Now only seeing HIV patients. Dr. Caperna dropped all his previous patients via a form letter with no warning or heads up to start looking for a new PCP. I too received the termination of care letter after over a decade with Dr. Caperna. As you can see from my prior review, I really liked Dr. Caperna, but the way his change of practice was handled was very poor. Dropping patients with no warning, with no sign of compassion about the situation you're putting them in, is pretty shabby read more

Dr Caperna is a DICK with a "God Complex" with absolutely NO PATIENCE or "Bedside manner". Instead of being able to communicate, he left the room, right in the middle of our interaction, and I was left wondering why. He comes back in about 5 minutes later only for him to show that he was frustrated interacting with me... Rather than give me a chance 'do better' or apologize, or tell me what the problem was, he again threatened to leave me in the room again by myself, as if I were a child that needed a "time out". WHAT AN ASSHOLE. If this guy has no ability to "handle" a wide variety of personalities or types of people from the community, WHAT KIND OF PATIENCE does he have for "medical practice?" I simply walked out... what a shame... I was putting all my hope in him, as I felt fragile, dealing with an ongoing issue I'd been suffering from for few years now...and he came highly recommended. SO DEEPLY DISAPPOINTED. I was so nervous just to be there, challenging the diagnosis, or lack there of from another doctor... I never expected this treatment on top of the emotional and physical pain I came in there with... He either has a sever lack of ability to listen and communicate, or all this was a rude ploy to get me out of there because he didn't really want me as a new patient... either way I wish he could have just told me so, rather than have me go through all of this turmoil. I'm glad his true colors come out on the 1st appointment and not months into it. It's a shame doctors forget they are there to help people. --Congratulations, Dr. Caperna, you earned yourself my DICKHEAD AWARD, earned in less than 10 minutes. FOLLOW-UP: The person that referred Dr Caperna to me told me that Dr Caperna apologized to HIM for "things not working out". IF DR CAPERNA WAS AN HONEST PERSON AND SINCERE, HE WOULD HAVE APOLOGIZED TO ME... read more

I guess it's only fair that when you find your doctor based on such positive Yelp reviews that you return the favor and leave your own positive Yelp review. A little backstory... I hate doctors, have some medical phobias, and wish I could cut doctors out of my life. But obviously I can't. I had a great doctor in Las Vegas, but now I live in San Diego and had to find one here. I need a very compassionate doctor, and I found it in Dr. Caperna. First off, the front desk staff is great, namely Elyssa. When I first made my appointment she was able to get me in quickly, and was friendly throughout. I love when I'm already feeling relaxed by the staff before seeing the doctor, and Elyssa does exactly that. Dr. Caperna himself gave me a pretty thorough exam the first time I came in. Very different from 7 years ago when I first went in to a new doctor. They simply asked some question, he poked and prodded and moved my body around to check for a bunch of random things, I'm sure, before asking me the same sorts of questions. That day, I walked out of the office with the prescriptions I needed and the nagging feeling I needed to finally overcome my phobia of having blood drawn. Never done it in my adult life. I finally made the appointment and agonized over it all week. Enter Aster, the most amazing nurse (or is she a phlebotomist?) I've dealt with. It took me about an hour to finally get to the point where I let her take my blood. She didn't seem bothered at all with me taking my time, and was super helpful with a couple tips to make it easier. I barely felt the needle, and I exited the office telling her she better never retire or change jobs, because she's the only one who will ever take my blood. Haven't had to go back to the office for anything major, but I definitely feel more at ease now that I've been twice for routine stuff. I'll be Dr. Caperna's patient as long as I'm in San Diego. read more

Best Doctor ever . He listens to you . A very caring Doctor who really is there to help you in keeping good health . The ladies that work there are really sweat hearts . read more

I've had primary care doctors that I liked before but Dr. Caperna and his team are a step above. I don't think I've been in for a visit where staff didn't make me laugh or where I didn't feel like I had Dr. Caperna's full attention and genuine interest - even when I was penciled into the schedule LAST MINUTE. A doctor's appointment isn't something you look forward to but it makes the whole experience that much easier when you leave the office feeling like your day was better for it. read more

The kindest most compassionate doctor you will ever find. He has incredible professional credentials and his credentials as a human being surpass those of his medical degree. He cares about his patients. He is honest with his patients. My husband and I both have seen him and both equally feel the same about him. The only drawback is that he is a sole practitioner and as such he will need to be out of town occasionally. I believe he does have another medical practice cover his calls when is is unavailable. read more

Had an appointment at 2pm with Dr. Caperna, was called the day before to remind me which was great. Day of the appointment, I get there at 1:55pm to find the office door locked. In disbelief, I knock, walk around to see if there is a different door, knock again, try to open again and nothing. I call them and no one answers. At this point it's 1:58pm and still no one there at which point I call and leave a voicemail saying that I have an appointment but no one is there. I get a voicemail a 2:08pm saying that they take their lunch from 1-2pm and I can make another appointment if I want. What doctors office takes their lunch and shuts down the whole office? Also, from 1pm-2pm? And if you do so, maybe a note at the door would be helpful? Maybe not scheduling your patients at 2pm? Maybe tell me when you called me the day before that you take your lunch from 1-2pm so I know why the door is locked if I come 1-5 minutes early? Doctor has good reviews but if you're able to get past the front desk maybe you'll have a good experience. read more

