Hello everyone, Jorge here posting about my experience at Orthopedic Specialists of San Diego. I had a Right patellar tendon rupture and needed a right patellar tendon repair.Let me start by saying that since the first appointment I knew they were really professional and had empathy towards their patients. From Cindy in the front desk to both surgeons that operated on me to their whole staff. Both Dr. Steven Allsing, & Dr. Scott Barker were very attentive, & answered all my questions. They were very clear and explained the surgical procedure step by step, so I had a clear understanding. I felt a sense of security the moment I walked out of their office. My surgery went well and Dr. Scott Barker followed up with me to answer any questions and/or concerns I had post surgery. I really recommend Orthopedic Specialists of San Diego to anyone that requires orthopedic surgery. I am a patient and I can tell you, you are in great hands. I can tell the difference 3 weeks post surgery. Thanks to them I will soon get back to my daily activities and enjoy life. Thank you all over at Orthopedic Specialists of San Diego! read more

This was by far the worst experience I've ever had at a doctor's office. The front desk staff were extremely rude and unprofessional, especially toward non-white patients. Their behavior made me feel unwelcome and disrespected, as if they had no interest in doing their jobs or treating people with basic courtesy. A medical office should be a place of care and respect, but instead I left feeling dismissed and uncomfortable. I would not recommend this office to anyone looking for compassionate or professional treatment. read more

I don't know how they run a business when they accept new patients by voicemails. It's very stressful trying to find a human to speak with. If they can't simply provide basic customer service, how can you rely on them with your orthopedic consult? read more

Brought my mom here due to a problem with her toe. We were lucky and found a parking space by the door, however, all the handicap spaces were taken. Parking could have been a problem. Masks were required indoors. The receptionist was very friendly and checked her in. She was only seated for a few minutes when she was brought back to the examining room. She saw a young podiatrist who was very thorough. He trimmed around the nail and removed the ingrown toenail. Instructions on care at home were given. My mom liked the doctor and said she would definitely see him again when the need arises. read more

What an amazing Orthopedic Dr Jacobson is. I had 2 carpal tunnel surgery done by him Amazing Dr Jacobson. He took his time explaining the process to me and was there from start to finish. And his office staff is Wonderful and exc customer service skills and his nurses . I felt at peace and comfortable with my whole experience Thank you read more

Extremely poor customer service. Lisa and Gloria in this office are the worst in providing service. They're extremely rude toward non-white community. When scheduled appointment they seemed as if they hated their job. The office does not want to see anyone but white centered people. My mom and I are not white and they refused to provide service making other excuses. They are discriminating against non-white people. Poor quality service. Racial discrimination is what this office represents. read more

Great people....extremely helpful. I didn't have to wait more than 10 minutes for my appt. I just love that! I was treated with great respect from the doctor. This was my first visit and I have found my health care team! I just moved her from the east coast! read more

