I appreciate that it's usually easy to get an appointment quickly. However, depending on your assigned primary provider, it can be difficult to see the same person for annual wellness visits. This makes it challenging to build a consistent relationship and can feel impersonal. In one case, a pediatrician refused to prescribe an antidepressant for my child, despite her long-term therapist recommending it after other approaches had been exhausted. We had been actively addressing her care, but her depression was worsening. The situation was framed as though I was pushing for medication, which was not accurate--I was responding to clear signs of distress and her own requests for help. The pediatrician spoke with my daughter alone for approximately five minutes and appeared to make a decision based on that brief interaction. My daughter later shared that she felt uncomfortable, unheard, and somewhat led in her responses. Her condition worsened significantly, spiraling into SEVERE DEPRESSION and SELF HARM. While the provider was kind, the approach felt dismissive of parental input. It gave the impression that a brief interaction was given more weight than the insight of those more familiar with my daughter's history. read more

We love Dr. Terry and Dr. Tolba! Very understanding, helpful, and pleasant Doctors! The staff is friendly and everyone is very accommodating. read more

Dr Tolba did nothing for my son who was later diagnosed with strep and very ill at the time of our visit. He was extremely short and unprofessional from the beginning and spent a very long time tying while we sat in silence. We later learned we were charged double the amount to sit there while we were given nutritional notes we did not ask for (we eat very clean). In short we have been given the run around when questioned about our bill which was almost $700 before insurance ($460 is what we owe) to tell my son "if you're sad you should talk to someone" and dietary notes. He was sad because he was sick!!!! I'm paying this bill so it doesn't go to collections but trust me and find another doctor!!!! I've never been so disgusted with a doctors bedside manner before. read more

I would like to start by saying the front office staff is amazing. The young ladies were helpful, respectful, and made the check-in process quick and smooth for my sons. We were taken to the back shortly after checking in, which I truly appreciated. Dr. Tolba took the time to answer all of my questions regarding my children's health and made us feel comfortable and well cared for. I highly recommend all the doctors at this location. They truly have a great group of providers. read more

Dr. Tolba has taken care of my 2 boys for a long time. He is very caring, and has provided excellent care. He is good with the kids and answers all questions. He really seems to enjoy what he is doing and has a genuine interest in his patients. He is very well informed on the latest trends in medicine and I highly recommend him without reservation. read more

No empathy unprofessional. My son has NEVER Seen his PCP we have NEVER been able to secure an appointment to see her. I am now forced to see the same doctor that I was handed down from because our PCP schedule is constantly booked or she's on vacation. One reason or another we seen several doctors both in Los Choches rd and El Camino. I find both locations have very unprofessional doctors. Staff is nice doctors are arrogant and unprofessional rude and short fused. read more

I've seen all or most of the doctors at this practice and they have all been wonderful. I could not imagine going anywhere else for my kids care- as I always feel great in the care that was provided. They are able to get me in when I call for a same day appointment. Highly recommend this practice! read more

My two kids come here and all the physicians we've seen have been amazing. Even during the crazy covid, flu, and RSV season they managed to squeeze us in. So happy I've found them and love that I can message them directly online and look at/print all medical records at home. Highly recommend!! read more

Can I give Dr.Clementino 1000 stars? She is caring, attentive, not to mention my daughter just adores her. The entire staff is pretty awesome here, you won't find another office like this. I remember walking in as a first time mom not sure what to do next and they were there for every step of the way. I can't say thank you enough. Ps. Mychart is a parents dream to be able to message your doctor directly! read more

We take our son to see Dr. Amanda Terry for his regular check ups as well as any necessary issues. She is always so professional and so kind. The entire staff here is very helpful and the environment is very warm. The facility is clean and welcoming with a entrance for healthy kids as well as sick kids. There's always some Disney movie playing in the waiting room which I always want to sit and watch. Overall...great staff, doctors and facility!!! read more

I recently booked an appt. for a basic physical for an athletic clearance for my daughter to play high school sports. We needed to get it done, so we chose to go with a doctor we had not had before. At the start of appt., I signed off to pay for a simple athletic clearance ($75). I had no other reason for the visit. I received my inovice for services recently, and the doctor added an additional $195 to the cost of service, under the name "Preventative Visit" because she asked my daughter a couple questions about a condition my daughter has had since she was 10. It is not a primary care doctor's area of expertise. It is a neurologist's field of expertise, and we have the situation under control. We also had signed off solely for a basic physical upon entering jnto the appt. In addition, during the appointment, the doctor was speaking to my daughter giving her "permission" to use social media if it was "ok" with her parents. Meanwhile, I am sitting in the room. I did not ask for or invite her to give my daughter permission for anything. I am her parent, and, furthermore, I have a lengthy background in health, which I tried to mention to the doctor when she started talking, but she breezed over it as if I wasn't speaking. To now receive a bill for $195 over price of the appointment that was snuck on there by the doctor, is absurd. I will not ever see this doctor again, nor will I take my daughter to this medical office again. I am writing this as an update to the prior review. When I spoke with the billing department regarsing this issue, they saw that I had, Indeed, been charged foe the wrong service. Apparently, the doctor we saw was new, and she had used the wrong billing code on our chart. The bill was corrected upon the next billing cycle. read more

