We have been coming as a family with Dr Ertl for over 10 years since we moved to Mira Mesa. Excellent service, referrals, diagnosis. This is for a middle aged male, female and our young adult son. read more

I want to start off by saying that I have been a patient with Dr Ertl for almost 10 years. She is an amazing provider and I have had absolutely zero issues with her as a doctor. She is absolutely amazing and listens to her patients and lets them set the pace. However, the issue that I have is with everyone else at the practice. First issue: I started a new medication that required a pre-authorization from my insurance. That can be a little daunting with insurance companies I understand but it took me two solid months to get the pre-approval and it wasn't my insurance fault because they approved it within days of actually getting the proper paperwork. The first issue with that was that for some reason the clinic put an address down on my paperwork that I haven't lived at in over 5 years. I update my address with the doctor's office every single time I move and I verify it at every appointment because they asked if anything has changed. I wasted weeks trying to get this figured out. The second issue with this instance: the frustrating thing is that I called multiple times a week and left multiple voicemails with no response until I finally started getting upset which is when they finally called me and ended up getting it fixed. The next thing is what actually caused me to switch to a different PCM because I can't do this anymore. I requested that my prescription be switched over to Express Scripts because of the cost difference. I requested over the phone for the doctor's office to send in the prescription to Express Scripts which they did not. I then was able to get Express Scripts to send a fax over to the doctor's office so all they had to do was fill the paperwork out and send it back. They did not do that either. It took so long without a response that Express Scripts ended up just canceling the entire order because they didn't receive anything from the doctor's office. I then did it a second time period with absolutely no response either. With both of these prescription requests I called over and over and over again and left multiple voicemails with maybe every fourth phone call being returned. About a week and a half ago I called and left a very long voicemail complaining about this situation and someone finally called me back and said that the medical assistant that was supposed to be in charge of filling the prescriptions had zero notes on anything that I had said in the past about this prescription. I checked my electronic medical record through Dr Ertl's office and lo and behold the request from Express Scripts was faxed to the doctor's office, uploaded to my medical record, not filled out, and then blatantly ignored because they never sent it in even though it says to respond within 48 hours. read more

Dr. Ertl is one of the best. People love complaining on here but I have been with Dr. Ertl for over 10 years and she is caring and considerate. She takes cost of care and prescriptions into account. She has lovely staff and is mindful of the patients experience. She always takes the time to thoroughly discuss things with me at every appointment and never makes me feel rushed or unheard. Thank you Dr. Ertl, in a time when the system is failing people I appreciate you showing up. read more

She's been my doc for 20 years. She's excellent. She provides independent care without the rush of managed care. She is highly skilled and knows her science and medicine, but also practical. read more

After the experience I had with the billing at this office; I will be changing my doctor next year. Like many people my age, I am young and healthy so I only go to the doctor once a year. My insurance covers the annual check up and blood test. While Dr. Ertl is attentive, her office's billing procedures are very sketchy. After my annual visit, the elderly woman at the front desk told me I would be billed for 20% because of my co-pay even though it was a covered visit. However, after I called my insurance it turns out that the office had charged me for a patient code that didn't apply to me. They called the office and got that fixed. A week later, I got a call from the office to schedule an appointment to come back and receive my lab results. I made sure to ask the woman that I would NOT be charged for this visit because the lab test was paid already and I'm simply picking up my results. She replied "Of course it's free! The Dr. will just go over your results and give them back. That's all." So I came in, Dr. Ertl went over the results with me and that was it. To my surprise, I then got a whopping bill of $138 for the charge code of an outpatient visit. I called back to dispute it saying I was clearly told I would not be charged. But they said since Dr. Ertl spent time with me, I was charged. I understand a doctor's time is valuable so any minute spent with a patient is on the clock. The fact that the front desk receptionist clearly told me I would not be charged just to get me back in to the office is a very poor business tactic that won't see me as a return patient. Folks, before you even let Dr. Ertl treat you, ask her point blank, what patient code she's going to charge you for and how much it's going to be. read more

