MIchael E. Abel's Online Review Report Card

I had good experiences with now retired doctors Volpe and Chiu in this surgical group. They did both of my colonoscopies, and Dr. Chiu was very helpful with respect to the longstanding constipation problem I have. I made an appointment with Dr. Abel, after I was told that Dr. Chiu had retired and that Dr. Abel was particularly knowledgeable about rectal problems. I took my related medical records, to update about the testing results and treatment I had been receiving elsewhere. I wanted a second opinion, and I had particular questions that I thought his expertise could handle. I was in and out in less than 15 minutes. He had reviewed my records, he made it sound like. He said he couldn't help me, then he started walking toward the door. I didn't get the chance to tell him why I had made the appointment to see him. just before he disappeared out into the hallway, I asked him whether he could suggest anything that might help. He said "magnesium". I said, "what dose? And any particular kind? He said "any dose" and "no", and he was gone. I said, "what if it doesn't work?" He said "It will work". (It didn't work, even in a very large dose, almost the maximum dose recommended in medical journals.) I guess I got the 2nd opinion I was after--I got the impression that he had spent a few minutes looking at the medical records I took him, and he probably trusted that the doctors I had been seen by at a different medical conglomerate, because I now know that he teaches there, but he was short with me and really didn't want to spend even ten minutes inquiring why I had made my appointment with him. I did succeed in dragging out of him that he didn't have any better ideas (or any ideas at all!) I can't comment on his surgical prowess, but I can say that he came across as an impatient, uncaring, disrespectful man, who I wouldn't go near when he has a knife in his hand, or at all, again! Now that the two excellent doctors in his group have retired, I won't even consider going to his medical group again for my next Colonoscopy or for ANYthing! I would rate my experience as AWFUL if he hadn't at least given my records a cursory review or pointed me to Magnesium as a last resort. I'm sticking with the medical practitioners I was already with, because Dr. Abel isn't a better solution, or a solution at all.

Doctor Abel did not know what a fissurectomy was. I told him I had one in the past and he insisted the procedure did not exist and the only way to treat anal fissures was a sphincterotomy. He basically forced the surgery on me which I DO NOT RECOMMEND TO ANYONE.He didn't even prescribe me the nitroglycerin compound typically prescribed for anal fissures! I had to ask him to prescribe it because I knew it was an option. He was the worst doctor I have ever visited. I would hardly consider him an MD Please save your time and money and go elsewhere. Your health is not worth this doctor protecting his aging ego.

After reading the reviews on this site I was compelled to add my own. I cannot believe some of what has been written. They must be seeing a different doctor, in a different universe, with different front office staff!My husband is his patient and we could not be happier with the care he has been given by Dr. Abel and his office. It took us a while to figure out that he was just a surgeon, not a doc who good treat my husband in general. After we got that straight we were referred to other people who didn't even come close to Abel's level of care. While we remain very disappointed at the other referrals we've been given in the CPMC system and will most likely go with the UCSF folks, it will still be Dr. Abel that does my husband's surgery. There's a lot to be said for trust and comfort levels when dealing with life-threatening conditions.

I found his manner to be dismissive and condescending.Another Dr in the practice did my gallbladder removal and was in surgery when I was in a lot of pain.I called and the only Dr available was Dr Abel.I was kept waiting almost an hour and was rushed out once I saw him.I'm grateful that he did not do my surgery.

Dr. Abel performed my gall bladder surgery when I was suffering from gall stones and pancreatitis. His manner was so pleasant and calming that you stress level abated. He did an excellent surgery and I recovered fully thanks to his treatment.

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Dr. Michael Abel is fantastic. Knowledgable and kind, takes time to answer any questions you have.

Dr. Abel is an excellent doctor with a high manners and excellent skills. He has resolved my problem that I have had for more than 10 years in just three minutes. I was impressed. He is like a magician has changed my life and now I have no pain and feels great. He is also very patient, compassionate and understanding doctor. God Bless him!

Dr. Michael Abel is one of the greatest Surgeons. I had 2 surgeries with him and both of them went smooth and nice without any infection or any other problem. He is very knowledgeable, friendly, and caring. An absolute 5 star for his great treatment.In his 3838 California Street Office Jeanette is at front desk and Tiffany is Med. Assistance, these two girls are as sweet as Candy, very polite and caring.

I don't know about others negative experiences, but for me it has been a good one. I got my gallbladder removed in August of 2016. After suffering for 7 years and every doctors telling me that my gallbladder is fine even with MRCP and EUS was showing few small stones and sludges. I had my fears that gallbladder surgery wouldn't take care my pain but thanks To Dr. Abel, I am feeling back to being normal; no more pain 6 months after the surgery.