I am surprised by the negative reviews here. I understand the complaints about waiting time but that is true for every doctor I've ever gone to. So is the pressure of fast appointment turnover. While I did experience waiting times I never felt that I got less than the doctors full attention and the staff were as considerate as the pace of the office allowed. In July of 2015 I lost the ability to walk or stand after experiencing relapsing and returning back pains for almost two years. I had xrays and it was discovered I had advanced cancer which had collapsed a large vertebrae and compromised a majority of others as well as invading my ribs and pelvic bone. In the hospital the neurosurgeon on call 'assigned' to me was horribly negative and unhelpful, to the point of telling me he saw nothing he could do. He would check in every couple of days, say he was still thinking about it but had no progress. Dr. Stern was recommended by several of the nursing staff and when consulted for a second opinion he wasted no time in reviewing tests already done and ordering more comprehensive imagining, Within 24 hours he had a treatment plan and had my surgery scheduled immediately. He promised - nothing - but thanks to him and an incredible therapy team today I am able to walk. I still have the cancer to fight and have an amazing oncologist for that but every followup I had with Dr. Stern was thorough and he was very concerned with my therapy progress. Even though I only saw him for stitch removal and a couple of monthly followups he consulted weekly with the physical therapists and reviewed my charts regularly. As to scaring, considering they opened up my back from nearly my tailbone to the middle of my shoulderblades I'm happy with the scar. read more

i am tan complexion, when i got home i looked at my back it was black when i came down from the operating room i was in so much pain i could not get up from the hospital bed. dr. mark stern gave me to much of a narcotic i could not use the restroom. i am grateful to have found a skillful surgeon, he corrected dr. mark stern sloppy work. read more

I've been a patient of Dr Stern for 28 years, 4 back surgeries, a neck fusion and fusion recovery 1week, back surgeries out of hospital next day and Wales up 14 steep stairs 2nd day. He is a neurosurgeon with a magic wand ! read more

UNPROFESSIONAL! My Dad has pretty severe neuropathy so leaving the house is difficult and painful for him. After getting the run around from Doctor's who were unable to manage his pain, he had just given up. We finally convinced him to get out and try again. He had an appointment with Dr. Stern, showed up to the office, only to find out they had just canceled his appointment. Reluctant, he rescheduled. He showed up today only to find out that although the office sent paperwork saying they are in network with my Dad's insurance, it turns out they're not and wanted full payment up front. TWICE they wasted my Dad's time and energy and now he's giving up again. THANKS DR. STERN & IGNORANT STAFF. read more

When I first me Dr. Stern I suffered from severe stenosis in my lower lumbar which made it difficult if not impossible to stand or walk for any period of time, in fact I was hunched over in pain. This happened after a life threatening fall almost a year earlier which required many surgeries to put my left foot and right calf back together. After my double Laminectomy I had 100% relief from pain in both legs. Had my one month check up yesterday and I'm still pain free. read more

Excellent and detailed neurosurgeon. Initial evaluation was so thorough he found things I didn't even know I had. Great bedside manner, wonderful staff and good follow up read more

Dr. Stern removed a tumor from my neck it was a very delicate surgery, I was in a great deal of pain! Once I woke up in recovery I was amazed! The pain was gone. This is the second time Dr. Stern has greatly improved the quality of my life. Thank you Dr. Stern! Bob Hogan read more

Worst doctor visit ever been. He deserves no stars. The office visit...the worst.....he does not have ANY respect for his patients. If you vall his office...many times.....he does get back to you!!! read more

I don't know what to make of it. Dr. Stern was my lady's spine surgeon. He told me he wanted to be kept in the loop as to her progress. Yet, I cannot get him to call me, again. Well, my lady is now dealing with mental issues, which may have been compounded by the extensive wait before her surgery was finally scheduled. She's dealing with a past trauma, so it's impeded her progress (to walk again) after her surgery. But some, I think, neurologically based behaviors have arisen, which made me wonder if she suffered some kind of stroke or seizure during the surgery. I suggested this in the message to Dr. Stern (one always has to leave a message, then the office will get back to you in "2 business days"). It may have sounded like I was accusing the doctor of something, which I was not. I made this clear in the message to him. Still, almost 3 weeks later he still has not called me. read more

This guy assaulted me when I was in the hospital. I would love to see how tough he is when the person he is "treating" is not completely helpless and defenseless in a hospital bed. This guy is litteral human Trash. He is a sorry excuse for a doctor and a garbage human being. I really hope he sees this message too. When Mark came in my hospital room he started stabbing my feet pretty hard with his pen and asked if that felt sharp, I said yes. He then started stabbing me in the FOREHEAD with the sharp part of his pen with the ballpoint retracted. I had to push his hand away inorder for him to stop. I put my hand on my head and then looked at my hand.. my hand had BLOOD on it, thats how hard he was hitting me. There was Absolutely Zero medical reason for him to be stabbing me in the head. Assault: assault can occur is when a person intentionally applies force either directly or indirectly to another person without their consent. read more

