Nelson David L

He performed "trigger finger" surgery on my FOUR fingers, all at the same time. Just a week later, I have no pain, no scar, and no trigger finger. He is incredibly talented and a leader in his field. We are so lucky to have him in Marin. KNeill

It appears some others received a different version of Dr. Nelson here on Yelp. I had the worst experience with an MD I have ever had with David. He bobbled my first finger surgery then again the second one, to fix the first mistake (total cost, $130,000 - for a pinky fracture). My finger is distorted and permanently broken in what should have been a routine operation. He is an actor and a fraud pretending to be an expert. Stay away from this guy.

Dr. Nelson is genius at what he does. His skill is unparalleled and most importantly (to me) he is a kind person. Everything about his practice, beginning with his outstanding front desk associate Stacy, is warm, welcoming and reassuring. He was not the first surgeon to address my Dupuytrens contracture but he will be the last.

I went to Dr. Nelson for a rock climbing injury I sustained a few months prior. He is a rock climber, which immediately made me at ease because he understood the very specific mechanics of how I injured my finger, and gave detailed guidance for safely getting back into climbing. He was extremely thorough and clear with his explanation of my injury. I would recommend him to anyone, especially climbers who are having issues with hand related injuries.

Dr. Nelson is simply one of the best doctors I have ever used, and I have had many. First, he is technically outstanding. He has helped me w trigger fingers and carpal tunnel with excellent results. Secondly, he doesn't rest on his impressive laurals. He is constantly trying to improve his practice. He asks for honest feedback about all aspects of his practice and is always asking how he can improve.

When doing surgery on me, he asked another hand specialist MD to audit the procedure as a quality control practice. What kind of doctor does that? Someone who is really dedicated to high standards, and that is David Nelson. Third, he is probably the best communicator I have encountered, explaining everything clearly and completely. And lastly, he is fun to talk to and be around: interesting, curious, great sense of humor. A really great guy and a phenominal hand/arm specialist.

My experience in working with Dr. Nelson to treat my broken finger was terrific. His assistant, Stacy, was able to get me in for an appointment the very next day after my bicycle accident. Dr. Nelson was great about explaining everything and going over my options. His onsite x-ray facilities saved me a lot of time and effort. Dr. Nelson recommended against surgery in my case, even though that would have meant more revenue for him. I highly recommend Dr. Nelson. He and Stacy are a strong team.

Dr. Nelson and his assistant, Stacey, provide excellent patient care. When I was referred to his office, I was helpless, in pain and did not know much about my condition, a benign, but rare glomus tumor, turned very painful after a biopsy performed in a dermatologist's office. The moment I called, I knew I was in great hands. Stacey knew exactly what I had, as Dr. Nelson had just operated on another patient, just weeks before, with the same diagnosis.

She scheduled an appointment for the very next morning and when I met Dr. Nelson I felt I finally had someone in my corner, who would help me through the healing process, which needed to help before surgery could be an option. My finger healed from the biopsy and surgery ended up not being required, but the support, encouragement and loads of information I received were outstanding.

If I end up needing surgery in the future, I have no doubt, Dr. Nelson will be the guy. His approach to pain management before, during and post procedure was very reassuring and his commitment to personal and thorough patient care made me feel heard and validated. All doctors should opt to see less patients per day to give each one the thorough evaluation and personal care Dr. Nelson offers. Add that to his accolades for being great at his craft and we have the holy grail. Outstanding physician!

I was referred to Dr. Nelson for an issue with my wrist by my primary physician, who endorsed Dr. Nelson as he had operated on her father. Dr. Nelson's office manager, Stacey, called me shortly after receiving the referral to schedule my initial appointment. I cannot say enough good things about both Dr. Nelson and Stacey and their professionalism, and genuine concern for my well being. Dr. Nelson took the time to examine my wrist, review x-rays and thoroughly explain to me my options and his recommendations.

I proceeded with surgery two weeks ago and am so grateful for the care I received. Dr. Nelson is meticulous- even the pre op nurses commented on his attention to detail. Seems to me that's exactly what you want from someone operating on you. He's a leader in pain management, and developed a post op pain management protocol that truly works. I did not need any narcotics. I wholeheartedly Dr. Nelson. My experience exceeded my expectations and I am incredibly thankful.

I had both hands corrected for Dupytren's contracture this summer. The procedures were spaced seven weeks apart. Both hands were fairly functional four weeks after surgery. I followed Dr. Nelson's pain management regime, no narcotics. I experience no pain after the surgeries. My experience with Dr. Nelson, Stacey (His right hand woman) and the outcome of both surgeries couldn't be more positive.

I was looking for a second opinion on a hand condition, and was referred to Dr. Nelson. From the first phone call with Stacey ( awesome), to the post -meeting summary letter, just a great overall experience. Dr. Nelson's knowledge and experience are obvious ( you can read his published writings). 5 stars

I was referred to Dr. Nelson for (what else?) Pain in my hands. He's an amazingly thorough doctor: caring, thoughtful, and really shares his process with you. It's a real eye opening experience, one that everyone should come to expect from their medical professionals.

