Primary Pediatric Medical Group

Took both kids here for 5 months, about 4 – 6 times. Did not find them willing to explain, or polite in explaining their coding/​billing, and instead made figuring it out an obstacle course of me having to make back and forth calls to different people there over a period of several weeks, and calling my insurance company in between just to discuss it, reconcile what was being said, and basically just get straight answers.
It resulted in bills (at least twice) for visits that they had asked me to come to, and which were (or should have been, and which they told me we’re) just routine well visits. The routine well checks are what was covered by the insurance and what I essentially have paid for in advance through my premiums, so when I got additional bills for «special» visits that I never asked for, or particularly wanted, it was quite surprising and unusual. i simply went to the visits bec they told me they were the next in line, standard well visits, and I have always been accustomed to the dr scheduling just those each time, unless you had a problem or special need, which we didn’t.
So, then for detailed kafkaesque nonsense, I was told these «normal routine visits» just «had» to be billed as non routine (or special) visits –and that took an inordinate time to get to– after much rudeness from the admin or office manager.
Short story– it was not a place that I felt respected my, or my children’s interests, or even looked at us like individuals. The Drs and nurses were nice for the most part, but, I felt, a bit too over the top sweet and paternalistic most times. The parts that made up the whole seemed very separate and just didn’t mesh into a smooth or personal-​feeling organization from what I experienced.

I love this office for kids! Been going here for 21 years now. I can’t seem to go to any other office but here. Bonus is they are affiliated with Oakland’s Children’s Hospital and has been so convenient when my kids needed to go to the hospital for specialists or surgery specializing in kids.
I have been going here since my first baby and 3 more kids after! I have seen Dr. Laura Saldivar first before she moved to another office. We now see Jennifer Wineman for many years now! Awesome awesome lady to work with and we love her for the love she has for my kids. Super nice and knows my kids well. Even gets my son to open up and speaks up to her. Ann from the front desk has been awesome to work with whatever I need help with referrals and appts. There are many other doctors with the same office that we see in case Jennifer is not there and they are all really nice, too. Nurses are very nice and helpful; seen many nurses come and go though…
No matter how far we live now, I will still let my kids go to this office until they cannot. Always a lollipop for a treat after your appt, too. =}
I know they take care of their patients and vaccines as I used to work for the govt company that monitors their office. I highly recommend for your kids to be treated here as they have the best interest at heart. Their knowledge and willingness to find the answers for your kids well being is so worth it!

We first came here almost 5 years ago since my son was a newborn and now both of my kids go there. The doctors are are friendly, helpful, patient, and knowledgeable.

I take my son (Logan) here and absolutely love it.
Everyone in the office is friendly and helpful.
Logan’s regular doctor is Dr. Huffman and I think she’s great.
Down to earth, knowledgeable and progressive thinking in ways I agree with.
She’s really good with my son, letting him play with her stethoscope to keep him occupied and I can tell he feels comfortable here. He doesn’t cry or get impatient.
We’ve also seen NP Wineman and she’s excellent as well. We had a scare when Logan’s temp was 105 degrees for 5 days and she took action and sent us to the ER to have multiple tests run. It ended up not being anything major but you just never know and I’d rather be safe than sorry.
My friend recommended them and I am really glad!

I have been going to this office since 2011 and I absolutely love it. The staff is so friendly, even when I’m a hot mess from dealing with two sick children. Jen Wineman is the absolute best. She is warm, caring and extremely knowledgable. I feel very safe and comfortable taking my children here. I truly feel that I am amongst friends.

All the doctors and NPs are really good here. What I do have an issue with are the minimum 45 minute wait times for a scheduled appointment. Completely unnecessary especially if you have a sick child. They don’t even apologize for the long wait either. Luckily I only have to go here once a year or as needed for the occasional ear infection. Otherwise I’d be switching to another place.

So I’ve had a wonderful relationship with Primary Pediatrics for nearly 6 years. After Ann spoke to me today… I am mortified by the way she didn’t defend my daughter. Dr. Doux’s office was presented to me to see if my daughter has Vitiligo .When I called back in October his staff was terribly rude. Today, they flubbed my daughter’s appointment and when I told them I didn’t want to see him anymore, they ran to call Primary Pediatrics. Ann basically encouraged me to call them & kiss their ass to save Her reputation (I will NOT)! She should of held them accountable for the way they spoke to me and not correcting their mistake in regards to my daughter.

I LOVE this place. I’ve been taking my children here for 4 years now & it feels like a family! Staff is amazing & very helpful, the dr’s are just as amazing & great with kids!!! Keep up the good work

We’ve been bringing our newborn daughter here for the last month and could not be happier with this office. All the front desk staff has been friendly, and everything seems to run on time. Our physician, Dr. Huffman, is so patient and knowledgeable. She took plenty of time to exam our little girl and answer all our questions thoroughly. We have even called in a couple of questions, and she has gotten back to us in a timely manner (saved us an extra trip to the office!)
We are also extremely happy with their other support services. We had a consultation with their Lactation Nurse, Georgeanne Walker, which was SO helpful. Again, she took her time in answering all our questions and showing us techniques to help me with nursing.
We are thrilled to have found such a great pediatrics office, and so local too!

my son’s dr’s main office is in Oakland but I came down this place to see the lactation nurse.
she’s awesome! she took the time to explain things to me, was very helpful and knowledgeable. for a new mom, it is definitely a big plus. the place itself is clean, organized and spacious.
highly recommended!

