Some years ago, Dr. Severence, my primary care physician, refused to authorize the MRI that emergency physicians at John Muir Hospital ordered to diagnose the cause for sudden onset of severe cervical spine pain. My lawyer had to intervene before Severence would give me the necessary referral. As a result of the delay, I suffered severe spinal cord compression that required emergency surgery and 3 months in a 4-point metal neck brace. I was left with irreversible nerve damage and chronic pain that is worsening as I get older.

Submitted July 6, 2021

I have been going to Dr Severance for several years now just for routine physicals, blood work and pap smears from his nurse practitioner. His NP is great, knowledgeable and friendly, approachable and admits when she doesn't know something. Dr Severance on the other hand, is superficially friendly but if you try to dig too deep his pompousness comes out and he can be dismissive and abrupt. He knows very little about menopause so I have learned and minimizes the possible negative effects of low estrogen and will make you feel like a whiner if you talk about it. He doesn't seen to keep up with studies or do much continuing education, I don't know that for a fact but to me he seems out of touch with the latest and with his patients for that matter. The only reason I haven't switched to another doc is I've been too lazy and I rarely go anyway but I will be shopping around for someone worthy of my business and my trust here very shortly.

Submitted May 14, 2014

He is a great Doctor. He is very caring and I would definitly recommend him to friends and family. He has a wonderful bedside manner.

Submitted Dec. 27, 2012

Actually I really like Doctor Severance. He listens well and is responsive and I think he tries to be helpful. I may have to make a change anyway. The problem is (1) his answering exchange and (2) some of the people on his support staff. From my experience, some staff people - one in particular- make a habit of dropping the ball, don't return calls properly, and are not very communicative. This one in particular leaves a cryptic message 'this is me. call me back. baahh' with a tone like she's irritated. If I do speak with her, she conveys her way is the only way. The answering exchange people are gawd-awful beyond hideous! They are ALWAYS snippy and try to probe into patient's private health information where they legally have no business (HIPAA violation) They will not help at all, but say all they can do is take a message (which the doctor may not ever receive, btw). His practice would improve greatly if he would train staff, fire the answering service, and get a voicemail.

Submitted Dec. 3, 2010

Dr. Severance was such a jerk to me! I went in there feeling very bad with no makeup (as sometimes you do when you go to your dr) and he commented that I was making (mean) faces at him and that he took offence. WTF!! He was thereafter confrontational with me, “Oh, You’re in here AGAIN?” and talked to me like he was arguing with me!! Yes, I’m in here because you are my doctor and I’ve been diagnosed with a medical condition and I need help! (btw, 2 months is too short of a time to go back to your dr?). It was all I could do to not burst out crying and walk straight out of his office! Needless to say I believe he tries to get you out as fast as possible with the least amount of effort on his part. He’s always rushed and never seems to be hearing what you are saying.

Submitted Oct. 29, 2010

Dr. Severance is the best doctor I have ever been to. Friends of mine have been going to him for years and say he's amazing. He does not waste your time and you do not have to come back 10 times a week because he always knows whats wrong with you by the 1st visit. He is very knowledgeable and knows what he is doing. I would recommend him to any one in a second. He saved my friend's life. I could not be happier with my choice of doctor. Everyone loves Doctor Severance!

Submitted April 27, 2010

I finally had to change doctors due to the inefficiency of his staff. I've been trying to get my medical records for the last six months. I've called, written and visited his office but have not been successsful in getting my medical records. Not sure what my next step should be.

Submitted April 10, 2010

Dr Severance and Sachie are the best. My husband, son and I all go there and a quick diagnosis literaly saved my husbands life. I would recommend them to anyone. Paige who works in the office is stellar. Carolyn Graham

Submitted Oct. 30, 2009

Dr. Douglas Severance is so overbooked that he is basically unavailable. Most of the time you end up going to his PA. If by some chance you are lucky enough to see Dr. Severance prepare yourself to be in and out in just a few short minutes. When I go to him it never fails I wait at least 45 mins. & I'm out of there before I know what hit me. Dr. Severance has a real racket going on. Thanks for your time.

Submitted Oct. 11, 2009

I usually see Dr. Severance's nurse practioner and have been happy with her for several years. Lately I have had a few appointments with the Dr. himself, and have not been happy. He doesn't seem interested and does not listen. Kept me on medicine I was allergic to just to wait and see... Would be very concerned if I was ever hospitalized, so I just got a referral to a new physician. I wish his nurse practioner was a MD!

Submitted Feb. 21, 2007