San Francisco Natural Medicine

Dr. Horowitz is a good ND and can help some people, no doubts about it. However in my case she prescribes strict diet which caused fairly big weight loss. I was already a bit underweight and I should have known better not to listen to her. But I was in a vulnerable position and trusted her. Later on I developed gastritis from some of the treatments she prescribed, which further caused me to loose weight due to inability to eat much. This has been almost a year ago, I was able to gain some weight back but my stomach and digestion is still a big mess. I cannot eat and digest what I used. The saddest part is the fact that my digestion was perfect before I started her treatment. She completely misdiagnosed me and what was only an acute infection she treated as a chronic one. So the lesson to be learned, follow your own intuition and be very careful what you put in your own body…

I’m so thankful I found this place. I’ve worked with 3 practitioners, and they’ve all been very professional, personable, and educated on treatments, tests, and medical options. Even though they were not able to give me an answer or pinpoint the cause of my complex medical issue, I still appreciate them at least explaining what they can understand and pinpoint from my tests results. The vitamin IVs are heavenly as well. Dr. Blakely was also able to catch something in my lab tests that my regular doctors missed. The location has lots of parking, and it’s right next to a few grocery store markets. The only downside is the cost, which has increased 2x since I’ve been with them. It’s extremely pricey– like over $ 300 for a vitamin IV– so I’d recommend you come in as an advocate for your own healthcare, knowing exactly what you want/​do not want out of the session, so you get the most out of it.

I cannot recommend Dr. Hangee-​Bauer and SOMA Natural Medicine highly enough!
Dr. Hangee-​Bauer has restored me to health — twice now!
The first time was about 20 years ago. I was having incredible reflux. Constant. I had been through about 1.5 years of every medical test you can imagine at Stanford, and on and off every gastro drug you can name. Finally, they concluded it was a hiatal hernia and said I had two options: 1) surgery (unproven); 2) these super strong meds that have side effects almost worse than the reflux. I thought, «there has to be another way…» Exhausted and depleted, I found Dr. Hangee-​Bauer at SOMA. Within six weeks of acupuncture and supportive herbs, I was fine. I mean it — FINE! I have not had any problems with reflux since, save the occasional «way too risky» meal that results in what were predictable gas and heartburn.
The second time was essentially now (2015).
Long story short, three years ago my appendix burst and I did not know it. When the pain finally got incredibly bad, I was rushed into the hospital for days and eventually had surgery to remove the appendix. During this time I was on several different kinds of antibiotics and drugs (to save my life…). This wreaked havoc on my system. For two + years since the surgery, I have not been able to eat ANY fruits, vegetables, most grains without (gross alert!) horrible diarrhea: sudden, debilitating cramps, and then… you know. Multiple times a day. I ended up reducing my diet to only protein just to get through a day at work, and even that was more just the least offensive food than the affects of the others. During this time, I went to the doctor (who saved my life — so nothing but gratitude there!) multiple times, tried different things like Rx, Align probiotics for 4×30 days cycles alternating with a month off, but nothing changed. I was losing weight, chronically tired and had this awful pain in my joints as if someone flicked a switch in me and turned on arthritis. I was slowly, but surely, going downhill fast and just depressed at the sense of helplessness. Once again I thought, «there has to be another way…»
Then suddenly it hit me: «Dr. Hangee-​Bauer!»
I have been in acupuncture and supportive therapy with Dr. Hangee-​Bauer now for about three months and the change is wonderful! Dr. Hangee-​Bauer not only figured out what no one else could, but gave me a treatment that focused on healing rather than complicating the issue or masking symptoms.
To me, this is directly due to Dr. Hangee-Bauer’s knowledge, skill and ability to listen. Both times it’s because he listened: he figured out what it was, and because of his experience and skill, he started a treatment plan that is working.
My only regret now is I could kick myself for not coming to him sooner! Sheesh!
So incredibly grateful!!!

Dr. Horowitz helped me overcome food allergies that other doctors were treating only the symptoms. I can now eat foods I couldn’t eat before. Dr. Horowitz is a great listener, tenacious and compassionate. She is also helped me with post menopause problems, especially my sleep deprivation issues. I highly recommend her especially to patients who are tired of practitioners who only treat symptoms not the source of problems. The investment of time and money has been worthwhile.

