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Dr. David Nelson, MD

Dr. David Nelson, MD

Orthopedic Hand Surgery*
40+ years of experience

Dr. David Nelson, MD is an orthopedic hand surgeon in Greenbrae, CA and has over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences in 1982. He is affiliated with Marinhealth Medical Center. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

4.6 Star Rating
Based on 11 reviews 4.6 Star Rating (11 reviews)

Practice

1363 S Eliseo Dr Ste B Greenbrae, CA 94904
Telehealth available

Make an Appointment

(415) 925-0501

Hospital Highlight

Dr. Nelson is affiliated with Marinhealth Medical Center Greenbrae, a highly rated hospital.

At a Glance

  • Areas of Expertise
    Dr. Nelson specializes in the areas of Hand Surgery & Orthopedic Surgery. • See board certifications
  • Explains Conditions Well
    Patients said this doctor explains conditions well. • See reviews
  • Offers Telehealth
    This doctor offers telehealth appointments. Call the office to schedule an appointment.
  • Practices at Top Hospital
    America's 250 Best Hospitals Award™ • See hospitals
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Dr. Nelson's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Nelson

4.6
11 ratings, 6 with a written review
5 star
91%
91%
4 star
0%
0%
3 star
0%
0%
2 star
0%
0%
1 star
9%
9%

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Benign Tumor removed
Dr. Nelson is warm and engaging as well as knowledgeable and masterful at his work. He listens well, patiently allows abundance of time, communicates clearly and reassuringly. He gives clears choices of treatment with no pressure as to which choice to pick. Office staff Stacie is great and friendly as well. In the first visit felt the tumor almost certainly would be benign. At Marin General Hospital, he introduced me to the team in the operating room. Surgery went smoothly; recovery went smoothly. As a physician myself, I am truly proud and happy to know and have such a masterful physician and surgeon as Dr. Nelson. I trust him and would recommend him to anyone. Bruce Fabric,MD
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Bruce Fabric,MD – Mar 05, 2023
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Mallet Finger cured
As a result of a freak bike accident- I had broken the tendon holding up my ring finger. This left left the tip of my finger dangling and vulnerable to further injury- a condition termed “mallet finger”. After a few weeks and realizing it’s not going to heal itself, Dr. Nelson saw me on short notice (during lunchtime), did quick X-ray, and explained the problem thoroughly with a sketch drawing. He set me up with a special splint that required keeping the finger tip supported for several months and avoiding any bending while it healed. No Surgery- I couldn’t believe it! The process was a bit arduous, but after a few months the finger is now fully functional again. Dr. Nelson and Stacie were great and attentive in answering all my questions.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Neal Toft – Aug 10, 2022
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Trigger finger
Marin County is most fortunate to have a gifted hand surgeon in Doctor Nelson. It's no wonder family and friends rave about Dr. Nelsen. Beyond his skills as a surgeon, he's a active listener and genuinely interested in patient's well being. How nice/rare is that! An added bonus is that Dr. Nelson focuses on pain management. As he put it, "I'm allergic to pain". Finally, the hospital staff were quick to state their respect for Dr. Nelsen. All very reassuring.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Office environment
Helpful
Barry Raymond Ansell – Jun 22, 2022
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Described my hand problem at first meeting; he evaluated it carefully and then described, in detailed, clear graphical sketches the causes, likely worsening of condition and choices for treatment. Exactly the procedure one would hope to find in thoughtful decision-making for a medical condition.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Bob O. – Jan 24, 2020
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I was under his care for a fracture at the base of my thumb. I would like give him my highest recommendation. He is an excellent doctor and helped me through my recovery. Without surgery! He has an excellent web site that is very informative on what your particular injury is and how it should be healed. His office staff is also excellent. Attentive, kind and efficient. I am so glad I found Dr. Nelson! Sincerely, Pam Peterson
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Pam Peterson in Larkspur, CA – Nov 19, 2017
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On August 19th, I had surgery on my right hand at MGH by Dr. Nelson, for excision of carpal boss and a soft tissue mass. I had been experiencing pain, tightness, and swelling for about two years, which caused an increasing lack of power and weakening grip. I work full time and am also very active, so I didn't think I had time for the surgery and recovery. But with Dr. Nelson's website, detailed instructions, pain management protocol, and his surgical skill, I'm good as new and no longer in pain!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Nader Mahdavi in Petaluma, CA – Oct 03, 2016
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Leave a review

How was your experience with Dr. Nelson?

Know Before You Go

About Me

care philosophy

I have been devoting 100% of my practice for over 20 years to helping patients with hand problems. Patient education is a priority, which you can see from my website, DavidLNelson.MD (.MD, not .com). I am the only hand surgeon in the US who is...read more

biography

I originally trained as an electronic engineer, then worked in business, started my own business, then did medicine, orthopedics, and finally hand surgery. This has given me a great and broad foundation to help patients with hand problems. I have...read more

  • Orthopedic Hand Surgery

  • Orthopedic Surgery

*Healthgrades does not verify qualifications for medical specialties. Please verify your provider's specialty and qualifications directly with your provider and applicable medical board.

  • Washington University

    Fellowship Hospital, 1990

  • Case Western Res University

    Residency Hospital, 1989

  • Case Western Reserve University School Of Medicine

    Fellowship Hospital, 1989

  • Hand Biomechanics Fellowship

    Fellowship Hospital, 1985

  • University Of California Davis Medical Center

    Internship Hospital, 1983

  • University Of California, Davis

    Internship Hospital, 1983

  • George Washington University School Of Medicine & Health Sciences

    Medical School, 1982

  • San Jose State University

    Undergraduate School, 1973
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery®
- 
Hand Surgery
- 
Orthopedic Surgery
For detailed information about any of the below board actions, please search for the provider's records on the linked state licensing board or the Federation of State Medical Boards. To learn more about the difference between these sources, please refer to our FAQs.
Healthgrades has not received any data indicating a board action exists for this provider.

Healthgrades receives board action history for physicians and physician assistants. The information displayed here is sourced from independent information providers, such as state board websites, and may not be the most up-to-date information. Healthgrades makes no representations with respect to the accuracy of any information provided here and assumes no responsibility or liability for such information.

Learn more about medical license public record check

  • California Orthopaedic Association, Member

Healthgrades Tips for Getting Orthopedic Care

Locations

Practice

Office1363 S Eliseo Dr Ste B Greenbrae, CA 94904
1

Affiliated Hospitals

  • Marinhealth Medical Center

    250 Bon Air Rd
    Greenbrae, CA 94904
    Recipient of 3
    hospital awards

    America's 250 Best Hospitals Award™ (2025, 2024)

    Top 5% in the nation for consistently delivering clinical quality

    View all awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    85%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    1% higher than the national average

    70%
    Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

    6% lower than the national average

    View all patient feedback
Learn more about how Healthgrades measures Hospital Quality