Heidi Wittenberg, MD

The admin team is terrible. Never got my results from annual checkup and they keep sending a nuisance 30 dollar bill for a preventative annual physical that is fully covered by insurance (which they have been told over and over). The lab they work with is also terrible and sent bills to collections even though blue shield 100% pays for annuals and I’ve called both them and the insurance who both acknowledged their mistake. Yet, months later the bill comes up again and there were no additional tests. Not worth the aggravation.

I have been a patient of Dr. Wittenberg’s for 15+ years. I have had two children under her care (although she’s not doing obstetrics anymore) and I can’t say enough how much I love her. She has a very warm and caring disposition and has never made an appointment feel rushed. She’s really the best.

Dr. Wittenberg’s office staff offered me an appointment SO quickly! I was a new patient, so it was a treat to be able to see Dr. Wittenberg within 48 hours. The office staff is kind and friendly, and Dr. Wittenberg is a congenial, highly intelligent woman who took her time and listened to my symptoms carefully. She explained how she was going to approach my UTI issues (a whole new viewpoint) and what she needed me to do in order to get sufficient information to discover what is going on. I have a whole new outlook on my UTI issues: they can be solved! Dr. Wittenberg restored my confidence that the true nature of this uncomfortable health problem can be discovered and resolved.

The care is okay but the administrative support staff leave much to be desired. Nearly 3 months after my visit and I have yet to receive test results that have been paid for. I have never experienced such shoddy patient care. I cannot recommend this office and wish I had a better experience.

I’m one of the unlucky few that has IC, and I’m so lucky to have Heidi. She’s pretty much my general doctor, too.
If you have IC, she’s your answer. She’s a godsend. I never thought I’d be able to say my pain is manageable and little. Or that I can drink coffee again!
Highly recommended.

A very reassuring and caring OB/​GYN doctor. She’s a good listener and remember your medical history :)
The staff is also professional and friendly.
The only con is my meeting with «her assistant», she was less empathetic!

I became Dr. Wittenberg’s patient about 3 years ago and was immediately impressed with her intelligence and the way she encouraged me to participate in my health plans and treatment. Almost a year ago I had some troubling symptoms that led to surgery. My last memory as I was being put to sleep was Dr. Wittenberg holding my hand and telling me everything was going to be all right. What surgeon does that? The hours and weeks following surgery proved she was just as attentive and caring. In all, I’ve found a great doctor — extremely bright and kind.
The office staff, while busy, is competent and I’ve seen improvement over the years. I really like the way I can now communicate with Dr. Wittenberg and her assistant, Saren (sp?) via email. I can send a quick question without having to go through the front office staff.
In all, I’m extremely happy with Dr. Wittenberg.

I have been going to Dr. Wittenberg for years, and she also delivered my son in 2005. (Actually his 8 year birthday is today, ironically)!
I think she is really caring, smart, professional while still cool and approachable.
Maybe I am more flexible after living in Montréal for the past 15 months where waiting for HOURS and HOURS in doctors offices seems to be standard operating procedure. I always wonder why anyone would want to go into this line of medicine, given the risk and the schedule, but she seems to be genuinely dedicated and over maybe 12 years with her, I feel like she is a great doctor.

