Temescal Creek Medicine offers personalized, community-based, affordable, primary care to adults and children. We are located at the corner of 49th and Shafter, in the heart of the Temescal neighborhood of Oakland. The location and atmosphere of the office reflect our strong desire to bring primary care back into the community.
Our approach to providing primary care has grown out of a desire to put primary healthcare back in the hands of patients and doctors rather than insurance companies. We have created office and clinical systems specifically designed to deliver reliable, effective care. We focus on relationships as the key to achieving optimal health for patients and providers.
Our approach to providing primary care has grown out of a desire to put primary healthcare back in the hands of patients and doctors rather than insurance companies. We have created office and clinical systems specifically designed to deliver reliable, effective care. We focus on relationships as the key to achieving optimal health for patients and providers.
Services
Dr. Andrea Franchett has been in private practice in the East Bay since 2004. In October of 2009, she and Dr. Michael Zimmerman opened Temescal Creek Medicine, a small private practice on a quiet residential street in the Temescal neighborhood of Oakland. Drs.
Franchett and Zimmerman designed their practice from the ground up based on their collective experience and interest in providing highly personalized, thoughtful medical care in a comfortable, unrushed environment.Dr. Franchett strives to understand her patients' health issues in the larger context of their lives so that she can develop the best possible plan to help each individual thrive.
Franchett and Zimmerman designed their practice from the ground up based on their collective experience and interest in providing highly personalized, thoughtful medical care in a comfortable, unrushed environment.Dr. Franchett strives to understand her patients' health issues in the larger context of their lives so that she can develop the best possible plan to help each individual thrive.
In an effort to maximize access and convenience Temescal Creek Medicine provides several different ways for you to engage with your doctor. We believe patients should be able to access health care in ways that best suit their needs. For some this may mean office visits, for others telephone, video or email visits, even house calls.
Temescal Creek Medicine uses a hybrid payment model that has grown out of frustration with an unmanageable, expensive insurance system and a desire to put good, affordable, personalized primary healthcare back in the hands of patients and doctors. The model is designed to minimize the dysfunctional relationship between patients, providers and insurance companies.
At Temescal Creek Medicine we limit the total number of patients we have to optimize our availability to deliver care. We attempt to balance daily schedules to allow for same day access the majority of the time. We also provide several different ways for you to interact with your doctor. We believe patients should be able to access health care in ways that best suit their needs.
Reviews (22)
John H.
Jan 12, 2022
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I am very happy and grateful to have found Temescal Creek Medicine and Michael Zimmerman. They provide exactly what I want and deserve from a healthcare provider: professionalism, responsiveness, and kindness. They also are great at providing referrals to specialists, therapists, and other healthcare providers when necessary. Their office staff is top notch. They are very easy to communicate with about appointments, medication, and paperwork. TCM's fees are reasonable and fair. I wish I had found them sooner!
Camille L.
Sep 17, 2021
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DON'T go here if you work, if you have a busy schedule, or if you want quality care. I only seen Dr. Zimmerman once. It was okay. I was complaining about digestive issues and he recommended Chia and Flaxseeds. Besides that, nothing. Then I asked if I could be tested for allegories and would need blood samples. Basically, they couldn't do it. Lastly, I scheduled a regular physical after not having been for over a year. I tried to schedule an appointment and no times worked with their schedule. We settled on a time. I had an emergency work meeting and called and hour before my appointment
Reina Q.
Sep 16, 2021
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Good luck calling during office hours and getting a return call within two hours. If you're fortunate enough to then receive that call, you'll have to endure the dismissive attitude of the administration staff. Pro tip: don't become a patient of a practice with poor office support as it trumps the actual care that you'll receive.
Alan Vietze
Jan 28, 2021
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I was referred to your practice with very high praise by a specialist colleague. I was very excited about the possibility of having a good and reliable doctor. It has been difficult to find a good, accessible general practice since I moved to the Bay Area three years ago. But once again the reliability and accessibility fell through despite the wonderful claims and promises on your very attractive website. I was turned away because I have Medicare. So the hunt continues.
