Gary Alan Rust, MD

Unethical billing practices. Not confident his assesments are reliable.

Thank goodness this wasn’t my first visit. I scheduled a last minute ear cleaning, however, was disappointed to find that DR rust no longer takes my PPO blue shield. Who doesn’t take blue shield? Okay, fine book me with an associate MD to do the job. After filling out all my forms and returning them to the secretary, she inquired if I’d like to put that on a card. I’ve NEVER paid for a doctor visit prior to seeing a physician, it’s rude and an uncommon practice. I politely said «that’s an uncommon policy» as to which the secretary rolled her eyes and said «is it?» … First off snide comments from a secretary is unprofessional and is very off putting to clients, secondly I work in the industry and YES it is uncommon. The associate doctor was fine no problems with him, however the front desk could use some work.

This office requires a full ear exam when a patient requests a 5 minute ear cleaning. I have chronic wax buildup and I don’t need a full exam. But then they can charge $ 200 or more, bill it to insurance or the patient (applies to deductible).
In Marin County doctors are not so flagrantly defrauding insurance companies and gauging patients for simple preventive care.
I recommend finding a more ethical practitioner.

Went in for an evaluation and Dr. Rust ordered a CT scan. Radiologist said I’d hear back in a couple days. Checked in with Dr. Rust’s office a week later, no response. Two months later, still no response about a ominous lump on my forehead.
Checked in with the office again and thankfully there’s nothing to worry about. However, Dr. Rust left a message saying that if I wanted a response sooner, I should have called in. since they run a busy office.
I expect Dr. Rust would have followed up on a CT scan he ordered rather than relying on a patient to call in about their own health. Also would much rather have a sincere apology than an excuse.

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr. Rust! I came to him for chronic nasal stuffiness that I’d been suffering from for over 15 years. I’d previously had a septoplasty so i wasn’t sure what he could do for me to improve my symptoms. He first took a conservative approach and recommended a steroid nasal spray which I tried for one month with no luck. We decided to do a turbinate reduction as a last resort. He wasn’t certain it would work but I’d felt it was worth a shot since nothing else had a successful outcome. It turned out to be the best decision I’ve made in years!
When you’ve lived with symptoms for so long, you don’t realize what you’re missing. I felt very comfortable with Dr. Rust and the entire staff within his office and the hospital. When I awoke from surgery, I surprisingly had zero pain and was able to go about my day as normal (with a bloody nose, of course.)
It’s been a little over a month now since I’ve had the surgery and it’s safe to say that this has been life changing for me. My quality of life has greatly improved. I am so fortunate to have met Dr. Rust!

I want to preface this review by saying that though I had an appointment with Dr. Rust, and even made it to the office and filled out a bunch of paperwork, I’ve never been seen by Dr. Rust.
And that’s because he requires you to sign an arbitration agreement before you can see him. This means that in the event of any malpractice* any claims you have will be put before an arbiter and you won’t have the ability to file any malpractice claims in a court of law.
I feel really weird writing this review; I don’t think there’s any reason to think Dr. Rust would be anything but perfectly capable and competent. He is probably a very skilled and proficient ENT; however, I wasn’t willing to take that risk.
So if you don’t mind signing this agreement, this is probably a very good place for you to go be seen by what I can only assume based off the other reviews is a proficient medical professional (his office is in the hospital building on Castro and Duboce, so easy access from train and bus). But if you’re concerned at all about signing that agreement, I think it’s important to know about it so you don’t make the trip to the office when you won’t get to see the doctor.
* — I’m not saying, in any way shape or form, that this is a worry or that you should be concerned about bad medical service from Dr. Rust.

Dr Rust is a great doctor and surgeon. I was originally sent to him after my primary doctor found what appeared to be a cyst in my neck. Dr. Rust was quick to identify it as a tumor on my thyroid and immediately sent me to a thyroid specialist for an ultrasound and biopsy so he could figure out the next steps to take. I pointed out a lump in my neck that was a hard lymph node and he immediately ordered an MRI of my whole neck.
Original biopsy was inconclusive. Dr rust quickly referred me for an FNA by the fine folks at UCSF. Results concluded that I had pap thyroid cancer in both my thyroid and the swollen lymph node. He sent me to talk to Dr Mandpe and then I was scheduled for surgery. He was an assistant surgeon while Dr. Mandpe was the primary (because she had more experience with thyroid cancer). As for the surgery itself they did an excellent job. My scar is healing up nicely and they managed to remove my thyroid and all of my lymph nodes in my neck.
I really appreciated him and all of his office staff. He cares about his patients and is persistent when it comes to getting health insurance approvals and tests done. He is patient and will give you plenty of time during appointments to ask all your questions. A+++

I am traveling a lot for Work and I am having chronic Sinus Problems since 20 Years, so I do know a lot about ENT Doctors, Treatments and Prescriptions.
Having arrived in SF a Week ago with Ear Problems, I had to see Dr. Rust Today due to unbearable Ear Pressures and hearing loss…
He was extremely nice, examined carefully and really made me relax about my temporary hearing loss (apparantly due to fluid behind my ear drums).
The Atmosphere was really calming and He gave me valuable recommendations how to treat it… Also He gave me Sample Nose Spray so that I don t have to buy it in the Pharmacy… He offered to further assist me via Phone or a second Visit and left me with a very positive feeling that I can be assured that it will work out just fine during my Stay in SF. All in all I have a very positive impression. Like I said — I ve seen many many ENT Doctors throughout the 20 Years of chronic Sinus Problems in at least 10 different Countries and I would consider him one of the very best I ve met. I can highly recommend him.

