Dr. Larry Dodge has been my doctor for several years. He is incredibly knowledgeable, kind, humble, a great listener and an outstanding Orthopedist. When you first meet him, you feel comfortable right away, he does not treat you like a number or a body part. He treats all his patients with the outmost care and professionalism. It is hard to find a good doctor, that you trust, connect with and respect. Many doctors today fail to establish the person-to-person connection that is so important to effective patient care, not Dr. Dodge. Dr. Dodge puts the "Care" in healthcare. I feel extremely fortunate to have had him as my Orthopedist. Thank you, Dr. Dodge, for humanizing the doctor and patient experience. Marissa P. One of your many grateful patients read more

Dr Dodge is a fine surgeon as he's performed miracles on a few family and friends. His office on the other hand- very disappointed. - Waited 2 weeks for an appointment, fine - Verified insurance coverage with Pam, fine -Waited 45 minutes past appointment time-fine -Was asked to see office manager at the 11th hour who informed me that "My insurance would not cover the Dr's charges" and I'm not covered- NOT FINE -Indifference, sorry, too bad... He'd be sad if he knew how this all occurred. -Took 1/2 day off work, drove from Carlsbad to Hillcrest, lost $500 in revenue as I'm self employed... The Dr. should reimburse me for my time! - SAD experience read more

I had the first major surgery of my life here. I cannot say enough for the treatment I have and continue to receive. Dr. Dodge, phenomenal. He's kind, listens, treats you as an individual and more. Joey Clayton, fantastic! What a great PA! I wish this profession had been around when I was a kid. Always opt to see Joey if Dr Dodge is busy; you'll love him and you'll get the same attentive service! (Can we give PA's a professional title other than just calling them by their first name?) Office staff is also great. This includes, but is not limited to, front office staff, other medical staff and X-Ray staff. Finally, this is a beautiful, but not over-the-top, office. They're always festive for whatever occasion is upcoming. read more

I don't understand the bad reviews for this dr. No dramatic review here! He has given me excellent care for my L4 laminectomy and follow up. He gives me all the time I need during my office visits. The wait time can be longer than expected but totally WORTH IT!! He will go the extra mile for you. The best appointment to make Are early in the morning, but you will need to book far in advance. read more

This is unacceptable. My appointment was at 1. I got here at least 15 minutes early and sat in the waiting room til 2:05. It is now 2:30, and I am sitting in the exam room by myself. I was finally seen by the doctor after waiting for a little over 90 minutes. The conclusion we came to was that I needed an MRI, which Dr. Dodge said he would submit a preauth for. It has been about 3 weeks since my appointment, and it doesn't look like his office followed up at all. Now I have to start over with a different doctor. read more

I have been seeing Dr Dodge for years. After a serious back injury I was directed to him through the recommendation of a trusted friend. He has since treated me for several injuries and I could not possibly imagine having gone through them without him. He is a joy to speak with and I trust his expertise. He listens carefully, genuinely cares about my concerns and works hard to treat my problems as conservatively or aggressively as I am prepared for. He always presents me with options including his support if I want another opinion (this came up before I had surgery). Over the years I have developed a real admiration for this physician and I look forward to meeting with him as my condition progresses. He really is one of the best. I give my very best recommendation to Dr Dodge! read more

I've heard this doctor has great reviews time in the office is at least an 45 minutes in the room by yourself. I have been waiting on a QME report for my visit on May 27th and here it is now August 17th still no report I've called his office at least 15 times in the last 8 weeks or more asking for this report on why its not done I've been waiting on this report to get further treatment the doctor has held up my progress in getting treatment for workmans comp... My other orthopedic doctor is also wondering why this is taking so long is hard to wait this long when you were in chronic pain . Regards Jay read more

