Dr. Haruko Akatsu Kuffner

An absolutely FANTASTIC doctor - would highly recommend her to anyone with thyroid problems!

I haven't slept in 12 years (2-4 hours a night). My thyroid has nodules and my thyroid levels often come out abnormal. My father also had a severe endocrine disorder. But because my most recent thyroid blood test came out normal and my father, who lives 2000 miles away, couldn't come to an appointment with me, she refused to work with me. She ordered no tests and provided no answers regarding severe insomnia, hair loss and heart palpitations so bad I was referred to cardiology. She didn't even actually look at the ultrasound images, but made her decision based on a radiology report. She might as well have said "fantastic, not my problem," as she didn't seem to feel I was worth the time to really take a look at. She had no answer for what was causing my problems and didn't care. She actually said, "probably everyone in this hospital has abnormal TSH levels because they are all very sick people. Something is going wrong in your body and causing your TSH to be abnormal." And that was it.… She referred me to a sleep clinic and a urologist, sending me on more wild goose chases that resulted in nothing. She said she would check with genetics and get back to me and recheck my thyroid levels in six months. I didn't hear from her again until 4 months later when I finally called to see what happened with the genetics referral, after completing the many other doctors visits from the referrals she made, driving over 50 miles back and forth to Stanford several times and still not getting any answers. She told me she'd recheck my thyroid in a year, through an office staff. When I asked to see another doctor for a second opinion I was told Stanford doesn't do that and I would have to go somewhere else, but that was already the end of the line for me. Stanford is the last resort. It's the the place where your supposed to finally get answers. Apparently its the place to avoid doing "unnecessary tests" as she put it, at least if you end up with her.

I got referred to her by my surgeon. First appointment, she made me wait for more than one hour for a 15 minute appointment. She asked little question, did not want to bother with comprehensive tests. We got there 15 early as directed. Then, she did not prescribe me any medication timely . When I was getting low, I had to call her office 4 times to follow up. It was the worst experience ever.

No complaints. Dr. Akatsu was very polite and answered all of my questions. Staff was also courteous. Highly recommend.

Dr. Akatsu was overall very polite and sweet. She seemed rather busy, but other than that was willing to help and answered all of my questions. Although I did wait for about 15 minutes (and therefore was late for my next engagement), it was worth it. She apologized for the delay and got straight to business. She explained everything clearly and well.. I have no complaints, and I would definitely recommend her to a friend.

The first visit alone was impressive: reviewed referral info, took time to read my notes as to why I was there, discussed issues, formulated management plan, and during next few weeks, coordinated follow-through with personnel at Stanford Medical Center. The follow-up visit was supposed to be short, but she found time to address many points. Courteous, attentive, and thorough. Only one point of misunderstanding to be rectified: a Nuclear Medicine Radiologist will write an addendum to his report to make point clearer and more accurate for Dr. Akatsu. Good coordination w Nuclear Medicine staff.

Dr. Akatsu is one of the most amazing doctors I've ever had. She is so caring, polite, kind, and knowledgable - would definitely recommend her.

After seeing numerous other doctors in her specialty, I have to say that by far Dr. Akatsu has the worst bedside manner EVER. She never calls me by my first name and refuses to answer my questions, instead always giving me the run around and saying not to worry. From a technical aspect I do think she is doing her job and seems knowledgeable about her field but someone needs to give her a lesson in compassion and human empathy. I almost get the sense that she doesn't want to have a direct relationship with her patients or she doesnt know how to. HELLO!? You are in health care for a reason...to care for PEOPLE!

Dr. Akatsu is an extremely well-mannered and kind person. She is the best endocrinologist I've ever had.

Such a caring person. Definatly would recommend her to a friend. I drive two hour to see her and it's worth the drive. I've had no luck with other doctors. She listened to each of my conserns and answered all my questions very simply and made sure I understood all of my treatment options. Very happy to have her as my endocrinologist!