have been life-savers!
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I am very critical when it comes to doctors, and Dr. Johnson passes with flying colors. He is very intelligent, patient to explain, and caters to your level of intelligence and curiosity. And if you don't care, then that's fine too, he delivers results regardless.
Dr Johnson is a fantastic person and a capable doctor. I've been going to him for the last three years, have year-round allergies, have gone through in-house surgery with him, and I have nothing but praise for him.
This a review of Dr. Johnson's office, as i have not yet seen the doctor. i first made a appointment about a month ago, and called to confirm the adress, they informed me that he was on vacation. i made another appointment for today and arrived at 9am , only to be told he was not in today, "would i like to see another doctor?".They said that they had left a message, but this was never recieved on my end. So, i remade the appointment for 2 weeks .
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Dr. Johnson is a great ENT, and a very nice man.
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A solid doctor on the field. i totally recommend him to ppl!
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Thanks to Eugene for writing this review, I have been able to solve my annoying ear problem as well. I really liked Dr. Johnson. He was far better than the posh Manhattan Eye, Ear, Throat Hospital private medecine specialist I saw. That guy was not gentil at all, and when I freaked out when he was poking around in my ear, he practially chewed my head off! Anyways.. that will be another review. Dr. Johnson is still young, decades younger than my previous "specialist", and so it's nice that he speaks our language. There were no complicated doctor latin vocabulary, he explained things in lamens terms so that I understood exactly what was going on. He doesn't give off the hoity toity I'm a doctor vibe at all, he seems to be genuinely concerned and wants to help. The mini vacuum he puts in your ear can get scary though.... just cause it's a lound sound in your ear, and you can't see what is going on. But my ear feels much better now! Thanks Eugene!! oooh AND he's the one doctor who is in touch with technology! He suggested that he would have his intern email me a mini doc explaining everything he just told me, so I can keep up with the maintenance of my ear! I don't know any doctor who does that!! It's awesome!!
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Dr. Johnson is thorough, professional and one of the best specialist physicians I've encountered.
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