Wayne Anderson, DO

I tend to almost take offense to the people who write poor and false reviews for Dr. Anderson.
Dr. Anderson has improved my quality of life so much, I can’t help but sometimes shed tears. While feeling hopeless and feel like no one cares and you encounter a very special, brilliant and unique Dr. Like Dr. Anderson, one cannot help tearing up.
I really don’t know what I’d do without him and his wonderful staff.
Words can’t express how grateful I am.
If you would like to know more information on the quality of my visits, I have written other reviews of Dr. Anderson, so I encourage you to read those as well.
All I can say is that I have the upper most love, care and respect for Dr. Anderson and his staff.
I don’t know where I would be and what I would do without the priceless care of Dr. Anderson’s office at 45 Castro.
Again, if anyone from the office is reading this, I can’t thank you enough and there are no words that could properly voice my gratitude.
–B

I met Wayne Anderson after cervical spine surgery, when he worked for St Mary’s Spine Center as a pain specialist. I had spinal cord damage and was having difficult w speech and word recall. He was arrogant, insulting, condescending and a liar. He blamed misplaced documents on his resident when he had lost them. Over the years he moved to the Castro and had opened offices under different titles and specialties. Now I found this 420 speciality. This guy has major mental health issues along with his inflated ego. He should have his license revoked. He has no business treating patients for anything as he assumes everyone but he is a liar and treats the patient with intense distain. Stay away from this lunatic. I met him 22 years ago and am shocked he still is in practice.

Dr. Anderson and his staff are the personification of «As good as it gets». I have been a patient of Dr. Anderson’s for 5 years, and can honestly say he is the best physician with whom I have ever aligned my healthcare. Dr. Anderson is a brilliant, caring individual who always makes laugh and I look forward to my appointments. He, of all my healthcare providers, knows the most about my entire health overview. I have come to think of him as my primary physician, even though he is really only one component. I have even encouraged my family to see Dr. Anderson — that’s how much I trust the way he works and what he does.
A note about the two smiling faces you see behind the counter when you walk in the office — they are two of the hardest working people I have ever met, and in my 5 years with them they have never dropped the ball, and they have gone WAY above and beyond to accommodate my crazy schedule. They prove my theory that a smile and the simple words «thank you» go a long way. We, the patients, are never made aware of the giant regulatory hurdles that Dr. Anderson and his team must jump over in order to provide us the services we need, yet they do so with a top notch professional manner and most of all — compassion. If you are living with chronic pain, please seek out Dr. Anderson for a conversation — it literally changed my life and I, in turn, will never change physicians.

Iv’e been reading all these reviews on Unilocal and there is some really nice 5 stars reviews and a few 1 star. I’ve been going to see Dr. Anderson for many years now and my experience with him and his staff have been extremely wonderful. I find him to be a very knowledgable and very honest. He also is no dummy! There is a lot of patients that are there just to try to get drugs, not for pain just for pleasure or for sale. Hee wasn’t born yesterday. He is a excellent doctor, and if you are actually in need of pain management, he’s your guy. My guess to why there is some poorly written low star reviews is that Dr. Anderson didn’t give them the drugs that they wanted or the amount that they wanted, or they are doctor hoppers going from doctor to doctor trying to get prescriptions and they are upset. Dr. Anderson is a very good doctor and I highly recommend him and his office staff! He just gets some real strange people that probably should be looking for a Psychologist.

