My appointment was right on time. Dr Schultzel was very nice and explained to me what his recommendation to fix my issue would be. Staff is nice and very patient with all my return phone calls with questions. I will be seeing him again for a follow up prior to my surgery. (which I am dreading) but Dr Schultzel is listed as one of the best Colon/Rectal surgeons in Southern California so I feel confident he k owes what he is doing. read more

Dr Schultzel's office is busy. Waiting room usually full with people standing, but usually no more than 45min. At least the visit time with Doctor is quick, maybe 5-10min. Don't let the rushed feeling prevent you from asking the questions you need to make a well-informed decision. You are your best advocate. read more

Dr. Schultzel relieved over a year of hemorrhoid and skin tag issues. Be patient and assured that he will do it right. Yes, you may wait a bit in the office and yes, it may take a few months but it will be worth it. With another doctor, I was promised my issues would be resolved in one visit and things just got worse. I am so thankful for Dr. Schultzel's expertise. I'm grateful for the earned trust that my pain and discomfort would be resolved. Thank you Dr. Schultzel! You are the best! read more

Awesome Doctor, always available and takes time to explain what's going on. Highly recommend read more

I'm so grateful to Dr Schultzel and his team! I had been suffering for over one year and had seen multiple gastroenterologists for my problems. On my first visit to him he immediately ordered a gallbladder test and through my exam he found an inguinal hernia. I've had 2 surgeries since and both went very well. From the care I received from Sharp Memorial Hospital and to my Physicians Assistant Gabby all met and exceeded my expectations! Special thanks to Emily his office assistant who made my second surgery happen! Thank you again to Dr Schultzel for listening to my concerns and giving me such great quality of care! read more

I am beyond grateful for Dr. Schultzel, his team of Physician Assistants (especially Harper Smith who exceeded my expectations) and the entire team at Sharp Memorial Hospital. From my first consultation to post-surgery care, they were professional, compassionate, and highly knowledgeable. I was nervous about my minimally invasive colorectal robotic surgery, but they took the time to explain everything and made me feel completely at ease. The procedure went smoothly, and my recovery has been much better than I anticipated. The bowel prep was the easiest I had been through as compared to my previous colonoscopies. I feel healthier and more comfortable than I have in years. My bowel movements are normal, more regular and lost over thirty pounds as a result. If you're looking for a skilled and caring surgeon for colon-related procedures, I highly recommend Dr. Schultzel! Thank you for giving me my quality of life back and looking forward to my regular colonoscopy procedures with you at Sharp! read more

Schultzel... I waited an hour and a half past my appointment time and then he finally came in just to look at my fissure as a follow up from the month before.. instead of just looking with his eyes and gently doing what you're supposed to do in that area, he shoves the hard plastic thing in and completely ripped apart the healed fissure! So I was back to square one and actually worse than before. read more

Smooth hernia surgery, quick recovery. Great Dr and staff. The Schutzel team is fantastic

I had excellent care with Dr. Schultzel and his staff. I was scheduled quite quickly to get an appointment and start the process for my two procedures. read more

At my first appointment with Dr Matthew Schultzel I felt confident that he was the surgeon I wanted to perform my surgery. He was informative, patient with my questions and clear in explaining the surgery that he would perform. The staff gave me written information and instructions when I left. My complicated surgery went very well, recovery was monitored by Dr Schultzel and his PA's. Phone calls were returned in a timely manner. I would HIGHLY recommend Dr. Schultzel and his staff. I felt in good hands at ALL times. And blessed to have had my surgery done by such an experienced, and caring surgeon. read more

Had my first procedure with Dr Schultzel and his staff this week. Very pleased with how it went. The office was clean; the nurses very professional and nice ppl. They all work together as a great team. Thank you to Dr Schultzel; anesthetist; nurses Rebecca, Kelsey and Gina; office manager Emily. Would highly recommend. read more

If you have to undergo major surgery, you want the surgeon to be Dr. Matthew Schultzel. He and his team are compassionate, thorough, patient and highly skilled. He makes sure that his expertise translates into a standard of care that sets his patients up for the best possible recovery for them (if you follow their lead and trust the process). From the office staff to the knowledgeable physician assistants--you are in good hands. read more

