Keith Fischer, MD – Sharp Rees

Today was my first appointment with Keith Fischer. Initial impressions: Very positive.
Michelle (Fischer’s assistant) greeted me in the lobby about 5 minutes before my scheduled 8:20am appointment, welcomed me to Dr. Fischer’s practice, weighed me, took my temp and blood pressure. She asked me a few questions, entering the info into the computer terminal. Dr. came in about 5 minutes after she completed her initial work. Dr. was very «present» and friendly as we spoke; certainly not rushed. We went through a number of topics, all of which he was recording on the computer as we spoke. I mentioned to him that my existing prescriptions were running out soon. He said he would issue new prescriptions, which he did in real time was we spoke via the computer terminal (prescriptions were ready later this morning at my specified pharmacy). He also ordered online a lab workup in advance of my upcoming physical. The entire end-​to-​end process is a much more automated and efficient environment than what I have been used to. I left his office feeling that I had the undivided and friendly attention of a doc who presents himself well and is competent.
Something also new to me: «Checking-​in» at the lobby with one of the 2 receptionists (not Michelle) who serve roughly 10 docs, including Dr. Fischer. Felt a bit impersonal; an impression that was mitigated once I was engaged by Michelle and Dr. Fischer.
Further to the streamlining/​automation topic:
, which contains my past and upcoming appointments, health vitals, and other information. Everything done today (including the weight, BP, temp, the prescriptions, etc.) were already online for me to pull-​up. I also was able to schedule online a specific time for my lab workup. Very nice.

Doctor Keith Fischer is old-​school.
By this I mean to say that his work is of exceptional quality, and that the Doctor is a comfort to his patients through his reliable, pleasant and familiar nature.
Dr. Fischer is a board-​certified family medicine practitioner, an award-​winning MD with more than twenty years’ experience treating patients — from infants to old folks — who is humble and kind, yet engaged, and who is committed to the science of medicine.
Whether one’s issue is transient — say, a muscle strain — or persistent, like chronic pain due to arthritis, Dr. Fischer is trained and equipped to offer treatment, and, when necessary, to tap the Sharp-​Rees network to refer his patient to a competent colleague.
Old-​school, yes; but Dr. Fischer has also quickly embraced technologies that allow him to streamline interaction with his patients.
I have not always been an easy customer for Dr. Fischer. Years ago, when we’d meet, I’d raise time-​consuming questions. For instance, I’d discuss symptoms I’d been having, mentioning research I’d done before my appointment; or I might have sought detailed explanation of my most recent labs. Our appointments often ran overtime, which can kill a busy doctor’s schedule.
Then came MySharp, and now FollowMyHealth, tools that provide doctors and their patients the opportunity for online communication.
Now, before an appointment, I email an agenda to Dr. Fischer. He handles most of my questions by email or phone, and our office visits focus on things that require physical examination. This keeps Dr. Fischer on schedule, and along the way, I get the information I need in order to manage my health care in a responsible manner.
I’ve been Dr. Fischer’s patient for almost ten years, having occasionally made decisions about insurance based on which plans his office would accept. I consider him a counselor and a friend, and I’ll stick with him until one of us gives out.
And now, the disappointing part for you: Dr. Fischer isn’t accepting new patients.
Neener.

He is awesome, he listens well, he’s very thorough, he saved my life 10 years ago! I would never go to anyone else! Thanks, Doc!

As a patient of Dr. Fischer’s since 2006, I can say without any issues, he is a gem! Honest, direct, unrushed and very knowledgeable. in 2010 I became ill with serious symptoms, and the process to figure out what was wrong took a long time with several visits to see Dr. Keith, and other specialists. He was extremely helpful, and and I forever grateful to him for his caring nature. I understand that he is no longer accepting patients as he is full. But if do get a chance to be seen by him he is the Best!

Great Dr. Highly recommended.

I have been a patient of Dr. Fischer’s for years and must say he is the complete package, skilled and with a great bedside manner. He truly cares about his patients.

I came to Dr. Fischer because I was looking to change doctors (not happy with the former one because he was more interested in getting folks in and out and used to get pissed off if you delayed his process by asking too many questions or unrelated questions.) — every year in October San Diego Magazine puts out their list of Best Doctors in San Diego and he had made the list twice and was not far away so I decided to go see him.
I am happy to see that he has made the list four years in a row now. He does not make you feel rushed and answers any and all questions. He explains things without making you feel like you need to change this and this about your lifestyle, even though it is implied that you really should try to take better care of yourself. He even answers questions unrelated to your situation if asked.
His support staff is adequate, not overly friendly but definitely not rude or mean. He also tries to help make prescriptions less costly if he can.

My husband goes to Dr. Fischer, and has for several years, and I always go with him. Dr. Fischer is very friendly and down to earth/​not intimidating. He also is very knowledgeable. When he was younger (he’s maybe in his late 40s) he was into punk rock. He’s a cool doctor. I highly recommend him!