Okay so this month has been full of office visits i believe we have been in like 7 times this month! Pheeww! Okay Okay so I definitely need to update. Every visit and appoint accommodation has been perfecto! And let me add the hand sanitizers are Full ²⁴⁄₇ You GO Team PPMG!!! As a parent its so relieving to know you have a Rock star team of health care pros who are not just in for a paycheck, NO there is Passion here and its not just the doctors its evident in the whole team. There is special care to infection control, patient comfort and parent concerns. Honestly we have been home almost 5 months and I know we would not have made it this far had it not been for the amazing care and detailed organization of Dr. Huffman and her team. SO AIR HIGH FIVES FOR YOU EVERYONE! woot woot!!!

Came to introduce my grand daughter to her doctor. We like dr Gutierrez, Very friendly. Clark was awesome with my grand daughter, who gave her, the
Flu vaccination

When my son was in his toddler years he struggled with colds, which often times turned into pneumonia. It wasn’t until we saw Dr. Takao that his problems would disappear. I can’t say enough great things about the incredible doctor he is. Our first visit with him he asked numerous questions about his health history. He asked us if we had a nebulizer (which we did not). He prescribed a prescription and ordered a nebulizer. By the time we got home the nebulizer was on our front porch. Since meeting with Dr. Takao (my son is now 8 years old), we haven’t had any issues. His colds are few and far between and he hasn’t had pneumonia (knock on wood). Dr. Takao is brilliant! He follows through with his patients and each appointment he takes his time to discuss any and all concerns. I wouldn’t send my kids anywhere else. He is GREAT!

I moved my 12 year old daughter’s care to Primary Pediatric Medical Group roughly 2 years ago from Summit Pediatrics, specifically so she could continue to see Dr. Lloyd Takao. He has known her since she was three days old, and I could not imagine a more caring physician. He is always prepared and always takes the time to see us, no matter what the complaint. My daughter has a history of respiratory problems, and Dr. Takao always makes it a point to make sure her breathing is normal, even if we are there for immunizations. He never cuts corners on diagnosis, always preferring to explore every possibility rather than just «winging it».
Dr. Takao really cares about our family, and my daughter’s well being. He is a highly knowledgable and professional doctor, and a truly dedicated healer. Primary Pediatric, in my opinion, is very fortunate to have him associated with them.

We have been going here for 11 years, my sons first doctor was Dr. Laresse and he was great. He was such a gentile man. Then he retired and we have seen a series of good doctors, which has been ok. That is until we found Dr. Takao, this guy rocks! He’s so knowledgeable and his follow up is excellent. More than that though, you have confidence in him. I’m in the medical field as well (not a doc) and I’m no easy person to please. I am pleased. He just got us through a very scary situation with our teenage son and I truly feel that this man cares because he shows it in his work!

I bring my 5 month old son to Primary Pediatric and we see Dr. Takao. I did my research before joining this pediatrician, and cannot be happier that I choose this office. I really feel that Dr. Takao cares about the well being of my son and he has a great combination of experience, knowledge and warmth. I have never had to wait more than 10 minutes for my appointment.
One aspect that I have appreciated is that the doctors are always willing to see your child, no matter how small the symptoms. In fact, I have called in twice with medical questions and have been able to get same day appointments to see my doctor. Also, there is an advice nurse on call 24 hours a day for questions. Both of these have helped me, as a first time mom, feel more comfortable with my child’s health care.

We followed our pediatrician of 11 years, named Dr. Takao. We used to see him in Orinda at Summit Pediatrics, and even tho we live only 2 blocks from Summit, we couldn’t imagine any other physician for us. Dr. Takao is the kind of old school doctor that calls you to check on your sick child, even while on his day off. He is genuinely invested in the wellness of your child. It’s not just a job for him. I have 3 children, 1 with a rare chromosome abnormality and a secondary diagnosis of cyclical vomiting. He has many times done extra research to best treat her when he wasn’t completely clear on which direction to take as she has a complicated history. I also have a child with asthma, and he’s am expert in this area. I can’t recommend him enough. We would follow him any where.

All of my kids have been going since they were born (over 6 years now). All the doctors are excellent. Though we have a primary, if I’ve had to go on a day when my regular doctor is out, the other doctors have been great. The office is clean. They have a sick and well wait area. Yes. sometimes the wait is a little longer than anticipated, but what doctor’s office hasn’t made you wait at some point. They have an advice line for after hours and even a Saturday drop-​in clinic that switches between their 3 offices which has been such a blessing on many occassions! Also, there have been many an occasion when I really was anxious to see a doctor and they really tried their best to get me a same day appt.

I agree that the waits can be a bit long when you make your appointment on time, but I have always been pleased with the office staff, experience and kindness of the PP staff in Alameda. My daughter is now 3 years old and has been with PP since her birth. We’re lucky because we haven’t had any serious injuries or illnesses (knock on wood), so I can’t represent PP’s expertise on providing diagnosis for serious concerns… that said, I feel like we have built a lot of trust with the group. Dr. Saldivar was my daughter’s doctor until she left recently (bummer, she was great), and now she’s with Dr. Betz.

I have had three visits to this practice for my daughter and I will be looking for another pediatric group. The staff do not manage expectations well and are not particularly friendly — that’s a problem if you work with CHILDREN.
The doctor was of no help at all and, after three frustrating appointments, (each time having to wait from 20 –40 minutes with no acknowledgment by the physician) I asked for a referral to a specialist. The pediatrician gave me three different possible diagnoses and three possible treatment plans and then asked which one I would like to pursue. I like to be involved in the process but I am not a medical expert. Without a firm diagnosis I am not going to be comfortable exploring any option. Don’t you have to know what you are dealing with before you prescribe medication?
Not at all happy with this group. n