Carlos Enk
Oct 05, 2020
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When I was 19 I passed out in an elevator because I wasn't eating enough. I set up an appointment and they informed my mother that I passed out in an elevator. I didn't want her to know that happened. They wound up asking to verify my email address next time but never explained why they did that as I was an adult and that felt like a violation of my privacy. This was in 2015 maybe. They're pretty good but if you're a minor tell them affirmatively to not contact your parents when you turn 18 if you don't want that to happen
Tiger P.
Jul 20, 2020
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Morgan D.
Oct 18, 2019
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Dr. Zimmerman was very unprofessional and lacked any kind of compassion. I went to him for chronic health issues that I was deeply concerned with, and he wrote me off as it was nothing. He even laughed in my face and rolled his eyes several times at some of my earnest ideas. I felt completely degraded by him. I will never go to that practice again. Thank God I later found a doctor who listened to me and took me seriously!
Regina K.
Sep 19, 2019
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Dr. Franchett and Dr. Zimmerman are the most outstanding physicians in the bayarea. Exceptionally knowledgeable, caring, and dedicated. They are the best. We drive many miles to seek their care!
The office staff, each and every one are proficient, kind, and capable.
We can't say enough about our medical care at Temescal Creek Medicine!
The office staff, each and every one are proficient, kind, and capable.
We can't say enough about our medical care at Temescal Creek Medicine!
Oaktown R.
Dec 13, 2017
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I could not have had a more disappointing experience. In fact, I'll go so far as to say I really should have gotten my money back.
I made an appointment with Dr. Zimmerman. I was aware of the quirky "we don't deal with the insurance companies at all" stance, but had received a recommendation so I was hopeful it would be worth it. They sent me a lengthy set of forms to fill out and send in prior to the appointment. I completed everything and was assured by the office I had submitted it in time for it to be useful during the visit.
I sat with Dr. Zimmerman for less than
I made an appointment with Dr. Zimmerman. I was aware of the quirky "we don't deal with the insurance companies at all" stance, but had received a recommendation so I was hopeful it would be worth it. They sent me a lengthy set of forms to fill out and send in prior to the appointment. I completed everything and was assured by the office I had submitted it in time for it to be useful during the visit.
I sat with Dr. Zimmerman for less than
Tina S.
Oct 20, 2017
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I can't say enough about this practice, My experience has been with Dr. Zimmerman and office staff and in my 43 years as a healthcare professional I've never encountered such a
dedicated, sincere and proficient physician as Dr. Zimmerman-this is real personalized care.
As a medical case manager I work with a patient with multiple medical as well as cognitive issues and Dr. Zimmerman's ability to manage my patient's care is outstanding, way beyond the call of duty. I have total confidence in the committed, kind, professional medical care Dr. Zimmerman provides-Thank You Dr
dedicated, sincere and proficient physician as Dr. Zimmerman-this is real personalized care.
As a medical case manager I work with a patient with multiple medical as well as cognitive issues and Dr. Zimmerman's ability to manage my patient's care is outstanding, way beyond the call of duty. I have total confidence in the committed, kind, professional medical care Dr. Zimmerman provides-Thank You Dr
Sean Y.
Jul 12, 2017
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I do not know where to begin! I have visited 100+ countries on our beautiful planet, lived on 3 continents and 10 countries, and been involved with a number of medical systems as a patient, researcher, and policy advocate. Dr. Franchett's office is by far the best, most efficient, kindest, and the quintessential example of what healthcare should be about. She "truly listens" to your issues and analyzes them with you keeping you informed of the decisions and options. The entire office team is on the same frequency: supportive and compassionate. I cannot say enough about my experience
Kent K.
Aug 15, 2016
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Physical Therapy innovations has always appreciated patient referrals from Temescal Creek Medicine. They are a pleasure to work with and always respond quickly with any requests we have for patient information or medical records. Joel, Shannon and Slesha are a great team.
We look forward to continuing to work closely together.
We look forward to continuing to work closely together.
