Type and quality of care. He left for vacation day after knee replacement knowing the surgery site was showing signs of an infection. No one could contact him for orders to do any diagnostic biopsy or scans. I spent 4 days in hospital with nothing being done about the spreading wound. He accepted one phone call then he was gone. He wasn't even available for my post op appt. I ended up seeing his partner, thank God! read more

I would NEVER recommend Dr. Valletta due to their billing practices. Dr. Valletta never billed my insurance, and over a year later, I received an unexpected bill. I called the office to inquire, and was given one explanation, but when I called back, I was told something completely different. On the third call, I was given a third story. After contacting my insurance company to check a claim #, I learned that I wasn't liable for the bill, as Dr. Valletta's office never submit it. I known the claim # was not a claim # that Dr. Valletta's office gave me which my insurance confirmed. When I asked them for the insurance information they had on file, they never returned my call. I'm also convinced they lost my insurance card during my visit. I even offered to pay the bill at a negotiated lower rate, but they didn't accept my offer or respond in any way. I requested a meeting to resolve the issue, but again, I received no response. In my experience, this office has been dishonest and unethical. I would strongly advise against seeking care here. read more

Amazing experience every time at the office. Dr. Valletta has been keeping me going for over 15 years now. Incredible and friendly staff, cutting-edge therapies, and great results. From the moment you walk in you know you are in great hands, and you will be back to doing the activities you love as fast as possible. Thanks! read more

Similar to other posts, Dr. Valletta is completely disrespectful and inconsiderate of patients' time. An hour and 15 minutes into my scheduled visit I was told he was running a "bit" late. His office responds to these posted complaints by stating we need to understand that the complexities of other patient's issues may cause him to run behind or he may be running late because of hospital rounds. When I inquired why I had not been seen yet, I was told that he was in a meeting and it would be another 15 minutes. It would seem to me that the good doctor out of consideration for the fact that people have to take time off of work, would manage his time better and schedule meetings during lunch or at the end of the day. I only went to Dr. Valletta because Dr. Paul Murphy no longer accepts my insurance. His office runs like clockwork. Why? Because he is professional and would never consider having his patients wait while he is in a meeting. read more

Absolutely an amazing sport medical/orthopedic Dr. Although my injury ( TPF) was more than he could do his care, knowledge and staff was top notch!! Absolutely TOP NOTCH!! After my 2 weeks and my insurance giving me the run around we where delighted to finally find a Orthopedic that was in my network and very comfortable with his reputation. Even more impressed when we got to his office with the service and very up scale look. After 2 visits and him suggesting I get a 3D MRI ultimately he said my injury was too severe to do out patient and I needed a trauma orthopedic surgeon with hospital care. His staff worked relentlessly to help guide me with my insurance problems. Ultimately he said go to UCSD emergency because my insurance wouldn't help. I respect his knowing when to say no and realizing I needed the 3D because had i not gotten it my surgery could have been too much for his outpatient surgery center. The Cheif orthopedic surgeon at UCSD Hillcrest did an amazing job and her and her too orthopedic surgeon said my surgery was very difficult so Dr. Valeta was spot on. All is well now and I'm on my way to recovery. A big thank you to Dr. Valeta and his team! read more

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One of the most personal and pleasant people I ever met. He may be a great doctor: I'll never find out first hand. Bad treatment plan. Talked me into pain shots and medium strength drugs. I took 1/4 of the prescribed dosage and I got terrible run around about refilling. Had to go to my internist. I made a final appointment to discuss doing the surgery and asked his nurse when I got there if I was going to have a problem after surgery with pain meds. She told me maybe. I sat in an office waiting almost an hour and a half for Dr. He went home and left me sitting there. read more

My only experience in the hospital and with surgery. Dr Valletta took my shattered arm and put it back together. Ten years later there is almost no evidence that I had such a severe fracture. I highly recommend him if you find you need an orthopedic doctor. read more

