What can I say about Dr. Torchinsky? Only that he is the best at what he does, and truly cares about his patients. About 7 years ago or so I started getting sinus infections once, maybe twice a year. My primary doctor at the time told me I should consider seeing an ENT, and sent in a referral. I was sent to an ENT who was NOT Dr. Torchinsky. He was thorough but kept pushing for me to get surgery on my sinuses. Being I hadn't had surgery since I was 4 years old when I had my tonsils out, I was hesitant and ultimately decided I could live with a couple of sinus infections a year instead of going under the knife. Years went by, and with each passing year I was getting sinus infections more frequently. Flash forward to about a year ago when my new primary doctor tells me I should see an ENT. I thought "here we go again", but I agreed because at this point my quality of life majorly sucked due to all these sinus infections. This time I was referred to Dr. Torchinsky, no doubt because I had different insurance and was part of a different medical group. I was immediately stoked he was only a mile from my house, and that it was easy to make an appointment. I go in for my initial appointment, meet with Dr. Torchinsky and he gets right down to business. I tell him my history and issues, and my reluctance/fear of having surgery. He tells me that's fine, we're going to try EVERY possible thing he can think of with surgery being the last resort to solve my problem. I leave feeling confident, happy, and most of all well cared for, because this is a Doctor who is actually listening to me. Flash forward - after months of the trying everything in his arsenal, it was clear nothing was going to solve my issue except surgery. I was terrified and Dr. Torchinsky knew it, but he was so comforting and supportive, I felt like I was in the right hands, in fact I knew it. We set a date for surgery, I started looking into switching to my spouse's insurance plan to see if it would make the surgery cheaper, which it would, by quite a lot. His office encouraged me to do whatever I could to make the procedure cost me as little as possible out of pocket, and even helped me navigate the ridiculous process of switching plans and the confusion that ensued due to the lame brain insurance company (Thanks Deanna!), and before I knew it, it was the day of my surgery. Day of surgery I was nervous the staff at the outpatient surgery center really made me feel at ease, but most importantly Dr. Torchinsky came and spoke with me before surgery, and gave me the dose of his professionalism and charm that I needed not to leap out of my bed and run out of the place. The surgery went perfectly. In his words "textbook perfect". When he was done with my surgery he even went to the waiting room to tell my spouse everything went great, and that he'd be allowed back to see me once my anesthesia had worn off a bit more. My aftercare instructions were clear and concise, my follow ups were phenomenal and I was healing like a champ, and bless Dr. Torchinsky for putting up with my never ending inquiries of "is this normal". There were days I contacted him 2-3x, and he never acted annoyed or irritated. Even a couple weeks ago, months after my surgery, I hit him up to ask him about something, and he was not the least bit bothered and told me to contact him anytime I felt the need and he'd be more than happy to help. This man, this Doctor, is a Rockstar. He's the best of the best. If you need an ENT he's is the one you want. Side note: His front office staff is AMAZING, as is everyone else who works there. The reviews complaining about his "answering service" are just that...reviews referring to his answering service...a third party paid for take messages while the office is closed for lunch or the day. They are not his employees. ALSO- Doctor's offices are busy places, these people work their tales off! If someone doesn't call you back as quickly as you'd like, it's your job as your own health care advocate to give them a call to follow up. This is all pretty basic knowledge and doesn't warrant bad Yelp reviews. read more

Best doctor ever! I'm so fortunate to have been referred to this brilliant and personable ENT surgeon. It has been 2 weeks since my sinus and nasal surgery and I'm feeling really good and breathing better than ever before. I highly recommend Dr. T; you can be confident that you are in the best of capable hands. read more

Dr, Driskill was amazing and I loved seeing him. Excellent Dr. Wonderful person. I am happy he is happy. Now Dr. Donaldson is a hoot, lol. Easy to talk to I have faith in him and know he will help me. I enjoyed meeting him, great persoanlity. Nice to the staff. P.S. this is Terri Siegler. I have a different Yelp name. Ty again read more

