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Michael 'Mike' Karls, PA-C

Michael 'Mike' Karls, PA-C

Physician Assistant (Dermatology)
45 Castro St, Ste 332, San Francisco, CA
4.69
“The experience to get my skin annual review went very smooth and well. All treatment and communication was clear.”
Tim M.January 27, 2026
Excellent wait time
95% of patients waited less than 30 minutes
New patient appointments
Appointments available for new patients

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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.

In-network insurances

99% of patients have successfully booked with these insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
Medicare
UnitedHealthcare

Areas of expertise

This doctor's experience enhances their expertise in similar cases. Below are the conditions or surgeries they treat most frequently.
Benign or precancerous skin growths
Benign or precancerous skin growths

Other popular visit reasons

Acne
Annual Skin Screening
Dermatology Consultation
Hair Loss
Melasma / Chloasma
Pediatric Itching
Pityriasis Rosea
Rash
Acne
Annual Skin Screening
Dermatology Consultation
Hair Loss

Practice

Schweiger Dermatology Group

Schweiger Dermatology, founded by Eric S. Schweiger, M.D., a Board Certified Manhattan dermatologist, is a state of the art dermatology facility that uses cutting edge medical technology and procedures to effectively treat a multitude of skin disorders. Common skin problems treated include acne, eczema, hair loss, psoriasis, rosacea, skin cancer and warts.
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Office locations

California Skin Institute, part of SDG - San Francisco - Castro (1 of 2)
45 Castro St, Ste 332, San Francisco, CA 94114
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California Skin Institute, part of SDG - San Francisco - Presidio Terrace (2 of 2)
3838 California St, Ste 610, San Francisco, CA 94118
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1 of 2

Education and background

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

Overall rating
4.69
Wait time
4.70
Bedside manner
4.77
Your trust matters. All reviews have been submitted by verified patients after seeing the provider. Any content containing private health information is not published.
94 reviews
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The experience to get my skin annual review went very smooth and well. All treatment and communication was clear.
Verified patient
Mike Karls is the best. He found a spot on my chest that turned out to be melanoma and saved me!!!
Verified patient
been seeing Mike for several years..always professional and clear
Verified patient
Dr Karls was efficient and friendly!
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.
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!!!
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.
Great staff!
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.
Friendly, fast, clear, clean.
Verified patient
Amazing team.
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.
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
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