Dr. Caperna is a great human. A man with tremendous compassion. On my first visit now a year ago he listened , he cared and he did what 6 months of many medical practitioners did not do and agreed to have me admitted to a hospital immediately. The next day he came and visited me to see how I was doing and I only knew him less than 48 hours at the time Thank you ! Since I have seen him and his staff on a regular basis over my now year+ recovery. He is caring and explains in a way you can understand your current conditions and all options . Dr Caperna is backed up by a great staff of women who share his dedication and excellence . Even during these crazy times we are presently in - Dr Joe and the staff so out of their way to help ,although virtually now Bravo , Thank you to you and your staff Blessings to all read more

The best medical office in town for any needs , Dr. has the best personality. Place is clean and very neat.

Fired from their clinic after years of care with 30 days notice to find a new Dr. Reason- focusing on HIV. Has a posting behind reception counting days down to retirement. Don't use if you expect long term care. Reply was " I DON'T CARE ABOUT THE DOCTOR" REALLY? I PAY YOU. Why should I care. Take care of yourself and plan better instead of firing clients that are set adrift trying to find a new primary care when many MDs are not accepting new patients. WTF? read more

Dr Caperna is the most attentive, knowledgeable doctor and caring human being I have ever known.  Everyone in his staff is friendly and helpful.  He really listens to your concerns and tries his best to help you!! When I had severe allergies last October, he diagnosed the root cause correctly and saved me. Without his promp treatment and discontinuing of one medication that I have been taking for a few years the consequences would have been terrible. We are blessed to be under his care!! We highly recommend him with the utmost confidence! read more

Dr. Caperna is THE BEST physician. Not only is he incredibly smart and well educated, he is kind and non-judgmental. I have seen over 20 MDs in my life and he is by far my favorite. He understands his patient's needs. He is also humble, which is so rare to find in a physician (some can be know-it-alls, which I believe inhibits honest patient-doctor interaction). And this is not to discredit his intelligence; I have worked in the medical field for 3 years now and I can confidently say he is nothing shy of brilliant. Oh and if that's not enough, the man has a personality! Caperna's staff is friendly and helpful - they've always accommodated my schedule and greeted me with the utmost respect (whether I show up in sweats or in a suit). They are efficient, timely and organized. I am so thankful for them in every way! Literally the ideal experience! read more

Dr. Caperna is not your typical physician by any means. There's reasons why he stands out among the many medical doctors in San Diego. Just a few: Astute and intelligent medical attention to the patient. No feeling of being rushed or that your needs or symptoms are being instantly categorized. He pays attention and one finally gets the feeling they're talking to a professional who at the same time treats you like a neighbor. He has the nearly- unheard -of balance of a pleasant, fun personality, alongside medical expertise, experience and insight. That personality can also easily be the serious straightforward no-nonsense doctor someone may need in their particular journey reaching for better health. I hope you never will, but If you have an incurable disease (like my husband does) he's the first to suggest and find new answers even if it's only to provide the sense that life is worth living each day the best one can, even so. There's just a level of commitment & caring I have actually never before seen or experienced in many encounters with health professionals. Another thing that makes him stand out is that he's healthy. So many doctors out there just let themselves go, or have forgotten to maintain a balance in their own lives to avoid burn out. But Dr. C practices what he preaches! For example always gets up early, and often goes surfing before meeting his daily patients. It's so nice to have a doctor who knows what it is to live! and yet knows how to befriend those who are having to look forward to their last days (as my husband currently is doing, with Stage 4 Brain cancer) He even accompanied us to watch a sunrise as a comfort and gesture of care after we got the sad news in the middle of the summer from MRI scan that there was a recurrence of the tumor. (Like I said, unheard-of) I know we have a serious & complicated case with my husband also having experienced a stroke after his initial surgery by the Neurosurgeon. Dr. C knows and keeps in good communication with all other specialists involved in our journey. They go through the motions and enact their usual strategies and then they're on to the next patient right quick. Which is fine and to be expected. However It's more than a blessing to have our doctor in Dr.C who goes beyond those "usual" expectations and brings the others together on the same page, especially during such a time as this. He has noticed things they've overlooked at times, for my husband's many needs. So a personal note: Dr. C we are so grateful for your care and for all your awesome staff, (who know better than to let you down!) They are the best! Both personable and efficient! This public thank you is from the wife... of a very special brain cancer patient. He's my hero. So grateful you agreed to serve him from the start after his surgery. A hard journey the whole family could not do without you on our side. God bless! & Shalom! Ps. Thank you for sending the amazing Thai massage therapist "Tah" to visit him through your non- profit "cOmmunity" Shes also made a big difference in the quality of his life! And mine. You just naturally attract people who fit the criteria of possessing the "gift" of healing. read more

Great Doctor and staff. Timely visits. No long waits. No long holds on the phone. Attentive, knowledgeable and caring physician. Old school care with up to date technology. Great with follow ups. Highly recommended with the utmost of confidence. read more

What a wonderful doctor! Kind, compassionate, smart! He is very genuine. An old soul!