My daughter suffered for years with chronic sinusitis. After seeing him , he recommended surgery on her sinuses to open the drainage. She did it and suffered badly with bleeding and pain post surgery- apparently fly normal. A few months later she had a sinus infection again - back on antibiotics . A few months later again and he is recommending another surgery because of scar tissue - that he created! The office hs told her 3 weeks to get an office visit, she's had to go to urgent care and the ER in pain and suffering. A CAT done by urgent care showed moderate swelling and he still did not get her into the office . So disappointed with this docs patient care read more

Cyrus is an outstanding Doctor. He's friendly, capable and makes a visit painless. I had an ear infection and he had everything in order within a few weeks. read more

Excellent care. Called several places to address an ear infection. Everyone was a month or more wait and/or expensive. Dr. Torchinski got me in the next day and was great. Cleaned my ears and they felt better right away. He prescribed ear drop antibiotics. All great and at a reasonable price. read more

I saw this man for perhaps 1 1/2 minutes... he spent the appointment talking to his intern and was incredibly dismissive and arrogant... yuck... I still cringe... I have never in my 63 years experienced such a horrible physician!! read more

I went to Torchinsky and asked for a diagnosis and prognosis because my previous ENT was unhelpful and abrupt. I got what I asked for and, as a lawyer, appreciate very much dealing with someone who actually answers the exact questions asked. Down to earth, straight forward. I'll stay with him. read more

Dr T is an outstanding surgeon with a terrific sense of humor and very honest approach. Highly recommend.

I called to make an appointment and had regular questions... The receptionist could not answer any of them and was keep repeating to call after lunch in one hour...In the end just hang up on me. This guy was very unprofessional and rude. Very rare I leave such a reviews, but this needs to be fixed. read more

I was diagnosed with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma. Dr. Torchinsky did my surgery and it was amazing. He saved My parathyroid glands(one embedded in thyroid). He did not accidentally injure my recurrent laryngeal nerve, therefore, my voice was normal. There was no common complications like many of other patients experienced. I just got my post op appointment to take out the stitches. There was no infection and my surgical site was healing pretty well. The final pathology reports completely calmed my nerve. I am grateful to have Dr. Torchinsky as my surgeon. Thank you Dr. Torchinsky!! read more

By far the best ENT Doctor in town. Dr. T an expert when it comes to ENT medicine. Dr. T has excellent bed manners. He genuinely cares about us patients. I tried many Doctors in SD, but was very disappointed. I will remain loyal to this amazing Doctor forever. Thank Dr. T for being awesome! read more

I wish there were more stars to give Dr. Torchinsky! I came to him with a clogged ear thinking I just had allergy issues. After a thorough auditory checkup he took his time and truly listened to what I was saying about my symptoms. With all of his knowledge, he knew better than to write me a prescription and send me on my way. He wanted me to go get a MRI of my brain and referred me to one of his neurologist colleagues. Dr. Torchinskys better judgement was correct because the MRI found that I have a malformation in my brain that was causing the issues that MANY OTHER doctors had passed off as allergies for so many years. He has completely changed my life by simply doing his job! :) I am forever grateful for Dr. Torchinsky!! I will ALWAYS continue to see him for my or any of my families allergy or ear, nose and throat issues. *side note* I live up in North County and drive down to him because he's totally worth it!!! read more

Called today to make an appointment. Received attitude immediately from the receptionist simply because it was lunch time. She answered the phone like a robot "lunchtime answering service" I said...hello. She repeated herself. I said "hi how are you?" Her reply... "WELL...what can I do for you?!" Sorry for calling. Unfortunate in a city with so many friendly people that this lady is SO inconvenienced by me asking her to do her job. I'll be calling for an appointment in an hour when everyone's done eating. But first impressions are everything. Clearly most of these reviews complain about the office. Now I see why read more

