Secily Bason-Mitchell, MD

I was referred by a friend to Dr. Bason Mitchell after finding out I was pregnant at another practice. While the other doctor did do an ultrasound and show us the tiny heartbeat, that’s all he did. There was no dialogue about what we should do next — he just handed us a folder of handouts and sent us down the hall for a blood test. This turned out to be the counsyl testing as we later found out. We left feeling kind of lost and uneasy.
After getting a recommendation from a friend, I made an appointment with Dr. Bason Mitchell. She sat down with us in her office (not exam room) to talk us through what to expect. It was so refreshing to have the conversation not while lying down in a gown that opens in the front :) She never seemed rushed and we got to ask all of our questions about how this would all go down. I personally really liked how she didn’t try to push me to really restrict my diet or give up my morning cup of coffee. Although such a small thing, that really was an indicator of how she would handle things down the line and made me feel at ease.
During the pregnancy, she was attentive to my questions and always took the time to talk about what to expect next and how I was feeling. I never felt like she was distracted or rushed. She was always kind and relatable, but professional and knowledgeable. She’s a no-​nonsense kind of doctor, which is exactly what I wanted. I was lucky enough to have her deliver my babe (during her lunch no less — sorry doctor!) and when she ran in, I was so relived to know that I was in capable hands. After the 6 week check up, she even took the time to call me and check in.
I can’t say enough about Dr. Bason Mitchell! I also have really liked my experience with the rest of the practice, office staff, billing, etc.

I was referred to Dr. Bason-​Mitchell by a friend at a time when I was feeling uneasy about my health and the competency of my past doctor to provide with with the best care.
I could not be happier with the referral — Dr. Bason-​Mitchell is to the point, honest, experienced and competent.

This review is just for my delivery, I’ve never seen her as a patient.
So I was complete out of nowhere. One of those everyone-​rushing-​into-​the-​room-​and-​slapping-​gloves-​on type thing. At this point, I thought I was dying. I had been up for 51 hours. No sleep. No food. Labor is faster the second time around, they said. It’s less painful the second time, they said. Well twelve hours after actively laboring in the hospital, I proved these myths wrong. Damn expectations! Anyway, I was that lady yelling in pain. I wasn’t screaming, but it was a nice, healthy yell, the kind you let out when you feel like you’re getting your arm sawed off. In comes Dr. Bason-​Mitchell, this little angel of a lady. She came in two seconds flat, which means she dropped whatever she was doing and came running. She is a no-​bullshit woman. I like that in a woman. She lowered her head to match mine, looked me dead in the eye, and firmly said «we’re having this baby right now,» and it was like a «get it together, it’s go time.» That’s all it took for me to gather my exhausted mind up and do what I had to do. I pushed the baby out super quickly, she sewed me up and delivered the placenta, removed some leftover amniotic sack, and went on her way. She answered questions concisely, no sugar coating. No, she didn’t talk much, she wasn’t this touchy feely sweet lady, but that’s not her job. She did everything that mattered. She came immediately, she took control of the situation, she slapped me into shape when I needed it, she did her job, made sure everything was out and that I was healthy and in good shape. Although I wish my OB had delivered, I was very happy with this no-​nonsense doctor.

Please read and do not delete! I want other people don’t repeat my mistakes!!!
If you want to have healthy baby and attentive doctor, dont want to have any problems during pregnancy I would definitely NOT recommend you to see this person. That was my second pregnancy, but we moved to SF from Nevada and I had to find the doctor. Somebody recommend her to me (whyyyyy???). I don’t have insurance and I DO have ability to pay. I payed cash for the visit. At the reception everybody asked me about my insurance, about money, they were trying to sell me some products and nobody was interested in my pregnancy or my health! I called her to make an appointment December 2 and they made an appointment only January 7. As soon as I remember from my first pregnancy on the first visit they usually do an ultrasound, urine sample and at least check you. I was expected the same from such a good place as CPMC. The nurse came and check my blood pressure. Then in 25 minutes the doctor came and invited me to her office. We talked about everything but my pregnancy. She asked me about my last period and check with her special table my due date. I could do it myself, you can find this thing inside every pregnancy test. She never checked me, I was told that they don’t have ultrasound and I don’t need to do this. The only thing she did was trying to listen the heartbeat, didn’t hear anything, but I was told that the baby is too small to hear anything (I was 11 weeks pregnant) and there is nothing to worry about and she will see me in a month. After I left I was kinda worry, I was hoping to get at least ultrasound and urine sample. I went to another place in a week and found that my pregnancy stopped developing at 4 – 5 weeks. The other doctor simply checked me, checked the size of my uterus was too small for the amount of weeks and sent me to the ultrasound which confirmed this fact. I am just shocked! In fact bason Mitchell charged me for the conversation and sent me home with a dead baby inside, telling me that everything is fine! How come??? I don’t care about money, I care about my health, I am posting this review from the hospital where I am already for the 4 day. I got surgery and ons of antibiotics injections because of doctor Bason Mitchell! Good Luck! And don’t make my mistakes!

