I had been with Dr. Willging for 18 years. All of my friends are patients of Dr. Willging. He is he best doctor in the whole area. People I talk to agree with that statement. He is through, tentative, listens and will call you back to find out what is wrong with you. He is the greatest. Anthem terminated their contract with Mercy Group and I lost Dr. Willging as my doctor. I intend to go to a PPO in order to again his patients. George W. read more

The site that referenced this doctor stated that he was accepting new patients. However, when I called to try to make an appointment for my husband and I, he is not. So we have to start over. read more

Dr. Wilging his been my primary care physician for 5+ years, and besides being a top notch primary care physician he has diagnosed and resolved problems related to a couple major medical conditions. I have moved from San Diego to Palm Springs and rather than change my medical care I am staying with Scripps and Dr. Wilging. read more

Uh focking mazing physician, and human being. He takes the time to truly listen- he's compassionate & kind. He's down to earth, competent, efficient- basically Holy Grail. I consider myself very lucky to be his patient & under his care. read more

As a patient these past seven years, I attest, without reservation, to the expertise and skills of Dr. Stefan Willging. He is knowledgeable in his field and has, without fail, referred me for lab testing, ST Scan as the basis of diagnoses and referral at all times without exception when my symptoms belong to another specialty. I simply do not understand negative referrals which state that symptoms of heart disease were ignored and where a growth below the eye was dismissed as "just an age spot." I refuse to accept these statements as true. To condemn a physician as incompetent which is what these negative review state is an act that must be proven. By way of example,persistent symptoms of heart disease should have immediately led this patient to a specialist. There is no statement to this effect or evidence that Dr. Willging's assessment and diagnosis was incorrect requiring emergency services. A dangerous assertion to make without documentation provided online. In my experience, Dr. Willging is an excellent diagnostician and this skill is what internal medicine is 'all about.' He is a patient listener, a skill many physicians do not recognize as essential to diagnosis and treatment. This skill is not taught sufficiently in medical schools. As such, some physicians rush through the reading of material the patient has provided and rush through the consultation. Never once has this been the case with Dr. Willging. Perhaps, European courtesy plays a role here as well. His respect, gentle manner and empathy have earned my regard. HIs knowledge, expertise, and experience has earned my respect. read more

I hate giving 1 or 2 star reviews....but this is a must. I have been Dr. Wilging's patient for a couple of years and after I read the heartbreaking 1 star review, I felt I should put in my two cents. Although he is a very nice doctor and personable, he never took the time to diagnose my Arrhythmia. He constantly told me that I was in perfect health. It took 4 emergency visits from the paramedics to my home and my own online self-diagnosis to figure out what was wrong with me. For those that suffer from this, you literally feel like you're going to die when you wake up from a deep sleep in the middle of the night with your heart beating way over 110 BPM, to the point where you feel like you're going to pass out. Almost every night, I had to find ways to physically and mentally relax to avoid the attacks but they would come like clockwork. Needless to say, I needed help and I needed help quick. When I went in for my final visit, I told him my symptoms yet again as well as what the paramedics had to say about my condition. He finally concurred. I was put on Atenelol after almost a year of attacks but was disturbed that he never fully took the time to diagnose my condition himself. After that, I had lost my insurance so I didn't see him for quite some time. Fast forward to today: my husband had gone in to see Dr. Wilging to avoid the hassle of searching for a new doctor. He had been experiencing severe chest pain and like me, was told, "Oh, it's probably just stress" or "no, you're fine". Despite the fact that my husband complained of pain and numbing on the left side of his body, Dr. Wilging's diagnosis was always the same. "There is nothing wrong with you." Having to wake up in the middle of night every day to check if your husband is still breathing has been a constant ritual with me. You'd think for the amount of money we spend on medical insurance we would have the peace of mind of knowing we are in good hands. But no. We've since been on the search for a new doctor who will take the time to try and heal his patients rather than just earn a paycheck. I'm sure others might disagree with my review but I'm speaking from my own personal experience. If your experience was a good one, you are fortunate. For us, not so much. read more