Great doctor. I wish I had found him years ago. Smart, funny and just an overall nice guy. Dr. Caperna and his staff made going to see the doctor a pleasant experience. Follow up (lab results, prescriptions) was also great. read more

Joe is a great doctor and a genuinely nice guy. He's easy to talk to and I always feel heard.

After knowing Dr. Caperna for over ten years I can honestly say he is one of the best. He is kind and caring in so many ways. Listens, giving of his time and always there for you. Thank you for all you do and have done, With much Respect John Yorke read more

He is not accepting new patients. Posting this so you will not look at his website, think you've finally found a great doctor, and then be disappointed, as I was. read more

This Dr. is amazing. My mom was seeing some quack before and I knew she was on a lot of medications she wasn't suppose to be on and her health was poor. After seeing this Dr for only a couple of month her Health has highly improved. I am very happy my mom is doing better because the care that Dr. Caperna gave to my mom. read more

Dr. C is great! He is very knowledgable and attentive. We spoke for over an hour and he answered every question I had thoroughly. I highly recommend him and his staff. One of the best experiences I've had with a physician to date. read more

I don't go to the Dr's. office too often but recently had to be seen. I was fortunate to have blindly picked him since I didn't have a primary care physician. I would definitely recommend him. He is thorough, intelligent and proactive. read more

Beginning a relationship with a new Doctor and team can be rather stressful. Dr. Caperna has made my transition so easy and his staff has been so available and helpful. I am so happy to write this review, because, (though no one really wants to have Doctor visits) this team and Dr Caperna are that good.! His manner is comforting and he has a great sense of humor. Thanks for all you do Dr. Caperna. read more

Dr. Caperna is my husband's primary care physician. I've gone to every appointment for a few years now. Both he and his staff -- Elyssa, Aster,Karin -- are excellent. They get him in timely when it's urgent, and make follow-through calls on things like CTs and prescriptions. Plus he takes his time and listens. Highly recommend. read more

Dr. Caperna has been one of the best doctors I have had the pleasure to meet and am very happy with the environment and friendliness of his clinic and staff. read more

I had a great experience with Dr. Caperna today! I found him on the YELP app and I'm glad I took the advice of his reviewers because he definitely lives up to all the positive reviews. Overall great doctor and human. read more

I feel truly blessed to have found Dr Caperna! The care that him and his staff has provided me as been unbelievable! This medical office is 100% amazing as a whole! read more

I have been looking for an IM Doctor since I moved to San Diego and was referred to Dr. Caperna by a local organization. I could not be happier !! After my first appointment I knew that I had found the right Doctor. Dr Caperna is not only knowledgeable and well educated he is very caring and treated me as a person and not just another patient. I felt very comfortable with him on my first visit. He really took the time to make sure we covered all my concerns and develop a game plan. The staff are very pleasant & professional and most of all efficient. I even received a copy of my visit showing what was disgusted and the game plan , and a referral to a specialist for a concern i had within 24 hrs ! I am very impressed and look forward to a long healthy relationship with Dr. Caperna & staff ! read more

Dr. Caperna has been my primary care physician for over twenty years. He was also physician to my late partner, a fellow physician. We trusted him highly and I cannot say enough good things about him. He is so caring and dedicated to his patients. I even owe my life to Doctor Joe's quick and decisive actions regarding symptoms I was having! He truly is a wonderful doctor and human being. I so recommend him and respect him. read more

Excellent Doctor and staff. He takes the time, never feel rushed and very easy to talk to. Highly recommend!

Outstanding physician. Kind, caring and compassionate. The first primary care doctor that has ever called me at home. He wanted to make sure my new blood pressure medication was working out ok. read more

Dr. Caperna is the most dedicated and attentive doctor I have ever seen. He spends lots of time wit his patients and always goes the extra mile. The office is beautiful and conveniently located near downtown with views of San Diego Bay and Lindbergh field.Parking can be a little difficult at times, but I always find a spot. read more

Dr. Joseph Caperna is awesome, his staff are kind and helpful. Elyssa at the front desk is funny and super helpful with any questions. Aster is one of the most competent nurses I've ever had in my 42 years of life she literally knows everything. Karin once took my blood so fast and painlessly that I'm sure she must be part vampire. the whole group is a kind through and dedicated. I've been going 2 years now and with any luck it'll be caperna that I see till my last breath. read more

i have been a patient of Dr Caperna for 16 yrs now and i have never felt better taken care of as i did this last visit.His new office, brilliant nursing staff, all made me feel that i was getting the personal and professional service i always expected that other offices dont seem to offer anymore.. read more