I am writing this review so that my original review for Dr. Horowitz won’t go away.
Dr. Horowitz is absolutely phenomenal and I recommend everyone to go to her ASAP. She is worth every penny you will spend. Read my review from 11÷6÷14 for more details.
Be well!

I read about Dr. Horowitz on Unilocal,and I am so incredibly grateful I found her. My insurance doesn’t cover her expenses, but my visits to her office have been worth every single penny. It is proving to be the best money I have ever spent.
I suffered from severe anxiety for about 1 year, and I figured my only options were deep breathing, therapy and yoga. I was convinced my panic experiences were some kind of foreign invasion. All the physical manifestations of my stress and panic were completely unfamiliar, and totally unlike my usual self. I used to handle stress well, but somehow that was fading away.
Dr. Horowitz greets you with a thorough consultation and chats with you for 2 hours. She is not looking for a quick cure, but a holistic solution to find out WHY you have your symptoms. Before she gives treatments, she wants to do extensive testing so she can provide a targeted solution. We did a round of neuroscience testing, and the results were fascinating. I learned so much about myself, and I felt really empowered by all this new knowledge from Dr. Horowitz. She put me on a specific amino acid regimen, and it changed my life. I started feeling like my old self again within 2 weeks. My quality of life improved so quickly, it was shocking.
Her knowledge and approach is so refreshing in comparison to your traditional, western doctor. She takes the time to educate and empower her patients with valuable information. I trust her recommendations because I have witnessed first hand how powerful natural remedies can be. I was the ultimate skeptic in the past, but now I clearly see why the holistic approach can be game changing for improving my health.
A fellow Unilocaler sharing their personal story is the reason I found my path to recovery with Dr. Erika Horowitz. I hope to pay it forward with my story!
(ALSO — The girls at the front desk have always been extremely helpful and easy to talk to. The office handles everything with a great, friendly professionalism)

Dr. Erika Horowitz is a five star plus doctor. She has been successfully treating me for a GI problem that has been unsuccessfully treated by 4 Gastroenterologists (MD’s), 3 nutritionists, 1 homeopath, 3 acupuncturists, and others over a period of 5.5 years.
I am so grateful to be normal again. She is brilliant, methodical and nice. However,
the remedy has taken several months and has been complex. So if you are looking for an instant magic pill it probably isn’t here.

I am Physical Therapist, and referred multiple patients to their office. I only recommend to my patients the best of the best, and without doubt, they are. Without any hesitation I would recommend their services if you are looking for a doctor to help you to heal more naturally.

My first experience with this clinic was the B-​12 happy hour. I was looking for a new primary care naturopath and while I liked this clinic well enough to keep going for happy hour, I wasn’t won over until I started working with Dr. Jackie. She is fantastic. She strikes a perfect balance between professional and also totally approachable. I can crack jokes, gossip about my boyfriend, then admit uncomfortable/​embarrassing health stuff. She is everything I want in a health provider: competent, passionate about what she does, and easy to talk to. She inspired me to become an established patient at this clinic. I love that she offers some of the newer approaches like IV therapy. The ladies at the front desk are always fun to visit with. They are friendly and warm. They quickly learned my name, remembered previous conversations, and treated me like a friend. I look forward to my weekly visits.

I came to San Francisco natural medicine after being unsatisfied with the treatment I was getting from my concierge practice. I was referred to Dr Hangee Bauer by the receptionist to be treated for some mild but very annoying stomach and gastrointestinal issues.
I was very happy with the treatment I received. Dr Hangee Bauer met with me for an hour and asked a lot of questions. My previous doctor had me in and out of his office in 10 minutes and asked no questions.
We were able together to find out what was probably the cause of the problem and have had no problems in several weeks. I am so glad I found this practice. Highly recommend Dr Hangee Bauer.

Dr. Carl Hangee-​Bauer is a true healer. He approaches health with this wonderful openness and curiosity. I have been to see him about many different health concerns over many years, and he always takes the time to listen and ask questions so he really understands what’s going on with my health. On several occasions he has relieved me of pain (with acupuncture) in just one or two visits when other doctors couldn’t figure out what was wrong. He looks right at you when he talks and there’s nothing at all haughty about him. (Wish they could teach THAT quality in medical school.) And if he isn’t quite sure about something, he’s not afraid to say «I don’t know» and then go off and research it. Imagine that? And, maybe best of all, he follows up. He’s an acupuncturist as well as a naturopath, and he’s great with needles. And did I mention that he’s always on time for appointments? He’s a gem.