I saw Dr. Valletta for chronic pain in my right knee and also issues with my left knee. Cortisone shots were no longer giving me relief and I was hoping to find remedy. After MRI revealed torn meniscus, degenerative joint disease and tiny fractures in bone, we discussed options for treatment. Dr. explained about Subchondroplasty Procedure which injects a calcium phosphate mineral compound directly into bone defect. It hardens and eventually becomes new bone as it heals. I had surgery to repair meniscus along with the Subchondroplasty on May 2nd. It has been only 11 days, and everything is healing well. I am grateful to Dr. Valletta for his cutting edge treatment and his caring, professional manner. His staff in La Jolla office and the Surgery center were wonderful, as well. Dennis M. read more

Went to him for some neck pain and him and his staff took some time to really review my case and help me come up with a game plan for treatment. He doesn't rush to surgery. He's a proponent of PT which is refreshing. read more

Best doc ever. I ate it off my skateboard and seriously messed up my shoulder. Dr. Valletta put it back together. Awesome job. Its been 2 months since my surgery and it's like I never injured it. Great bedside manner and great suegeon. I injure myself a lot so I'm gonna keep his card in my Rolodex. read more

I love love love Dr. Valletta! I broke my ankle playing roller derby about three weeks ago, had my surgery almost two weeks ago, and my follow up was yesterday. He is the nicest man, his office staff at the Kearny Mesa office are great, and the surgery staff at SMI (in the same complex on Ruffin Road) took unbelievable care of me. I will be doing PT there in four weeks after I can put weight on my foot again, and I'm sure I'll have nothing but great things to say about them, too. I did a lot of Yelp/Google searches after coming home from the ER when they told me I would need surgery. I did not want to settle for a doctor that would just get me walking again. I wanted someone who would help me get back to derby, get back to running half marathons, and who would treat me like the athlete I am. Dr. Valletta and his staff have been behind that goal for me 100% since the day I hobbled into his office. I can't even say how grateful that makes me. Thank you, Dr. Valletta!! read more

I am retired military and was seen by Dr Valletta in Nov 2016. Being retired military I am in the DOD healthcare system known as Tricare Prime. Tricare Prime covers 100% of all costs associated with care you recieve from a doctor. In Feb of 2018 I received a bill From Dr Valetta's office for a sum of $105.00 . I thought to myself this is some kind of an error but I wrote and mailed them a check for the said amount and called my Insurer (Tricare West). My insurer informed me that I should not have paid the bill and that Dr Valetta's billing department were using wrong billing codes. I then called Dr Valletta's billing department and informed them of this, They informed me they would look into it and that was the last I heard from them in fact I even forgot about the $105. Fast forward to this year. In July I get a bill for around $400.00 from Dr Valletta's crack billing department. I immediately called My insurance company and again was told these people were not only using the wrong codes but duplicate codes for the same treatments.The representative I talked to said they would send them a letter explaining this. Last week I got another bill this one for around $225 I again called my insurance company and while they still had me on the phone they called Dr Valletta's billing department. My insurance representative got back on the line and informed me that she explained everything to Dr Valletta's employee Cara. Cara called me the next day apologizing for the billing errors and said it was all taken care of. I inquired about my $105 payment and when it would be refunded and was told she would have to talk to the Dr. Quite frankly I do not expect to get a dime back from these people. I just wanted to let the other Vets and retired military know what I put up with. You would think in a military city like San Diego these people would know how to deal with Tricare insurance claims. read more