MEDICAL PRACTICE AT ITS VERY BEST My 19 year-old daughter was examined closely by Dr. Mark Jacobson on two occasions for a suspected elbow injury. After spending one and a half hours with us, he prescribed a MRI evaluation, after which he met with us several days later again to discuss his impressions and recommendations. It needs to be said that Patti went out of her way to ensure that my daughter could be seen almost immediately, due to mitigating circumstances. This practice is a consortium of physicians and the ladies in billing were equally gracious, flexible and patient. The doctor was sensitive and meticulous as he attempted to quantify and isolate neurological and muscular dysfunctions in the elbow and arm. He questioned my daughter respectfully and explained what he was looking for and what he observed as he tested her range-of-motion, sensation and strength. He was, at all times, patient, gentle and insightful. His explanations were clear, concise and comprehensive. Following the MRI, Dr. Jacobson re-examined his patient and tried to definitively establish whether there was sufficient justification for exploratory or reconstructive surgery. He concluded that he needed to establish a progression of the ailment over a period of at least six months and recommended, therefore, that my daughter respect the elbow's limitations and then follow up with him when she returned from study abroad. The decision not to operate was both good and bad news but, in context, it seemed to be a prudent, conservative decision that would preclude the need to disfigure her arm on the presumption that surgery would necessarily facilitate improved function in the arm. This physician exemplified the highest standards of medical and professional ethics, both in his manner and in his verbal representations of what he was and was not able to conclude from the exams and from the MRI. He was never arrogant, egocentric or absolute in his findings, because he admitted that it was difficult to understand at this juncture exactly what was causing the symptoms. He even acknowledged that he would have welcomed an opportunity, if it were possible, for his colleague to examine my daughter to corroborate his findings and/or to better understand the evident elbow instability, with a view toward ameliorating the symptoms in the most appropriate manner. Dr. Jacobson certainly deserves high marks for his professional skill and personal manner with his patients. In my three decades working in the adjunct field of exercise physiology, I have seen no finer example of medical practice by a specialist, characterized by humility, thoroughness, sensitivity and respect for the patient. If you have a young person in the family who requires orthopedic evaluation, I would urge you to consult with Dr. Mark Jacobson at the Alvarado Orthopedic Medical Group. read more

I saw Dr Burnikel for sore knees and elbow. The office was great! Staff was nice and the flow was smooth from xrays to the exam. Dr explained everything, made sure I understood, and all my questions were answered! Only ding for them is their billing lady. After my visit, they brought me back to her and she demanded I pay a $110 office visit copay. I have a high deductible Cigna PPO which had been met, so you have to bill services before knowing the copay. She got pretty pissed that I wasnt going to pay on the date of service. Well, well, I just got a bill and my visit and xrays was only $36....Check with you insurance before or wait for an EOB before paying! Otherwise a wonderful office!! read more

I've been seeing Dr. Ballard for a broken wrist and the entire team is extremely helpful and professional. Most of them always have a smile on their face and make you feel like an important individual, not "just another patient." Dr. Ballard also seems like she wants to provide only the best care and will take actions to make sure you are healing properly. I HIGHLY recommend her. read more

When I needed some help from the office, the receptionist was very nice and wanted to help, but when transferred, the other staff would not help in my case. VERY UNRESPONSIVE!!! These people only care about how much money they can get from their patients. If your door was truly open you would have helped; but your comment is just to make an excuse for Orthopedic Specialists of San Diego's poor customer service! read more

My mother Rhonda Dunn sees Dr.Rynning. Rhonda was referred to him by her physician Dr.Kornblit. Dr. Rynning is very nice and efficient. Extremely gentle and explains everything in great detail. My mother has a torn Meniscus. Dr. Rynning referred her to a physical therapist to see if she could strengthen her quad, to relieve the pressure off her knee. Unfortunately physical therapy didn't not work. My mother and Dr. Rynning agreed upon surgery. No complaints about the Dr. He is fantastic as well as his receptionist. However the billing department is extremely unpleasant!!! She was notified by Linda Evans that she pay a percentage of the surgery at pre op appointment. My mother was given figures from Linda Evans that didn't make sense. Rhonda called her insurance which broke down the figures that didn't not match her quote given by Linda Evans. So the insurance company United Health care Three-Wayed Alvardo Orthopedic billing department and specifically asked for Linda Evans and they both were told that Dr. Rynning office was on vacation. However my mother spoke to Linda Evans 2 hours prior to the insurance company calling. Linda was very unprofessional extremely rude and very short. She told my mother if she didn't pay the amount at the pre op appointment she would not get the surgery. It is a big deal because Linda figures don't mAtch the insurance figures Linda is quoting way more. I called today to get the billing statement to match with the claims. Linda Evans told she was to busy and that she will fax them to me at the end of the day Thursday. I asked to speak to the office manager Linda claims that she wasn't available. I asked her when can I expect the fax again she told me end of the day tomorrow and hung up in my face. Linda thought it was my mother. I work in the medical field and I know that isn't the way to treat your patients. Linda seems very fraudulent with her claims. I will be having this matter looked into. For the record my mother has paid every time. Linda sent a bill for 50.00 from her saying it was a deposit for the surgery just doesn't makes sense due to the fact that it was in the mail. Linda told my mother she didn't tell her what the statement was for because she didn't ask. There was no where on the statement that said it was a deposit for surgery. Considering that my mom insurance is covering 90 percent of the bill. I am very disappointed especially after she said she will have my mother removed from the schedule... This is unethical!!!!! A Very upset daughter!!!! read more