I came to SF Natural Medicine through a friend’s recommendation, and I’m so glad I did. The whole environment within the office is welcoming and open. A visit to the doctor feels like a treat rather than a chore.
More importantly, I had a great experience working with Dr. Carl Hangee-​Bauer. Thanks to the support and treatments provided by his acu-​quit program, I have now been a non-​smoker for four months. He was not only a fantastic doctor, but also a great coach through the whole process and because of him I can’t even imagine going back to being a smoker.
Because I had such a great experience with the acu-​quit program, I decided to keep seeing him in the hopes that he could help reduce my allergies. Thanks to him, I no longer wake up every morning sneezing with horrible, itchy eyes!

Dr. Carl Hangee-​Bauer is caring and dedicated. He’s one of these people that you just know is in the right profession. He really enjoys being a health care detective, in the ways he listens to patients and gives careful attention to exam room findings and past medical history.
He’s one of those rare health care practitioners who really builds a positive and lasting patient relationship, and he gives you just the amount of time you need at each visit. He loves what he does and that seems to help inspire personal improvements in self-​care over time.
Additionally the staff is great, and the office is welcoming and pleasant. And you can almost always find a place to park within 2 or 3 blocks, or you can take the #10 which stops near the office.

My only experience here is for BHRT.
All I can say is STEER VERY CLEAR of Dr. Hangee Bauer if you want to be treated for Rhythmic BHRT. His prescription put me in a state of progesterone toxicity and he should be subject to a malpractice investigation. Hangee Bauer is an impostor and practicing a business of snake oil but prescribing dangerously debilitating meds without really understanding long term effects.
Unfortunately, I learned the hard way, by experience, with this so called expert, how punishing a poorly designed protocol can be. I went into a chronic state of PMS as a direct result of high doses of progesterone he prescribed.
First of all, he had me spend 120.00 out of pocket for a test that was unnecessary according to naturopaths and physicians I consulted after seeing Hangee-​Bauer. After he received the results he asserted that I do not need E because I had enough in my system (this was a false statement –I learned this after he FINALLY sent me the results) he stated i only need progesterone (P). He put me on high doses of P with no E! This is a reckless and incompetent protocol according to every BHRT practitioner I spoke with after seeing Hangee-​Bauer (who I trusted).
After going into a deep deep dark depression from his protocol I decided to call the compounding pharmacy and the pharmacist said «wow you are on that much P all the time, and no E??» «That does not seem right. You need E! «he said clearly «Stop taking the p.» He said «Let’s have a phone conf with Hangee Bauer next week!!» I set up an appt. to discuss.
Fast forward phone convo… Hangee Bauer prolonged a convo I already knew the outcome to based on the discussion with the pharmacist. I needed E as part of the protocol. SIMPLE, right? NO, he bled the convo for 45 minutes asking stupid questions like, should we put her on a bi-​est after the pharmacist stated put her on a bi-​est And, the convo ended as follows. Hangee Bauer stated «well athina, it is up to you, what do you want». WTF why am I seeing you!!! He said hold the line please I will get my assistant on for you to pay. His receptionist said «165 please!!» I said «No way! This has to be a mistake. I paid hundreds of dollars so far, he put me on a bad prescription he should be paying me for his terrible mistake!
The receptionist asked me to hold the line and some aggressive female got on and in a bully tone said «NO non negotiable you owe 165.» I said but wait he got the prescription all wrong. she said well we did not charge you for the last phone call or email. I said you mean the one where I told him I was going into a deep dark depression and something is wrong with the mess you prescribed???» Let me talk with him… she said he is not available. A few days later, adding insult to injury I received a letter stating Hangee Bauer found «my» behavior to his office manager unacceptable and that he was going to dismiss the cost of the last phone call (the 165.00) but he will no longer treat me.
So…his office will suck up your money for poor, inexcusably incompetent quality of care and don’t do anything to upset the gracious office manager because for free she will rip your head off.
He does not know very much about rhythmic BHRT other then what his compounding pharmacy tells him.
He is falsely advertising his expertise!