Great experience. Pleasant staff, great doctor. He's warm, attentive to your concerns, and spends as much time as you need. Seems very knowledgeable. Terrific ENT, and wouldn't hesitate to go back. Scheduling was a breeze, waiting time wasn't too bad. The referred labs called me back, etc. Great overall experience. read more

Came as I had seen the ratings on yelp due to sleeping/breathing issues. I initially came in got checked up, Doctor Torchinsky was knowledgeable and helpful and asked me to try a routine before resorting to surgery. Tried the regimen for a month and came in again and was again told to try the regimen after issues continued. After that second month I decided surgery was probably the best route, rather than come in again was told I could just schedule something and this is where the issues started. Instead of me explaining - I attached a screenshot of the conversation and the lack of effort by the front office/admin of the office. Obviously due to COVID things got postponed but I had been in contact well before w/ constant reminders - 0 followups, no efforts to reaching out to schedule anything. read more

Cyrus Torchinsky, MD, PhD - Ear Nose & Throat Near Me - San Diego, California

Long overdue for review. The waiting room is outdated...even the hearing room test is beyond it's time. After meeting doctor, I was impressed with him and the time he took. Returning for a hearing test the doctor spent enough time explaining the results and further recommendation. Next test was an MRI (brain) saying he will call with results. Why one star - no call - no follow up at all. I still don't know and gave up. read more

Dr. Torchinsky is awesome. I went to his office due to my sinus infection and allergy problems. In terms of customer service, checking in was easy because I filled out the medical forms online. I didn't wait longer than 10 minutes. In terms of care, Dr. Torchinsky was conversational, knowledgable and funny. I left the office with a regimen to cure my sinus infection, prescription for allergy relief, and recommendations for surf spots around town. Fun fact: Dr. Torchinsky is a surfer who grew up in Santa Cruz. If you're a surfer, you should visit this doc. read more

Cyrus Torchinsky, MD, PhD - Front desk. Signage for check-in and patient portal. - Ear Nose & Throat Near Me - San Diego, California

Dr. Torchinsky is wonderful! I suffer from Vertigo BPPV, and Dr. Torchinsky identified it immediately and performed a head exercise on me, which got rid of the vertigo immediately. He even showed me where to find the exercise on the internet if it comes back (often, doing the exercise one time takes care of it permanently). Dr. Torchinsky also took a look at my deviated septum and knew immediately that I needed a plastic surgeon to handle the work I needed. I appreciated his honesty and professionalism in referring the work out. He even called the plastic surgeon himself to refer me. His bedside manner is caring, humble and relatable. His staff is excellent as well. This office is highly recommended! read more

I cannot understand how this individual is a otolaryngologist. He is hiding behind a false front that he displays to people. I was referred to this person by a Rhematologist unfortunately. I must have been unconscious to not have realised the warning signs that something is wrong. Without signing a consent form or even being presented with this form or being informed about all the risks involved in a Lip Biopsy I allowed this butcher to do one on my Lip. I am now suffering from a MUCOCELE from this procedure which is due to trauma from severance of a salivary duct and spillage of mucin into adjoining connective tissue which causes inflammation. What a wonderful result from someone who should not even be performing a Lip Biopsy. You all know what a patient will have to do next. You had better be aware next time you ever interact with individuals that portray themselves as a Doctor. An Imposter. read more

Dr. Torchinsky has been a wonderful ENT for me and my family for several years. I highly recommend him. He is an expert on sinus issues, knowledgeable about options for chronic sinusitis, and a good listener. He is a skillful surgeon as well! Dr. Torchinski truly cares about his patients and their quality of life. read more

Zero Stars. Dr Torchinsky was rude and dismissive The billing office is so unhelpful Such an attitude I regret ever going in. Don't trust your health with these morons. read more