When I moved back to Southern California in 2019 I could barely walk with a cane and was in constant pain. After jumping through the necessary hoops for a diagnosis, he found my left SI joint to be unstable and we scheduled surgery to fuse my SI joint and I was literally able to walk myself out of the hospital. Fast forward to 2021 more imaging revealed significant stenosis at C 5-7. Which explained all the shooting pains and numbness in my arms. At the end of July, Dr. Stern installed 2 brand new, shiny discs for me. Both of these surgeries have been game changers and have given me back some serious quality of life. read more

Dr. Stern is very knowledgeable and a great surgeon. I think he is a great doctor he is always looking for ways do things better and use technology to help people. He preformed a discectomy on me December 2017 and did a great job. He helped me immensely replacing 2 of my discs. I am also surprised about all the bad reviews about waiting. Most doctor offices I have been in have a wait. The staff is very friendly. I would recommend Dr Stern for anyone looking for help with any spinal and neurological issues. read more

Doctor Mark Stern, which I consider to be a genius did a disk replacement L4 & L5, Within 8 days my wound was healed any back was 100%. I feel like I am 20 years old now. Walk, Site, pain in my legs pain in buttocks and I am off pain meds. All thanks to doctor Stern. It's so good to have a genius working from Escondido/San Diego. We are so lucky! read more

Unfortunately I had a consult for an aneurysm yesterday. The experience was nothing , not even close to what I expected. It was disappointing as well as insulting . He asked if I take other medications told him one for high blood pressure and was going to begin one for diabetes.He asked me if I had finished high school and if I learned anything , really? He asked how much I weighed in high school told him 140 (1987) now(198) told me I had to lose 55 lbs a pound a week even suggested keta diet that is actually keto. He asked what I eat told him Mexican food mostly and he replied how many tortillas?He said you want to lose your legs ,your sight, your arms? I responded no then lose weight. He had me walk normal, walk on my toes, my heals, bend down touch my toes, some arm /hand test then had me sit on table had me close eyes got Cotten swab and moved it on my face and feet, asked if I felt it then poked with stick and asked if I felt it told him yes. I felt I was at a diabetic and weight loss consult far from aneurysm consult. Maybe 2 minutes we talked about my aneurysm the method and it be 2-3 weeks needs to be approved by insurance I said wait my optometrist and my primary are concerned and feel it is urgent. He responded by saying they don't know as he walked away. I asked the lady up front I'm confused 2 two docters are concerned and he is saying complete opposite and I can go on with daily activities and I can even exercise. So does this sound like a aneurysm consult Thank God he is not doing my surgery and I sure don't want to follow up with him after. A shoutout to Greybill Dr.Brummel (optometrist) that found the aneurysm and pretty much saved my life and Tiara Esani (PA-C) that moved quick so Dr. Stern can slow it down.5 stars to this two women that take there patients to heart. ONE BAD APPLE DOESNT SPOIL THE WHOLE BARRAL. Angelica read more

As I sit here in the exam room writing this review. I've never come across a doctor's office that's so disorganized. The wait to see the doctor is like waiting at the dmv or the Emergency room. The appointment was at 1:15 and it's now 3:00 and I only saw the doctor for 2 minutes to ask me questions then he left saying he would be back in 10 minutes. Well it's been 25 minutes and still no doctor! When you do speak to the doctor he cuts you off mid sentence when you are answering his questions it almost feels likes he's rushing you so he can leave again. Then during the actual exam he yells at you like your some sort of punk kid that can't follow directions. I have no clue why the primary doctor referred us to this guy, but the experience was not pleasant at all. read more

Mark Stern, MD - Been waiting in this waiting room for 40 minutes and only saw the doctor for 2 minutes. - Surgeons Near Me - Escondido, California

I have had 5 surgeries with Dr. Stern. He is a wonderful and thoughtful doctor who cares about every aspect of my life. He is a brilliant surgeon who has solved my horrible problems. He is forthright which might trouble some people, but to me I really need to know what he thinks and what I need to do. No subtleties for me!! read more

My over all opinion of this facility is not very good. I have had 2 visits both visit I was early, as instructed, i waited for 40 minutes to see the doctor. My first visit with Dr. Stern left me with the impression that he is mean spirited I felt that he didnt have time for me. My second visit I waited over 1 hr from my scheduled appointment time. I saw him for 10 minutes then he left the room and came back 10 minutes later to finish the examination. During this visit he was much nicer. Now for the office staff. Not very organized. They are not interested in helping you and dont expect them to call you back. read more

We are very happy with our initial consult visit with Dr. Stern. I have provided other records and information to other doctors who did not even take the time to look at the information. Dr. Stern on the other hand took time to look at all the records that we have brought that we've been gathering over the last three years. He provided a very reasonable treatment path, explained all her options and showed us all the MRIs exactly what was going on. He's the first person/doctor that has done that for us and actually is reading the test results in a very detail way. I feel lucky that our general practitioner referred us to him. It's very clear after the numerous doctors appointments that we've been to the doctor Stern is an expert in his field and we totally trust him. Don't be put off by the remote location, this is a good choice. read more

Thank you Dr. Stern for your magical hands. Thank you for giving a new breath of life to Matthew. We love you.