I highly recommend seeing a different healthcare provider. I was prescribed cholesterol medication from her that turned out to be the newest and most expensive one on the market rather than a lower cost one that was recommended to me by the pharmacy. This office continues to behave incredibly predatory by changing your healthcare codes so that they can find any way to obtain money from you. Recently, after the issues with getting them to change the code for the pap smear (SUPPOSED to be fully covered under WellWomen), they also changed the one for my physical (previously fully covered) so that they could make up for the difference. Their billing person is somehow ALWAYS out of office and difficult to get ahold of as well. Their attitudes get nastier and nastier and at this point, I'm concerned that they won't give my proper medication refills. Avoid this office unless you want to pay out $500+. read more

Waste of time and money. I was hoping a smaller office would be able to assist and diagnose my issue, but I was completely wrong. My visit was to specifically check on a sweating and shoulder problem that has bothered me for quite some time now. The appointment ended up turning into a talk about my vitals and how I should change my dieting (tell me something I don't already know). Every time I tried bringing up my original reason for the appointment, somehow the issue is just put to the side as if I was okay, but I wasn't. On top of the wasted time and money here, I was being sent a monthly bill every month for $16, which I paid when I received the first initial letter. I had to waste additional time to call their billing office to get things settled. Received these letters for a good 6 months. I'll stick to better certified medical doctors at Kaiser or Scripps. read more

This doctor had the audacity to accuse me of telling her to falsify a document, she yelled at me through the phone when I repeated the words that she had told me a week prior. I asked her about how I would be able to obtain an emotional support animal for my legitimate mental health issues. She told me that she would be able to write a letter stating that she agreed that an emotional support animal would help with my medical condition. After she yelled and accused me of telling her to falsify a document (the letter) I have left her care and it has been like pulling teeth trying to get my medical records sent over to my new doctor. Don't waste your time here, this doctor is careless and rude. She does not care about her patients, no doctor would ever treat their patients the way she has treated me. read more

I have been coming to Dr. Ertl for about 15 years. She has far exceeded my expectations as a doctor as well as a confidant. She has always provided the best medical care possible, but has also supported me emotionally. I have been through a few of life's challenges and she always listens and offers me hope and suggestions for my total well being. Dr. Ertl is one in a million. I have recently moved away from San Diego and have had to find a new doctor. This has been hard to start with a new doctor since I trust her implicitly. I highly recommend Dr. Ertl as your Primary Care Physician. read more

If you are looking for a doctor who does not blow up normal health issues, then stay away from Dr. Ertl Adrienne. She also never appreciate anything. She made fun that doing elliptical exercise everyday is total waste of time and the only way to be healthy is by running (which she does and that doesn't mean everyone should be just running to be healthy). I would think Elliptical is as healthy as Running and it is also easy on the knee. She also commented my wife saying she is very lucky to be at home taking care of kids and her life is very easy. How can she come to a conclusion that women who stay at home and take care of kids spend a very easy, stress-free life? Even after telling her that my wife eats healthy diet, she said she does not believe it as being a housewife she has access to junks in the refrigerator. Have you ever seen our refrigerator? Oh and the nurse....She must be total amateur drawing blood. She punctured my wife's arm several places and even tried to take blood from veins in the hand (5 tubes of blood)? To get the physical report, I had to call several times and we haven't received the report in mail yet. I would not recommend this doctor to anybody! read more

Dr. Ertl is kind and attentive and cautiously thorough. We do not feel rushed or ignored when we go to see her. I liked her so much I now take my daughter to her as well. Great doctor! read more

I not only love all the doctors here (except the male one because I have not met him before) but Chris at the front desk is always, always, always so very nice! I have only actually seen Dr. Ertl about three times, although she is my primary doc, she seems to be on vacation a lot. Which I guess is cool. Maybe I just always seem to make appointments when she is. Anyways, I agree with other reviews when they talk about her sense of humor. She is pretty funny. Although I have not heard her talk about 'running' she did make sure I was on a healthy diet of good food and daily exercise which has boosted my energy levels to the clouds. I think I will be sticking with this place for a while :) read more

