I can't speak for Dr. Ault as I never met her - see previous review. I am going to chalk it up to her situation + COVID-19 chaos. I'm not sure why it was SO messed up but I am happy to report that I went back and met with both the Neurology and Pain Mgmt Dept teams at Alta Bates Sutter on Telegraph and they have been wonderful! NP Aryn Earnhardt in Neurology, Dr. Sepher Rajai and PA Juliana Fritz are the bomb! I'm super happy with them. read more

I am traumatized from my experience with her. She didn't look at my file and was unprepared. She left me in horrible pain, told me she would help me get back to the state I was in before her, and then dropped me as a patient. She kept focusing on how great of a doctor she is while discounting that I could t be experiencing what I was. Not only that, when other doctors consulted with her before trying to repair me, she told them not to treat me. I would not let this doctor near me again. read more

I've been a patient for over 8 years and know how important it has been to adjust my medication on a timely basis. I place my trust in her knowing/seeing her knowledge at work in my life to make the informed decision because she takes the time to "listen" to how I feel. Proper medication, precise procedures to that ever so unexpected pain. It is not an easy thing to pin point but with the trust I place in Dr. Ault's decision making process, she has yet to fail me. She has consistently monitored my migraines, my on again off again sciatica and my muscles located in my back/shoulder area due to aggressive breast cancer (chemo and radiation) scars. Real pain that needs to be addressed by a doctor that listens and creates a treatment plan created for my specific issues. Trust her to make a good decision. read more

I have been seeing Dr. Ault for many years for chronic pain. I have seen many doctors in my lifetime. Some are bad and some are good. But Dr. Ault is a class act. I can talk all day about how AWESOME Dr. Ault is. She's the cream of the crop. She is so very smart, caring, professional, funny. She listens to your needs, and is very compassionate. She's extremely thorough and explains all treatment options in detail. She has really helped me a lot with managing my pain. I am so grateful and thankful to call her my most favorite doctor on this earth. Thank you Dr. Ault for being who you are. I would 100% highly recommend her to others. read more

Let me begin by saying that Dr. Ault is VERY knowledgeable; hence the second star. A few years ago, my rheumatologist referred me to her. I had been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and Ehler's Danlos Syndrome, and she felt that Dr. Ault would be a helpful physician to assist me with finding ways to manage my chronic pain. Dr. Ault spent about 20 minutes with me, and did both a physical and neurological exam. She didn't rush me, answered all of my questions, thoroughly explained all that I needed to know about my illness, and even cleared up some misconceptions that I had. However. Knowledgeable does not mean empathetic, unbiased, or even kind. I had written down a list of my medications, and at the time, I was on a form of Tramadol, which is a very mild, synthetic opioid. My doctor had prescribed it because of its lower potential for abuse, and it wasn't needed daily. When Dr. Ault saw this, she says (and I quote) "You're going to spend years strung out like a dope fiend taking this medication. I'd never give this to you." When I tell her that it's a mild medication that I rarely use, she laughs wryly and replies that she'd rather see me stuck in bed everyday than become strung out. I initially chalked up her crassness to possible apprehension about narcotic meds, but it's apparent by previous reviews that she is not opposed to prescribing these medications. As someone who's had loved ones die of drug overdoses, it's disappointing to know that someone took one look at me and ascertained that would be my same fate. Anyways, this was solely my personal experience, and my hope is that no one goes through anything similar. Perhaps the doctor was having a bad day, but I would find it unfortunate if any of her personal biases were to cloud her judgment when treating a patient. read more

Very compassionate and fun person. She put me on methadone after every other pain treatment failed. I was cautious because I though it would be addictive. She,said it wasn't. It is. Very. read more

It's interesting reading the current reviews. I actually remember a similar 'first appointment' experience where I left a little concerned that she would not be able to help. At that point I had kind of already tried everything in the pain management toolbox, so she was acknowledging that fact head on. I can see where that would be disappointing to someone in chronic pain. But part of living with chronic pain is learning to accept that you can't 100% get rid of it, and I think that was her nudge towards that truth. It's a harsh reality. Fast forward to the present - I've been seeing her for many years. I practically cry tears of joy whenever I think of her. The amount of compassion and empathy is unprecedented. My conditions that cause pain are unusual. Many docs discount them. Disbelief and dismissal is rampant amongst my other doctors. But not with Dr. Ault. I honestly feel like she is the only thing keeping me going, and the only doctor wiling to fight for me. I would be devastated if she ever moved. Courtney is awesome too. read more