OMG the absolute worst. Unorganized, terrible support, the worst communication and worst of all my condition has only worsened since dealing with practice. Just listen to the reviews, do yourself a favor and find someone else read more

9 reviews · 1 photo 17 minutes ago No words can Express a personal experience but just because your insurance approves him does not make him a good doctor. Don't let his first impression fool you. No idea how to climb into the mind of crazy but he seemed so caring visit one and two then last visit he yelled at me in front of his coworker and my toddler making us both cry. My primary doctor that referred me to him was in shock concerning his professionalism and disregarded his "opinion" thank goodness. read more

I had a spinal cord stimulator surgically implanted by Dr. Stern last week. Post-op follow-up was today things are going well and he is a great Dr. He is quite the character. I found his office to be nothing like a doctor's office which was good you walk in and he has a room with the dining room table and books it makes you feel like you're in a home and not a doctor's office. read more

Yes, the wait is long. BUT TOTALLY WORTH IT. Dr. Stern is the first neurological md to actually examine my mother. Before he reviewed the MRI he wanted to listen to my mom's ailments and do a physical exam. He took him time and actually listened. He has a few young interns that he takes the time to train and make better doctors for the future. A real mensh. Yes, the wait is long, but it is long for a reason.....he is that good. read more

Dr Mark Stern is amazing I was in pain for such a long time he wouldn't give up ended up with a spine stimulator by the company nevro with amazing results I'm still under his care and would not want anyone else looking after me his staff is caring and wonderful which makes going to a doctor's office a pleasant experience I highly recommend him read more

Can't even give this guy a half star. His bedside manner is awful. His follow up is even worse and he forgets everything you tell him! The staff is pleasant but they don't get back to you either. Worse doctor ever!!! read more

My Cervical Fusion was like a real life HORROR movie. I will not get into specifics. However, I go along with every negative review in this post. I've never seen a worst bedside manor ! It's been 3 years and I still shake thinking about the worse experience of my life. I was once a strong healthy carpenter / world surfer. I am now a broken 65 year old man. I was just informed last week that I need an additional cervical fusion or face total paralysis. There are not enough Negative Stars to express my Displeasure. The hospital, nurses and his assistant were wonderful. But this doctor has some serious problems. read more

Excellent surgeon, have had spinal cord stimulator revisions/generator replacement, and an intrathecal pain pump implanted. He and his staff have been so good in providing care and follow-up, they really make you feel that they appreciate you choosing them for your care. read more

If I could give this place negative stars I would. First off the lady on the phone I set my appointment up with was extremely rude and did not care at all about my issues. I say in the exam room for an hour without anyone even acknowledging I am in there. When I got up to complain they said they're backed up. So I decided to leave and once again the staff in the office was rude. I'm surprised they even have a job. Hope this place gets shut down. read more

Dr. Stern is an AMAZING surgeon...BUT his office staff and PA are HORRIBLE!!! Office staff forget to enter appointments into their computer system and refuse to give your phone call messages to the doctor and never get a call back!! I called two separate occasions after having spine surgery; first call was about incision drainage worry (no one ever called me back) and second phone call was about a rash breaking out after taking antibiotics and again (NO call back)!! Hello what does this office consider a medical need to get a phone call back???? I trust Dr. Stern but NEVER his office staff or his PA!!! Be wary of this place...if you can find Dr. Stern in another office other than this one on Ohio Street in Escondido, CA use it. read more

Dr. Mark Stern has been my neurologist specialist for ongoing care for over 4 years. There is not another specialist in this field I would trust with my spine care. He goes above and beyond to care, listen and relieve your discomfort. If you are unfortunate and need surgery; you can trust if this decision is the last option and he performs this you will have an successful outcome. With that being said he will encourage and support every other option to cure you and make you pain free without drugs and surgery before he will allow you to have to come to terms of surgical procedures. He is beyond the best in this field! Thank you Mark Stern for your ongoing best of the best care I have received from you! read more

First off every appt. we were left in the waiting room for no less than a hour .The staff are incredibly Insensitive and unprofessional. I had a tumor in my right leg which,he attempted to biopsy but mutilated my leg with huge jagged scar that like a hack saw , he told me he couldn't take it out or touch but ( did not even biopsy it) assured me it was benign. So for two years I went about my life,In pain thinking it was fine ( he said to take it out I would loose function of my leg) Well after two years of being paranoid about that I went to another Dr. he said we need to biopsy it so he did well guess what ,? it was malignant,he got it out with a nice fine scar,the tumor grew back and I was left with amputating my leg ,now if this was taken care of two years earlier would it be different? I don't know,but this horrid Dr should have at a minimum referred me to another Dr. I am unfortunately very medically astute now. Please, please avoid this insensitive, incompetent Dr. I would have brought a lawsuit if I wasn't busy fighting cancer .(Dr Richard Ostrup in San Diego is the best try him ) please do not see Dr Stearn read more