Our physician referred us to Dr. Valletta for my wife's knee issues that included three meniscus tears, arthritic changes and a knee that kept catching, causing considerable pain. Dr. Valletta and his team of staff are excellent in all regards. We scheduled a consultation and met with Dr. Valletta and other staff. He thoroughly and clearly explained the issues revealed in the MRI and the arthroscopic procedure he would perform. Lab work and an EKG provided by our physician were required before the procedure could be done at Dr. Valletta's surgical center that is extremely efficient and professional. Again, all procedures were thoroughly explained and all questions answered. My wife was a bit skittish over the prospect of knee surgery, but was completely reassured by the professionalism and caring of the Valletta team - and I don't use the term "team" lightly. Everybody was super attentive and genuinely caring. My wife and I worked in the medical field and were extremely impressed with the surgical center doctors, nurses and office staff providing a higher level of care than we have witnessed or experienced in reputable hospitals. Even though my wife's surgery was scheduled in the afternoon, they were actually able to take her a little bit ahead of the appointment time. The procedure went extremely well, even though it was more intensive than what we expected to clean up the knee area, but Dr. Valletta must be some kind of arthroscopic master. Dr. Valletta met with me after the surgery and explained all that was repaired or remedied. I then was able to see my wife in the recovery area where again, the nurses were extremely professional and friendly. Three weeks out from the procedure, my wife is doing exceptionally well. On our post-op visit, Dr. Valletta's staff were amazed at how well my wife was moving around and walking normally, relatively pain free with no catching! When my wife went to physical therapy, they too were impressed and amazed at my wife's range of motion with her knee and how well she was doing after the procedure. As if a functioning knee weren't enough, my wife was given a gift bag containing a T-shirt along with a card signed by the medical team and staff at her post-op visit. Healing continues and we can't thank Dr. Valletta and his staff enough. Regaining relatively pain-free mobility without catching is a godsend for my wife (and me). Dr. Valletta recommended future injections that will provide lubrication the knee loses with age to improve function and comfort while also delaying or eliminating the need for a total knee replacement. I just can't heap enough praise and gratitude for Dr. Valletta's practice, professionalism and "bedside" manner. It may sound corny, but Dr. Valletta and his team really put the "care" back into healthcare and we can't thank them enough. read more

Dr Valletta was amazing from start to finish! My mom saw several doctors to consult for her full knee replacement. She was very hesitant until meeting Dr Valletta. He was caring, informative, and took more time than any doctor she previously considered. His PA Jules was also fantastic! She also gets 5 stars! My mom had a complicated medical history to deal with. Both of them were very careful with her allergies and medication sensitivities. The doctor even recommended a home physical therapist that made her recovery so easy and pushed her to get back to her old self. Happy days are here thanks to doctor Valletta!! read more

Dr Valletta is a very good orthopedic surgeon. I have been going to him for the last five years and he has figured out what's wrong with my knee, when other doctors I have seen just threw pain meds at me. He did a surgery on my right knee last year and it was to correct a surgery that a different surgeon had done wrong. He spends a good chunk of time with you at the appointment and I never feel rushed. However because he is so good with patients he is often running late. If you need to see a good doctor and you're on a time crunch see his P.A. Tisha, she is very good and always on time which I appreciate on the days that I don't have time to wait. All of his staff is wonderful and they know me quite well after seeing them for five years and multiple injuries. read more

Don't waste your time! I (still have) a sprained ankle a month after my appointment with Dr. Valletta! The problem is that instead of honoring his appointment with me, he sent in his Physician's assistant who supposidedly looked at my X-ray, anyhow - she immediately told me that my sprain will heal itself in 3-4 weeks, no problem. And that I should immediately start physical therapy. BEFORE healing or anything. She didn't even bother to physically LOOK at my foot. I had to ASK her to examine my ankle. Is it because I am a blonde, pretty girl who looks like I'm lying about a sprained ankle? Who has time for that? I have two kids and a husband. It's a pain in the ass to have a sprained ankle!!! So I waited a week to start physical therapy. Well, that was a mistake because I went to this girl "Chelsea" that she insisted that I go to and she made my ankle WORSE! Now my ankle is worse than when I originally sprained it. Thank goodness I insisted on the nurse giving me a boot before I left the office because now I will be my OWN doctor and wear the boot for 2-3 weeks until my ankle stabilizes and then go back to a physical therapist I've been to in the past, Peyton at Torrey Pines Orthopedic Medical Group (he is the BEST). Don't mess around with these people, just go to Torrey Pines Orthopedic. Dr. Thunder or Dr. Woody, those guys are much more professional. read more