WARNING!!!
STAY AWAY FROM THIS LUNATIC!!!
Here are some words to describe Dr. Wayne Anderson and his horrendous Admin;
1. Delusional
2. Threatening
3. Liars
4. Disorganized
5. Incredibly Rude
6. Sociopaths
7. Deranged
8. High on drugs
9. Frightening
10. CRAZY!
I am suffering from a recent spinal cord injury that left me in the hospital for two months as well as agonizing frequent migraines that last over a week at a time.
My doctor recommended I see a pain management specialist as well as a neurologist, Dr. Anderson.
I waited a month to see this guy. Since the appointment was made for me, I didn’t know the exact time it was on March 11^th so I called his office for two weeks and left four messages before someone finally called me back.
The girl on the phone said I may fill out the paperwork ahead of time if I wanted to. I gave her my email address, but I never received an email with the forms. At this point I was seeing him the next day so I figured it didn’t matter.
My appointment was at 1:10. I arrived at 1:00, but no one was at the receptionist’s desk so I waited patiently till 1:07 when she finally appeared. I greeted her warmly and she glared at me with droopy eyes and barked, «Where’s your paperwork?» I told her I never received the email and I had proof of that. She bitched at me for about five minutes about why she would take my email and never send the forms as she rummaged through her sent box looking for what she’ll never find. I explained that she really didn’t send it, but I could be filling them out right now… Instead of wobbling before you in crutches looking at your moronic face, I thought.
I filled out the 23 page document which was unnecessary since every question asked was already answered in their system considering I was staying in the spinal cord rehabilitation center right across from their office for two months! But I guess that was to much effort for someone who can’t even send an email.
I finished the application and handed it over. She told me I only had 20 minutes to talk with the doctor and I should just reschedule. Really? I’ve been waiting over a month to see this guy. I’m in desperate need of pain medicine as my legs and feet learn how to walk again and my spine repairs itself. And I just spent 20 minutes filling out this damn paperwork!
I told her 20 minutes is plenty of time. So she opened the door and shouted at me to stick to the point and tell Dr. Wayne A. exactly what I need.
I waited for the doctor in a cold little room. Finally the man of the hour comes in. I introduce my self kindly and he yells, «Your seven minutes over time and the other patients are upset they have to wait for you!» There were no other patients in the waiting room…
After explaining to him that I didn’t receive the forms ahead of time and that I had in fact arrived 10 minutes early he growled at me, «Why are you here?!»
I told him why and asked if there was a specific medicine to help migraines since I’d never been treated before.
«Yes!» He says sarcastically rolling his eyes and typing into the computer. As he sat there furiously typing away, I pulled up the note I made for Dr. Anderson on my phone and started reading it to make sure I didn’t forget anything.
Suddenly he gets up from the computer and violently slams the door open shouting, «If you’re going to sit there reading articles on your phone, you can GET OUT!!!»
Frightened and not able to get up and walk so easily, I showed him the note and explained that was all I was doing. He looked taken aback for a millisecond before his ego took over and he roughly snared that we were out of time anyway.
In shock I hobbled back to the empty waiting room where the assistant was already arranging another time for me. Fighting back tears I croaked, «Is he always like this?» She had the audacity to say, «No, it’s because you were late.»
At this point I was done. I told her she and Dr. Anderson have no idea what I’m going through because something like this has never happened to them and left the office as fast as I could.
I called my doctor when I got home to ask why on Earth he recommended this psychopath to treat me and he reported that Anderson’s office told him that I had threatened them. What??? They threatened me! Unfuckingbelievable! So not only did Wayne treat me like scum and do nothing for me. He flat out lied and tried to ruin my good reputation by saying I’m threatening. I’m crippled for fuck sake! WTF?
I told my friend who also happens to be the 2^nd highest ranking attorney in the city and he said in no other profession could someone get away with such outlandish behavior toward a client and not be terminated immediately. This doctor was clearly on something and he is dangerous! I would rather suffer through my chronic pain than ever set foot in this crazy office again!
STAY AWAY!!!

