Medshares

Pros

• Dr Stein is regarded as the best surgeon by the reviewer.
• The staff and doctors are described as really good.
• Dr Dashe is an excellent surgeon.
• The patient experienced no pain after the surgery and noted great follow-up service.
• The reviewer strongly recommends Dr Dashe.
• The patient was very satisfied with Dr Dashe.
• Dr Stein and his PA Jennifer are great.
• Dr Franko is awesome at what he does.
• Dr Orrin Franko provided an amazing experience with a clear plan and complete recovery.
• The office runs like a fine watch with on-time appointments and friendly staff.

Cons

• One reviewer stated they were not thrilled with Dr. Dashe's care, alleging he frequently forgets details about the injury and seems uncaring, and that a fracture promised to heal in six weeks took three months.
• A reviewer warned against seeing Dr. Stein for workers' compensation cases, alleging he refuses to provide workers' comp evaluations and even accuses patients of exaggerating symptoms, which led to a claim denial.
• The same reviewer described Dr. Stein as gaslighting a patient and delaying their care, calling the behavior unprofessional.
• Another reviewer criticized Dr. Franko for terrible bedside manners and being bothered by questions during postoperative visits, calling him unprofessional and uncaring.

Review

East Bay Hand Medical Center has clearly become a trusted name for hand and wrist care, drawing praise from patients who endured everything from fractures to complex nerve and tendon issues. Across the board, the care teams - led by Dr. Stein, Dr. Dashe, and Dr. Orrin Franko (also referred to in some notes as Dr. Franco or Dr. Franko) - seem to deliver a blend of technical expertise, thorough explanations, and attentive follow-up. Several reviews describe families feeling relief and confidence after a referral, with one patient noting that a relative's referral proved invaluable when a mother's hand fracture required care. The experience is framed repeatedly as professional and reassuring, with East Bay Hand Medical Center's staff and physicians earning high marks for skill and warmth.

Dr. Stein and his team, including his physician assistant Jennifer, are frequently highlighted for their effectiveness and efficiency. One patient explicitly called him "the best" and said there couldn't be a better surgeon, while another family member expressed gratitude for the referral and described the staff and doctors as really good. Specific cases include ulnar nerve repair and carpal tunnel surgery, with reports of excellent outcomes and a sense of confidence in the care plan. A patient who needed a second opinion on a broken finger also found Dr. Stein's involvement and the collaborative approach reassuring, underscoring the impression that the center treats a wide range of hand conditions with competence and care.

Dr. Dashe is repeatedly portrayed as an excellent surgeon, especially in situations where swift, low-stress care was pivotal. A patient who underwent a minor wrist surgery to remove a cyst reported no pain after the procedure and complimented the strong follow-up service. Another review praised Dr. Dashe for his patience and clear explanations about injury and healing progress, with a strong recommendation to others. Yet, there is a contrasting note from a different patient who felt that Dr. Dashe did not consistently recall details of the injury or maintain the level of care expected, and who expressed frustration about a perceived gap between promises and actual healing timelines. Taken together, the feedback on Dr. Dashe suggests a generally positive view of his capabilities, tempered by some concerns about continuity of care and communication in particular cases.

Dr. Orrin Franko receives a lot of enthusiastic endorsement for his hands-on approach and patient-centered philosophy. Descriptions repeatedly emphasize his ability to diagnose clearly, discuss non-surgical and surgical options in a transparent way, and walk patients through what to expect during recovery. A patient from Berkeley who traveled to San Leandro for care described a high level of proficiency and a very supportive team, noting timely appointments, proactive communications via text and email, and interactions with kind and upbeat staff. The sentiment is that Dr. Franko's practice runs like "a fine watch," with efficient processes, attentive nursing, and a culture of thorough patient education. Many reviewers appreciate his openness about procedures and his willingness to adjust plans to fit the patient's needs and circumstances.

The patient comments also capture the warmth and professionalism of the nursing teams and the broader clinical staff. Several reviews mention the nursing and support teams as "excellent," "extremely attentive," and integral to reducing patient stress. One patient specifically praised the nursing team for alleviating pain and enabling a more comfortable post-operative experience after a carpal tunnel procedure. In several cases, patients salute the overall experience - being seen promptly at appointment times, receiving reassuring explanations about procedures, and feeling informed about what comes next in treatment and recovery. The combination of technical skill with courteous, patient-centered communication stands out as a recurring theme.

Of course, no care environment is free of critiques, and a handful of notes reflect mixed experiences. One reviewer expressed frustration with what they perceived as inconsistent care from Dr. Dashe, citing memory lapses about their injury and an inability to achieve the promised healing timeline. Another set of remarks centers on Dr. Franko's bedside manner, particularly after surgery when questions arose about post-operative care and rehab. In one instance, a patient described dissatisfaction with a cast removal experience and felt that the surgeon appeared bothered by questions, describing the communication as lacking and the bedside manner as disappointing in comparison to experiences with surgeons in another region. There is also a detailed account of a workers' compensation referral gone awry: this reviewer claimed Dr. Stein declined to provide workers' comp evaluations, resulting in accusations of gaslighting and delays, followed by a separate diagnosis by a Kaiser occupational health doctor and a reversal of the path to care. Taken together, these critiques highlight that while the center often delivers highly praised care, some interactions - particularly around administrative processes or bedside communications - may not meet every patient's expectations.