I just had one of the best Dr. Office experiences ever. Everyone and I mean everyone I came in contact with in that office was kind helpful and had a great attitude.. The doctor was amazingly kind and gentle, listened to my concerns and came up with a plan of action. I am so glad I happened across him. Dr. Rynning and his awesome front desk guru are two of my new favorite people! Thanks all for the great experience! read more

This place ROCKS. No one likes going to the Dr., especially the bone Dr. but if you have to---this is the place to go. The office staff is never too busy to talk to you, to help you. No matter how busy they are, they will go out of their way to help (even if it is "not my job." Drs. are fantastic and know their stuff. Wish there were more stars to give read more

Updating last review about Dr. B and the hand doc from this medical group. After demanding new x-rays at another place today, it turns out I have a broken wrist! Missed by both docs at Alvarado. Or maybe what Dr. B made me do (flapping my hand up and down) made it worse. MRI showed torn meniscus on Rt knee. Can be scoped easily according to the better doc that left Alvarado last June. He was replaced by Dr. B whose conduct is deplorable. Enough said read more

2/9/15. I have seen Dr. Ballard about 6 times over the past year. She is very personable and caring. She was knowledgable about my condition, but went out of her way to get more information for me and called me a week or so after my first visit. I have had multiple surgeries for the condition on the other hand, and she is treating me to try to avoid surgery on my dominant hand. I am a retired RN, working 30 years at Grossmont Hospital, so I feel qualified to do this review. I have the highest regard for Dr. Ballard and her whole staff. They are all very friendly, caring and very professional. Joyce B. read more

I HIGHLY recommend Dr Ballard. Dr Ballard is AMAZING. I had previously went to another doctor at Alvarado Orthopedic. He was extremely rude, unprofessional and offensive. So then I changed to Dr Ballard and she reviewed my faith in quality doctors. She is very thorough and patient. I have many other health issues and she is very good at working around them and making sure I can get done what I need to get done. She has even called me from her own personal phone after surgeries to make sure everything was okay. She is just an amazing person outside of her profession and it transfers into her work. I highly suggest going to her for any orthopedic issue. read more

Went to Brooke Ballard MD, to look at my broken hand. The office and staff was extremely efficient and friendly. Really liked the doctor, would and will be going back. read more

Dr. Jacobson is an amazing doctor. Took a lot of time with me before my surgery explaining everything to me. He met with me before the procedure in pre-op and again went over it with me. He was very reassuring and I could tell he genuinely cared. His staff was the same as he, overall a very pleasant experience given the circumstances. I would definitely seek out his assistance if ever a future need arises. read more

My surgeon was exceptional! Truly an amazing doctor and so blessed to have his services. However receptionist lacked patience and interrupted when I called to ask about a bill. I had misunderstood what I was initially told and as I was speaking she interrupted and spoke loudly over me instead of allowing me to simply finish my sentence. Would have appreciated more compassion and patience as my phone call lasted no more than 5 minutes including the time taken to submit my payment information. Thank you. read more