I had a horrible experience with Dr. Wittenberg.
After two years of having HPV, the results of a pap smear showed that the cells were no longer normal. I don’t understand the disease entirely, but usually it resolves itself within two years but in the worst case it can result in cervical cancer. I was obviously not happy that it hadn’t cleared up and had, in fact, gotten worse. During my first visit Dr, Wittenberg did a small biopsy. She also drew a picture of a scale with cancer on one end and totally fine on the other. She told me I was at the totally fine end of the scale.
Then I got a call that the biopsy didn’t look good and that I would have to come in for a LEEP procedure, one in which they use an electrified wire to cut off the end of your cervix and hopefully any potential cancer with it. So I wasn’t happy about my health and I wasn’t happy about having the end of my cervix cut off, but I don’t blame the doctor for that. I don’t even blame her that she cut a blood vessel — I mean, when you’re cutting into someone’s flesh, it can happen.
I do blame her for how she handed the «bleeder» as she called it. Basically, I was in the stirrups for two hours as she struggled to stop the bleeding. She did not have the proper needles or thread in her office to put a stitch in to close it. It’s an effing gynecologists office! They should probably have some vagina-​specific needles on hand!
She called all of the other medical staff into the office. I had four women all crouched over peering into my vagina coaching each other on how to get the stitch in. «Try a back hand stitch with your left hand.»
She asked someone to get something from the pharmacy downstairs. She never told me what it was, but I think it was a topical sealant type thing. She asked for one brand/​medication, then another. The nurse or whoever called down, said they had a third type. «Yes!» she said, cutting the nurse off. It seemed that she thought she was being funny by sounding so urgent and not listening to the nurse describe the medication. Maybe she already knew what the nurse was saying, but I didn’t think it was funny.
She also said, twice, in a super cute voice, «you scared me!» Like ha ha! Actually, doctor, you didn’t scare me, but I was incredibly uncomfortable and baffled by your pretty ridiculous professional behavior. During this appointment, that scale with me way down at the ‘no cancer’ end was totally out the window. She told me that it was unusual for there to be a blood vessel there, so she thought that there might be some kind of growth (cancer) going on. I laid there for two hours with a crowd of strange women peering in my vagina, crying and thinking about how I would probably have to have a hysterectomy.
Then, know what? After she got the bleeding to stop with what ever medicine she got, she ripped out the speculum which by this time had all of my pubic hair stuck to it with dried blood. I don’t expect spa treatment at the gynecologist, but really, a little consideration.
I’m sorry this isn’t better, but I just wanted to share my story. Maybe what happened with me is unusual, but any doctor should be prepared for things like this which might come up during a routine procedure. I couldn’t believe how unprepared she was.

Sure, so she’s one of the best in her specialty. I went to her for an issue I was having and –to her credit– she immediately identified what the problem was. She put me on some medication that corrected the *symptoms* of the issue, but had some side effects – it raised my blood pressure (I had it checked) and made my heart race. My blood pressure is typically on the low side, so I could feel that it was way off.
When I went in for my follow up, I got her assistant, Katie. First of all, I think she’s not even aware she does this, but she sighed and rolled her eyes when I told her the meds raised my blood pressure.
After talking about my options and she told me there was not a lower dosage available, I asked her what exactly they were trying to do with this medication and she gave me a short, snippy answer. I asked her to be more specific «So, are you raising this, or lowering that?», so that I could go to my holistic doc for a nutrition-​based solution instead. When I told her that, she snapped, «Dr. Wittenberg is the best OB/​GYN out there.» I finally dragged the info out of her that I needed.
Right. Dr. Wittenberg’s got a great reputation when it comes to female issues. But Western Medicine does not always offer the best solutions, and more progressive MDs know this. I hope Heidi is one of those, and Katie is just an anomoly in her practice (but I doubt it).
With the eye rolling, sighs and condescending tone, Katy obviously considers her patients to be lower beings, and prefers that her patients be uneducated about their bodies, not ask questions and does not want them to have the freedom to make choices about their healthcare. What she didn’t seem to understand is that this solution wasn’t working for me and she couldn’t offer anything better – which would have been something less drastic.
What a PERFECT example of the problem of the western health care system! I know you or your parents paid a lot for your education to be a PA, but learn a little about complementary care. It will enhance your career, not hurt it.
I went to my other doc (who is not an MD), told them what the western diagnosis was and they put me on a program that gently balanced out my system, with no side effects. :) Unfortunately, insurance doesn’t cover this kind of thing.

