Josephine A Magnuson, MD

I had been a patient of Dr. Magnuson’s for over 15 years. Recently, I went to another doctor to treat my back pain. In seeing that other doctor, I found out that the on-​going «IBS» problem that Dr. Magnuson had diagnosed was actually referral pain from my back. I could have avoided many uncomfortable procedures and harmful medications if my issue had been diagnosed correctly 15 or even 10 years ago.
I could have overlooked that issue, but I have found Dr. Magnuson’s personal style to be unprofessional. She wavers between being «flip» and actually shouting in anger at me over the phone and then hanging up. I had stuck through many difficult transitions for her through the years as she moved year to year to different offices. But, between her misdiagnosis of my health and her unprofessional manner, I have decided to find another doctor.

I have been a patient of Dr. Magnuson since 1986, although I took a hiatus 9 years ago to ‘try out’ Kaiser.
I am retired and [was/​am] concerned about my financial budget for health insurance so it seemed like a good decision to try Kaiser. Unfortunately Kaiser has on too many occasions fallen well short of what is necessary to gain my confidence that they are watching out for my best interests. On several situations they lacked focus and/​or demonstrated experience in diagnosis in addition to follow through, requiring me to internet research on my issues and provide proposals to their doctors on the appropriate next steps to correctly diagnose.
Although I remain insured by them, on a recent health matter I decided not to keep trying to make it work with Kaiser. I felt my situation called for an experienced, highly capable diagnostician and physician so I have returned to Dr. Magnuson. Just as though no time passed since I was previously under her sole care, she was very thorough in her physical exam and in asking the questions, listening and then engaging a discussion on options for treatment. Other reviewers here have mentioned that she really takes the time with the patient. I can attest this has been my experience in 100% of the time. Together, Dr. Magnuson and I have mapped out a plan in managing and resolving my current health concern that is consistent with my personal financial situation, my relationship with Kaiser as well as my own beliefs/​preferences on health care.
Without hesitation I recommend making Dr. Magnuson the head of one’s personal healthcare strategy. Her values are centered on the patient, she has developed relationships with a strong team of specialists, and she looks at the entire picture. If you are looking for a doctor you can really count on and trust you could not do better than working with Dr. Magnuson.

Dr. Magnuson is a very caring Internal medicine doctor. She always takes time to talk with you and explain a course of action. I have never felt rushed, unlike past experiences with other doctors. I highly recommend her.

I’ve been seeing Dr Magnuson for many years and she is fabulous. She really does put the «care» back into health care. When I’m traveling and need assistance, she even answers her cell phone at all hours of the day and night. I highly recommend Dr Magnuson!

Dr. Magnuson has been my primary physician for over a decade and she is one of the most professional and caring doctors I have ever encountered. She is extremely thorough and takes as much time as necessary during each appointment to ensure her patients receive the attention and care they need. Dr. Magnuson is easily accessible by phone as well… no advice nurse in her office! You always get the real deal! Her kind and engaging manner puts people immediately at ease. She really listens to her patients and works with them to create a healthy lifestyle. She also has strong connections to other physicians in the area and works in conjunction with them to maximize health services. For example, I recently contracted a stomach virus and called Dr. Magnuson. Within half an hour, she made an appointment for me with a GI doctor in her building for that same day! If you are new to the Bay Area and need a primary physician or just plain tired of doctors treating you like another nameless, faceless, insurance number, I highly recommend Dr. Magnuson.