I am absolutely baffled by the negative comments left on this page. Dr. Rust has changed my life, and if I could give him 20 stars I would. I had been suffering with SEVERE sinus problems for 10 years, and got a sinus infection at least once every 6 to 8 weeks. After being in excruciating pain for years, having to go on antibiotics every month for years, and seeing several different ENT’S for years, Dr Rust was able to cure me.
He is professional, compassionate, intelligent, funny, and is a brilliant doctor and human being. His staff are extremely accommodating, professional, and competent, and I adore him and his entire office. He operated on me over a year ago and since that time, not only have I not had a SINGLE sinus infection, but my sinus pain (which often left me writhing around in pain and unable to lead a normal life) has almost completely subsided. Dr. Rust, you are my hero!!! I would recommend him to ANYONE seeking an ENT. The best doctor I have ever had.

I only have good comments for Dr. Rust. I was referred to him through my primary care physician. He was very personable throughout the visit and created the sort of informal atmosphere I am most comfortable with. He was able to diagnose the situation and wrote a prescription. When I returned two weeks later, the sinus infection had not, I am sorry to report, disappeared. Again his calm demeanor carried the day and he told me not to worry — this happens. I am now on another prescription which seems to be working. I’ll go back to see him in a few weeks and I am not dreading the visit as I so often do with physicians. If you need an ENT, he is your man.
Added Points: I never felt rushed during our visits — he answered all my questions and offered interesting insights.
More Added Points: the office staff is equally personable: professional without being stiff. Thanks to all of them as well.
Follow Up:
Returned for a third visit only to discover that the sinus infection prevailed (damnable!) and that surgery was in order. As we began to schedule a surgery, Dr. Rust’s office manager discovered that given my insurance limitations, I could not use Dr. Rust as my surgeon. Very dispiriting. However, to my great relief and to Dr. Rust’s credit, he is researching options that would allow him to do the surgery. Another doctor would have, I suspect, referred me to another ENT and washed his hands of my case. Thank you AGAIN Dr. Rust for going above and beyond. And thanks, too, to the staff who helped with all my questions and concerns.

The first time I met with Dr Rust I was asked a personal question unrelated to the procedure of which I had gone to see him about.
I was appalled & embarrassed.
Being surgically related, I looked for a second opinion which differed from Dr Rust’s, & I was confused as to which procedure I was really supposed to have, so I went to a third opinion.
The third opinion agreed with the second, ruling Dr Rust’s unwarranted.
Recently, I was desperate & needed to be seen ASAP. Not an emergency, mind you, but important I be seen.
I called Dr Rust’s office in the hope I could be «squeezed» in to be seen as my primary care physician is in the same building, so a referral would be as simple as a quick walk down the hall.
I was promised a call back, and therefore trusted the receptionist that I wouldn’t need to go hunting to find another last minute appointment.
That was the last I’d heard from them. If she couldn’t get me in, a simple ‘no’ would’ve sufficed & I would’ve tried another ENT. Rather, I waited all day, on a Friday, and ended up with nothing.
I’d wanted things to work out with Dr Rust, but unfortunately, I’ve run out of second chances.

I was experiencing throat pain for a good three weeks when I went to see Dr. Rust. I’ve known Dr. Rust for several years now within the medical field and knew that he was the one I needed to evaluate my throat because of how friendly, caring, and funny he is when I was in his company in the hospital. That affable personality extended into the exam room as well, not surprisingly, and the experience was even more pleasant when he got down to treating me. Now, I’ve got to say that having an endoscope go up your nose, down your pharanx is just going to be unpleasant to a degree, but he certainly minimized that!
Office staff so often can make or break the experience a patient has in the clinic, and I’m sure everyone has a nightmare story about soulless eyes looking at you while asking you for your copay. This staff in Dr. Rust’s office is very professional and warm.
Overall I highly recommend Dr. Rust for competent care while still feeling comfortable and human while being treated.

Dr rust is a sensible dr who isn’t afraid to let you know what you don’t know. I had been given a previous diagnosis which he said he was skeptical about. Told me to get a hearing test and we would meet again. He even works past 5pm on a friday night. The only thing i didn’t like was having to sign an arbitration agreement – or he won’t see you. Not sure if that is a brown and toland requirement but ii don’t like the coercion.