Despite these reservations, the prevailing narrative across many reviews is one of compassionate, capable care that frequently leaves patients satisfied with outcomes and grateful for clear guidance. Several patients recount feeling heard, with doctors who took time to explain the problem, outline available treatment options, and articulate a clear plan for recovery. When non-surgical approaches were appropriate, surgeons discussed those options openly, ensuring patients understood what to expect and how each path could impact their daily lives. Even when surgery was recommended, patients appreciated the thoroughness of the consultations and the emphasis on making informed decisions.

In sum, East Bay Hand Medical Center emerges in these accounts as a hub of skilled hand specialists who combine technical excellence with a patient-forward approach. The team's ability to diagnose accurately, discuss treatment choices comprehensively, and manage care with accessible communication and coordinated follow-up stands out. The experiences suggest that most patients approach Dr. Stein, Dr. Dashe, and Dr. Franko with confidence and leave with relief, improved function, and an appreciation for the caring staff at the East Bay facility. While there are varied opinions about specific interactions or administrative aspects, the overall impression is of a capable, professional practice that many families turn to for hand and wrist concerns, confident in the expertise guiding their care.

This part of San Leandro, California, offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors. With several places of worship nearby, seniors have easy access to religious services and spiritual support. Additionally, the abundance of pharmacies ensures convenient access to medications and healthcare supplies. The proximity to parks like Chabot Park and Lake Chabot Regional Park provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and leisurely walks in nature. Nearby hospitals such as Kaiser Permanente San Leandro Labor & Delivery and Eden Medical Center offer top-notch medical care for any health needs that may arise. Various dining options ranging from fast food chains to sit-down restaurants provide diverse culinary experiences for seniors. Easy transportation options like the Castro Valley BART Station and Oakland International Airport make getting around convenient. Additionally, cafes like Starbucks and local favorites provide relaxing spaces for socializing or enjoying a cup of coffee. Overall, this area of San Leandro offers a blend of convenience, healthcare accessibility, natural beauty, and community resources that make it a desirable location for seniors looking to settle down in a welcoming neighborhood.

Places of Worship

• Bethel Presbyterian Church Of San Leandro (0.4 miles)
• First Baptist Church Of Castro Valley (3.8 miles)
• Bay Area Chinese Bible Church (5.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (0.9 miles)
• Kaiser Permanente Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• Walgreens (2.1 miles)
• Walgreens (3.7 miles)
• Walgreens (3.9 miles)
• Safeway Pharmacy (4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.2 miles)

Parks

• Chabot Park (1.2 miles)
• Lake Chabot Regional Park (2.3 miles)
• Castro Valley Park and Community Center (3 miles)
• Parsons Park (3.2 miles)
• Bay Trees Park (4.9 miles)
• Lincoln Park (5.6 miles)
• Redwood Regional Park (5.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Kaiser Permanente San Leandro Labor & Delivery (1.3 miles)
• Kaiser Permanente Post-Acute Care Center (2.6 miles)
• Eden Medical Center (3.2 miles)
• Highland Hospital (7.4 miles)
• Kaiser OB-GYN (9.6 miles)
• Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center (9.7 miles)
• Sutter Alta Bates Summit Medical Center: Summit Camps (9.7 miles)

Restaurants

• Top Hatters Kitchen & Bar (1.4 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (2.1 miles)
• McDonald's (3.4 miles)
• Chipotle Mexican Grill (3.9 miles)
• McDonald's (4 miles)
• McDonald's (4.8 miles)
• Nido’s Backyard (8.6 miles)

Transportation

• JSX (3.4 miles)
• Terminal 2 (3.8 miles)
• Southwest Airlines Ticket Counter (3.8 miles)
• Oakland International Airport (OAK) (3.8 miles)
• Escape Lounge (4 miles)
• Castro Valley BART Station (4.1 miles)
• Fruitvale BART Station (6 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (3.8 miles)
• Starbucks (4.8 miles)
• Si Si Caffe (8.2 miles)
• Bicycle Coffee (9 miles)
• Starbucks (9.1 miles)
• Blue Bottle Coffee (10 miles)

Physicians

• Dr Mark Mandel M.D. - Optima Medical Assoc (4.5 miles)
• Kaiser Medical Offices (6.4 miles)
• Kaiser Permanente Pediatrics (6.4 miles)
• One Medical (8.9 miles)
• Reproductive Science Center (9.3 miles)
• Kaiser Permanente Medical Center - Mosswood Building (9.7 miles)
• Luxor Dental Prosthodontics & Implant Surgery (9.9 miles)