Military: I can honestly say I wouldn't recommend her as a primary. I had to switch to Ertl due to my hubby being military and our PCS brought us here to San Diego. I went in feeling a little sad. She put me on Prozac and I took it for a month and it didn't work. During my check up to update her on how it's working she 1) didn't remember me and 2) she told me to try it for another two months and see if it helped because her more "astute" patients could actually tell her what was going on. I sh*t you not, that's what she said. I was so offended. What am I, an idiot to her? She's met me all of two times and she didn't even remember me the second time I came in. I went in for blood work and my iron levels came back "high." I asked her why that would be if I'm a vegetarian and the iron I'm eating is obviously non-heme iron and to my understanding iron is pretty hard to absorb unless you're getting it from meat. Not impossible just a bit harder to overly absorb. She told me to adjust my diet because it was "obviously" coming from there. She "didn't know what else to tell me." That was it.... I looked at my lab results and no where in there did it say anything about iron. She still hasn't followed up with me to schedule to see if it was just a fluke. My husband and I have been trying to conceive for four years - i know what my condition is but haven't officially been diagnosed, and explained my symptoms and that I was hoping to see a specialist about an official diagnosis so I could learn more how to handle my symptoms. She told me to take birth control and I should be fine. I told her "but my husband and I are trying to conceive, we have been for three or so years now. He's just on a mini detachment right now." She told me since my husband isn't here it wasn't necessary. There are serious implications to her saying it's not necessary - my Fallopian tubes could have been saved without her passive attitude toward my condition. I had to lie to her in order to actually be referred to a specialist after she gave me the liner about my husband because she would've never sent me otherwise! I get it, she's a doctor. She obviously knows her material if she's made it this far. But honestly I don't have respect for someone who doesn't care to listen to my issues. I was getting headaches from the Prozac and she said "I highly doubt it's the Prozac, you should probably be drinking more water." How can she so quickly assume my water consumption isn't adequate? I took myself off the Prozac and gee, my headaches went away! She has no bed side manner. I'm not saying she's an idiot, but I am saying she won't listen to your issues. I hardly go to the doctor, and because she's the only doctor Tricare can give me I will hardly be going to her for anything. I'd rather go to the ER, which I've had to do due to pneumonia that she diagnosed as a co read more

I had Dr. Ertl as my primary care physician for several years, but terminated that relationship after she failed to perform some of the most fundamental duties of a medical doctor. This review describes in some detail the last straws that led me to lose confidence in her diagnostic skills and commitment to patient care. In 2010 I brought to her attention the fact that hyperparathyroidism seems to run strongly in my family, which is unusual but not unheard of. My serum calcium levels have been creeping up slowly over the years, and it is normal and forgivable for that to escape a doctor's attention. Based on my history, information from a parathyroid specialist, and some possible symptoms I'd been having, I requested that my parathyroid hormone (PTH) level be tested along with my regular lipid blood panel, glucose test, etc. That measured high (out of normal range) in my October 2010 test, and my serum calcium was at the high end of normal. That combination is the fundamental flag for parathyroid trouble. I pointed that out to Dr. Ertl, who said that she could refer me to an endocrinologist. I told her that I had already established a relationship with a parathyroid specialist, and that we needed to feed him more information, specifically PTH measurements. I assumed that Dr. Ertl would understand that need and start including PTH measurements with my recurring tests, but she failed to order one to accompany my February 2011 non-fasting glucose test. I felt like everything I told her about parathyroid issues went in one ear and out the other. One of a doctor's most basic responsibilities is to listen to what his or her patients are saying. I feel that Dr. Ertl paid little attention to what I was telling her. In February 2011 I requested a DEXA bone density test which my aunt (a former parathyroid patient and retired RN) had suggested. Dr. Ertl reluctantly ordered the test, saying that she couldn't guarantee that my insurance would cover it. The purpose was to establish a baseline bone density measurement to help track bone loss from the parathyroid problem, if I had one. On March 1, 2011 I had the DEXA scan done at Scripps Ximed in La Jolla. The radiology technician kindly allowed me to see the numbers and informed me that the results indicated osteoporosis, but that a pathologist would have to make the official diagnosis. I was devastated and shocked by this unexpected outcome - I am a man and only 53 years old. The results were faxed to Dr. Ertl's attention that same day. On March 15, 2011 I went to Scripps Ranch Medical Clinic to get some copies of calcium numbers and other results including the DEXA scan for my parathyroid specialist. Dr. Ertl happened to be finishing up with a patient at that moment. I asked her what she thought of my DEXA scan results. She told me she had not looked at the report after two full weeks! I feel that it is a basic responsibility of a doctor who orders a test of any kind to look at the results promptly even if it wasn't her idea to order it, and in case of a bad finding to call the patient IMMEDIATELY to offer information, advice, and emotional support. I got nothing from Dr. Ertl even after the scene that happened on March 15. She had apparently decided to avoid taking any interest in my possible parathyroid problem. She did not cooperate with my specialist, and had become a hindrance in the process of diagnosing my disorder. That's when I decided that she had to go. On May 13, 2011 I went to an internist at Scripps Clinic in Mission Valley, who I had chosen as a possible new primary care physician. I asked him to explain what my diagnosis of osteoporosis meant, i.e. how much danger I was facing of a crippling injury and how I could manage the condition pending final diagnosis of my endocrine problem. He was very helpful and reassuring, and seemed puzzled that I had been left in the dark. After speaking with him I realized that I had spent the last two months being needlessly fearful and depressed about the condition. Dr. Ertl is very attuned to issues of diet and metabolism, but that seems to be her "comfort zone" outside of which she is no help whatsoever. She puts on a good act and may be suitable as a general physician to a young family, but certainly not for a middle-aged person who may have a relatively rare condition. I advise anyone who is at risk for anything more complicated than a skinned knee or a sinus infection to stay away from Scripps Ranch Medical Clinic and especially Dr. Adrienne Ertl. If you are over 40, you should be seeing an internist as a primary care physician rather than a family practitioner. Dr. Ertl probably should have told me that as well, but her "mission" with me was apparently to diagnose diabetes, which she could have made a lot of money treating. I hate to say this, but she seemed almost disappointed when my February 2011 tests indicated that I did not have type 2 diabetes. read more

