What patients are saying
Overall rating
4.70
Average wait time
4.67
Bedside manner
4.76
“I really enjoy seeing Dr Karls for my dermatology needs. He's very friendly and attentive to my health needs. He's caring and insightful. I moved away to Auburn, CA and will continue to drive 2 hours to make my appointments with him: trust is so important!”
MALess than 1 month ago
“The office is clean, conveniently located, and well organized. The doctor seems very knowledgeable, and I feel confident that I’m receiving care from someone who knows what they’re talking about. My main concern is that appointments can feel rushed. I sometimes feel like I don’t have enough time to fully express my concerns or ask questions, and prescription instructions can be explained so quickly that I leave feeling a little unclear about what I’m supposed to do next. I would appreciate a little more time for questions and clearer guidance at the end of appointments. Overall, I like the practice and appreciate the convenience, but a more patient-centered pace would make the experience even better.”
BDLess than 1 month ago
About Michael 'Mike' Karls
Mike Karls, MMSc, PA-C obtained a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, and went on to receive his master’s degree in Medical Sciences from Emory University. He then worked as a chemist, synthesizing medications for the treatment of HIV. He has been practicing medicine as a PA for over 29 years, I graduated PA school in 1995, and has worked in dermatology for the past 25 years, since 1998. Mike specializes in medical dermatology and has a particular interest in cosmetic procedures, such as Botox and fillers.
Mike is originally from Michigan. He moved to San Francisco in 2004. In his free time, he enjoys running, swimming, yoga, and fire spinning.
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In-network insurances
99% of patients have successfully booked with these insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
Medicare
UnitedHealthcare
Office locations
California Skin Institute, part of SDG - San Francisco - Castro (1 of 2)
45 Castro St, Ste 332, San Francisco, CA 94114
California Skin Institute, part of SDG - San Francisco - Presidio Terrace (2 of 2)
3838 California St, Ste 610, San Francisco, CA 94118
1 of 2
Education and background
Practice names
Board certifications
- National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
Education and training
- Emory University, Master's in Medical Sciences
Languages spoken
- English
Provider's gender
Male
NPI number
1801804737
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.70
Wait time
4.67
Bedside manner
4.76
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
120 reviews
Most relevant
Really nice doctor that made me feel comfortable as a first time patient. I’d definitely return.
October 30, 2026Initials hidden
The experience to get my skin annual review went very smooth and well. All treatment and communication was clear.
January 27, 2026Tim M.Verified patient
Mike Karls is the best. He found a spot on my chest that turned out to be melanoma and saved me!!!
October 23, 2025Darin G.Verified patient
They were very welcoming and quick! super nice to chat to.
Less than 1 month agoInitials hiddenVerified Branded Directory patient
been seeing Mike for several years..always professional and clear
January 18, 2024Robert N.Verified patient
I really enjoy seeing Dr Karls for my dermatology needs. He's very friendly and attentive to my health needs. He's caring and insightful. I moved away to Auburn, CA and will continue to drive 2 hours to make my appointments with him: trust is so important!
Less than 1 month agoMAVerified Branded Directory patient
The office is clean, conveniently located, and well organized. The doctor seems very knowledgeable, and I feel confident that I’m receiving care from someone who knows what they’re talking about. My main concern is that appointments can feel rushed. I sometimes feel like I don’t have enough time to fully express my concerns or ask questions, and prescription instructions can be explained so quickly that I leave feeling a little unclear about what I’m supposed to do next. I would appreciate a little more time for questions and clearer guidance at the end of appointments. Overall, I like the practice and appreciate the convenience, but a more patient-centered pace would make the experience even better.
Less than 1 month agoInitials hiddenVerified Branded Directory patient
Dr. Karls was amazing! One of the best experiences I’ve ever had at the doctor. He listened and believed me, and had very helpful suggestions and recommendations. I wish I had come in sooner!
Less than 6 months agoInitials hidden
Dr Karls was efficient and friendly!