Well, I certainly HEARD (and read here) he was a good doctor. First visit, I waited 45 minutes to see him. His staff, from the receptionist through the nurse who brings you back, are among the rudest medical staff I have ever encountered. Still, a great doctor is a great doctor, right? I found his bedside manner to be completely unfriendly (unlike my other wonderful doctors) but still, he'd gotten some great reviews... so...Uh... my SECOND visit, he canceled so I saw the physician's assistant, Joey. Really nice kid, took x-rays, seemed informative. Then... a couple of weeks later, I came in for my follow-up appointment with Dr. Dodge. The receptionist told me he was running "an hour late" (if you go, wait for this sentence and enjoy it when it comes - as I realize now it's their mantra) and I could reschedule or wait. I couldn't wait, so I rescheduled. Today was the long-awaited, follow-up/reschedule. I know you will be shocked but when I checked in, the receptionist told me he was "running an hour late". The waiting room was so over-crowded there were patients sitting out by the elevator. This time, in so much pain, with serious injuries, after all my PT, I had no choice but to see him. So I waited. And... I waited a little more. NINETY MINUTES passed, and I was ushered into a consulting room. No smile, no apology, no "how are you"? I sat and waited... and waited a little more... and dozed. I entertained myself by wondering if any patients had ever actually died in one of his consulting rooms. No one came. So at 5:15 - TWO HOURS AFTER MY APPOINTMENT TIME - I left. I made sure to tell the receptionist how outrageous their treatment of patients was. She didn't answer and another receptionist scolded me that she had come down with laryngitis. I tried not to laugh - instead I said, "Well, it's been over two hours since I first checked in and since her voice was okay then, I couldn't have known." She said, "well, he is our busiest doctor." I said, "OK, I'm giving him a gift of time - the two hours that I just spent here, and whatever time he might have finally given me for my actual appointment. THERE ARE OTHER GREAT ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS IN SAN DIEGO - this is the land of great sports doctors. I wrote to Dr. Dodge and told him everything I have written above. He didn't respond about his staff, but explained he sees 70 patients in a day. WHY? read more

Wonderful doctor, excellent surgeon. I just got home from emergency surgery performed by Dr. Dodge at Scripps-Mercy Hospital Monday afternoon. He performed thoracic and lumbar laminectomy to relive loss of bladder control and sudden onset of extreme lower back pain extending down the back of both legs making walking extremely difficult even when supported with cane. If not addressed immediately these issues could become permanent. He and his staff got necessary authorization from workmans comp and everything arranged in little more than a week. Operation went smoothly and the major pain was already gone the next morning. Bladder issues were already diminishing and are expected to continue to do so for the next few weeks. I was referred to Dr. Dodge about 14 years ago by CA Workmans Comp after suffering months of back pain and sciatica. His surgery turned out EXACTLY the way he told me it would. Major symptoms relieved. And now, for a second time his surgical expertise has enabled me to enjoy my life. Thank you Dr. Dodge! read more

Dr. Dodge performed a triple lamenectomy on my back a few years ago. I had spent months in excruciating pain and had tried everything possible before submitting to surgery as a last resort. The surgery turned out exactly the way Dr. Dodge had said it would. The extreme pain was gone. There were some trade- offs involving some nerve damage and strength loss but Dr. Dodge had advised me about this which was a small price to pay to get my life back. Due to the fact that he is such a good doctor and does not rush his patients through his office he usually runs late. If I was a new patient I probably wouldn't like this but since he helped me so much I understand the situation and make my follow- up appointments early in the day. I wish all doctors and surgeons were like Dr. Larry Dodge. read more

I have to say this doctor is excellent! I recently saw him again after doing a lot of research to find him since I forgot his name from 8 years ago. I trust him and would recommend my family or friends to Dr Dodge, MD any day of the week. This is one of those doctors you want by your side when you're down and out with a bad back. I saw him in 2007 (8 years ago) for the first time and he helped me through a painful back problem and also gave me some helpful feedback that was invaluable. He understood exactly what the problem was and he helped me help myself. I am a family therapist in private practice (Mark Spurlock MFT) and My wife is a physician. Good care from a doctor is very important I know good care when I see it and when I don't see it. He was not on my insurance panel and YES, I was willing to pay out of pocket to get a through evaluation and treatment on my medical condition . Again I was NOT disappointed! Thank you again and God Bless you Dr. Dodge! read more