As a older woman, a wig designer, and an owner of a very busy practice my hands are everything to me. At this stage of life my hands started with trigger fingers and mobility challenges. I tried cortisone shots with another doctor only to end up at the same place within a few months. I decided to seek out a hand surgeon and found Dr. Nelson. This was my experience during COVID which has put a new spin on how we all do business.

From the first moment both he and his receptionist were kind and welcoming. He drew out my hand condition on paper so I could visualize exactly the what and why of what was happening to me. Their attention to keeping both the environment in the office and me safe was really reassuring. The pre surgery information was clear and informative. I was operated on a Friday and was able to return to work with moving fingers the following Thursday.

The 1 1/4 inch scar is almost gone in less than two months because it was so finely done. He turned a really scary situation into a total win for me. My experience was awesome. I am very grateful!

Dr Nelson saw my husband today and spent a lot of time with us. My husband had a very bad fall 4 days ago and among other issues had a slight fracture on his right hand. He took some more xrays and compared them to er xrays. He explained what the X-rays showed. He removed the cumbersome splint that was put on Sunday and gave my husband a Velcro removable splint.

He can now use the computer, eat with his right hand and hold on to the handrails heading downstairs. Dr. Nelson checked out his torso bruises and made sure no rib or chest. problems. He really was interested in His patients total overall health. We really appreciated his advice. Stacy, his office manager, knew how anxious I was about my husbands overall condition. She went above and beyond to get us in to see Dr. Nelson the next day. We spent 45 minutes with Dr. Nelson. Very considerate for just a small finger fracture.

Dr. Nelson was terrific. Had finger surgery at Marin General and could not believe all the positive comments I heard about Dr. Nelson from staff as I moved through all stages of prep, surgery and then post-op at the hospital. He is highly regarded and incredibly detailed about all aspects of surgery/post-op pain to reduce any chance of mistakes by him or those he works with. Stacey, his office manager, is also very thorough and a pleasure to interact with. Feel so lucky to have selected Dr. Nelson for this procedure and enjoyed his outgoing and friendly personality.

I tripped on a curb and landed face down on concrete. Unfortunately my fall was broken by my face and hand. Having been a chiropractor and seen lots of hand injuries over the years, Dr Nelson was my "go to guy" for those patients. So I knew he was a good hand doctor and surgeon. It was natural that I would call him first. His wonderful secretary Stacey got me in for an emergency visit the very next day.

I was surprised an x-ray revealed a fracture of my thumb. He competently treated me. He answered all my questions and gave me helpful literature. On a follow up visit he also successfully treated a trigger finger on my opposite hand. Dr Nelson is a highly competent and experienced physician. I highly recommend him.

Dr. Nelson is fantastic. He removed a mass from deep in the pad of my thumb. The surgery was easy, and he explained everything clearly and in detail so I knew just what to expect. (The surgery team at Marin General Hospital was also great.) Dr. Nelson is particularly attentive to preventing pain. He explained how and why to take medications, which, in my case meant no more than Tylenol and Aleve.

I had absolutely no pain from the surgery. It was very impressive. My wound on my thumb has also healed beautifully. There's almost no visible scar. I'm very impressed. The best thing about Dr. Nelson is his willingness (and eagerness) to explain what he is doing and why things happen. His office is a very caring and supportive environment. I felt he and Stacey (his office manager) really took the time to get to know me personally. Highly recommended!

Excellent doctor. I have had a difficult hand injury related to rock climbing. Dr. Nelson spent an hour with me going through everything. He talked through my entire history (doctors, hand therapy, mri, etc), gave me drawings of my hand and exactly what is happening with it, and summarized my options. I have seen 2 other hand surgeons, 2 general doctors, and 3 hand therapists this year trying to get answers. Dr. Nelson explained everything much better than anyone else did. He really cares and he knows so much. Highly recommend seeing Dr. Nelson if you are a rock climber, or anyone with a hand injury.

My experience at Dr. Nelson's office was excellent. He is very thorough. Did a great job explaining my xrays, putting on my cast, & made me feel completely taken care of. The secretary is wonderful as well. Nice friendly people, on top of great service. And I really like Dr. Nelson being direct and upfront. Thank you so much! Theresa K.

Steer clear. This was by far, the worst medical experience of my life. I am sharing this painful experience that occurred several years ago so that others might be forewarned. As someone who has undergone several surgeries, I have encountered hundreds of medical professionals. This was a singularly strange and abusive experience. I came to Mr. Nelson for a second opinion.

I had pain from an injury to my right wrist, which did not heal. The injury was ultimately diagnosed by another hand specialist as a ligament injury. However, at that time, I did know what it was. My primary care doctor had referred me to him, with some reservations, because of his reputation. When I arrived I was asked to fill out the standard forms.

My wrist was hurting and could not fill out the forms without pain. I asked for help from the front desk. Apparently, Mr. Nelson resented this. From the moment I entered the office, Mr. Nelson confronted me about needing help with the forms. He was so obsessed with this that he referenced it in his medical report to my doctor several times! He then offered surgery.

