Dr. Berenter is the best! How do I know? I had a bunionectomy 35 yrs ago when I was 35 years old…read more I was in pain for almost a year, and couldn't wear anything but tennis shoes ( I was an executive at the time, my boss thought I was milking it a bit) when the same foot, 30 plus years later started hurting again, I thought, oh my gosh, I can't go thru this again, the pain is too much at 67, I am very active however, walk 5 miles every day so I was referred to Dr. Berenter. My 1st question was "has this surgery changed in 30 plus years? AND told him my story", his reply was "no, but you will not be in that kind of pain, if much at all"! Max 2 weeks in a boot and then back into shoes. Well, I wanted to believe him but really didn't. I have had a number of surgeries in my 70 years, and this is the only one I remember like it was yesterday. I knew I had to proceed, low and behold I don't even think I took 1 pain pill. In a week I told him I was ready to get back to my life and he said, "not so fast, you need to wear the boot at least another week, so you don't mess up what I did". Oh darn! I did and have never had a problem since. He also saw my left foot, as it too had a big bunion, but said, "until you are in pain", let's leave it alone. 3 years later, I am now in pain (it's not a pain you forget). I went to see Dr. Berenter and said it's time. He x-rays my foot and says, let's book it. I am going in next week for my surgery and not concerned a bit because I know he is the best and have referred many people to him in my senior community. The only thing that would be better is if his office was up in our neck of the woods. LOL

Very happy with this doctor and my surgery I had a hemi implant on my big toe because my big toe…read morewould not move. Surgery was very easy. I am one week post surgery no pain at all. Dr is straightforward and to the point I like that! He is good at what he does. The surgery center that he works with his great. His front office was efficient and made sure that I had pre-authorization.

Exceptional competency and kindness provided on an urgent visit by Dr Wm Mohlenbrock to mitigate…read moreall of my issues. Very grateful to this exceptional Orthopedic professional. In addition excellent white glove patient experience provided by Louisa. The office far exceeded my expectations.

I underwent partial knee replacement surgery in November 2025 and, eight months later, I continue…read moreto experience significant pain. Unfortunately, my experience with the office has been equally disappointing. Communication has been poor, and I found the administrative staff to be largely unresponsive. My attempts to reach the scheduler/assistant, Misty, were unsuccessful, as calls were rarely returned, making it difficult to obtain timely assistance. The one positive aspect of my experience was Faaalo. After numerous unsuccessful attempts to have my medical records transferred to another physician for a second opinion, Faaalo took the time to assist me. She was patient, kind, and copied my records while I was in the waiting room so I could personally take the records to the other doctor and schedule an appointment. She provided the level of customer service I had hoped to receive throughout the process. While I still do not have answers regarding the ongoing pain in my knee, my overall experience with the practice has left me dissatisfied. Based on both the clinical outcome and the lack of responsive administrative support, I cannot recommend Torrey Pines Orthopaedic. I should have looked at the reviews on Yelp and Healthgrades first.

OVER BILLING: Kara their billing coordinator will not take responsibility for billing issues and…read morehas alienated me over $50 because she won't fix their issue with Aetna. Aetna pays NCFMG over $500/visit and each visit I paid my PCP copay of $20. Yet the billing went through as if I saw a specialist ($45 copay) and I only saw a PA, plus North Coast doesn't have specialist they only do Primary Care. This was all because the doctors were listed incorrectly on the bill sent to Aetna. So I called Kara a few times, and I called Aetna a few times and then I put them on a conference call together, and then I followed up with Aetna several times to make sure they were fixing the issue. So after about 4 hours of my time and Kara blaming Aenta and Aetna blaming her I had to give up. And I had a final call with Kara and said there is no way I am paying the $50 because this was billed wrong, just on principal I can't and won't pay it. I can't believe I am ending a 10 year relationship with NCFMG who gets paid $500+ every time I visit over $50 I was wrongly charged for, that is brilliant customer service and a fantastic business model. Note for NCFMG if you even read these reviews: PA Noel and PA Morrison are setup incorrectly with Aetna. They had 2 profiles, one with UCSD and one without. Aetna billing uses the one without which makes them unrecognized so they bill as a specialist. So why don't you call Aetna and fix it before you have more patients leave you over erroneous billing.