March 25, 2026Jessica K.Verified patient
Efficient and having looked at the history of the services provided previously… This was additive treatment and it was one and done and efficient and effective and great communication… Could not have asked for a better appointment where results are the end goal. Fabulous.
January 10, 2026Ben E.Verified patient
Where to start… I couldn’t be happier with my experience. Front desk 5 stars! Really kind and helpful!
I had a mole on my face that I’d been hesitant to remove for more than 20 years, constantly going back and forth about it. Doctor Mike Karls and his nurse were incredibly kind, reassuring, and professional from the very first moment. The procedure itself took barely two minutes and was completely comfortable — I couldn’t believe how quick and easy it was after worrying for so long. The result looks great, and I only wish I had done it sooner. Truly outstanding care — highly recommended! Thank you!!!
January 7, 2026Evgeni V.Verified patient
The office staff were great. Michael is always a ray of sunshine. The airflow in the waiting room leaves much to be desired. Hot and stuffy, crowded. Not good for virus transfer.
October 22, 2025Initials hidden
Great staff!
October 8, 2025Konrad A.Verified patient
Waited a long time for a very brief appointment. Would not go back. Also... According to the assistant, the place has been acquired by a bigger company, which changed their rates for the worse.
I'm sure it's hard to be a doctor these days, what with all the paperwork, so I have sympathy for how fast they have to work to make an office solvent, but I didn't feel like I was treated with much respect or care.
July 30, 2025Initials hidden
Friendly, fast, clear, clean.
June 26, 2025Adam G.Verified patient
Amazing team.
March 29, 2024Initials hidden
This was my first time visiting this practice since they were acquired by a large dermotology network. There have been noticeable improvements in systems (detailed patient tracking, electronic appointment booking, friendlier front desk staff), and the practitioner I see is thorough and competent. However a few frustrating experiences worth mentioning:
1) I was asked to arrive 5 min early as a returning patient, but it took 20 min to complete all the screens of the intake info- basically recreating a patient database from scratch on a tablet. Including medication and dosage list and complete family history. Could some of this not have been transferred over from the prior practice, or sent to me in advance to complete at home?
2) practitioner had no recollection of my prior 4 skin cancer surgeries that this very office biopsied and diagnosed.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
I have been unable to contact them for four weeks after the appointment. Did not submit a prescription and cannot get test results. Have called and been sent to voicemail repeatedly in business hours, when I got on to someone was assured a call back. Impossible to get in contact
March 9, 2023Ted S.Verified patient
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October 28, 2026Grusha Jayesh D.Verified patient
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October 21, 2026Howard S.Verified patient
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September 9, 2026Royce J.Verified patient
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March 9, 2026Hassaan Q.Verified patient
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February 3, 2026Peter B.Verified patient
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How soon can I make an appointment with Michael 'Mike' Karls?
Generally, Michael 'Mike' Karls has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Michael 'Mike' Karls's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Michael 'Mike' Karls accepting new patients?
Michael 'Mike' Karls generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Michael 'Mike' Karls's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Michael 'Mike' Karls accept my insurance?
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Can I make an appointment with Michael 'Mike' Karls online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Michael 'Mike' Karls using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Michael 'Mike' Karls work with?
Michael 'Mike' Karls works with Schweiger Dermatology Group.
Where is Michael 'Mike' Karls's office located?
Michael 'Mike' Karls has 2 office locations in San Francisco, view full addresses on Michael 'Mike' Karls's profile.
Which board certifications does Michael 'Mike' Karls have?
Michael 'Mike' Karls is certified by National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
What are common reasons for patients to see Michael 'Mike' Karls?
Michael 'Mike' Karls frequently sees patients for Acne, Annual Skin Screening, Dermatology Consultation, Hair Loss, and Rash. You can see other visit reasons for Michael 'Mike' Karls on their profile.
What languages does Michael 'Mike' Karls speak?
Michael 'Mike' Karls speaks English.
How do patients rate Michael 'Mike' Karls in reviews?
121 patients have reviewed Michael 'Mike' Karls. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.7/5. They have a 4.76/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.67/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.