Dr. Damion Valletta was fantastic! He was accurate in his evaluation, compassionate, attentive and caring. His assistants were equally valuable and helpful. He took a vey severe situation, kept me from freaking out over it and did a lot of additional complex surgery to correct what he called "the worst" hip situation they'd ever seen. I recovered in record time and am certain I selected the best surgeon!! (In my pre-surgery class at the Sharp Coronado Hospital, there was a returning patient of Dr. Valletta who was scheduling a 2nd joint replacement with him. The man flew in from out of state and said that it was because Dr. Valletta was the only surgeon he would have do his surgery. That was great to hear...and now I know why!0 Yes, the dark haired receptionist in his office is not very personable...but don't let that stop you from using this wonderful surgeon.She may also been hired by the other doctor sharing the offices. Keep in mind too that he does surgeries during the week and a surgery can take longer possibly cause him to be late to an appointment, but it is well worth the wait! This is a terrific doctor who cares about his patients and loves his work. It was a pleasure to work with him. read more

I came to Dr. Valletta's office after a previous hip scope by another doctor, and four other hip surgeries. So I knew exactly what I was looking for in a doctor. Seeing Dr. Valletta for the first time, I immediately liked him. He's very personable. He ordered a MRI to confirm I had re torn my labrum. I was able to have the MRI and get back in to see him within a week. That to me is very important, so you're not waiting and wondering what's going on. After he confirmed the diagnosis we scheduled my surgery. My surgery was 10 days ago and I've have very minimal pain. Because I have had a previous hip scope and other hip surgeries, I have something to compare too. I am absolutely thrilled with my results from Dr. Valletta. A lot of his reviews are for knees, but if you have hip issues, I would feel totally comfortable with him doing surgery on me. Kara, I believe may be the office manager- she gets things done. She's a no nonsense woman, super nice and when she says she will call you back, she actually means it! Jewels, his PA is wonderful! She's great at explaining, listening, and reassuring you. Great personality and you feel happier after talking to her. Sometimes appointments run long. I, myself am okay with this. Reason being- if they are running late getting in to see me, it's because they've spent extra time with a patient that might be worried, scared, or have a lot of questions. I have been that patient before and there is nothing worse than being rushed, which I have never felt at Dr. Vallettas office. I would 100% recommend Dr. Valletta and his office! read more

Exceptional office stall. Dr. Valleta diagnosis when no other doctor could find the problem. The result has been pain free. Jules his PA is incredible always great follow up My wife had a full knee replacement in Nov. it has been so successful that she was driving at 6 weeks! Dr. Valletta is just amazing, his entire staff and of course Jules his wonderful PA. read more

Dr Valletta is no question, top notch in his approach, his skill, his attention to detail. My husband trusted no other for his knee replacement and Dr V hit it out of the park with the surgery and the aftercare, PT, follow ups. He is the best in San Diego!! read more

The offices of Dr. Valletta are incredibly professional, helpful and truly care. Dr. Valletta is knowledgeable and he has impeccable bedside manner! My mother recently had a total knee replacement and her follow up care with Jules has been priceless!! My mother has struggled with the recovery due to previous struggles taking pain medications but Jules has opened every channel of communication and has gone above and beyond to help. Since her experience we have found many others who have also had the same awesome experience as we have! Thanks, team Valletta:) read more

Everything has turned around here. Maybe they were not so great the first time, maybe I was short tempered after being in a car wreck. They have redeemed themselves in my eyes. Thanks Dr. Valletta. read more

Dr. Valletta is super awesome! I have had surgery on both my knee and elbow (different years). Both times very professional. Still have follow up for the knee and Dr. Valletta is always concerned and patient (as is the staff). Remembers my husband (who is in Hospice) who he used to treat and always asks about him. Having 3 locations aids in being seen promptly when there is a problem or concern. read more