I suffer from chronic pain, and have been looking for help for over 2 years. Unfortunately, Dr. Anderson only added to my pain and frustration, let alone his treatment worsened my condition. He kept advising me take Lyrica for my pain, despite the side effects, which now may be permanent damage. It took my primary care physician to actually tell me to stop taking the Lyrica and because of the adverse side effects. I am going to seek treatment at Stanford now, hopefully to find some answers to my chronic pain condition. And hopefully to eliminate the remaining side affects of the Lyrica. I cannot believe Dr. Anderson kept encouraging me to keep dosing up, saying that it would «kick in after 8 weeks.» It never did, and I won’t go into the terrible side effects. I am writing this negative Unilocal review to warn others that this doctor is a fraud, and does not hold enough knowledge in his field to practice what he says and does. His staff is unreliable. They were supposed to connect me with him via email so I could converse with him. None of this ever panned out. I amazes me how the medical profession can put someone with such arrogance and conceit in a position of authority, uncaring and totally a waste of my time and insurance money. Do not see this pain doctor.

Dr. Anderson is an excellent pain management doctor. He is extremely knowledgeable about pain treatment and has been very personable and supportive in his interactions with me. During my initial appointment he listened attentively to my history and the details of my injury and asked relevant questions. He explained different types of pain treatments and their advantages and disadvantages in understandable terms. By the time he finished I felt like I better understood how different medications work and the best course of action for me and my lifestyle.
Over the past 2 years Dr. Anderson has helped me to navigate different pain management choices and closely monitored me for any side effects. We found a combination of treatment modalities that enable me to function at the highest level possible given my condition. I would highly recommend Dr. Anderson to anyone who is struggling with pain.

Dr Anderson is treating my husband for chronic daily headaches. He is compassionate and very informed. His office staff is extremely professional and a pleasure to work with unlike every other doc we’ve experienced. Peter is a really nice guy and so helpful.
Dr Anderson really takes his time with you and is honest about treatment options. He’s also got a quirky sense of humor, I’ve never giggled so much in a doc office before. I can see how people might take offense to his interpersonal way since it might come off as arrogant, but I assure you he has your best interests at heart and means well.
Definitely go see him if you have headaches and/​or chronic pain.

Today I had my third visit with Dr. Anderson. It was probably also my last visit with him, because he’s a super genius and I’m all fixed now. Which is great, of course, but he was a pleasure to visit.
There’s not much exaggeration there. He certainly knows his stuff. He listens, and he also explains treatment options and the pros and cons of each, and he has a good sense of humor.
I had two recent surgeries on my lower back, and my neurosurgeon «cut me off» from pain pills and referred my to Dr. Anderson. At the time of our first visit, I was concerned that I was never going to completely recover from the pain. He explained what treatments he could and could not prescribe, and the pros and cons of my available options. So we both agreed on how to proceed, and over the the next two visits, my pain had diminished to the point where I just didn’t notice it most of the time. Now I’m reducing my pain medications to the minimum level necessary for me to be comfortable. Mission accomplished!
My condition turned out be less serious than I had originally thought, but there’s a good chance that early treatment after my surgeries prevented other problems.
The online system he uses takes a bit of getting used to, and he does expect you to be able to follow simple directions, but it’s well worth it.

I am in pain and distraught with regard to my experience. I am unable to sleep at night, despite the medical staff’s attempt to rectify the situation.

Dr. Anderson has been nothing but the best. He is very knowledgable and has been treating me for many years. I highly recommend Dr. Anderson to anybody who is in need of pain management.

Who has their secretary diagnose people over the phone WITHOUT even asking what their health conditions, etc are???