Dr. Ault is in a class of her own. Aside from being an incredibly talented clinician, she is compassionate, straight-forward and pragmatic -- everything a patient could want or need in a doctor. This is especially significant as she is managing individuals, like myself, who are in chronic / severe pain, and who are in desperate need of real recovery strategies to live normal lives. I am truly indebted to her for everything she has done to make my road to recovery manageable and even possible. Thank you, Dr. Ault! (PS, her staff is terrific as well, from the front desk to the PAs. What a great team: efficient, caring and patient-centric.) read more

Give Dr. Ault a second chance if you don't hit it off at first. I found her a bit gruff and disinterested. strangely that is an accusation some people say about me. When I complained to Sutter that the copay was excessive for the time spent with me, it got back to her (almost verbatim) and she could have schooled me. She just asked me to accept her apology but also asked that I stand by my complaint and not shirk it off. Since then, she has been like an old friend, and though my case is such that she can't "cure" my nerve damage, she is as helpful as a person could be. Also has a great sense of humor (much more east coast style than nor cal style [which isn't even humor, but I digress]). finally, her staff is top notch from Courtney on down! read more

I am extremely satisfied with the care I have received from Dr. Ault. She is an exceptional physician and a caring person who goes above and beyond to provide the best individualized care for her patients. Dr. Ault always takes her time to listen to my needs and is thorough in her assessment of my progress. Her competent care has helped me almost fully recover from my condition and pain. She patiently provided all options for treatment and therapy for me and did not hesitate to refer me for further evaluation when she thought that could benefit me. I highly recommend Dr. Ault, without reservation, to anyone seeking a highly qualified, caring neurologist who is the absolute best in her field. read more

I've been a patient of Dr. Ault's for nearly 2 years now, and can wholeheartedly say that she is an absolute gem - both as a physician and as a human being. Not only will she take the time necessary to explain your situation and answer any questions you have, but you can tell she actually cares. Maybe finding a doctor who truly cares sounds like something that should be a given... but, I think we all know it's unfortunately not a guarantee - not by a longshot. So, if you have the pleasure of seeing Dr. Ault, do not hesitate, do not pass go, do not collect $200 - just go straight to your appointment. You'll be glad you did! read more

Dr. Ault is amazing! I can still remember meeting her for the first time six years ago. She immediately made me feel comfortable, and it felt like she had been my doctor for years. Arriving with severe nerve pain down my left arm, I was terrified I was going to have to deal with this pain for years, as I had done 30 years before (something you never forget). Dr. Ault 's kind and compassionate demeanor, put me immediately at ease. I especially loved how Dr. Ault really took time to listen to me (I mean REALLY listen) and explained all of my treatment options. It is rare to find a doctor that combines such care for a patient as a person, with outstanding quality of medical care. After an MRI, we scheduled a cervical epidural steroid injection. The pain vanished along with my anxieties and fears. But motorcycle accidents, skiing mishaps, a rock-climbing adventure gone awry, and several other minor disasters, over the past 45+ years, have left me with severe chronic pain in my neck and spine. Throughout the past six years, Dr. Ault has been a lifeline for me. She is thoughtful and creative in her approaches to pain management. She completely understands that I do not want to handle my pain with pain medications or surgeries, and she has always offered alternatives. Trigger point injections, occipital nerve blocks, and radio frequency ablations are only of few of her strategies in helping me handle chronic pain. So, after a long day of hiking Mt. Diablo and attending a virtual Pilates class, feeling only minor aches and pains, I decided to finally write a review. I've recommended Dr. Ault to family and friends, and that is the highest praise I can give her. I just hope she never retires. BTW she has a marvelous sense of humor. read more

Dr. Ault rescued me from severe post-surgical nerve pain and has continued to provide very knowledgeable and excellent medical care during my lengthy and complicated recovery. I don't know what I would have done without her. read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Ault's for a few years and have nothing but positive things to say about her. She is brilliant, attentive, compassionate and respectful, always treating me as an equal partner in my health care. It took awhile for me to get my first appointment with Dr. Ault, since my primary care physician told me that her services are in great demand, but it was well worth the wait. I highly recommend her! read more