Dr. Torchinsky is great. Usually fairly helpful. But beware of the billing office. Billing failed to run my insurance properly for months and I continued to receive incorrect bills. Most bewildering was the fact that the second time I received this bill it actually increased by $100. Allegedly, the insurance woman claimed that the bill had increased after she ran it by my insurance company (not sure why this was not done the first time around?). When I spoke with my insurance company, they alerted me that they had never received the bill. Honestly, the billing services of this office are so sloppy, inconsistent, and frankly plain rude that I would avoid this office all together. read more

I had been coughing during my sleep about 4 months, and had always feeling of irritated throat. I didn't cough during the day but would wake up during my sleep due to cough. Dr.Torchinsky was very friendly and knowledgeable. He would initiate the conversation so that I would not be scared. He made sure I had no infection then he knew what was causing my cough during the night. He said we will try this for 10 days and try plan B if it doesn't work, but he said he is confident about the cause. I followed his direction, and on the first night I didn't cough during my sleep. I cancelled my follow-up appointment. He is amazing doctor who is very talented and at the same time very friendly! I can sleep through the night now! I would not hesitate to go see him next time if any issue with my ear, nose, and throat! I was able to made appointment the next day, and the wait was about 5 min after I complete new patient stuff. I am very glad that I went to see him! read more

I came to see Dr. Torchinsky as a new patient suffering from vertigo. Dr. Torchinsky was exceptionally nice, very professional and quite thorough in his diagnosis and explanation of my condition. He also had some of the best follow-up I've experienced with a specialist. Absolutely a joy to work with, and a doctor who is deeply knowledgeable, genuinely cares about his patients, and does his best to take care of them. Wholeheartedly recommended. read more

I don't usually go out of my way to write reviews, but my experience with Dr. Torchinsky was great. He is extremely down to earth, mellow and authentic. Not only did he have a lot of knowledge, experience and guidance to share on what I was experiencing, you can also tell he is just a good human. read more

Dr. Torchinsky is one of the nicest doctors I've interacted with. He takes time to get to know his patients and doesn't make you feel rushed. He is also EXCELLENT at getting results back. He's personally called me after 5 pm on a Friday to give me updates on my test results. I'm so happy I found his practice! read more

I never write reviews, but Dr. Torchinsky is the best! In the past 5 years I have been to at least 6 ENTs with some serious sinus/septum issues. The doc that finally fixed the biggest problem (major deviated septum) retired and I was extremely skeptical about being referred to ANOTHER doc. I didn't need to be - Dr. T is awesome in every regard - clearly a skilled physician who listens and offers effective treatments. He has also treated my young-adult daughter who had to have her tonsils out...that is not an easy surgery and Dr. T was incredible with her and spent a lot of time making certain she was very well cared for. He's an ethical, knowledgeable doctor - I cannot recommend him highly enough. read more

The first time I visited Dr. Torchinsky, I thought he was really amazing. He was patient, kind, and thorough and best of all, he diagnosed my problem, gave me a regimen to follow which avoided the use of meds which is my preferred approach, and which ultimately worked. In other words, his treatment cured me. This was a five star doctor I thought. But my second visit a year later for a different problem was completely different. This time the schedule was greatly overbooked. I could hear everything happening in the next examination room which was to say the least embarrassing and unpleasant. He did not remember me or even check his own notes from my last visit. When I mentioned that visit, he thought I had come in one month previously instead of a year ago. He did not do a thorough exam and I waited while he took two patients ahead of me in that other examination room. He seemed distracted and inattentive. So this doctor is very variable. You might get him on a good day and you might not. As a result, I am giving him only 2 stars and suggest you look elsewhere for treatment. read more

Very thankful I found Dr. T. I was having some digestive issues due to a cyst that had formed in my throat. Dr. T made me feel very comfortable and showed me some other procedures had performed and assured me that mine was a common one that he has done many times. I was left with a very small scar that is barely noticeable considering the size of the cyst removed. The staff followed up to make sure I was healing well and Dr. T even called me after hours to check in. My only complaint is that I needed to get my meds refilled and I had to physically go and get the medical slip and when I did they were closed early on a Friday and never let me know so I went entire weekend without my meds. A simple call from the staff letting me know would have been nice. I will be a client for life thought. read more

