Laboratory Medicine Mt. Zion

A family member has to have blood drawn on a regular basis, so I’ve been here at least 10 times in the last 2 years. The major problem is a lack of staffing. All those hungry, fasting, patients waiting, and almost always the excuse for them being late is that one of the employees didn’t show up. I feel especially bad for the occasional child who shows up, tired and hungry, and has to sit there for 45 minutes.
Yes, the receptionist who checks you in (when she’s there) shouldn’t be in a role where she interacts with customers. She is not customer friendly at all. She always wants people to stand on a certain side of the desk where you have to shout your private information to her. I refuse to do that, and I imagine it drives her nuts when I step to stand in front of her where she can hear me without me shouting.
Upshot: UCSF – get this lab properly staffed, especially in the mornings. Also, get the receptionist some coaching, stat!

Planned on arriving there as soon as they opened at 7am. Got there at 7:10am. You pick up a number slip from the machine at the desk and then wait till the number shows up on the monitor to tell you what desk to go to. It’s like the DMV for blood tests. I waited 20 min for my number to be called and then was out in 5 min. Not bad at all.

For a blood lab things are pretty quick and simple here. Take a number like your waiting at the deli counter for someone to slice you some roast beast. Sometimes the lady behind the desk will check you in, don’t mind her attitude, she works at a blood lab after all. standard ucsf two IDs needed. parking garage nearby, but come before 9am and snag a metered spot for free. Opens at 7am but there will certainly be a line forming as early as 6:45, so if you show up at 7am your likely to be number 10 in line!!! Some people are friendlier than other here, but its usually takes more than 10 – 30 minutes depending on the crowd. –1 star for the surley check in lady and the parking garage charges $ 2.00 every 20 minutes. –1 for a lack luster waiting area.