Thankfully I have been a patient of Dr. Ault and her staff for a few years now. Dr. Ault and her team have been instrumental in helping to manage the neck pain I had experienced for 2 years prior to seeing Dr. Ault. I no longer have chronic pain. A Miracle for me. Upon my first visit with Dr. Ault she put a plan of care in place for me. Her staff is always kind and makes me feel welcome. Dr Ault has seen me go through a lot of challenges with other medications (from other doctors for other health related issues) and because she has so much experience I usually like to ask her opinion. She has a wealth of knowledge and does a great job of explaining what needs to be explained to less educated ears like myself. I am very grateful for her and her team. Here is an example of her stepping up and out beyond the usual scope of things.. and without saying "go to your primary" In 2017 I was having an issue with toe pain from an old injury. Dr. Ault listened and offered a referral. I followed her instructions went to referral. Problem solved read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Ault for a few years now. I cannot speak more highly of a Dr. She takes the time to listen to all the aches and pains I have. I have never felt rushed or not listened to. She knows all the questions to ask to further understand my problems. She is mindful with how she cares for me. I have been sent to other competent Drs. for further care. When I arrive there they have been met with extensive notes to explain the issue they are seeing me for. Her office is very competent. I have always had prompt help when setting up appointments and help addressing other concerns. Dr. Ault is the best. read more

I saw Dr. Ault for my herniated disc and truthfully I wish I hadn't gone. The bill for the epidural injection was almost triple what I've paid in the past. The thing about going through sutter health is that you have to pay the surgery center and also sutter health. The bill came out to almost 900 dollars out of pocket (4 grand to my insurance). The icing on the cake was that it didn't last me a single day in terms of relief. After this totally failed she went through a laundry list of medications, starting at the Pfizer cash cow Lyrica which costs several hundred dollars per prescription out of pocket per month. I was surprised she didn't give me a Pfizer ball point pen and cap for my trouble. Save your time and money for those of you with back pain and go to Pilates instead. That has done more for my back than anything these doctors can do. read more

Dr. Ault has been working with me for 2 years now on a chronic sciatica. Since l work in a medical environment myself, l have opinions about my care. I know patients like me can be a pain in the butt to every medical provider. For example I brought a med list 20 meds long that can help nerve pain and the doc has synthesized them through her knowledge and we have been trying them one by one, by the order of efficacy. I feel very listened to, cared for, and my concerns taken seriously. My pain is more or less in check on a pain med coctail now and I credit Dr. Ault for it. read more

Chronic pain is a difficult issue and some people expect miracles. They aren't used to pain and expect someone should just end it. I have been living with chronic pain and disability all my life. I wish I had Dr. Ault that long. She listens and she helps. It is that simple. read more

I have had a couple of neck and one lower back surgeries within the last 8 years. Although, my back pain is mostly within a manageable threshold, but my severe neck pain ignites from time to time, effecting my life quality in major ways.. I have seen numerous neurologists in the past without much relief, but was finally lucky enough to be introduced to Dr. Ault through another doctor, and I must say, she is truly wonderful! She is very knowledgeable, attentive, and more importantly very caring and personal, and a good human being. Her ideas have really helped in making my pain more manageable, and I am hoping that over time, I would feel even better. I would recommend her to anyone who is in pain and others have not been able to help them. read more

I've never written a Yelp review before but Dr. Ault is so good I was compelled to take the time so that others may benefit from her care. I've been in terrible neurological pain for four months following a fusion for a herniated disc in my neck. After seeing 6 different doctors who have been either rushed, or disinterested, or didn't listen to me, or some combination of all three, Dr. Ault was a breath of fresh air. She really listened carefully, took extensive notes, and was patient, thoughtful, and seemed genuinely interested in doing whatever she could to help. She was friendly and optimistic about finding a way for me to get better. She had several new treatment options that no doctor had even mentioned before. She is really exceptional and I strongly recommend her to anyone struggling with pain. read more

Dr.Ault is a compassionate, skilled pain doctor. She actively listens to your concerns, provides you with your options and explains the source of your pain. She makes you feel as if you are the only patient in her busy practice and that she has all day for you. She takes the "feeling crazy" out of pain and assures you that your feelings are valid. Her office staff runs close to on time for each appointment and they too provide compassionate care. I would highly recommend Dr. Ault. Lori RN read more