When It comes to my medical care, I always search out the best. Dr. Schultzel is tops in his field of expertise. The treatments I received were highly successful and done with care, kindness and respect. The entire office staff is top notch too. I also found a wonderful gastroenterologist through the practice. Thank you so much for taking care of me! read more

Your rebuttal as a Manager, you are completely unaware of what transpired during my medical visits and conversations. So you have no voice in this. You have written a "professional" sounding rebuttal, however my experience with Dr.Schulter, is I explained and TRUE. I NEVER asked for narcotics nor was I ever rude to any staff. I was his patient who was asking and needing help. The ridiculous and useless suggestion to take a "sitz bath" was NOT helping in the least. I didn't return to my 3rd appt because he treated me with such crass and rudeness on the phone. Then arrogance in person at my follow up appt. Then he explained he told me you were going to do a "manual, manipulation exam and to take Tylenol prior." Considering the extreme pain I was already in, it would have felt like a gross violation to my body. I spoke to my both my Primary Care Physician and Gastroenterologist, both deemed your "follow up manual exam" unnecessary! I no longer trusted him as my physician. I only received one handout post surgery, not many as your suggested. Next morning, post surgery, I woke up screaming in pain, for 4 days! I called for help, my husband called asking for advice, only to be dismissed. You claiming that "my pain was documented by multiple sources" "as being under control" is a flat out lie!!. I stand by my review! read more

Dr. Schultzel is the kind of doc you always wanted. Smart, personable, well versed in his field, and a pleasure to work with. I've said it before, and now that my course of treatment for a few issues is complete, I will say it again. I see people complain that "his appointments are always late" OK folks, if his appointments are late because the waiting room is full of patients, that's a sign that the guy is doing something RIGHT. You want to go see a doctor who has an EMPTY waiting room? Uh, hello McFly! Lots of people means excellent patient care. Let's compare this to going to a nice restaurant. You'll wait to get that amazing meal because you know you're going to get something special. Same thing here. Now I'm not saying going to see ANY doctor is like a great meal at a steakhouse or wherever. I'm just sayin' that sometimes ya gotta suck it up and wait your turn. Dr. Schultzel (and his brother for that matter) are top notch doctors that care about their patients, and look out for them better than I've seen from 99.9% of all the doctors I've seen in my life. And at 62 that's saying something! You need a doc to fix something that ails ya? This is your guy. read more

DO NOT get a BANDING procedure on your EXTERNAL HEMORROID(s). Aug 28, 2024 I had a 1st-time consult only with Dr. Schultzel's Physician Assistant (PA) named Harper Smith who evaluated my very small/minor deflated external hemorrhoids & suspected they could return with issues in future, so she wanted to schedule me in 1 week to see Dr. Schultzel to discuss likely banding them + she prepared me for the likelihood he'd perform the banding procedure same-day then (in September) upon discussion with him. Well turns out (luckily) Dr. Schultzel didn't have availability in 1 week, so they scheduled me 2 weeks later for the prospective banding-procedure. I had asked both the Physician-Assistant Harper Smith & other scheduling staff etc. that first day Aug 28 if banding seemed a bit sudden + extreme, or that's what they recommend?? They ALL looked me in the eyes and (FALSELY, INCORRECTLY, UNETHICALLY) said banding my external hemorrhoids is the best decision. I was nervous, but willing to trust them, yet I got a 2nd opinion from another highly-rated Proctologist (Dr. Albert Chung) in Orange County who said BANDING EXTERNAL HEMORRHOIDS should NOT be done! ONLY INTERNAL hemorrhoids can be BANDED effectively. The nerves EXTERNALly are too sensitive/painful & when you squat for a bowel movement the rubber band(s) just pop off easily, so banding doesn't work in practice for EXTERNAL hemorrhoids. It's BAD healthcare practice to BAND EXTERNAL HEMORRHOIDS & the 2nd opinion Dr. [Chung] said I should "report" this Physician Assistant !! or report this Dr. Schultzel if he wanted to do EXTERNAL hemorrhoids' banding. I'm so GLAD I CANCELLED my prospective EXTERNAL HEMORRHOIDS BANDING-procedure appointment Sept 17 2024! So my advice: DO NOT BAND EXTERNAL HEMORRHOID(s) if this practice recommends it !! Stay safe out there! Hoping to save other mis-informed patients who were like me, so no one experiences what I did! read more