When I declined, his demeanor became even stranger. When I described an additional symptom, (that my hand had recently had brownish blood bruising in my palm, ) he treated me as if I was lying, and as if the pain was in my head. I am not someone who fakes pain, bruising, or seeks attention! If I had owned a smart phone with a camera at that time, I would have documented the bruising. But, I never expected a doctor to question my assertion.

He also stated that he didn't believe me in the medical report which I saved. His words were couched in medical terminology, implying it was psychological. Why do I bring this up now? Cleaning out my files today, I came across his written report. I had forgotten how shockingly off base it was, and how awful I felt to be treated that way. I also found my written response to it.

If I had the strength then, that I have now, I would have filed a complaint to the Medical Board. Later, when I reported the experience to my primary care doctor, my doctor admitted that he had also heard some bad reports on Mr. Nelson. It is clear by the other Yelp reviews that others have had a good experience. I did not. Mine was a nightmare.

For sure "as good as it gets". My initial consultation, surgery and postop were outstanding. The way in which Dr. Nelson positively interacts with the hospital staff preop, in the operating room and postop, is exemplary. He really cares. His integrity is obvious and his attention to detail the best I've ever encountered. Stacy in his office is attentive, kind, and knowledgeable, and they make an excellent team so that each patient knows they are important and valued.

Without hesitation I will highly recommend Dr. Nelson to family and friends, and I thank him for solving my medical issue with efficiency, excellent care and even a marvelous sense of good humor. :-

I came to him to find out why my right hand was swollen. I expected him to discuss my hand and only my hand. During the review of my health history, I told him I was on certain medications to help me because I relapsed from another illness. He then began to lecture me about my other illness and said sometimes people tie a string around their wrist to cause swelling, in order to get attention.

I am an RN and have never heard of such a thing. I said "I did not do that, and what does my other illness have to do with the swelling in my hand"? NOTHING. Didn't think so. My experience was demeaning.

Dr. Nelson, relieved my carol tunnel pain. I am able to sleep at night. Before my surgery, I would wake up at least twice a night with my hand pain. Dr. Nelson is a fantastic surgeon and person.

Dr. Nelson, a hand specialist, is not just an excellent doctor, but a rare and delightful experience. He is exceedingly smart and witty, but his concern for the well being of his patients is always primary for him. He clearly loves his work and devotes a great deal of his time trying to educate his patients (check out his website). In living in Marin for the past twenty years, I have been fortunate to enjoy the services of many fine doctors, but Dr. Nelson is without question one of the very best - and certainly the most entertaining - I have encountered on my own medical rounds.

Worst experience with a doctor ever! I left upset, unheard and insulted! He repeated over and over how he was the best! really, why do I need to hear that, I will gladly take 2-20 without the ego.

Dr Nelson and his staff were both knowledgeable and accommodating when it came to getting me into the office and taking care of my injuries. I was in a motorcycle accident and he was able to help me with my injuries and put me on the road to recovery. Also a fun guy to chat with - he explained exactly what was wrong with me, gave me a few scenarios that I may encounter in my healing process and told me what to do if I did.

I appreciated his thoroughness and ability to explain what was happening with my injuries in lamens terms. Hoping to not injure my hands anytime soon but in the off chance that I do, I'll be back.

Dr Nelson performed bilateral carpal tunnel surgery on my hands. After only 4.5 days of rest, I felt well enough to head back to work (office job). I took 0 Vicodin. I've still had some lingering discomfort over the months after surgery, but it would be strange not to have that, given that surgery involved healing my hands by first cutting them open.

It was no big deal doing both hands at once - actually was a good excuse to binge-watch Netflix for a few days. Just keep those arms elevated above your heart to help them drain and lessen the swelling. Dr Nelson and his staff care about us patients; he has taken the time to create a very informative website but will also patiently answer any questions you may have. If you've been experiencing hand numbness and pain, I would highly recommend a visit with Dr Nelson.

I was referred to Dr. Nelson from urgent care after I jammed my left pinkie playing basketball and it ended up being severely crooked. He gave me an explanation about all the different factors that go into such a small part of the human anatomy and I sincerely appreciated the fact that he wanted to explore a non-surgical option with me as my work requires daily use of all my fingers and a surgery would have been a financial burden for that reason.

I believe hand therapy, which he recommended and referred me out for, was better for my overall state of mind and gave me a greater sense of control over my recovery. I would highly recommend him, especially for injuries of the fingers! I also have to compliment his receptionist, Nancy. She was always very pleasant when I would come in, and she would always call with a reminder the day before an appointment, which I appreciated.

Dr. Nelson is AMAZING! Such a passionate care giver and excellent clinician. He is a rare find as he genuinely loves what he does and it shows. He went above and beyond to explain, ask, examine and discuss. He is fun and interesting too. I want everyone to know about Dr. Nelson and experience his care. I can recommend with pleasure. What a find!