I want to highly recommend Dr. Jennifer Ault for pain management. I have fibromyalgia and also deal with chronic neck and back pain due to disc issues. I started seeing Dr. Ault a couple years ago after I was so impressed with the treatment my husband received from Dr. Ault for his debilitating back pain. My husband had been seen by other doctors for his condition but had no improvement and was dejected by his inability to work or function in his daily activities. I watched how my husband slowly regained his life back after Dr. Ault performed a medical procedure, changed his medication and eventually sent him to PT. In terms of my treatment, I've received epidurals in both my neck and back, gotten on more effective (non-addictive) medications and regularly receive trigger point injections to help alleviate my symptoms. I particularly appreciate how Dr. Ault takes the time to explain what's going on using diagrams and then discusses possible treatment options. Dr. Ault genuinely seems to care about my husband and me, has a calming bedside manner and always instills a sense of confidence about outcomes. I am so grateful to have found Dr. Ault, a rare top-notch doctor! -Karen B. read more

Dr Ault is as good as it gets. She has the best clinical skills of anyone I've ever met (and I've spent most of my life in health care) and is a born healer. I am convinced that the nearly 90 minutes that she spent with me has done more to heal what brought me in than the interventions that she prescribed (as excellent as these seem to be). She exudes warmth, genuine empathy and thoughtfulness .... all the while working methodically from a clearly very impressive knowledge base. She also has great insight into the psychological consequences of physical distress. If you could imagine the brilliance of Einstein, the warmth and empathy of your favorite aunt growing up as a child, the compassion of Nelson Mandela, and the humility of Aung Sang Suu Kyi all blended into one person, then you might have a sense of Dr. Ault. As you can imagine, I'm much looking forward to me next appointment in a couple of months .... read more

Lucky for me Dr Ault was the neurologist on call when I was hospitalized for stroke like symptoms in December. She was smart, kind, and patient with me and my family. She made a terrifying situation manageable. I am currently being treated for atypical ocular migraines. Dr Ault is a migraine expert ! She is always on time. She is never condescending or annoyed with my millions of questions. She returns my emails and phone calls. And IM so much better ! PS her office staff is delightful. read more

excellent care. I have been in pain for decades and Dr. Ault helped pin point the cause and proper treatment. She is direct to the point, exact and extremly caring and helpful I'm happy she explains everything before she does it and keeps up with all new treatments, great person to help with your pains. read more

Dr. Jennifer Ault is an intelligent, straight-forward and empathetic doctor. She and her team (Courtney!) have gone above the normal call of duty to help me navigate my pain. It's got to be tough to assist so many in need of pain-management, but she does this extremely well. I am very comfortable in her presence - which is a good thing for the obvious reasons. In addition, her team at the Surgery Center on Telegraph in Berkeley is excellent. Proficient, efficient and kind. read more

I have been seeing Dr. Ault for four years and she has made a real and significant impact on the frequency and severity of my migraines. There are so many options and she has been thoughtful and helpful in working through them with me. She's been more on top of it than me and is always pushing to improve my outcome. read more

Kudos to Dr. Jennifer Ault. I suffered with severe sciatic pain for 2 1/2 years I had been to several specialists with no results. Dr. Ault listened, reviewed a multitude of tests and spoke to another specialists. With her attention to detail I am on the mend. Pain is reduced by at least 80% and I have a real diagnosis .I now know what to do to continue to improve..her compassion puts her ahead of so many other docs out there.. read more

I had a spinal tap done by Dr Ault at the Surgery Center in Oakland, and it was over before I knew it with NO PAIN! She was great, and the staff at the center was too. read more

I was referred to Dr. Jennifer Ault for pain management. From my first encounter with her, I found Dr. Ault to be personable and extremely engageable. Over the course of several months, she performed various procedures in an attempt to relieve my chronic back pain, and even successfully obtained authorization from my insurance carrier, via an independent reviewer, after an initial denial. Dr Ault worked in close collaboration with my orthopedist, updated my treatment plan as indicated, and explained every step, both in her office and in the procedure room. Dr. Ault consistently exceeded all of my expectations. Her expertise, warmth, kindness, empathy and holistic approach render her a remarkably unique clinician. I am a licensed medical professional. read more