Dr Shulzlle save my life. I came into the emergency. Dr. Schultz found a sever blockage an inflammation due to diverticulitis removed 18 inches of my colon and put me into the healing process with a colostomy and then colostomy and then the reversal. He also fixed my hernia. He is absolutely amazing and I cannot thank him enough read more

One of the best surgeon in San Diego in my opinion. He saved my life. He did such an amazing job removing the tumor in my colon. I work in the medical field and never met a doctor who is very passionate about his work, empathetic, caring, respectful and knowledgeable. I think he is more than a five star. His staff are also unbelievably amazing! read more

Matthew M Schultzel, DO - Proctologists Near Me - Encinitas, California

I don't know even where to being?! I was diagnosed with lovely cancer!!! And thank the God lord this man was guy that saved my life. The first thing he said to me don't run from me to the hills. I laugh and new he was sent to me. He hates cancer and trust me he will do everything in his power to help you. Your in amazing care with this doctor. Don't be afraid he gots you. Thanks for reviewing read more

I don't think there are enough stars to truly give Dr Schultzel and his staff the rating they truly deserve. From the first moment of contact with the office you are treated with the highest level of professionalism and more importantly with empathy. I was seen for a very serious emergency and Dr Schultzel was efficient and an expert in his field. He quickly diagnosed me and schedule the necessary operation. Following the surgery my recovery was exactly what they told me it would be and the follow up was amazing. If you need a general surgeon or a robotic surgeon and you come across Dr Schultzel's name... look no further! read more

Dr Schultzel is the best of the best. Kind, thorough, attentive, honest and knowledgeable. He treated me for a surgery as well as an in-office procedure, and in both cases was relaxed, so friendly, answered all my questions, and helped me feel really secure in my decision to move forward with both. I can't recommend him highly enough. read more

I saw Dr Schultzel for hemorrhoid banding, but he also Dx'd an umbilical hernia as well at the consult. He took care of all my issues efficiently and excellently along with great, supportive care. I now have a much cuter belly button! Dr Schultzel is in great demand and some of his patients are cancer patients, so his office can be very busy, and appts can run behind, especially in the afternoon. So if you need to get in and out of your appt on time, schedule for the first few appts in the morning. I highly recommend Dr Schultzel for any of the treatment options or surgeries in his practice. read more

Contrary to Yelp's label, this doctor is not a Gastroenterologist. Today when I search Yelp for Gastroenterologist, this doctor is the first listing. I called the office and explained my issue with recurrent C Diff. The efficient woman told me that I need to see a Gastroenterologist. Can Yelp correct this mislabel please? read more

I am a returning client of Dr Schultzel and I can't recommend his services enough. He's professional, courteous, and friendly, and put my mind at ease throughout my appointments. He quickly assessed my issues and laid out a plan for treatment. I am so impressed with his staff and level of care. I'm so thankful and comforted for everything he's done and I feel better knowing I can go back to him if I need to. read more

If you're ever in the very unpleasant position to have to go to this office, be happy that you found Dr. Schultzel and staff. The best - hands down. Not going to lie. It's not a fun experience but at least I had the very best doctor in San Diego for this type of thing and the staff was amazing. It's true that I hope to never see them again lol. But the quality of care and empathy that I received during a very rough time with 2nd to none. read more

Dr Schultzel took the time to explain everything to me and my wife and answered any questions we had. Surgery went exactly as planned. The after care and exams went great. Thanks Dr Schultzel! read more