I have a wide range of weird and unknown medical issues. Dr.Ertl is kind, compassionate, understanding and patient. Every time I see her, she takes her time and acknowledges all of my worries and issues. I absolutely would recommend her for anyone who is in need for a wonderful, understanding doctor. She truly does care, and will tell you the truth about any situation. She has been honest, and wonderful throughout the years I have been with her. I'm very lucky and happy to have her as my doctor!! The office staff are also amazing and caring. They always answer my calls and give me quick and easy answers. 10/10!! read more

I chose Dr. Ertl as my Family Physician based off reviews I had read about her as being caring, considerate and spending time with her patients. I have been looking for a physician to help me with a few major problems I have been putting off and was hoping she would be the one to help me find the main problem and eventually a cure or management. The first time I went in to see her, we discussed my issues I have been having and she made plans to get me sent to the specialist I would need to help. This was in April 2012. October rolls around and I had realized that I was never followed up with from anyone she had referred me to so I contacted her office to ask about the referrals only to be told they were never put through and her office staff had found them on her desk and would put them through immediately. 5 Months had passed!!! I finally got a call regarding one of my referrals and set up my appointment but still had 2 other referrals floating. Contacted my insurance company mid November to see if there was a problem with my referrals to find out that they were sent through to the hospital. After numerous calls between the hospital, Dr. Ertl's office and my insurance company I found out I needed to have a few other things completed before I could be seen by the specialists so I contacted Dr. Ertl's office again to make another appointment and get these completed. On the day of my second appointment (Dec 2012) with Dr. Ertl, she had no clue as to why I was in her office that day and after asking numerous questions as she had not read over my file at all before seeing me she kept mumbling that she thought this was going to be a lot of unnecessary scanning. We walked out to the reception desk where even her receptionist knew that the specialist requires BOTH of the procedures I need done before accepting me as a patient but Dr. Ertl seemed to not know anything about this. She then had me choose the locations I would like to go to for these appointments but warned me not to expect them to go through until mid January due to the holidays and claiming my insurance company is probably closed which it was not as I called to verify. I am yet again waiting on my referrals to go through and my insurance company has nothing submitted since November. I did overhear Dr. Ertl in a conversation with another patient stating she would be out of town for awhile in January which seems to happen to very often. I would not recommend Dr. Ertl to anyone that seems to need referrals or extensive treatment. If you are a healthy individual and do not need to see a Dr. often then she may be your Dr. but definitely not for me. As soon as my referrals go through I will be transferring to another physician in hopes of finding someone that manages their time better and cares about their patients a little more. read more