I had an excellent visit. I called on Friday (I was asked if I wanted to come in that day) and 3 days later Monday — I had an appointment. I filled out all of the paper work and gave them my insurance cards & information. Asked the proper co-​pay questions on the phone. The reception assistant was helpful and very nice. The waiting room is small, very clean, and simply decorated.
Dr. Rust read all of my patient history as well as my additional health history that I attached to my file. He listened and took his time with me. I never left that he was rushing or not listening. He asked a few questions and took a few notes and did the exam on my ears. He even noticed that I had TMJ and talked to be about how that was effecting my ears. My previous ENT doctors never made that connection, so I was glad that he gave me some new information. He reviewed my old ear medication and told me that it was not quite effective and suggested a new medication for my issue.
I would go back again for sure.
Note: If you are a new patient, make sure you bring your insurance cards or make a copy, make sure you write down all of your history information to put on the forms. Try go come about 15 – 20 minutes early to fill out the various patient forms.
Plus: MUNI line: 22 Divisadero stops right at the corner, and the N-​Judah stops at the bottom of the hill by Dubose Park. If you are driving they have a patient parking lot (entrance off of Castro Street).

I went to Dr. Rust with chronic sinus infections (2 to 4 a year). He scoped me up and said my septum was very deviated and blocking one side. He recommended getting surgery to clear the pathway as to not allow anything to fester back there.
I got surgery in mid April. I just got my first sore throat turned cold last week. I only had two moments of yellow gluey badness over the course of ten days and now I’m feeling better. Pre-​surgery I’d be a week in to total yellow awfulness and four days in to taking antibiotics. This time I just had a cold like every other normal human being.
As for the surgery, it went great. I could breathe out of both nostrils right after waking up. There was no material placed in my nose that had to be removed later. The stitches dissolved but did need some removal assistance.
I like Dr. Rust. He’s a nice guy to chat with and he cured me of my lifelong woahs of dreaded sinus infections.

Every few years I’m forced to see Dr. Rust to continue receiving meds for my allergies. This is to ensure I’m not using my meds to make meth.
What I like about Dr. Rust is that he has a wonderful bedside manner and is not annoyed with my questions.

While I am very pleased with the care and results I received from the Dr. himself, his office staff and practices leave a bit to be desired.
More often than not, I was left feeling like I was an inconvenience to the office staff — no matter what my request or inquiry. More upsetting was the fact that on two separate occasions there were small balances due on my account (in one case, just under $ 5) and I began receiving collection letters from a third party for the amount with out any diligence on the part of the office staff to contact me first. Although they claim to have sent notifications via mail, I never received a simple phone call to notify me. Not to mention the fact that I find something fundamentally wrong with a practice that will send an account to collections over $ 4, when the same patient has already paid thousands for services.
Like I said, I’m quite pleased with the care from Dr. Rust himself, but the staff could use a bit more polish.

I wish I could give Doctor Rust 1000 stars. He is the most wonderful doctor and surgeon with an amazing bedside manner who truly cares about his patients. He did an INCREDIBLE JOB removing a massive cyst from my husband’s neck. He proved to be very detailed, safe and concerned with every step of the process and he is always super nice when I come into appointments with my husband and ask him a million questions. We couldn’t have asked for a better doctor.
I am shocked by Ericka Y’s one star. Though I did have some issues at one point with the secretaries not returning my calls, Doctor Rust himself is one of the best doctors I have ever met. I come from a family of doctors and would highly recommend him and his team.

Staff are not professional. doctor dismissed us (mom who needed treatment and I as a translator) after 40 mn wait and 5 mn consultation. He was very unsympathetic when delivering moms results (no treatment). He sounded to me as very dry and almost rude, and he left the office inmediately after the results. No advice whatsoever on how to cope with illness, or ways to improve mom’s quality of life while dealing with it.
He did send us (hours before the appointment) to have an audio test by Jeff Lampert (who at that time was replaced by some other doctor who unfortunately, i cant recall his name).
This doctor was on the other hand, great overall, extremely helpful, took time to go over mom’s concerns, and I got great advice from him unlike Rust.
I was just surprised about the oveall experience/​treatment with Rust. Not pleasant.

Do you have recurring earwax issues?
Do your nasal passages possess an annoying (possibly congenital) propensity for sinus infections?
Do you enjoy having a small fiber-​optic camera crammed up your nose by a very kindly and competent doctor, in the hopes of diagnosing a problem that has bothered you for years and years and years?
Then drop everything and head over to Dr. Rust’s office!
I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect, but based on Rust’s inspection and tentative diagnosis, I’ve now started the journey towards correcting a nasal bone spur and/​or deviated septum (two ailments from which you yourself may very possibly suffer!). I sing, so I was concerned about how surgery might affect my voice — to which the doctor replied that he’s performed this very procedure on an opera singer, and it actually improved his upper range! And entirely unrelated, Rust was kind enough to blast the (considerable amount of) wax out of my ears.
All things considered, I can’t imagine a much more pleasant experience. A+++, will definitely visit again.