I thought I was losing my mind before I came to SF Natural Medicine, and after one appointment, feel like I have so much more clarity as to what is going on with my body.
I saw Jackie, and she was amazing. I had been to my gp who didn’t really listen to me and just prescribed medication. Jackie took the time to sit with me and evaluate all areas of my life (food, hormones, etc) and determine a diagnoses based off a comprehensive evaluation. I had brought my medical records from my previous appointments with my gp and Jackie reviewed them with me and took a lot more concern to my results than any gp did.
Jackie prescribed some supplements and Chinese herbs which really helped me. Also, I continue to go for Vit B shots, which I believe really help. Jackie has also made herself available via email, which has been great when needed.
I highly recommend seeing a natural doctor if you are unhappy with western medicine. I do believe that there is a place for both, but I have found that natural doctors are much more apt to look at the big picture and get you to make lifestyle changes, rather than just prescribe a pill.
My healthcare doesn’t cover natural medicine, but even though I have to pay out of pocket, I found tremendous value in my appointment. Highly, highly recommended.

In my opinion this clinic is only for the wealthy and under-​informed. The Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) I saw at SF Natural Medicine was a waste of my time and money.
I’d strongly suggest to check with a Medical Doctor (MD) before deciding on any treatments at SFNM. We are fortunate in the Bay Area to have many holistic doctors to choose from. For example a MD from a small clinic in my neighborhood is well versed in naturopathic treatments and approaches to healing. The clinic MD also is licensed and qualified to seek out, diagnose, and treat medical issues in a way NDs may not.
Also, be prepared to spend a LOT of money at SF Natural Medicine. I felt the whole process used bait and switch tactics to squeeze more money from me. For example there was a surprise charge for finger-​puncturing blood drops, and an additional charge for the allergy test. The biggest surprise cost was this: I paid several hundred dollars for an initial exam, which was mostly a personal interview. I paid so much up front because I was also told subsequent visits were less than $ 100. Only later I was informed I had to attend an exam once a month or visits were double the cost. I had budgeted $ 2k for treatments at SFNM, but the surprise monthly fees on top of exams, labs, and one-​off charges made this financially impractical.
Ultimately, I found help with quarterly complete physical exams and health advice from a fabulous naturopathic MD. I was also able to afford a gym, an occasional personal trainer, as well as consult a much more reasonably priced, experienced, compassionate, informed ND elsewhere.

I have been going to Dr. Amy Day for over 2 years and it has been an absolutely wonderful experience. She came recommended to me and I decided to try her out after a bad/​insensitive (10 min. max) appointment I had at Kaiser.
She is an incredible listener, very knowledgeable in women’s health, and has great ideas for very manageable and mostly cost effective alternative treatments. She is also very responsive to feedback about what treatments you think are working better or if you read about something that you want to learn more about or try.

I am so happy I found Dr. Amy and the team at San Francisco Natural Medicine.
Tired of going to 15 minute doctor appointments and walking out feeling like none of them was actually listening and looking at my health in a comprehensive way, a friend recommended I go see one of the doctors at SF Natural Medicine.
I made an appointment with Dr. Amy after reading the Unilocal reviews and never looked back again. In the first appointment she took a full hour to explore my medical history and current situation.
After a few diagnostic exams she was able to explain to me what was going on with my system and recommend natural products to help me heal. And I did! Finally.
Thank you Dr. Amy for listening and providing expert advise and thank you to the front desk staff for always smiling.
Don’t be scared by the price of the consultations. It is worth every penny!

After moving to SF I began my search for a new Dr. I loved my previous ND, so my expectations were high. After a FREE & very friendly phone consult, I made my appointment with Dr. Day. I am VERY pleased with the care I have been given. She truly looks at the whole picture and loves to be a partner and coach in the path to wellness.
Dr. Zengion is a very skilled acupuncturist and works with Chinese herbs.
Dr. Berkebile made me feel comfortable and relaxed (I’m afraid of shots) and gave me a quick and painless B12 shot during their B12 Happy Hour. Because of her, I am no longer afraid to get shots!
The staff is always friendly and seem to genuinely care about their patients. Even though I chose to see Dr. Day, I feel that any of the Doctors would be a great choice.
Another bonus: easy and FREE street parking!
THANK YOU SF NATURAL MEDICINE!

Wonderful experience from start to finish. Dr. Andrea Zengion is extremely caring, attentive and kind. I had a few medical issues that had been persisting for several months. After a thorough consultation and email correspondence a simple to follow and affordable treatment plan was given and I was feeling much better shortly after. Highly recommended!
Vanessa R*