Dr. Wittenberg seemed like she was very busy and hard to get appointments with, and I was thankful I wasn’t pregnant because it didn’t sound like she is accepting new patients who are pregnant. Part of why I didn’t give 4 stars is that she does seem too busy for new patients, as I had to wait a month to see her.
The office is located in a great area and it is easy to get to by public transportation or car. It is very clean, professional, and comforting for a gyno office (as you would want one to be! and had a large and private waiting area.
The office staff seemed friendly enough, although I didn’t have extended interactions aside from new-​patient paperwork. Timeliness was proficient here, as I was in to see the Dr. Wittenberg after only a couple of minutes of turning in my paperwork.
I first went over a brief family history Q sheet of a couple cancers (odd that no other diseases were mentioned discussed?) with her, and her small dog came over to sniff my feet. This was not a big, wet-​nosed invade-​your-​personal-​space dog, it was cute and just sniffed for a second then went back under the table.
We briefly discussed why I was there and I feel like this is where she lost the other half of the 5^th star. She didn’t ask many questions about my issues and didn’t seem too interested in learning my ‘gynological history’ and the various issues I was visiting her for.
She led me into an exam room, and without much consultation or seeking of approval from me, switched me to a different form of medication and basically said «call if you don’t like it and I will write an RX for what you want»…
She seemed very knowledgeable and was kind, however I don’t think she did the best job of addressing all of my questions and concerns… there wasn’t really time for me to explain why I was there or ask the questions I had.

Okay so here’s the thing. Dr. Rebecca Yee was my doc (whom I love by the way), but when I went into labor she wasn’t available. I was pregnant with my second child and planning on a natural birth with hypnobirthing techniques as I did with my first.
I had already had a wonderful, natural birth at CPMC back in 08… yes they can happen. So I knew what to expect, I knew there would be great nurses there to support me, I also had a wonderful doula and very supportive husband. I was in great hands!!!
I’ve done Hypnobirthing before no problems, I know how to control my pain, I know how to birth my baby. So when I went into labor one morning back in April 2010, I wasn’t scared I was prepared and ready!
I went to the hospital around 11am, labored in the tub with music, candles lit (battery operated ones of course) nurses excited to see a natural birth, husband speaking calmy to me, taking care of me, doula massaging me, comforting me… it was a tough but great labor because of my support.
So around say I don’t know, 5:50pm it’s pretty much go time. I’m told my doc, won’t make it but someone from her office, Dr. Wittenberg, who I had never met, would be delivering me baby. So I think I’m in good hands right… WRONG.
With my first birth the doctor that I had, because yet again Dr. Yee wasn’t available, was AMAZING! She respected our wishes for a calm, quite lights dimmed kind of birth, no interventions unless NECESSARY. She was totally okay with this, she barely uttered any words and let me do the work, no coaching, no yelling, it was a wonderful experience for having a hospital birth. She let me deliver however felt right to me, I told her laying on my side felt best and she said «go for it!» talk about a supportive OB!
dang I forget her name though…
Well with Wittenberg… when she came into my room, I was standing on the side of the bed and had begun to push. I was ready to climb in to the bed to deliver in the side laying position because it was what’s comfortable to me. She yelled, yes yelled to my doula and the nurse, «she needs to lay on her back»… I’m thinking to myself Oh hell not like those chicks on TLC on those horrible shows, that IS NOT how birth really is! Women around the world DO NOT lay on their backs to deliver. At first I wouldn’t do it, my body knew what to do, but she yelled yet again, I mean freaking screamed. THen she screamed at me to pull my legs back… seriously is this a freaking joke. I’m looking around the room, like is she kidding, does she even know me, has she even looked at my birth plan. what’s this doc talking about, «hold my legs back» honey I ain’t on A Baby Story, I know what the hell to do.
Needless to say I could NOT deal with her yelling, I mean I’m in freaking labor, why must you scream at a mom to be like that. So i delivered on my back, that shit sucked!!! My labor was a tough one but I could handle it, delivering on your back sucks and I’m not happy that I was forced to do so. But my baby boy came out perfect and healthy and was laid on my chest for some skin to skin and nursing in no time.
if i were to have another babe, i will most likely use a Midwife or find a OB who supports natural births. Based on my experience with Heidi, I personally would not recommend her.
Again this was MY experience with her, so maybe she’s different with patients she knows… she did not know me. Maybe she was having a shitty day (lame excuse) who knows, but we were not pleased.