I have seen Dr. Bason-​Mitchell since 2000. I can’t speak highly enough about her. My initial interactions with her were around typical annual exams and any required follow-​up. Over the past few years, she has provided unparalleled counseling and support around my efforts to become pregnant. I am a single woman who chose to go through IVF, and Dr. Bason-​Mitchell was a supporter and encourager from day 1. I appreciate her honesty, candor and «real life» way of looking at things. Last year, we found a very large cyst on my left ovary — Dr. Bason-​Mitchell did the surgery without removing the ovary. Let’s just say that the cyst was HUGE, and all doctors I have spoken to since the procedure (including some of the country’s leading fertility docs at UCSF) have been über impressed with her skill in saving the ovary. Now that I’m pregnant, I’m seeing the doctor a lot more; she continues to be a rock for me in terms of rational recommendations, clear and detailed explanations of everything happening, etc. I will add that she is also extremely good at follow up. When my cyst was diagnosed, she called me on a Friday night, so I wouldn’t worry about it over a long weekend. When I took a fall earlier in my pregnancy, she met me at the hospital to review tests and calm me down. Whenever I call her office and leave a message, she calls back promptly. I’m biased, but I think she’s the best OB in SF. Hands down.

Bason-​Mitchell comes off as very confident and was recommended by a friend. We generally liked her, too. She was somewhat aloof (distracted?) during our first encounter, though she might have just delivered a baby. During the second encounter, she gave us a hard sell to use the Counsyl genetics testing product (we did ultimately elect to pay for the service — fully-​covered by Blue Shield! — but her manner seemed imposingly commercial). Then things became more complicated, and the treatment by her office staff caused us to seek an ObGyn practice that better fit our needs.
The primary reason we switched to Golden Gate ObGyn (which we love!) was because the Pacific Women’s ObGyn practice overcharged us for all but 1 visit. We have Blue Shield and are guarranteed to have all ObGyn and pregnancy visits covered. We have never paid anything at Golden Gate. However, PWObGyn charged us a $ 20 copay on each visit, by faking the medical codes, denying that any of the visits were related to pregnancy. Not sure of whether it is part of a scam, or merely administrative incompetence, but it was really frustrating. They took $ 100 from us that they should not have.

Mostly saw the physician’s assistant. Often had cancelled appointments
by this doctor. Not the best choice if you have complicated case or want more
personal care.

I thought I had already written a review for Secily. Shame on me.
In short, Dr. Bason-​Mitchell really cares about her patients and it’s obvious. When I asked for advice a couple times, she asked «as a doctor or as an older sister?» which was spot-​on because she can play both roles.
I’ve been seeing Dr. Bason-​Mitchell for maybe 7 years, ever since my old doctor (who I really liked) quit his private practice to join Kaiser. I LOVE Dr. Bason-​Mitchell. I LOVE her nurse practitioners. I LOVE her nurses. The office staff I knew seems to be gone, but the new staff seems friendly.
Some of the reasons I love Secily:
— As my GYN, she gave me advice on switching birth control to avoid bone density loss. She was concerned about my long-​term health.
— When she wasn’t taking new patients, she offered to take on a friend of mine who had problems with her GYN that landed her in the hospital.
— She was also gracious enough to consult with a friend who was pregnant in Mexico, even looking at her ultrasounds from Mexico and test results and recommending additional tests.
— When I was pregnant, my husband and I came equipped to most visits (and there are many) with a notebook full of questions. She never rushed us, was always patient with my husband whose second language is English, and was always candid.
— After some complications, I had a c-​section. Dr. Bason-​Mitchell chatted with me and my husband throughout surgery and completely put me ease (I was a nervous wreck going in). She followed up later that day and then again everyday afterward. Dr. Bason-​Mitchell educated me on the complications, consulted with other specialists and even medical journals, and offered me alternatives.
— She and her office were incredibly helpful with all the paperwork (you have no idea how much paperwork is involved in maternity leave).
Good things are worth waiting for, so I don’t mind reading a book in the office for 15 – 20 minutes if she’s running late (because I know she’s giving another patient the time she gives me). If you’re the impatient type, simply book your appointments first thing in the morning.
When my family eventually moves over a bridge, I’ll try to take her with me.