I hadn't seen my PCP, Dr. Amy Kakimoto, in over a decade, but I was so happy to find out she's…read morestill at North Coast Family Medical Group. Life happens, and I'd put off routine check-ups for far too long, but I recently decided to schedule an appointment for blood work and had a list of questions, along with a need for some advice and recommendations. Scheduling was a breeze. Their patient portal is user-friendly, and the response time was surprisingly quick. Despite my last-minute request, they managed to fit me in. In the past it would take me months to see my PCP. This was a big improvement. Everything, from lab work requests to accessing clinical notes and instructions is automated in their system, so there's no hassle. On the day of my appointment, I was pleased to find plenty of parking, even on a busy weekday afternoon, which is always a plus. The clinic looks amazing and they've clearly made major renovations. The space is bright, modern, open, and spotless, with an inviting atmosphere. The staff were professional, warm, and attentive. From the receptionists to the medical assistants, everyone made me feel welcomed. During my appointment, Dr. Kakimoto addressed all of my questions and concerns with patience and detail. Even though the visit lasted only about 30 minutes, I left feeling reassured, informed, and optimistic about my health. I also love the reminder texts and emails! So helpful especially when you have so much going on. All your clinical notes are available in their patient portal app for easy access as well as all your medical records, tests, and more. I highly recommend Dr. Amy Kakimoto and North Coast Family Medical Group to anyone looking for quality care.

I'm leaving this review based on my experience as a potential patient trying to coordinate a TMJ…read morereferral. My referral was originally sent to Dr. Chase Bennett's office on July 22. When I called on August 3, I spoke with Megan and was told the referral had not been received. I provided my information by email and contacted my primary care provider's referral department to have it resent. Megan called me again and told me they still had not received the referral. She also said their benefits office could not see an authorization from TRICARE and that my provider's office had not sent one. I explained that my patient portal showed the referral as authorized and that I had also confirmed the authorization directly with my insurance. At that point, I was genuinely trying to understand where the disconnect was, especially since the referral had already been faxed twice. I asked whether Megan could contact my provider's office so the two offices could determine what was happening. Instead of helping me troubleshoot the issue, she told me I was "not listening" to her and proceeded to explain how the referral and authorization process works. When I asked if she could call the office, she corrected me by saying, "I can't call the office, but I can talk to the referrals." Because I felt dismissed rather than helped, I asked if there was someone above her I could speak with. Her response was, "You can talk to my manager, but she's just going to tell you the same thing I'm telling you." The tone of the conversation felt unnecessarily condescending, especially when I was simply trying to figure out why an authorized referral that had been faxed twice was not reaching their office. I ultimately called my primary care provider's referral department myself and explained what had happened. Their representative contacted Megan directly. During that conversation, Megan explained that the office is not currently accepting TRICARE patients for TMJ and is only accepting TRICARE for sleep apnea. My provider's office was then able to move forward with redirecting my referral. After that conversation, Megan left me a voicemail apologizing for the miscommunication. She explained that she had thought I was seeking an oral appliance for obstructive sleep apnea and clarified that their clinic is not currently contracted with TRICARE for TMJ. She recommended that my referral be redirected so I could be seen elsewhere. I appreciate that she ultimately called to apologize and clarify what happened. However, that clarification also highlighted why the earlier interaction was so frustrating. I had been trying to understand exactly what was preventing my referral from moving forward. Instead of asking questions to clarify what treatment I was being referred for, I was told I wasn't listening, had the referral process explained to me, and was told that a manager would "just tell me the same thing." The issue ultimately wasn't that I didn't understand the referral or authorization process. There had been a misunderstanding about the reason for my referral, and the clinic was not currently accepting TRICARE for the TMJ care I needed. Had that been clarified when I first contacted the office, my provider could have redirected the referral without the repeated calls, confusion, and unnecessary stress. As someone managing Stage 4 cancer and other chronic health issues, coordinating medical care already requires a significant amount of time and energy. I understand that insurance issues and misunderstandings happen, and I don't expect front-office staff to control those circumstances. What I do expect is respectful communication and a genuine effort to help someone who is trying to access care. Being spoken to as though I simply wasn't listening when there was, in fact, a misunderstanding on the office's end was particularly upsetting. I never became a patient of this practice, so I cannot speak to the quality of Dr. Bennett's clinical care. I can only speak to my experience trying to become a patient. While I appreciate the eventual apology, the way the initial interaction was handled left me feeling dismissed rather than assisted.

My worst experience at a medical office. I had been waiting for 4 months to get an appointment…read more They had noted my telephone number and email address incorrectly. Finally, I did get an appointment, but was late as Carroll Canyon Road was closed and they wanted me to reschedule. I am going to a different provider. I would recommend the same thing to anyone considering this clinic

Had my first visit yesterday in March 2025…read more There there is a parking structure. As well as some other uncovered spots. Very close to the five freeway. Very easy and convenient to get to. All of The staff were super nice, cheery, and helpful. The check-in process fairly quick. But new clients have to fill out about 15 pages of paperwork. So give yourself 20 minutes or so to fill that out. Once I got into the back, I was ushered between a few people and places and rooms and eventually got to the doctor. They do have all kinds of services that they offer there too. Doctors, MRI, Xray, physical therapy, etc. Overall I was there about an hour and a half. The doctor took three care of me. And we have to do a follow up and plan to heal completely.