Ive been coming to see Doctor Anderson for almost 10years. I was a 15year who had a horrible lot in life that had to have 2 nback surgeries. He was the attending pain management Doctor in the hospital all those years ago. I immediatley like him because he listened to what my problems were and set out from there trying to find something that worked for me. After my 1^st surgery the leg pain i had was gone from my sciatica, but i now had excruciating lower back pain from my surgery sight. We tried everything, you name it we tried it. I became allergic to almost EVERYTHING i was put on. I went to the hospital 3times in anaphylactic shock because i was that severly allergic to the medication. through all of this he did NOT give up on me. Finally after almost 2years & a 2^nd back surgery later we found a medication that truly worked for me.
Almost immediatley my life improved i was able to get a job, move out of my parents house, get a full time job, have a great social life! & now 10years later im still having a great life ALL BECAUSE OF HIM! He is my savior & really makes me feel like Im normal. If i have a problem with anything he always listens, what i love is that he doesn’t make me feel like im crazy. Sooooo many doctors, nurses & surgeons told me it was all in my head before i went to my final surgeon who saw i wasn’t faking. I do have to take medication everyday to have a normal quality of life but that’s fine with me. so if your considering going to see him, DON“T WAIT!!! Just do it, I promise it will be the best descision. he really is amazing & he will help you to the best of his ability and he won’t give up on you.
I don’t know what i would do without him, i’d be on disability because my pain without it being controlled is horrible. I have a great life because he is such an amazing doctor! & his Receptionist Peter is an Angel on earth literally!!! If i ever need anything or need to reschedule he ALWAYS makes it happen so that Im able to come on another day that works for me. & celeste is a new addition to the office & she is really sweet & always helps me if i need it as well. They make me feel like family when i come there.
So if you feel like no one else has listened go to him. He was a god send! & i hope if your reading this that he does the same for you. Whwnever i visit his office it’s always packed with the same people over & over because he really is a great doctor. EVen if i had another option to go somewhere else for free I WOULD NOT, that’s how spectacular Dr. Wayne Anderson & his team are!!!

I am a relatively new patient of Dr. Anderson, and I find him amazingly thorough and capable of quickly understanding my needs. Visits with him are a true joy; he is both quirky and wonderfully likeable. My conversations with him alone have helped me forget my pain and troubles for awhile.
I strongly recommend Dr. Wayne Anderson to anyone who is serious about dealing with their chronic pain. He is quite obliging in taking any extra steps your insurance company may require, so that you receive the best medication possible.

Edit: Back when I had insurance and our ‘relationship’ was but a year or two old, I gave Dr. Anderson [et al] a five star review. While I still trust in (and would definitely promote to new, potential patients) his competancy, intelligence, and ability to care for his wards; my disappointment in his pricing, availibility, and individualized attention has forced me into agnosticism again (to continue the analogy/​bad pun from my earlier review ;).
To be fair, I had a role to play in the [non]marital strife…(heck, I’m already playing around with bad analogies – might as well bear with me a little longer ;-) You know the old ‘joke’ where a guy marries his trophy wife, only to discover a few years into it that she’s no longer wearing make-​up on the weekends, or serving TV dinners instead of the real thing, and/​or has gone up a couple of dress-​sizes. Well, maybe that’s how Dr. A was feeling when his previously well-​insured patient (moi) was suddenly uninsured and struggling to pay for appointments & prescriptions.
Though he generously agreed to continue seeing me and AND EVEN DISCOUNTED HIS SERVICES a bit, it [being uninsured] severely limited the modalities of treatment and, because of those limitations, their efficacy. So, to sum it up, {bad analogy time!] I went from the up-​for-​anything /​throw-​on-​a-​pair-​of-​sweats-​and-​still-​look-​gorgeous-​wife to the not-sure-she’ll-even-GO-to-the-office-holiday-party-and-if-she-does-she’ll-probably-look-frumpy-and-drink-too-much wife. No matter how good hubby’s intentions might be, this sort of outcome is sure to cause some sort of resentment, right?
Well, that’s sort of what happened here… I certainly didn’t plan for a bait-​and-​switch, but I popped one on him nonetheless. And when the discount was discontinued and I was facing paying full-​priced specialists’ rates (plus any back-​owed balance in full) for treatment that had become intermittently effective, I had to part ways with my former saviour.
Perhaps when my insurance matters are settled and our schedules align, we shall meet again…
*Side Note: Strangely enough, if I’m reading all my statements right, the discounted amount I was paying per visit while UNinsured was 3x the amount my insurance company regularly paid/​settled for! Just goes to show how baffling the healthcare industry really is these days…*