R. P.
Oct 29, 2015
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I have received outstanding care at this clinic with both Dr. Franchett and Dr. Zimmerman. They are both excellent, incredibly knowledgeable and extremely compassionate healthcare providers. They listen to every question you may have, even if it's not the official reason for having a visit, and will answer everything in an informed manner. This is the best healthcare I have ever received, and they are both lovely people. I started a new job with different health insurance, but am paying out of pocket to continue seeing these doctors. It is indeed a restoration of faith in the fact that some
Weihong B.
Dec 13, 2012
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Just met Dr. Franchett for the first time, and she already impressed me so much compared to my past experience with Dr. I was surprised by the generous amount of time she gave to listen to my symptoms so attentively and giving very sensible advice.
Caring, fun, no nonsense. A great doctor with exceptional attitude.
Caring, fun, no nonsense. A great doctor with exceptional attitude.
Jeff C.
Mar 05, 2012
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I've been seeing Dr. Franchett for several years now and was glad to follow her to this new office. The care I have gotten is top notch, from checkups and in-office procedures to a couple of sports injuries -- Dr. Franchett is great for these! I've received quick, after-hours care and prescriptions when I had to leave for an international trip yet came down with something nasty.
I appreciate the common-sense, yet modern and informed approach. I don't feel pushed for tests I don't need, yet have received great care and answers to my questions. My appointments are on-time and
I appreciate the common-sense, yet modern and informed approach. I don't feel pushed for tests I don't need, yet have received great care and answers to my questions. My appointments are on-time and
Sharyn F.
Jan 25, 2012
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A recent weekend experience with Dr. Franchett singlehandedly restored my faith in the health care industry. Had an issue come up on a Sat morning that was not an "emergency" but one that I wanted addressed over the weekend. I called Dr. Franchett's office and left a message for the "on-call" doctor, assuming I'd eventually get a call back with a referral to an after-hours clinic. Less than 30 minutes later, I received a call from Dr. Franchett, who was calling from her daughter's soccer game. She spent several minutes with me doing intake and providing advice
True S.
Nov 09, 2011
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I switched from Kaiser to Health Net and Dr. Zimmerman became my doctor by default. I scheduled an appointment because I needed travel shots for an upcoming trip. When I entered the office the administrator was not very friendly and made me feel uncomfortable. I met with Dr. Zimmerman and he was nice enough. He let me know that he could not give me the travel shots and that I would need a referral. After a week and a half I followed up for the referral and still had to wait a few more days. I was referred out of the network and the referral only had 1 shot listed and didn't include the others
Michael Rubinstein
Oct 13, 2010
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Christopher H.
Apr 14, 2010
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I couldn't believe the reviews here, but I went in optimistically hoping that it would be half as good as people say. I was pleasantly surprised to find a doctor's office like no other. Small, pleasant waiting room all to myself, less than two minutes from my arrival to actually speaking with an excellent doctor (Franchett) who seemed to have all the time in the world to address my concerns. I've been critical-care nursing for six years now, so when I say she's an excellent doctor I don't just mean she's amazingly nice and very thorough- she knows how to figure out
Casey C.
Apr 13, 2010
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I've been seening Dr. Franchett for 4 years and I think she's great! She will not block you from getting necessary tests or referrals. She knows of good specialists to refer you to. She also does paps, etc which is very convenient if you don't want to go to an OBGYN seperately once/year. She is smart and competant. She will look into things if she doesn't have the whole answer right away. Her personality is a bonus--she is warm, friendly, laid back and most importantly not rude, evasive or curt (all traits I find common in lots of docs).
I've also recently seen Dr. Zimmerman
I've also recently seen Dr. Zimmerman
Nene R.
Jan 09, 2010
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Love Dr Franchett....switched health care providers to follow her in her new endeavor and office. I like that she cares and that she listens.
Her new practice is about her desire to put primary healthcare back in the hands of patients and doctors, rather than insurance companies. Who could argue with that?
Her new practice is about her desire to put primary healthcare back in the hands of patients and doctors, rather than insurance companies. Who could argue with that?
Kevin W.
May 11, 2009
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