I have called them 3 times trying to get my Rx refill faxed. They still havent done it. Maybe they just dont give a sh*&.

I was her patient for 7 years and during this time I always received excellent care. She handled my first pregnancy which had a few tricky situations, but I felt at that time she was very personable, helpful and enthusiastic about what she did. This latest pregnancy however, I got a completely different impression from her and her office. I am not sure if it is office politics or what, but she has changed as a doctor. I found that her visits were more rushed and less informative. Her office is really one of the biggest problems. Even with all my complications in the beginning of this pregnancy I felt like I rarely got a chance to speak to her. Her medical assistants and office staff are unprofessional and poor communicators.
I also had hyperemesis gravardium with both pregnancies and this time with my 2^nd pregnancy the condition is more severe. She seemed to dismiss it and did not want to deal with other treatment options other than putting me in the hospital. Needless to say, I went to another practice and I am getting much treatment for this condition and leading a more functional life because of it. She is good doctor for uncomplicated pregnancies and gynecological issues, but if your pregnancy presents more unusual problems this is probably not the right OB.

I was a patient of Dr. Bason-Mitchell’s from 2004 – 2007, right as my husband and I were thinking of starting a family. She misdiagnosed a serious condition that a tech caught on an ultrasound (for an unrelated issue). She then told me to «go get pregnant!,» which I did. I wound up having a severe placental abruption at 27.5 weeks. Our otherwise healthy son was delivered by emergency C-​section at LPCH and passed away one week later.
Yes, Secily is friendly and easy to talk to. However, that is not enough, not nearly enough for an OB/​GYN. She is distracted, forgetful, and unskilled, particularly with high-​risk pregnancies. I dearly wish I had known that before I got pregnant and lost our baby boy. I subsequently received outstanding care from doctors at Portola Valley Women’s Health and Stanford, and have two beautiful girls.
In my experience, this is a pattern with Secily. One of my friends who was also a patient of hers had a traumatic first trimester miscarriage that lasted many weeks, during which time she saw Secily at least twice. When she later went back for a routine visit, Secily did not remember that my friend had ever been pregnant. In a second incident, she delivered my best friend’s baby, and didn’t realize that that child was breach until they were in the delivery room, ready to have her.

Whoa.
Well, I returned to her practice with my second pregnancy, and wanted to have a V-​BAC. She said, «why would you want to do that?».
Um, because not everyone thinks major surgery is necessary to bring new life into the world.
I went to UCSF and rocked a totally natural childbirth. It was rad. I’d do it again.

Dr. Bason-​Mitchell is one of the smartest women I know. She gave me wonderful advice during my pregnancy and I really respected her opinions. However, on several occasions I waited more than an hour to see her for a scheduled appointment. This is a testament to her popularity, but something I cannot do as a new mother.
I gave birth on June 18^th and saw Bason-​Mitchell for exactly 2 minutes during my 5^th hour of my 13 hour labor. She came in to see me on her way to surgery and that was the last time I saw her. I had a very easy pregnancy and relatively easy delivery so I understand that she has bigger (emergency) priorities. What I do not understand is that she never called to check on me after the delivery. I saw four different doctors during my stay in the hospital located within a few yards of her practice. I felt like a number. When I saw her for my 3 month appointment she never mentioned anything about not being there during or after my delivery. She didn’t realize she hadn’t been there.
I understand this is just the way things go these days, but I’m not going to settle for it. I’m switching to a midwife with a smaller practice. I really liked Bason-​Mitchell, so this is a very difficult decision. I simply need to feel important to my doctor.

Another great doctor! Referred to me by Dr. Koltzova. these ladies are good and care about their patients. No problems at all. Yeah my appointments are always being rescheduled. but I understand she has to perform surgery, so it is okay.

Dr. Bason-​Mitchell is an awesome doctor. However, I cannot give her a good rating because I’ve had so much trouble dealing with her receptionists and assistants that I had to cancel all of my appointments with her and switch my care to someone else. Her «assistant» was rude to me on the phone, and no one in the office tried to understand my point of view regarding my pregnancy. If I did not do everything they said, then I was treated like a heartless, depraved individual.
For my last appointment, I was left sitting in the waiting room for over an hour without anyone explaining to me why I was waiting so long. They also saw someone else who was scheduled for an appointment 30 minutes after I was (I know this because when she walked in she told the receptionist that she was there for an appointment with Bason-​Mitchell at 3:30, and my appointment was for 3). So I would definitely suggest finding a different doctor!