Dr. Ertl is an awesome doctor. I love her sense of humor and down-to-earth answers about embarrassing medical questions. She is personable, always ready to answer questions, and nearly always available on time. One day when I needed an urgent appointment, she even accomodated me in at the last second before closing, even though they should've closed already. She even helps make invasive and humiliating procedures less so with her charming manner! I believe your doctor and you should agree on basic philosophical things or else it won't be a good fit. Dr. Ertl is a great fit for me because she believes in alternative medical care and homeopathic and natural medicine. She doesn't mince words about what you need to do to fix your problem (ie.: if you're FAT- maybe you should RUN instead of wiggling around on an elliptical!), as it is her JOB to tell you things about your health that you would benefit from, even if you would rather not hear them (yes, she's told me things I'd rather not hear, too- but again, that's her job to do). She seems truely concerned that her patients be healthy and is attentive to all aspects of any medications she prescribes and their side effects. The receptionist is also a great lady and an asset to the office. Receptionists can make or break an office, and theirs is courteous, knows my name, calls me back when she says she will, and also has a pleasant demeanor. The office is conveniently located at the end of Mira Mesa Blvd. in the same building group as Children's Primary Care (though I DON'T recommend them, at all). Yes, the lot is small, but the parking spots are normal sized (a big deal) and I've never gone and not had somewhere to park. The office is nice and up-to-date. I highly recommend Dr Ertl to others, especially women- though if you don't have a sense of humor and can't tell when someone is trying to lighten the mood, maybe you should pick a stick-in-the-mud doctor. ;) read more

Dr. Ertl is awesome. She has two degrees! Both and MD and a PhD. She lives what she preaches. I adore her bedside manner, sense of humor and how knowledgeable she is. She is able to encourage practical day to day solutions to help keep you healthy. As for me and my family, we think she is a keeper. read more

I've had Dr Ertl as my primary care physician for +10 years. She is the best primary care I've had. Excellent follow thru. She is a model for a primary care provider. I'd wish I had her for the nn years prior also. read more

I like Dr Ertl herself a lot but I am changing doctors and suggesting avoiding this office because of the admin staff. Nothing but billing problems, no follow up when promised, and now I need to get in on a Monday during office hours and they literally do not have a doctor or any medical staff there at all. I asked if someone had called in sick and they said no, normally Dr Wasserman comes in Mon but he's out for weeks as he had surgery. Here's an idea- GET COVERAGE If you know your 1 doctor is out on planned leave! My God. read more

Dr. Ertl is fantastic. She takes a lot of time to listen and discuss my health concerns, and provides a good common sense perspective. When I took the reins on improving my health through some pretty significant diet changes and increased activity level, Dr. Ertl was extremely supportive and helpful. I've never had any problems with her at all - quite to the contrary in fact. Great primary care doctor. read more

Dr. Adrienne Ertl is very kind, caring and attentive. She spends lots of time listening to the patients and does everything she needs to do to come up with an accurate diagnosis. She will refer to specialists when necessary. Dr. Ertl supports her patients who decide to try alternative medicine treatments like Chinese herbs and acupuncture. She wants her patients to get better fast. read more

i have been seeing dr. ertl for a couple of years and am very happy with her and the office staff. the front office woman, chris, is wonderful and even when you haven't called for 6 months, when you do, she remembers you and makes you feel so welcome. dr. ertl has always listened to whatever is ailing me at the time and gave sound medical advise/referrals. i have to say, i am very surprised by the poor ratings and can only attribute it to "high maintenance patients", and really, what doctor can make them happy?? dr. ertl. was there with me through an MS diagnosis, obviously i was seeing a specialist, and through infertility issues, where she referred me to a wonderful OB. i referred 3 of my friends to her and they all love her as well. if you are looking for a good primary care doctor, you have found her. i am only sad to say i just moved out of the area and had to leave her practice. read more