Dr. Dodge treated me through workman's comp for bulging disks in my neck. I didn't expect much based on the stories I have heard about workman's comp doctors. Dr. Dodge did a thurough examination and explained to me what he thought was causing the issues. He explained that surgery was the last resort and started my treatment with a steroid shot. Once that failed to relieve the pain, he advised me that surgery would be my only option to alleviate my pain. My workman's comp carrier denied the surgery request and Dr. Dodge fought on my behalf to emphasize to the carrier the necessity of the surgery as well as the urgency to have the procedure. He also requested a second MRI prior to the surgery to double check that he had a clear picture of what my issues were. The second MRI revealed that I had a bone spur that was contributing to my pain. The carrier approved my surgical request based on Dr. Dodge's detailed explanation of my urgent need for the procedure. I have heard from people that Dr. Dodge is one of the best in his field. I must say that I truly agree with those sentiments. My surgey was flawless and the pain is completely gone. Dr. Dodge even took the extra time and effort to ensure that my surgical scar would be plastic surgery quality. He prides himself on his work and his appearance which says a lot about his practice. I can see why his office is always full. I would highly recommend Dr. Dodge to anyone without any hesitation or reservations!! As a female, I would like to think that I am not superficial but in the end, we all want to look our best. I can't say enough about how thankful I am for Dr, Dodge's professionalism, expertise, attention to detail and the care and concern he has for his patients. read more

I would not recommend this doctor for so many reasons. He was a "no show" for my first appointment (I drove all the way down to the office only to be told he called out once I arrived at the front desk). He misdiagnosed me after looking at a few xrays and performing minimal in-office tests (Luckily I had a second opinion elsewhere where I was accurately diagnosed). Lastly and most importantly, Dr. Dodge prescribed me a medication that I was allergic to, and it had been noted on my chart! Terrifying to hear that he is still practicing, as he could have killed me had I not read the prescription ingredients thoroughly. read more

Dr. Dodge is terrific but you can also expect to not been seen ON TIME. Average wait time is usually 1- 1/2 hours later.. They schedule too many patients in one day. Even when I called and asked if he was on schedule the staff said he was running 25 min late. Why am I still sitting in the waiting room 1-1/2 hrs. Later? read more

Very disappointed with this office and shady behavior from office staff. I had surgery on disc in neck about a year ago.. Plan on waiting a minimum of 1 hour from scheduled appointment time to see doctor, that is if they even have your appointment on their calendar. .. Appointments seem to disappear when he is running late! Also, if you schedule surgery with his office they talk u into using their surgery center owned by the doctors and staff in this office.. On my scheduled surgery date Dr Dodge was running late and I waited over three hours from scheduled time. I checked in at 11am for a 1 pm surgery. I did not have anything to eat or drink and scared. I was not brought back until 3:30 and surgery at 5pm never talked to or saw the doctor before or after surgery.. After waking up all staff had left for the day, only 2 nurses remained to dismiss me.. I was in so much pain upon weakening after surgery but due to the fact that no doctors were available at surgery center the nurses could not administer any pain medication for me.. Also I was charged $300. For a neck brace that I saw lying on chair and asked nurse if I should be wearing this after surgery? They had apparently forgotten to put it on my neck after surgery.? Last but not least once u have had your surgery and they have been paid (many hidden fees) they no longer have time in their schedule for you to see the doctor.. I would find a doctors office who actually cares about u and not just the $$$$ .. read more

I was assigned to Dr Dodge through my workers Comp attorney. Although Dr Dodge is a great Doctor, his office staff needs to be fired. The receptionist spent five minutes talking with a city worker at the reception desk about how her job sucked and she had applied with the city for any job she could get. Her attitude was horrible and she had no people skills. After sitting in the office for nearly two hours waiting to be seen, the receptionist was very disrespectful and condescending when I asked how much longer it would be to be seen. After two hours I left the office. When I told the receptionist I was leaving and needed another appointment because I had been sitting for two hours, she didn't even bother checking on how much longer it would be before I could been seen. Dr Dodge is a great doctor and the two times I had office visits he was very attentive, but actually getting into see him is no small feat, getting past his horrible staff is an accomplishment. read more