I don’t see the connection between being a rock-​star (as someone here describes Dr. Wittenberg) and a caring and professional physician.
For reasons of privacy I am using an alias on this site, however I am confident that if she and her nurse ever read this review they will know immediately who I am.
My boyfriend advised me to write a letter of concern to the medical board of California. I think it would be excessively harsh and not helpful to future possible patients that might have a similar experience.
This is my story
I went to Dr. Wittenberg to have a IUD placed early this month 5÷5÷09 (by the way I was at CPMC from 3 to 6:30 pm).
I went to her because my boyfriend is a surgeon who would (in the past) regularly refer his patients to her, believing the popular legend she was an excellent gynecologist.
For the record, I have high tolerance to physical pain and being a physician myself I’m unimpressed by any type of medical procedure.
This apparently innocuous, simple procedure turned out to be the most traumatic (physically and mentally) experience of my whole life.
When Dr. Wittenberg began to push the IUD in my cervix I literally saw most of the stars of contained in the firmament, for the pain was unbearable.
Despite my screams of pain that could heard across the building, she ignored my pain and continued torturing me until she had to stop but only because at that point I had shut my legs and rolled up in fetal position on the examination table. When I sat up I saw iodine and blood splattered all over the room and her scrubs.
She left me there with my agony and walked out.
The nurse came in handed me a brochure about the IUD which I tossed in the trash moments later.
Then I saw the Dr when I walked out of the room all she said was that i needed to have an ultrasound the following week because she was «not sure the IUD was placed right».
Being a physician myself I felt betrayed twice: placed right? Right? there was nothing «right» about this whole experience. I waited a few days to see if the pain and bleeding would stop but it actually got only worse.
Fortunately I was able to see a great physician and gynecologist at UCSF who removed the IUD (painlessly), I felt born again as soon as it was out of my body.
In summary here are a few pointers for those thinking to go to this Dr. I saw her only once but it was enough to notice that she had no bedside manners, no compassion, no consciousness of her patient not at the moment and not later on.
She never called me to follow up on her botched IUD placement, to find out how was i doing.
I did get a call from her nurse 3 weeks later who wanted simply to schedule the ultrasound (again!), which really annoyed me.
I informed the nurse that it was unnecessary because the IUD had been removed. Other than asking me when and by who it was removed, she did not ask me why.
I told the nurse I was very displeased about the whole experience, including the unbelievable aloofness towards me, and that I would have liked to talk to the Dr about it.
You know what happened? I was put on hold and nobody ever picked up the phone. Nobody ever called me back.
It’s really shameful that Dr. Wittenberg chose to simply ignore me and my boyfriend especially knowing that we are colleagues and he works in the hospital. For sure she will never get referrals from him any more.

Heidi Wittenberg is a rockstar OB/​GYN. She comes in early she stays late, she returns phone calls. I find her very reassuring.
Heidi delivered my second child via C-​section. She never acts annoyed with questions, she doesnt scold and she is almost always on time. When you have 2 kids– time is not something one has an abundance of and she really seems to understand that.
When I cant get in to Dr. Wittenbergs very busy schedule, I see Olga. Olga is great and so efficient. (see her review) I have also on occasion seen other doctors on staff and they were nice– but Heidi and Olga are attentive and they remember me even though they see many patients between my check-​ups.

No bedside maner, she’s awlful. If going for your anual is a big deal and you need a doctor to be exta nice, keep looking you will not find that with Wittenberg!