My usual place for medical care and surgery is Scripps. However Scripps does not offer "Exparel." Exparel is a long lasting nerve block that last 24-78 hours post op. Facing a hemorrhoidectomy I wanted to get through the worst pain as long as possible. I found that Dr Schultzel offers Exparel to recovering patients. So I booked an exam/consult with Dr Shultzel's office. When I arrived at his office it was pretty crowded with people, spilling out into the hallway. Other doctors share this office. I checked in online but they still made me fill out similar paperwork. When I was done I asked how long the wait was (for my scheduled appointment). I was told 1 hour! A bit long for a scheduled appointment. Anyway, I was seen by Schultzel and he agreed I needed the surgery and that he would use Exparel. I told him I am allergic to opioids/narcotic pain killers. He said we will manage the pain. I was told his scheduler was out of the office and to go home and wait for a call and pre-op instructions. I got a call a day later and my surgery was scheduled. A week before my surgery, I called his office and asked when I would get my pre-op instructions. I was told someone would get back to me. After two more phone calls, no one contacted me. I called a fourth time and told them I was getting very concern that I still had no pre-op instructions. FINALLY! someone got back to me and emailed them to me. Important stuff like when to stop some meds and what to do the day/night before. The day of surgery went pretty smooth-I felt rushed through this process. I got picked up by my wife still pretty out of it and made it home. I "thought" the nurse? said someone will call my wife that night to see how I am doing but no one did. The next day I was concern that no one called and I had a "plug" in me with dressings and I needed to go to the bathroom. I called the doctors office at about 9:30 AM and told them I needed to know what to do. The instructions made no mention of plugs or BMs. They said, someone will get back to me. Schultzel called me back and he sounded angry. He told me some post-op instructions. I asked if I could take an anti-nausea med if I needed to take the narcotic. He said no, it could mask something else. I asked if I could take ibuprofen, he said no-possible bleeding. I ended up in a lot of pain after 24hours, the Exparel wore off early. I did not take the narcotic drugs because I would get violently ill and constipated. I was NOT offered any alternatives for pain. Pain management should be a top priority especially for those of us with narcotic/opioid allergies. The follow ups went pretty well. Now I am fully recovered. Dr Schultzel is a good surgeon but Schultzel's office needs to do better in communicating with patients. One last thing-at my last follow up, I was given a "Yelp" review card, then I got a Yelp review email request and finally a "give us a yelp review" phone call. That's a bit much. In the future, I'll stick with Scripps. They are the best at communications and care. If there is any doubt to the veracity of this review, I kept all my paperwork and have a copy of my phone records. read more

I had two surgeries last year with Dr. Schutzel. I turned 65 and with Medicare, I have to see another proctologist. I called on 6/5/24 the office telling them I needed my medical records from last year. I was told it was a two-week process and I advised them I wanted them printed out and would pick them up. The office staff told me they would call me if they had them any earlier. I called 2 weeks later on 6/19/24, I left a couple of messages and did not hear from the office in 24 hours as they say on their voicemail. The next day on 6/20/24 I called, and left 2 messages, on the third call hoping to get someone live, I hung up. The office called me back after a missed call, I explained my predicament, and he offered a call from his manager. I asked when I would get this call from the manager and was advised later that day. I never heard from the manager, since I have to have surgery, I have no other choice than to write here and to the medical board. read more

As an established patient if I have an emergency after hours the response is amazing! Great communication and quick!

Thankfully I found Dr. Schultzel here on Yelp. It has been a great experience from my first visit when diagnosed through the 3 treatments that he suggested. Today was my last check-up and all my problems have been solved. He Is a great guy and a wonderful Doctor. The staff at the LaJolla office were all very attentive and professional. I could not have been treated any better! A big thanks to all of you. read more

Hemorrhoids are never fun. But if you have to get them removed, you want Dr. S. He explained exactly what he was going to do, and it was over in a flash. I also like how he is training students from DO school to observe his practice in action. I've already recommended him to a family member. Thank you! read more

