McCarroll H Relton Jr, MD

I really don’t like leaving negative reviews, but since I chose this doctor based on Unilocal reviews I think I should leave a review here too. Unfortunately, I can’t recommend this doctor. I came in with what Dr. McCarroll diagnosed as a minor injury and left in a great deal MORE pain than I came in with after Dr. McCarroll’s treatment. Dr. McCarroll was either unwilling or unable to diagnose what had gone wrong in the multiple visits I had with him afterward. I finally was accurately diagnosed at UCSF and began a long and difficult recovery process.
I trust Unilocal completely, and this is the first time I had an experience so different from the reviews. So I wanted to let you know if you (like me) use Unilocal to give you an honest assessment of the people you see for important things.

I had a few choices in selecting a wrist doctor. Dr. McCarroll’s name was fortunately on the list and I saw the good reviews and so I selected him.
I completely agree with everyone’s assessment. He gave me the most thorough wrist exam ever and spent a lot of time looking over all of the past x-​rays and cat scans I brought with me. He made a diagnosis that no other doctor had made. I did not need surgery, but it’s a relief to finally know what’s been going on with my wrist for so many years.
He’s an older doctor and I have no idea when he plans to retire, but if you are in need of getting an accurate and honest diagnosis, then he’s the guy to see.
Like others mentioned, he’s on his own clock and will spend time with you, so this means there will be some waiting, but well worth it. I am just so happy to finally learn more about my wrist and the issues I had.
Parking — a nightmare, just go into the parking lot on clay street rather than driving around like crazy. And give yourself plenty of time.
Do not hesitate getting this doctor’s opinion. Thanks Unilocal for all of the accurate reviews on this particular doctor.

Consulted Dr McCarroll upon seeing the positive Unilocal reviews and was scheduled within a week. Locating street parking was quite a chore with the office clinic location within the busy CPMC. I would advise arriving a good 30 minutes early for parking and check-​in, unless one resorts to public transit.
I checked in one side of the hospital hallway where I only waited for 5 – 10 minutes before being led across the hall into a small clinic room. No preemptive x-​ray, but I brought along a recent MRI and Dr McCarroll performed by far the most thorough exam (of the three I had already experienced) before patiently walking me through the MRI and his diagnosis. I appreciate the ample time and attentiveness he displayed, with which I felt much ease.
Follow-​up phone calls, unfortunately, was disappointing, as I left messages with his staff, but neither call was returned.

I found Dr. McCarroll here on Unilocal and I am glad I did. I went to him to get a second opinion on my wrist. The first hand surgeon I saw wanted to do surgery after a rather quick review of my x-​rays and the MRI report. I wasn’t thrilled about being in a cast and rehab for 4 months, so I decided to check with Dr. McCarroll. He spent a lot of time physically checking my wrist as well as a lot of time looking at my xrays and MRI pictures on his large Apple computer, doing calculations. He had me do a special xray that wasn’t done before and concluded I do not need the surgery. I was very impressed with his knowledge and professionalism.

I found Dr. McCarroll through Google and Unilocal, not knowing anyone who had a referral for a hand surgeon. I’ve had a recurring growth near my right wrist for over ten years and wanted someone to look at it, as it had been many years since I had seen a doctor about it in Los Angeles. The first major point scored by Dr. McCarroll’s office was that the receptionist was very friendly when I called to book my appointment, a rarity I find these days, especially as I was a new patient who needed some guidance (i.e., was this the right kind of doc to see for my problem, did they accept my insurance, etc.). Then, my actual visit was incredibly pleasant, I might dare say «fun»? I was seen without waiting more than a couple of minutes, the x-​ray technician was warm and funny, and Dr. McCarroll also had a lovely bedside manor and sense-​of-​humor. He recognized my cyst immediately and explained its nature and the intricacies of treating it more clearly and in more detail than any doctor had before. He executed the treatment I chose beautifully and I’m happy to say that my embarrassing bump is gone. I was grateful that I had such a great experience with a doc chosen through the internet, something I hadn’t ever done, which is why I wanted to Unilocal… it is such a helpful service for those choosing professionals in the dark.

Dr. McCarroll truly is as good as it gets. He has that natural country doctor demeanor that immediately puts you at ease. He does not watch the clock, and is willing to take however much time he needs to make sure all your questions are answered and you truly understand what what you need to know to make an informed decision.
In my case he replaced part of my elbow on Christmas Eve no less (he said he didn’t want me to have to spend my Christmas holiday with a shattered elbow.) At first I was apprehensive about having joint surgery over the holidays but he put my mind at ease and made the whole experience as painless and stress-​free as this type of treatment could be.
If you have any problems between your shoulder and your fingertips, then Dr. MacCarroll is the doctor to see! If I could give him ten stars I would but they limit me to five.

Dr. McCarroll was very helpful, patient, friendly, thorough, and clear when I went to visit him for a hand injury. He took his time examining my hand in detail and then answered many questions I had about the nature of the injury and how to care for it. I went to see him after I had visited another hand specialist who simply x-​rayed me and told me to exercise it, which I was not satisfied with. Dr. McCarroll’s explanations were much more detailed and he clearly showed a knowledge of what was going on without trying to rush me out the door.
He also offered to forward the information to my GP unprompted and referred me to one of their physical therapists in a helpful way, without sounding like a salesman (as some do). The wait time was reasonable and the office staff were friendly as well.
I am very picky about my care providers and I would definitely recommend Dr. McCarroll for any issues with your hand, shoulder, wrist, etc.

I gotta hand it to Dr McCarroll — he’s a brilliant hand and arm surgeon and expert! Many thanks to my friend who referred me.
I’d seen another hand doctor (Kyle Bickel) because I have a recurring mucus cyst in my ring finger which developes from having osteo arthritis (proving yet again, that aging sux). The cyst isn’t painful, but it’s ugly. It appears and look horrid then it bursts only to come back again and again.
The first doctor wanted to do surgery but neglected to tell me that it takes 2 months until casts and splints are gone, and that there can be some stiffness in the joint post surgery. I learned the truth from Dr Mc Carroll so that I could an informed decision.
He told me in very vivid and fascinating detail all that’s involved. We discussed all the pros and all the cons. He sat across from me at a small table and very respectfully took his time with me. So much so that I got a $ 53 parking ticket, but I’m not complaining! This doctor saved me a lot of grief.
I know my options now. Personally I’m going to leave the cyst be for now. Yes, it will come back and look ugly BUT thanks to Archie McPhee and their cute bandaids, I’ll just slap one on and giggle at the silliness of it!
So, if you’ve got any problems with your hands or arms go see him. He’s an old fashioned doctor who isn’t watching the clock. He’s really chatty and friendly, even kinda funny, and that gets many stars in my book!