I am giving Dr. Willging 1 star because Yelp does not have a selection for 0 stars. This is by far truly the worst Internal Medicine doctor to see. His office visits always feel rushed and make it seem as if you are on a time clock. If your questions are not in during that visit, you can forget about asking them at a later time as he does not provide that personal attention doctor/patient relationship. Not to long ago, I visited him for what appeared to be a growth under my left eye. He said not to worry about it, that it was just an age spot. He said it can be removed cosmetically but my insurance will not cover such a procedure. I told him I would like to see a dermatologist to get a second opinion. He said their is no need to. He also mentioned that I would be waisting my time and my copay on gaining information that would not benefit the situation. After several days, it was quite obvious that this "age spot" was growing. I called Dr. Willging to mention this and was told by his assistant that nothing more can be done for me. After going into an unnecessary conversation with his assistant, I spoke with Dr Willging. He actually said "This is a waste of [my] time" and said "I have a problem." I demanded to see a dermatologist for my growth. He again said, "If you want to waste your time, that is up to you". I will go ahead and write you a referral. After seeing the Dermatologist, I was informed this was not an age spot. This was benign keratosis. A skin growth. Also I was told this can be removed in 5 minutes as an in office procedure. Once removed, it was sent to the lab for a biopsy. The tests did come back as benign. Though very, very few can come back as malignant. Either way, this was not an AGE SPOT. As a diplomat of Internal Medicine, I would expect Dr. Willging to know just what an age spot does look like. I question myself, what if the tests came back malignant. What if this was something far worse than keratosis. I did call Dr. Willging back with results and an update from my visit with the Dermatologist. Not only did I express my feelings of anger, but I made it clear how he lacks knowledge and compassion for his patients. I mentioned to him that he lacks in customer service and over all patient care. If you are with Dr Willging, I encourage you to find a new doctor. If you are not with Dr Willging, DO NOT BECOME HIS PATIENT. I DO NOT RECOMMEND DR. WILLGING, HIS STAFF NOR HIS PRACTICE. read more

Dr Willging has been my Doctor for at least 15 years. He literally saved my life by diagnosing adult asthma which was caused by heart issues. Recently he found a genetic issue through a blood test he ordered which I will discuss with my Cardiologist. He has taken care of both me and my wife throughout the years. He is the best doctor I have ever had, so much so, that we still travel from the East Coast to San Diego for our annual checkups. read more

I was researching doctors in the Bay Area, where I lived now and realized how helpful Yelp reviews can be in finding a new doctor -- especially when you just switched health insurance. I find Dr. Willging to be super nice -- he has excellent bedside manners. I never felt rushed and was always able to ask a lot of questions without hesitation. Very nice doctor. I'm not sure what is up with the other one star review - but it's always a good idea to follow up with your doctor if you're not satisfied with your results, or if you feel worse after the visit -- doctors can't always diagnose things quickly when you have a very common symptom (aka, sore throat, rash, etc.). Sometimes when your illness gets worse, it's a symptom of something more serious. You should always never be afraid to follow up with a doctor. read more

I was looking up Dr. Willging's office hours on behalf of someone, and was shocked to see the negative reviews. I can't speak to others' experiences, but I can say that my own experiences with Dr. Willging were wonderful. I've had horrible experiences in the past with other doctors, and finding him was like finding a ray of sunshine in the middle of a storm. His demeanor is always compassionate and professional, I have never, ever felt rushed, even though I had several medical issues when I first came to see him. Each one was healed or became manageable under his care. After having many, many dr. visits for years under other doctors' care, I haven't even needed a visit in several years now - due in large part to his oversight and my following through with his recommendations. He consistently took the time to patiently and respectfully answer all of my questions, and when referrals were needed, he selected really terrific colleagues. I have never, ever left his office feeling like I was just a number who was shoved out the door when my time was up. I've recommended him to several people, all of whom have had experiences similar to mine. I can't imagine what may have happened in the other situations, but I felt it was important to share my good experiences. read more

Wow I guess the wool can be pulled over peoples eyes by reading these reviews. So let's start. My dad was 77 and very sick and Dr. Willging took over his medical care from his old Dr. who was moving away from San Diego. Aside from an initial visit to get to know my dad this guy "willging" did everything in his power to see my dad die. He couldn't even diagnose a simple case of shingles on my fathers head he said my dad fell and hurt himself, funny my dad had no recollection of falling. He never did fall. After the pain from the shingle got so bad I had to take him into emergency where the on-call diagnosed him in 10 seconds with a very bad case of shingles. There is nothing you can really do about it and even more so when you let it go like Willging had done. He is non-caring, evasive and doesn't seem to know anything about medicine, TRUST ME!!! He was always trying to get my father to sign a non resuscitation form so in the case of a heart attack they would not try and save my dad. My dad was very sick but never to that point to do what "willging" did.. Eventually while he was treating my dad and under his care, told me dad one Friday night while my dad was hospitalized that he would no longer be his doctor, my father died 8 hours later of a heart attack... You be the judge of what happened!! and yes it upset my father very much we found out after wards.... read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Willging for a number of years. He is hands down one of the best physicians I have dealt with. You never feel rushed when you are in his office. Not only is he a kind man, but really listens to your concerns. Yesterday he saw me on short notice with a problem I am having and unlike the GI physician I saw with my problem is actually dealing with it with labs, medicine and a CAT Scan. I can't thank him enough for his help. read more