What a great surgeon and staff! He, Emily (Scheduler/front office) and Katie (PA) are a seamless team and easy to reach. I was referred to Dr. Schultzel (aka "Dr Dougie")by the fantastic Gastro Dr Mazer Ally after being very sick with killer abdominal pains for a year. My colonoscopy had shown my diverticulitis wasn't too bad but I did have a large 30 yr old surgical hernia that had trapped bowel he could repair. When I went in Dr S told me he was that the sickness was from diverticulitis not the hernia. He and Dr Ally discussed this at length and agreed I would have to have a robotic bowel resection first. He had just had a patient with the same "not so bad" colon" come in thru the ER w a ruptured bowel/sepsis and said I was at risk. I was terrified to have my bowel cut! This was the March 2020, the very beginning of covid, and my answer was NO. It would have to wait. He had me bring in my husband to explain how necessary it was. We scheduled surgery and then hospitals shut down "elective" surgery. Dr S helped me with a diet to keep things calm and as soon as things opened up a bit in June he fixed my colon. It was much easier than I thought. Next the hernia. Exactly 6 weeks later he fixed that too. Both were robotic surgeries which are kind of a miracle. Just holes in my he belly, no incisions! The recovery and hospital time is really reduced. I was really scared at the swelling once home but sent Emily pics which Dr S reviewed and reassured me all was well. Being able to call Emily on "their" cell was a God send. The service was so personal and warm. They all really care so much. HIGHLY recommend. (He's a master with those robotic arms. Maybe video games DO have a purpose!) read more

Highly recommend this place to anyone. Dr. Schultzel and his staff went above and beyond. Super friendly and very helpful!!!

If you have caught this doctor, run away from him quickly. And don't believe a single word. One scam since reception. Unprofessional, how did he even work as a doctor all these years? All the negative reviews about him are true. It's time for him to retire. And the managers are terrible, rude and don't belong at the front desk. read more

Dr. Schultzel and his staff are absolutely amazing!! I met him in February 2021 when I was very very sick and no one new if I was gonna make it out of the hospital, but dr schultzel preformed emergency surgery that Literally saved my life!! And I am forever grateful to him and his team! I've worked very close with him over the last two years and just had a final surgery with him, it has been a rough road to recovery over the years but I did it and he made me feel comfortable and confident that he would take care of me and do what he thought would be best for my health in the long run! And every time I visited his office the staff was always so warm and welcoming! They answered many questions and many phone calls my family and I had throughout this whole journey! I can not recommend going to them enough! read more

Dr. Schutzel and his staff are amazing! Very professional and friendly group of individuals that work there. Although, Dr. Schutzel is a very busy doctor, he always takes the time to be personable and caring and treats you more like a friend rather than a patient, always asking about my day and how work is going. I understand that scheduling a visit to see a gastrointestinal doc might be a bit nerve wrecking or uncomfortable, but I can assure you that there is nothing to worry about! He will provide you with the best care possible and will take care of all your needs. Highly recommend! Thanks Doc! read more

Pleased with my surgery by Dr. Schultzel. Likable, pleasant, thorough, skilled. Same qualities reflected in his staff. Fortunate to have found him. read more

Back in June 2022 I went to Dr Schultzel to have some hemorrhoids checked and he found that I had some hemorrhoids and also some anal skin tags that needed to be to be removed. But also, some internal polyps which were causing me problems moving my bowels. Surgery was set for a few weeks later. All went well and he told me I would be very upset with him for the next few weeks because of this type of surgery can be painful in recovery. He was right but I wasn't upset at him just followed his instructions for after care and within 3 weeks was starting to mend. It's now September and I am not only completely healed and never felt better. Dr Schultzel is the best--a Great Doctor and he has a nice personality. Thanks again Doc! read more

Great medical care. Had a number of procedures were done this year. Always professional and excellent medical care.

I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer last April and followed Dr Schultzel's recommendations to a tee. My family and I have been referring to him as "the quarterback". Not only have I received excellent care by Dr Schultzel and his amazing, warm and caring staff but by everyone he has personally cherry picked for me to work with. On December 19, a day before my birthday, Dr Schultzel successfully removed my tumor. I have an ileostomy which will be reversed Feb 6. Imagine waking up on your birthday CANCER FREE!! And then spending Christmas with my family to that news! One more surgery to go with full confidence in the highest rated surgeon for reversals...and I can put all of this "behind" me. Thank you Dr Schultzel, Addison, Megan, Romi, and literally everyone who works with you!! Keep you posted! read more