The medical records staff is difficult to contact, extremely rude and confrontational.read more

His office, and their check in process is so offensive, I will never go in and give them my money…read moreAGAIN. I was told I had to reschedule, even though the appointment time was at 1:15, AND I was told this at 1:12. Not to mention they were clearly WAY behind. The waiting room was standing room only, no place to sit. I was there 15 minutes early, and then told I had to reschedule my appointment, because the check in process wasn't done, and even though Gxxx was doing the check in process for me on his phone. They HAD ALL THE INFORMATION PRIOR THAT THEY WERE ASKING FOR, IN MY PREVIOUS VISITS, AND THERE WAS NO WAY TO SIMPLY SAY "SAME".

Dr. Fisher is the only doctor that has helped relieve some of my post-surgery spinal fusion pain…read moreand bulging disc pain. I was about to give up hope & had told my neurosurgeon to not resuscitate me if my heart stopped during my third spinal fusion because my pain is that bad, but he referred me to Dr. Fisher after & Dr. Fisher has been working on getting me back to work part-time & able to sit & sleep more comfortably & I am so grateful. I highly recommend him. His office staff and assistants are very kind & proficient, which is pleasantly remarkable nowadays to be able to call & reach someone live. Very thankful for Dr. Fisher's care.

Dr. Benjamin and her assistant Michael have been MORE than helpful to me! After having a previous…read morepractice that was uncaring and couldn't diagnose my shingles, my family recommended Dr. Benjamin. In my entire life I've never met a more caring doctor! She has treated me like family. She's patient, thorough, extremely professional, and takes such good care of me! She really stressed that I should get a mammogram (I didn't want to), and they found cancer. It was caught EARLY thanks to Dr. Benjamin! The office staff is so kind, happy, helpful, and caring! Having a great doctor is important, but when you're in the middle of a major diagnosis you can't put a price on how valuable it is to have a doctor like Dr. Benjamin, Michael, and her staff to be there for you! They just jumped right in and made sure I was well taken care of! You're under the BEST care with Dr. Benjamin! I honestly don't know what I would do without her! (I certainly would have had less years on this earth with my family if not for her!) My family and everyone I know agrees that I am beyond fortunate to be under Dr. Benjamin's care! No matter what, I know that I'm getting the BEST possible care - and that is a peace that is PRICELESS!!! I have NO fears about my health knowing that Dr. Benjamin is my doctor! She's not just a fabulous doctor.... She saved my life!

After enduring several years of inferior care from my previous primary care physician (see my…read morerecent review of Dr. Barbara Denysiak), I had high standards for my new GP, and was not willing to settle again. I found Dr. Benjamin through calling the Sharp general number and told them what part of town I was in and that I wanted a new female GP, and lo and behold, an appointment was made for about a month away. While it was longer than I expected for an initial exam, I had nothing wrong and because this was a general-wellness visit, it was not a huge priority in scheduling. When I came in for that appointment I expected to fill out pages and pages of "getting to know you" medical forms and was only asked for my insurance card, so I assumed her front desk staff had made a huge mistake. When I did meet Dr. Benjamin, I was beyond impressed with her bedside manner, patience and professionalism. She took her time, explained that the reason she does not have me fill out paperwork is because that is her job and she proceeded to ask me the sorts of questions that are usually on those forms, but in a conversational manner that made me forget I was even talking to a doctor. As we talked she jotted down a few notes, then as she was explaining her philosophy of medical care to me, she sat down at the computer in the room and entered the stats she asked about previously. The entire process was quick and seamless, painless and appreciated on my part. She was not quick to diagnose or write me unneeded prescriptions and instead suggested we start at the core of my problems and work from there. What a concept! Each visit with Dr. Benjamin is quick and efficient and I appreciate that she values my time as much as she does her own. She never leaves me waiting, always asks how else she can help and continues to treat me like a human, not a number on a chart. She also referred me to Dr. Tarakjian, the greatest OB/GYN on the planet -- for which I am grateful. These are my first several experiences with Sharp Rees-Stealy and so far, I am impressed. Finally, doctors I can respect and recommend to everyone!

I am very lucky to have been referred to Dr Kristopher Downing when I had an accident and broke my…read morewrist last February. He is very respectful and knowledgeable and his staff is incredibly nice and efficient. The surgery went very well he put my bones together with a plate and now 3 months after, the bones have healed very well and the fracture line is barely visible. I had a comminuted intraarticular distal radius fracture which he attached together with a titanium plate. I think he is the best and if you are in his care then I consider you very lucky! I will update as time goes on, but for now everything is great and I credit it to how well the surgery went and his professionalism and expertise. I also am very pleased with his staff and the surgery center where the surgery was performed.

Dr Downing is a great blessing! But getting through to his…read moreoffice is a true act of God. A real act of God. I have called 23 times and could not get through. How could the entire staff be on break at the same time? BUT ......THANK YOU McCALEY You were so sweet and professional all in one!