I had been to a few other ENT doctors in the past and always walked away disappointed. They would basically say, "Open up and say ahhhh" and then "I don't see anything" and send me on my way even when I was insistent that there was a problem. Such a waste of time and co-pay. When I went to Dr. Torchinsky he was the first doctor who actually wanted to look into my symptoms further, and on my first visit! He whipped out the fiber optic scope and went to work on me and took a swab sample to run tests. He also ordered a CT scan for me to have done. He sent me away with nasal spray and a Nettie Pot. I was impressed! A doctor that actually did something. I had my CT scan done and picked up a copy of the scans. I dropped them off at Dr. Torchinsky 's office and handed it off to the receptionist. I waited a few days and then called the office to see if the results were in for the swab he had collected at my initial visit. I was informed that it was misplaced (AKA lost). Very disappointing. I called again later to see if the doctor had viewed my scans. Again, they were "misplaced". (WTF???) I finally got a hold of Dr. Torchinsky himself and talked to him about the swab and the scans. He confirmed that the swab was listed as "pending" in the system and should have already been tested and resulted so the fact that it was still listed as pending for so long meant that the sample had been lost. I asked him about the scans and he said he never saw them. I told him that I had delivered them in person to his receptionist myself. (I was beyond annoyed at this point). He assured me that he had access to view my scans at the hospital and would do so, so that I wouldn't have to go through the trouble of having to pick up another copy and dropping it off again. Well, I never heard from him. While the start of the entire process was impressive I was left feeling extremely disappointed at the fact that my swab sample AND my CT Scan disc/copy were lost. There was no follow up or attempt to correct his/their mistakes. My symptoms continued on and off. Eventually I was referred to another doctor (one I had not seen before. I wasn't going back to the ones I had seen before.) and he used the fiber optic scope, collected a sample (which was not lost!) and viewed the CT scans that Dr. Torchinsky never viewed (I picked up a copy). I was diagnosed properly and was treated. Hallelujah! read more

I've been going to Dr. Torchinsky for several years now, usually about once a year to remove wax from my left ear, which seems to plug up from ocean swimming. No idea why my right ear isn't affected. But it's always a successful and easy operation without any pain. I remember going to another doctor for that about 25 years ago and it was very painful, though in all fairness, he used a different technique which worked but just hurt like hell! Dr. Torchinsky is always professional, pleasant and a good conversationalist. read more

I was under whelmed, disappointed and made very anxious by Dr. Torchinsky's matter of fact attitude. His initial presentation was cold and hurrie. I did not even get a hello or introduction. The only interest he exhibited was regarding my ethnicity. I did not know a census was being taken. from there he referred me for lab work with no shared hypothesis on what he was looking for. I complied. It took close to a month to get the testing results back and I had to hound him with phone calls un returned and finally via my health provider. When he contacted me he said he did not know what happened to the test results that he did not get them and that they never send them to him. Now why recommend lab work if the results are never sent to you???. Honestly this made no sense. Again I asked well where are they? who do they go to. He dry reply I don't know. That was just for starters. Any stereotype and far fetched response of an unprofessional doctor this man exhibited over one patient meeting and a phone call. For those of you that gave him great reviewe's I am truly happy for you. My experience was totally opposite. Don't get me stated on the office staff they should not be working with people. Stephanie is a real piece of work. She is rude and has no boundaries. rather than get pre approval for an MRI she said she hated her job and for me to call my insurance directly. Which I did. Despite this due to poor medical documentation I got charged for 2 MRI's one I never even had. What a mess. I am grateful this happened before I went under the knife with a doctor that is sloppy, uninvested in patient welfare and very callous. Stephanie dealing with patients is NOT your calling. read more

