Care From The Heart

Pros

• Dr. Klein is a highly skilled, perfectionist, and meticulous surgeon.
• He has the best bedside manner, with superior knowledge and treatment options.
• He listens to patients and explains procedures in as much detail as they are comfortable with.
• Kimberly, his receptionist, is friendly and makes appointments easy.
• The Watsonville surgery center is described as very good.
• Dr. Klein has changed patients' lives through surgeries, including knuckle replacement on both hands.
• He explains things clearly and achieves excellent results with minimal scarring.
• Dr. Stefan Klein is a great doctor who asks careful questions, creates a trusted environment, and provides compassionate care.
• The practice is non-corporate and personable, with excellent office coordination by Kimberly.
• He performs needle aponeurotomy for Dupuytren's contracture with impressive, lasting results.

Cons

• The office was described as filthy and uncomfortable due to poor cleaning.
• A patient waited about an hour and a half past the scheduled appointment time.
• A reviewer felt the visit provided little guidance and no clear plan for improvement.
• One reviewer was not completely impressed with Dr. Klein.
• A patient complained about a $125 bill for what felt like no meaningful service.

Review

Patients consistently describe Dr. Klein as a rare and exceptional hand surgeon whose skill spans a wide range of problems, from complex fractures to nerve injuries, tendon issues, and contractures. The sentiments run from deeply impressed to genuinely grateful, with many noting that the Watsonville surgery center provides a high level of care and that Dr. Klein operates as a dedicated, single-practitioner physician in a less corporate setting. Several reviewers emphasize that what they experienced came from a clinician who combines technical mastery with an approachable, patient-centered approach.

The core praise centers on surgical competence and outcomes. Reviewers repeatedly call Dr. Klein "highly skilled," "meticulous," and a true perfectionist who pays attention to the details of every case. They recount successful repairs of challenging conditions, including comminuted distal radial fractures, broken wrists, and the need to replace or repair knuckles. A number of patients highlight dramatic improvements in function and life quality after procedures that felt uncertain or were deemed difficult by other surgeons. One patient described a repaired wrist and hand function returning to near normal, while another cited a life-changing improvement after knuckle surgery. Others credit impressive, near-instantaneous results for Dupuytren's contracture through needle aponeurotomy, noting that what seemed like major surgery can be accomplished in a short, efficient session with substantial functional gains.

There is particular admiration for nerve-related relief and recovery. A patient who had a compressed radial nerve reported a dramatic restoration of hand function, with nerve regeneration continuing over several months. The pace and trajectory of recovery were repeatedly framed as positive and encouraging, underscoring Dr. Klein's ability to guide patients through sometimes lengthy healing processes with clear expectations and steady support. Several reviews describe a straightforward, well-communicated path from evaluation to treatment, including honest prognoses and careful care instructions that helped patients stay confident about their outcomes.

Beyond the operating room, the bedside manner and patient education are repeatedly praised. Reviewers describe Dr. Klein as thorough and easy to talk to - someone who asks careful questions, creates a trusted environment, and explains procedures and options in as much detail as patients are comfortable with. He is remembered as patient, kind, and reassuring, taking time to answer questions and ensure patients understand what to expect. The human side of the practice shines through in comments about his ability to listen, explain, and put patients at ease during what can be anxious times.

The staff around Dr. Klein, especially his office manager Kimberly, receives high marks for friendliness, efficiency, and reliability. Many patients credit Kimberly with making appointments easy to schedule and with keeping the practice running smoothly, including coordinating surgeries, follow-ups, and insurance details while maintaining a warm, welcoming demeanor. The sense that this is a longstanding, personable, non-corporate practice is a common thread; reviewers appreciate the personal touch and the sense that they are more than a number in a queue.

Of course, no set of reviews is without a caveat. A few comments point to real-world frictions: one reviewer found the office environment noticeably dusty and uncomfortable, another described a significant wait time before being seen, and a different patient encountered a bill for a relatively brief visit. There are also mentions of the occasional challenge in navigating phone trees or scheduling in the realm of non-corporate practice, though Kimberly's proactive assistance often mitigates these concerns. Taken together, the reviews present a portrait of a highly capable surgeon whose excellent clinical outcomes are sometimes accompanied by the everyday realities of running a smaller, independent practice.

Overall, the impressions coalesce into a strong, sustained endorsement of Dr. Klein as a premier hand specialist. Patients repeatedly express deep gratitude for the skill and care they received, the meaningful improvements in hand function and daily life, and the sense of being treated with respect and honesty throughout the process. For many, Dr. Klein represents a combination of masterful surgical expertise, thoughtful patient communication, and a personable administrative team that together deliver a rare level of confidence and relief when facing hand problems. If you are seeking a hand surgeon who can handle complex issues with both technical excellence and compassionate care, these experiences point toward Dr. Klein as a trusted choice.

Located in the beautiful coastal city of Santa Cruz, California, this neighborhood offers easy access to a range of amenities suitable for seniors. Within close proximity, you will find reputable hospitals such as Dominican Hospital and Sutter Maternity Surgery Center, ensuring quality healthcare services. Additionally, there are several experienced physicians and pharmacies nearby for your medical needs. The area boasts a variety of dining options including Cafe Cruz and Pono Hawaiian Kitchen & Tap, as well as cafes like Pretty Good Advice and Lulus Midtown where you can enjoy a cup of coffee with friends. For outdoor activities, De Laveaga Park and Anna Jean Cummings Park provide serene green spaces for leisurely walks or picnics. Overall, this part of Santa Cruz offers a well-rounded and convenient environment for senior living.

Hospitals

• Dominican Hospital Comm Rm (0.1 miles)
• Birthing Center: Sutter Maternity Surgery Center (0.4 miles)
• Dominican Hospital (1.2 miles)

Physicians

• Tuong Vu, MD (0.2 miles)
• Marc A Seftel (0.2 miles)
• Santa Cruz Ear, Nose and Throat (0.2 miles)
• Grant de la Motte, MD (0.2 miles)
• Dermatology Surgical & Medical Group (0.2 miles)
• Fazekas Cynthia A Rnp (0.2 miles)
• Radiology Medical Group of Santa Cruz County (0.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• KindPeoples Collective (0.3 miles)
• Tom's Medical Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• Walgreens (1.1 miles)
• Granny Purps (1.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.7 miles)

Restaurants

• Cafe Cruz (1.2 miles)
• Pono Hawaiian Kitchen & Tap (1.4 miles)
• The Bagelry (1.5 miles)
• The Buttery (1.9 miles)
• Shadowbrook (1.9 miles)
• Crow's Nest Restaurant (2 miles)
• Sante Adairius Rustic Ales (2 miles)

Parks

• De Laveaga Park (1.3 miles)
• Anna Jean Cummings Park (1.6 miles)
• Mystery Spot (2.2 miles)
• Depot Park (2.9 miles)
• Pogonip (3.4 miles)
• Lighthouse Field State Beach (3.5 miles)

Cafes

• Pretty Good Advice (1.6 miles)
• Lulus Midtown (1.7 miles)
• Starbucks (1.8 miles)
• Verve Coffee Roasters (1.8 miles)
• Linda's Seabreeze Cafe (1.9 miles)
• Verve Coffee Roasters (2.1 miles)
• Starbucks (2.1 miles)