Words could not describe how great and intelligent this man is. He really does work wonders. For example today, I over heard a patient at the receptionist window saying, «I’ve been having so much success with the treatment plan Dr. Anderson and I discussed. The other day was my first day walking without a cane and I feel almost as if I’m back to my old self.» OMG that is amazing. To hear that kind of response from anyone about a doctor makes you feel like your in good hands.
Another thing I love how Dr. Anderson is so up to par with everything. He rarely makes any mistakes. THANK Gosh he has an online follow up form that I can do online at home. Sure beats the hell out of doing it in the office on paper. «Save our trees!»
The workers there are so kind both Peter and Celeste are such a delight. They do everything they can to make you feel comfortable.
And a little tip. If your allergic to dogs ten this won’t be the right fit for you. Because, he does bring his really friendly whippets to the office with him.
This is a great office. Ever since I have been treating with Dr. Anderson I have been almost able to do some athletic activities that I love to do. I have nothing but hope and I will continue to treat with him.

I went to Wayne with my wife today for severe headaches she’s been having. We were so happy to get in to see him after reading the reviews on Unilocal and we weren’t disappointed.
I really appreciated his approach. He went through all the information carefully and I had a good time learning about some of the actual anatomical causes of migraines from him. He has a great sense of humor and we had a lot of laughs.
He’s the sort of doctor who will joke about videos he’s seen online, or chat with you about video games (and the rivalry we’re «supposed to have» between xbox and ps3). He seemed to really enjoy teaching us about the different brain structures, and I don’t feel like he dumbed it down or over-​simplified.
His office is informative and the receptionist was nice. There is information on the walls talking about various policies, for example, how he doesn’t get paid by any drug companies and has no paid interest in any certain drugs.
Bottom line, I really like the guy. He was able to narrow my wife’s pain down and give a treatment that should help. He went through the side effects of the medication one-​by-​one so we could understand each and be prepared. He told us clearly what conditions would require another E.R. visit and how to handle any pain that may occur. I happily recommend him.

I’m afraid that I’m long overdue in writing a review for Dr. Anderson. I’ve been going to him for a number of years and I’m honestly shocked to see any negative reviews here.
Dr. Anderson is the most compassionate doctor I’ve ever been to and he always gives each patient the time they need. If you’ve been dealing with chronic pain, you want and need a doctor who will talk to you and explain the various options that are best for you. I’ve never felt rushed, not even once.
I appreciate a doctor with a sense of humor and I always feel better as well as encouraged when I leave his office. There are times when you will have to wait because good pain management doctors aren’t going to rush their patients. Someone may call and it may appear that it will be a standard appointment but, when they arrive, it turns out that it was something completely different and more time consuming. This is the only negative thing I can write about my experience with Dr. Anderson. I’m happy to wait to see him because I feel he’s the best there is in San Francisco.
Peter is Dr. Anderson’s right hand man and he’s an absolute gem! He answers the phone, makes appointments, handles insurance issues, helps with prescriptions, calls back quickly and always works with patients to get them into to see the doctor as soon as possible. Peter is so kind and so sweet and he greets each patient with a smile and the kind of compassion and understanding that is rare to find in many doctor’s offices these days.
Peter stepped into a tough position and I suspect that the complaints from several years ago were due to another employee who is no longer with Dr. Anderson. Peter always, always returns calls and he’ll work with you to find a time that is best for you. He’s gone out of his way for me many times. I don’t want to go into detail for fear he’ll have others asking for additional favors. He’s just amazing, detailed, funny and he’s the sort of person you’d want for a best friend because you know he’d do anything he could for you. Dr. Anderson is incredibly lucky to have found Peter and I hope he’ll be there for many years to come. If I see him one month and the waiting room is filled and perhaps one or two patients are less than understanding, I try to remember to bring him chocolate the next time. I know he enjoys it and he can afford the calories, unlike me.
Dr. A, please send Peter away for a week or 10 days to a spa or a great fun in the sun place where he can unwind and relax, maybe even a cruise. Too much work will make anyone stressed even if they don’t show it… and, Peter hides stress very well.
Dr. Anderson really does understand the many facets of pain including the depression, the fatigue, constantly being tired and sleepy and I promise you that he will continue to find a plan that will work for you. No, I can’t promise that all of your problems will be gone… I sure wish I could… but, if wishes were horses, beggars would ride. I can promise you that Peter and Dr. Anderson will offer you kindness, amazing knowledge, and he will work with you until he gets it right. Many people will live with pain for their whole lives and it’s not easy. If you suffer from chronic pain, I feel like you really do need a doctor like Dr. Anderson. It’s a different experience from my previous encounter with a pain clinic and I don’t ever want to go back.
I really didn’t want to write a novel here. I want others who are in pain to read this and feel some hope. Dr. Anderson isn’t a miracle worker but, I’m sure for some, they may feel that way. I suffer from extreme depression which makes the pain worse and the time I spend with both Peter and Dr. Anderson always leave me feeling better than when I arrived and, best of all, with hope that my own situation will continue to improve. I wouldn’t want to have to consider seeing another pain management doctor because I know what I’d be giving up.
Dr. Anderson tells everything to you straight up and it’s clear that he cares about his patients very much. This is the kind of doctor and human being I would want to see if I was in pain and, that describes Dr. Anderson perfectly.
One last thing, Dr. Anderson has two beautiful and very sweet Whippets and if you’re lucky, you might get to meet them. I’m such a dog person that I just love going when they’re there. If you can get your own dog or cat, please do… it makes dealing with pain so much easier.