I've consulted with Dr. Willging now for several years and have found him to be an excellent internist. He's knowledgeable and ready to help with most every medical problem I have. In the event he can't help me, his references are superb. Dr. Willging returns my calls or emails within a few hours, or sooner, if he can. Just recently, I awoke with a painful stomach that wouldn't quit. Dr. Willging diagnosed the problem on his email after a few lines from me, describing the problem. I was beginning to recover just a few hours after taking the OTC medicine he suggested. Dr. Willging seems to be more effective at treating my ailments each time I consult with him. read more

Dr. Willging was my pcp for many years until we moved from San Diego. He is a very smart, well-informed doctor who cares about his patients as human beings. I only wish we could take him with us to our new home. read more

After reading some of the 1 and 2 star reviews, I have to give my input. Dr. Willging has been treating my 92 yr old mother for at least 7 years and I can't find any fault with his staff or himself. He is patient and reassuring, has diagnosed several things that other doctors missed, and found a pituitary tumor that needed medication. If my insurance covered him, I would go, as well. I will add that my mother has aggravated many doctors, because she is a hypochondriac, but Dr. Willging treats her with respect. read more

Dr. Willging has been both my Mother and Father's physician for as long as I can remember. In addition to his gentle bedside manner, Dr. Willging has been working with my side by side through every detail to keep my Mother alive and well. My Mother is so delicate and yet with the attention and knowledge of Dr. Willging she is her with me today. Dr. Willging takes the time to educate me on all my Mothers health issues and makes himself and/or his staff just a phone call away. Reading the review above blows me away. I'm very familiar with Doctors because I have had to deal with so many over the years so I have very high standards for my parents care. My Mother is 81 and suffers advanced COPD, Heart failure, A-Fib, stints in her left side of her neck, had a Femme Femme by-pass 3 years ago, 2 surgeries to fix a broken hip this year and....... I could go on! Thank you Dr. Willging for keeping us positive! read more

Wonderful doctor. Very well trained, compassionate, attentive, and treats the "whole" patient. I've seen many doctors in San DIego over the past 40 years, and Dr. Willging is definately one of the best. read more

Dr. Willging, in my opinion, is one of the best Physicians I have come in contact with in Southern California. My mother in law was very ill and I was her caregiver. Dr. Willging would always get her in when needed and would call me back when I called him regarding her, and admit her into the hospital when needed without putting me through the circus of the emergency room. He was always caring, concerned and did all he could for her. Unfortunately we moved out of the area and had to transfer her care. Big mistake! Her new physicians could really care less about her because she was "old" and chronically ill. That's a shame. Because of their mistakes and attitudes toward the elderly, she passed away. I worked in the medical field for 25 years and know a good doctor when I see one. I wish more physicians were as caring and concerned as Dr. Willging. You can put your trust in him. read more

Dr. Willging has been my doctor for several years and not only is he a genuinely caring Doctor but he takes his time with each visit. I never feel rushed no matter how small the matter is. He follows up personally, speaks directly to you, rather than always having a Nurse follow up like at most doctors office's. I have always had a great experience with Dr. Willging. read more

Do not be swayed by the few negative reviews others have left. I have been a patient of Dr. Willging since my my early 20s. In that time, I have been dealing with a very complicated and challenging condition that has required me to see well over 20 different doctors in various specialties. Among the many doctors I have worked with, I can easily say that Dr. Willging stands high above the rest in every facet of patient care. He is warm, kind, sincere, and cares deeply about his patients. Moreover, he is one of the most patient and understanding practitioners I have ever known. No matter how much time has passed between visits, I am always greeted with open arms and a smile. His attention to detail is superb, and he does a tremendous job of taking a wholistic approach to finding an answer to the underlying condition that may be at the heart of any ailment. Many doctors have been perplexed and frustrated by the nature of my condition, but Dr willing has always made me feel respected and taken my concerns seriously. He is not only a wonderful doctor, but amazing person as well. He treats his patients not just as another number, or just a patient, but as a friend. I feel very fortunate to be able to work under his care and would recommend him highly to anyone searching for the best physician San Diego has to offer. Thank you Dr. Wilging for all that you do! You're amazing! read more

I can only speak for myself, but Dr. Wilging saved my life. When I went to him because I felt tired and a bit off he ran a series of tests and determined I had asthma. He was concerned that I would have asthmatic symptoms at my age and sent me to a heart specialist. If he had not done that I wouldn't be writing this now read more

I am shocked by some of the poor reviews. Dr Willging has been my MD for over 7 years and I cannot say enough good things about him. I never feel rushed and always cared about. He has sent me out for referrals as needed and I could not ask for a better doctor. read more