Dr. Valletta is the best, and is the only foot and ankle doctor that I trust in San Diego. I'd had pain in my ankle for several years, but the eminent doctor I'd been seeing, after examining my x-ray and MRI, told me he could not see anything wrong whatsoever. So I figured I just had to live with it. It kept getting worse, and finally I knew I had to try other doctors to get a diagnosis. I went through several doctors, who prescribed stem cell therapy (expensive, unnecessary and didn't help), a very intrusive type of surgery called ankle distraction (which would not have helped), etc. Finally another healthcare professional recommended Dr. Valletta. When I entered his office, I could immediately see that it was several notches above anywhere else I had been - very modern, comfortable and functional. His assistant had a complete set of x-rays taken before Dr. Valletta even saw me, which no other doctor had even bothered with. Dr. Valletta correctly diagnosed my problem, an unusual one - a hole had formed in my ankle bone, for unknown reasons. That's what was causing my pain, and would probably have led to a collapse in my ankle if left untreated. Dr. Valletta did not want to do the surgery that was needed, but gave me some good recommendations. I went to Dr. Thordarson in Los Angeles for the arthroscopic surgery. He is a fantastic surgeon, but not the best on follow-up, so I went back to Dr. Valletta again to see if he had any thoughts on how to best deal with my post-surgical recovery. Again, he was so helpful. He told me to take Tylenol rather than Advil, because Advil can impede healing; and suggested various de-sensitization exercises and strategies. Dr. Valletta is so smart, energetic and personable ... I always feel comforted and relieved after seeing him. His office staff has also been really helpful in squeezing me in when time was of the essence. read more

The Valletta Ortho team performed my second hip surgery and fixed the disrepair from my first one (performed by a different surgeon) and I have never felt better. I was diagnosed with hip dysplasia in 2012 and had surgery on my right hip soon after, but with poor results and pain for the following 2 years. When I started developing similar pain on the left side I knew what it was, but did not want to go back to the same surgeon. My family and I decided it was worth the investment to find the best of the best and I think we truly found it here. Dr. V and Jules repaired my left hip and prescribed rigorous physical therapy, meeting 2-3 times per week for almost 3 months (2 on land, 1 in water). When I was still experiencing pain from my first surgery, and fearing I needed another one, Dr. V suggested trying a cortisone injection to "put out the fire" and it miraculously felt better almost overnight. I can't believe I almost treated Bursitis with surgery! At physical therapy, Randi (my therapist) was able to strengthen not only my left hip, but also my right hip at the same time. I "graduated" from physical therapy with 2 healthy, painfree, STRONG hips and I couldn't be more thankful that this ordeal is behind me. Having seen both sides of the spectrum, I really, really cannot thank the team here enough. Their "bedside" manner is great, the staff are so funny and personable--they always have a lot of young adults working here (in training I'm assuming?) and they are all great to work with. read more

Dr Valetta operated on my double torn meniscus. I followed his recommendations for post operative care and after 6 weeks I was 100% healed. I have no pain and full movement. Accordingly, I would highly recommend him. In addition, everyone in his office is extremely courteous and knowledgeable. I feel like I'm visiting family every time I go to his office. read more

Had arthroscopic hip surgery a couple years back, it went ok. I still have some nagging pain in the area from time to time, but the worst part was the billing with my insurance company, what a mess. Valleta's assistant, Jules was supposed to be at my surgery, but failed to show, they hired an out-of-network assistant which caused all kinds of fun with my insurance. Oh and prepare to wait a very long time...I don't understand the point of having an appointment when you see the doctor hours after your appointment time. read more

My daughter broke her arm and the dr put a cast on it. For our next appointment they wanted us to get an X-ray before seeing us. My husband called their office to make sure that we can just walk in at sharp hospital to get the x-ray done and they said "yes" and they have everything taken care of, so we went there and the staff at the hospital said that Dr Valletta's office did not send an imaging order. My husband called them again to send the order to the hospital. They sent the order. The next day we went back to the hospital and they said they are going to do a wrist x-ray coz that is what is in the order. I told them that my daughter broke her ulna and not her wrist, so the hospital called Dr Valletta's office to confirm that they wanted a wrist xray and they said "yes". We went to their office and told us we got the wrong Xray! It has to be an arm xray! So they gave us another imaging order and walked back to the hospital to get another xray. When we finally did that and went back to their office, the DR didn't see our daughter, his assistant was the one who reviewed the Xray. They even misspelled my daughter's last name on the third imaging order! read more

Amazing staff!!! any surgery is always scarry, But joint replacement, I can't put it into words, the staff is fun and are able to put your concerns to rest. Dr. Valletta did a fantastic job, Total hip replacement and I was back to work in less than 5 weeks, no cane, no limp and minimal post-op pain. read more