I recently ruptured an eardrum and needed to see a doctor to get the ok to go back in the water. I had a really great experience with Dr. Torchinsky, It really ticked off all the things I want in a doctor: * knowledgeable and very thorough * Listened and answered all my questions * never rushed me * super personable and easy to talk to The wait was a little on the long side, but they let me know that they were a little behind, so I was fine with it. Definitely recommend him! read more

I really like Dr.Torchinsky! He has such a kind heart and you can tell he is in his profession because he loves it. I've seen him twice already to rule out some issues & navigate the link between my sinus issues and migraines. He's been fantastic, listening to me & working with me as a team in trying to figure out if it's related. He knows I'm terrified of surgery & hate taking medication, and keeps it in consideration. He doesn't jump right into, "welp looks like you need surgery!" Type of deal. He listens to your concerns & wishes. When other specialists would shut me right down, and my neuro saying there couldnt possibly be a link. But Dr. Torchinsky is also good at pointing out other possibilities. The times I've been there I have not felt rushed or like I was in my own battle. If you want a good DR. With a good bedside manner, Dr. Torchinsky is your Dr. Not to mention I come from inland empire just to see him, based on his reviews! read more

I had my first appointment with Dr Torchinsky yesterday over a very delicate issue that was upsetting to me and a little difficult to discuss. He truly went above and beyond to help me, listen to me and guide me in the right direction. I was feeling anxious for a year over this and now I don't because I know I'm in competent hands. He truly cares for his patients and that was so comforting! Thank you Dr Torchinsky for taking the time to make me feel better! I can not recommend this Dr enough. read more

Dr. Torchinsky was amazing he was very thorough in my examination and very thorough and explaining to me what my diagnosis was. I would recommend dr. Torchinsky to family and friends. read more

I don't usually write reviews but I feel that Dr.Torchinsky is an exceptional doctor and I like to give credit where credit is due.I have been seeing him for about five months and by now I think it is safe to have a good opinion of this doctor. First appointment he was very friendly and personable. I liked him but I thought this was just the first appointment and maybe he wants to leave a good impression. I was wrong - he has been consistently professional, caring and most of all he treats you like a person first and a patient second. He spends time getting to know you and he's definitely not "fake nice". He doesn't sugar coat anything but at the same time he's very caring and professional. Second appointment we talked about getting my tonsils removed and what touched me is that he asked if I had someone to help take care of my little one while I was recovering. I thought "Wow, he really cares. Also, he also doesn't jump to do doing to surgery- he will look at other options first. When I call or email questions, he responds himself in a good timely manner. It's always nice to talk directly to the doctor and not have to go back and forth with a nurse. A lot of doctors have gotten annoyed with me asking too questions but not with Dr.Torchinsky. He has never showed any signs of being annoyed. He will work with you until your ENT health problems are resolved. I have had two surgeries done by Dr.Torchinsky and both surgeries were virtually painless. There was some pain but nothing one couldn't handle. Second surgery, I didn't even need to take any pain meds. He's talented and loves what he does! I have been to a lot of doctors and trust me this doc is God sent! In this day and age, it's hard to find good people out there and this doctor definitely deserves more credit. I wish there were more doctors like Dr.Torchinsky...other doctors should learn from his example. Dr.Torchinsky has not asked me to write this review and it has been completely out my own will. In life you should keep doing what you love, be good at it and the rest will speak for itself Side Note- The reason I have given only 4 stars is because is his staff is immature and unprofessional Thanks for reading my review :) JD read more

Cyruss Torchinsky MD is that one doctor you wish all doctors were like. His staff is great. Totally organized. Cyruss sincerely cares about the patient. Very knowledgeable. A true medical professional. AA+++ excellent 10 stars. read more

Dr. Torchinsky is a life savor. I hadn't been able to hear out of my left ear for about two years, and I had previously seen other doctors, but that all changed. Super nice guy so down to earth and helpful, won't be going anywhere else for my hearing problems now read more