I Have seen Dr. Finkenberg in the past, and was satisfied with his knowledge and professionalism. Early March 2017 my mom ended up in the hospital. I asked Dr. Finkenberg to consult with my mom in the hospital, instead he just viewed her MRI. In his own words to me. "since I don't know how much pain she is in we will just give her pain pills and she can follow up in the office for x-rays in a couple weeks." Had he consulted with her/us (as requested) maybe he would know the severity of her condition. That decision ended up being the wrong decision. My mother ended up having to go into a nursing home and back and forth from there to the hospital for almost 3 months. Before all of this my mom was walking the block 3-4 times a day. She has no other health issues. She had a compression fracture and was in so much pain they put her on pain meds which caused additional complications. on top of that she got multiple Urinary tract infections, causing even more problems. We went back to Dr. Finkenbergs office for our "follow up x-rays" he didn't even take them. again his words to me. " I don't need to it's not going to get better we just need to do the Kyphoplasty." Why then did we need to do that if he already knew she was going to need this procedure to fix it. We could have avoided 3 months of pain and illness had he not put us off like that. July my mom started hurting again, again we took her to see Dr. Finkenberg. He did x-rays, gave her an injection and said her L-1 looks "iffy" lets give her pain pills and have her come back in a couple weeks for an MRI....I spoke with his office the next day and had them do the orders for the MRI. we went to Imaging Health Care that day. Once again he reviewed the MRI. I got the same answer it looks "iffy" What ever that means. He wanted her to do physical therapy. Seriously she's in so much pain she can barely get out of bed! I was not going thru that again. I will never go to that office again. He didn't seem to care about my mom or even her outcome. He made me feel like we were an inconvenience. I will never recommend Dr. Finkenberg to anyone. Our new Spine Dr. Dr. Choll Kim is amazing. Not only does he truly care about my mom he explained everything to us including how to prevent it. My mom needs another Kyphoplasty and is having rods/pins put in to stabilize her spine. That seems to be more than just "iffy" read more

Dr Bates fixed my ACL in 2002. He is the best knee surgeon that I have had. 2 other surgeeons told that I was un able to have my knee done but he fixed it and six years later the ACL is still perfect. Dr Horton just did surgery on a broken toe and he did a fantastic job in piecing it together. This group has the best orthopedic surgeons in San Diego. I have recommended many other patients to this group and everyone has said they are extremely satisified. read more

I am an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon with a very busy practice here in San Diego County. I broke my wrist four days ago while on vacation. Upon my return from vacation I contacted Dr. Jacobson's office and they got me in immediately. I would like to think that I am a very good source for evaluation of a medical office as I own a surgical practice myself. Dr. Jacobson and his staff are absolutely fantastic. They got me in quickly, diagnosed the problem quickly and efficiently, used a topical anesthetic prior to a local anesthetic to relieve the pain prior to reducing my fracture, reduced my fracture, and immobilized the fracture (placed a cast) in an extremely unique and euphemistic way. His bedside manner was absolutely excellent. He did his work in a caring and painless manner, all the while talking to me to distract me from a potentially uncomfortable situation. Everything from the moment I walked into the office to the time I left was top-notch. The radiology tech was excellent, the front office staff was excellent, his nurse was excellent, and Doctor Jacobson himself was a gem. I haven't received Medical care this good in ages. If you or anyone you know ever needs care for Orthopedic injury or an orthopedic situation of any kind I would highly recommend Dr. Jacobson without reservation to do the job. read more

These folks are really good, as good as I have seen in San Diego! The Office physical layout is a little odd, but who cares!. The Staff is really efficient and vary from civil and straight to the point, to absolutely wonderful and friendly. Not a bad egg in the bunch. Dr. Ballard is amazing!. Always friendly and helpful, willing to fully explain diagnoses and still answer questions. As yet I haven't had surgery by her, but that seems a good thing under the circumstances! read more

I still like Dr. Bates as you listen to me and what the other surgeon diagnoses. My complaint is Dr. Bates would not have come up with the diagnoses. He he a very good surgeon, very nice and listen just question how good he is with diagnosing issue. read more