I have to wonder how many of the good reviews actually had Dr. Wittenberg deliver a child. She delivered my son and was great throughout the pregnancy. My regular doctor had retired so that was the first time I saw her. I needed to have a c-​section — which she messed up, leaving me infertile for the next 3 years.
Immediately folowing the c-​section I tried to get an appointment as I had a high post-​partum temperature I was unable to book an appointment again to see her. Actually, following the delivery was the last time I saw her as she cancelled my yearly exam the day before and I was told it would take six months to get another appointment. Fortunately I found a specialist in Los Angeles who was able to identify what Dr. W did to my uterus (sutured it shut) and fix it (three operations).
Clearly she only has time for prenatal appointments and will not bother with you after. That combined with the gross negligence I received in operating room is horrific. I was also discouraged to breast feed by her — fortunately I ignored that advice.

If I could give her 10 stars I would.
Heidi is exceptionally personable and knowledgeable. She’s what you want and expect from a professional OB. She stated up from that we’ll get the person on call that day which may or may not be her.
Diane S, below replied with 1 star because Wittenberg wasn’t accepting new patients– I’m glad you couldn’t get in cause you’re RUDE. Why would you rate someone 1 star because you couldn’t get in? That has nothing to do with their service.
Delivery Date 2÷11÷08, Updated 07÷25÷08 (sorry for the delay, I’ve been busy not sleeping).
Heidi was on hospital rounds the day we went in for an emergency C-​section, which is exactly what we were hoping for (her, not the C-​section). Professional and compassionate are two words I would use to describe her care during and after the surgery. The bottom line is that I continue to highly recommend her.
I’ve read several reviews that seem to expect their OB to be in the office for appointments, but also be in the hospital when they’re delivering. For a scheduled C-​section this might happen but because child birth by nature is not schedulable it doesn’t seem reasonable. During our office visits we met with another OB when Heidi was out. She was equally as nice and professional, this is what I would expect from the on call OB should you get someone other than Heidi on your special day.

Dr. Wittenberg is a thorough and a great OB/​GYN. She delivered my baby girl at the end of July. Overall, it was a great experience. I chose Dr. Wittenberg because she is so calm and patient. I delivered the baby with no injuries or complications. Hooray! Dr. Wittenberg visited me every morning during my hospital stay and offered advice and compassion. She fulfilled all of my expectations and I was more than satisfied while under her care.
That said, Dr. Wittenberg is way overbooked. Additionally, Pacific Gynecology is crazy busy. I booked all of my pregnancy appointments in advance and never had any trouble getting in to see her. However, I forgot to call and make my 6 week postpartum appointment and was not able to to see her.

I have read all the reviews, and have to believe that Dr. Wittenberg is awesome. However, my experience has been vastly different. As an individual, and I am sure as a doctor she is top notch. My wife and I are due to deliver in September, and having read the reviews, we got on the schedule to be one of Dr. Wittenberg’s patients.
That is where things went south. I believe that Dr. Wittenberg would be far better off if she had far fewer patients. The staff handling appointments are anything but versed in customer service. My wife asked that they call in a prescription for prenatal vitamins. They said they would do it and on two separate occasions we went to the pharmacy, and they had not been called in. They were not even apologetic. They all seem way too busy.
Afterall, this is our baby. We were schedule for our 3^rd visit, where we would have our ultrasound, and learn the baby’s sex. This is a very exciting visit. Yesterday, we were called and told that Dr. Wittenberg was going to have to cancel the appointment, and that someone other than Dr. Wittenberg would be performing the ultrasound, at some other location other than their offices. We feel like cattle. There is no personal service, no feeling like they are in the business of helping to bring new people into the world.
It saddens me to write this, as I have seen all the glowing reviews. I think we will probably find another doctor, someone whom we feel actually is vested in the delivery of our child. (I have to believe there are others out there with similar experiences, and would love to hear them).

So, for a long while, Dr. Wittenberg was not taking new patients… I think she is now taking new patients, so ladies, schedule your appointments.
While nobody really likes to talk about that annual appointment, Dr. Wittenberg makes the entire appointment relatively painless… and quick. She’s personable (typically difficult to find with a doctor), and while I know she makes notes about our conversations, she remembers things about me and my life. She is easy to talk to… which is one of the most important criteria for an ob-​gyn.