Before I write my review, I just have to point out I was pretty shocked to read Jesse’s take on his experience at Dr. Anderson’s office. My experience with this office over the last 2 years has been excellent. I can only guess that from the anger Jesse put into his review, that he might have been an ‘abrasive’ person to treat. Then again, everyone has their opinion. Jesse — If you want a REALLY bad pain doctor, go to see Dr. Elliot Krames. Now that place was REALLLY bad!!!
As for Dr. Wayne Anderson, I have nothing but great things to say. I’ve been going to his office for approx the past 2 years. He is VERY easy to get along with, and makes me very comfortable every time I am there. Not only does his personality help put a smile on my face, but he knows his business! Any questions you have about pain problem — guaranteed he knows the best way to treat it, and will work with you until you’re living better and able to manage your pain.
The last pain doctor I went to for about 2 years chose to do pointless surgeries that ‘said’ would help, and never did. I spent thousands on pointless procedures that Dr. Krames said would help, and DIDN’T. This is absolutely not the same case with Dr. Anderson.
Not only does Dr. Anderson know what will help with your specific pain problems, he has a great personality that will put a smile on your face. It DOES help to have your doctor make you laugh, especially when you’re in hell every day with your pain. Dr. Anderson found a med that finally helps with my chronic pain, and a procedure that helps as well. Without him, I know I would be in the hell of day to day pain I was in for so long before I came to his office.
Another PLUS is Peter. You get to meet him when you come to the office. He deals with all the phone calls and appointments. He is a great guy, and also always has a smile on his face. In my 2 years here, Peter always comes through with answering the phone, returns calls quickly, and works with your schedule to find appointments that work for you. Any procedures you need, he deals with the insurance companies quickly so that you can get what you need done, sooner.
The only ‘con’ I can think of, is that sometimes there is a little wait to see the doctor. But there is a comfortable couch to rest on if you have to wait.
The doctor deals with any prescriptions you have quickly, and you can even go down to the 1^st floor to get it filled at the Walgreens. It’s easy and quick!
Personally, I wouldn’t want to see another pain doc. I definitely recommend this office to anyone that is looking for a quality place to go for treatment or consultations.

I have seen Dr. Anderson about once a week since our first visit and he continues to be the same person I first met. I feel able to talk with him about all of the concerns (read, terrible fears) I have had since I was a child with polio, in fact I am pouring my heart out.
He gives me great feedback and he is so encouraging. I can honestly say that my pain is greatly alleviated.
I have walked Daisy every day for 4 days in a row and I am stretching my legs out. That is a miracle!