If I could give six stars I would. She has been my doctor for 3 or 4 years, but I only saw her once a year until I got pregnant. This is where she set herself apart from other doctors. I really appreciate that she is not one of those doctors who scares you and gives you a laundry list of things not to do when you are pregnant.
I had some complications at the end of my pregnancy and delivery but Dr Bason-​Mitchell took excellent care of me. She answered all of my questions, and made sure I had all the proper monitoring to ensure the health of my baby. She was there to deliver my baby and was checking in with my nurses during my labor.
If you are having a baby and looking for a doctor, I would strongly urge you to see Dr Bason-​Mitchell at Pacific Women’s OBGYN. Oh, and yes there is usually a wait and you have to schedule your appointments in advance. But I think that is all a small price to pay for receiving superior medical care and unrushed personal attention in your appointments. I would be nervous going to a doctor where there isn’t a wait, or their appointments are wide open… just like I would be nervous going to restaurant with no wait and no one in the dining room…

I think that Dr. Bason-​Mitchell is hands down the best doctor I’ve ever had. It really surprises me to see that anyone wouldn’t agree. You have to be patient with the waiting room, getting appointments and occasionally the billing but in my opinion it is all totally worth it.
I have been a loyal patient for the last 6 years. I have never gone to a doctor that I trust so completely. All women are very concerned with this ‘area’ and as soon as I see her walk in the room I immediately feel calm and confident that everything will be fine. I have always had problems with birth control and finding the perfect match, but she has always listened and worked with me. She never second guesses my feelings or symptoms and helps me weigh pros and cons of switching to something else.
The best thing about her is that she talks to you like a person, not a doctor. You can be open and honest about choices and lifestyle and not be concerned with a lecture or judgment. I am a bit of a hypochondriac and probably call too much, but she always takes my calls and talks me through everything until I completely understand and am comfortable. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a solid, understanding, smart, great doctor.

Love Dr. Bason-​Mitchell. She is caring, understanding, helpful and such a lovely woman. She is very informative and doesn’t give you all that mumbo-​jumbo medical terms to scare you. Best treatment and doctor I could have as an OBGYN and to deliver my baby.
I agree with the other reviews… she’s a busy lady and sometimes they run late that you have to wait.
I’m changing medical plans now but I know I’ll have baby #2 soon so I am making sure Dr. Bason-​Mitchell is part of the new med plan.

UPDATE: December 07
We have a beautiful baby girl, and we couldnt be happier with the Doc. She is a busy lady, so it is hard to get appointments sometimes, I recommend scheduling them all in advance, and sometimes she runs behind in the afternoon. But, she always gave us as much information as we needed, she always spent the time answering our questions and she was very nice throughout the experience. Assuming we go for baby number 2 at some point, we will be going back to her.
(Agree with the other Unilocalers on the parking! Go early and find street parking if you can because the parking garage is a nightmare when it gets busy).
ORIGINAL REVIEW — August 07
I am sad to hear the first reviewer didnt like the Doc, because so far we have had a great experience. She is warm and friendly and kind. No matter how busy the waiting room is, we never feel rushed and she spends time to answer all our questions. We are at 30 weeks right now, so assuming everything continues on the same path and things go smooth, I will bump her up to 5 stars come October!

I am sad that I’ve had to find a new doctor, because I had such high hopes for Dr. Bason-​Mitchell, who is part of the Pacific Women’s Obstetrics & Gynocology Medical Group. She’s young & up on the current research. She actually talks to you in her office with your pants on, which is a real plus.
But, she prescribed me a new birth control pill on my initial visit with her and I started having terrible reactions. She said that the pill could not be causing the problems, even though I asked her directly about it & the problems started immediately after the switch to the new pill. The next year was a blur of repeat visits and painful, awful problems. She kept escalating the very uncomfortable treatments and I went along and tried them all. But the breaking point came when she wanted to put me on an antidepressant because she said that would interrupt the link between my brain and the physical pain that I was experiencing.
I took myself off of the birth control pills and haven’t had a problem since. I am frustrated that she wouldn’t even consider the possibility that the pills could be the problem. I want a doctor that will work with me and that I don’t end up having to treat myself.
Take it for what it’s worth… that was my experience. I feel like I lost a year of my life.