This was my first experience here at this clinic I give 2 star and two stars go for the front desk who help us to be seen fast and for the nurse but the doctor Dr. Mendenhall was extremely unprofessional, not even care to listen to my concerns, when I was explaining to her about all the conditions my son has she show zero interest to hear my concerns and just walk at the door. Such a unprofessional doctor never go back to this clinic again. And seems like other people had same experience w this doctor read more

I am a mother of 2 boys. We have been with Dr Tolba at Children's Primary Care for five years now. They are always on time, very helpful with appointments and billing/insurance. Dr Tolba is hands down the best pediatrician!!! Friendly, thorough, great communication with the boys and myself. Thank you for taking such amazing care of our family! read more

Children's Primary Care Medical Group - Pediatricians Near Me - Encinitas, California

Love love this group! My girls see Dr. Mendenhall and we love her. My youngest has a rare condition and Dr. Mendenhall is patient, kind and attentive with all of my constant worries and questions. I've pretty much seen every Dr. in this group and feel comfy with all of them. Highly recommend! read more

Updated and downgraded to a one star. When they tried to make peace over the issue, they asked me to update my yelp review right away... I'm glad I waited because it happened again. I will repeat what I said for my original review: the doctors are great. Doctor Metsch is PHENOMENAL. My kids love him. However, our continued problem is with the billing department. The front desk and the billing department can't seem to agree whether or not you need to pay a copay... and when they DO agree that a copay needs to be paid, they can't seem to agree HOW MUCH the copay is. Furthermore, after consulting with other friends, some who also had the same insurance plan, we're technically not supposed to be charged a copay for a well baby or well child visit now that "heathcare reform" is in full swing. AND this was confirmed by our current pediatrician, who didn't charge us for well child visits while we were under that same plan. Yes, the billing department tried to contact me to "fix" things before... but the concept of someone trying to fix something that was obviously wrong and that was done multiple times simply because they got a bad yelp review really bothered me. It got me wondering-- how many other people have they done this to and how many times? How much money have they made doing this? Is this fraud? If this was done to multiple people, is it grounds for a class action suit? I'm simply paying my new bill for (yet another incident of) being undercharged for well baby visits and moving on because I don't have time to follow up on the issue working full time and having three little ones to take care of... so maybe it's a bad on my part... and then that makes me wonder: do they specifically do this to parents of young children because we might be so overwhelmed with our life changes that they can get away with it? That's sad if it's the truth, especially since the doctors, nurses, and front desk clerks have given generally excellent service. read more

My fourth month old baby got sick on the weekend, it started as a lil cough but by sunday it was a cough with like this wheezing every time he breathed, it didn't look like it bothered him, but as a mom you get worried and obviously want to get it checked out asap. Anyways i take my children to Childrens Primary Care Group in Oceanside, but it is closed on Sundays. So i look on their site and saw that this office was open on Sundays and proceed to calling them to set up and appointment. I called at 855 am, a girl answered got my info and said there was two appointments available, but that she had to ask the doctor first since he only prefers seeing his Encinitas Patients, she placed me on hold and about a minute later picked up and told me that the doctor said that I should just take my child all the way down to Carmel valley which opened at ten.?? I didn't understand, i called early they had appointments available but yet he sent me to the office in Carmel valley, which is far from where I live. If that's the case i rather just wait and take him to radys urgent care in Oceanside. Story short if this doctor prefers seeing patients only from Encinitas and turns away others, that doctor is definitely out of my professional book. I'm sticking to my main doctors office and taking my child to the urgent care instead. Thanks for nothing. read more

Dr. Sonja Brion is an excellent physician and I would recommend her without reservation to any parent for the care of their child. This review is in no way a reflection on her. This review is in response to the ability to get care or even someone on the phone after hours in the event you need medical advice or care. As a parent it is extremely frustrating and scary to have a sick child and not be able to get through to a physician or triage nurse for advice. You call the office and it redirects you to lines that go unanswered indefinitely or just hangs up on you. I have never encountered a dr.'s office that didn't have a physician on call or triage nurse available for nights and weekends. There are occasions where it may not be appropriate or necessary to take your child to urgent care/ER, but you need the reassurance of a medical professional in making that judgment call. Ultimately, I end up having to call my primary care physician's office, who actually cares about their patients at all hours (Arch Health Partners) to get help. There have been times I have called for a regular appointment and waited for 30 minutes just to get through to the receptionist, if the system doesn't hang up on me first. Bottomline: if you want to a Dr.'s office that will be there for your child and for you as parent trying to get help for your sick child - YOU SHOULD NOT COME TO THIS OFFICE! read more

Dr Mendenhall is amazing. I honestly can not say enough good things about her! Her level of concern and care is pronominal! She gets to know her families and actually talks to the children! As a new parent she was patient with me every time I brought my daughter in. When she started preschool she made me feel at ease each time I brought her in with a fever. We've been through several doctors and are so fortunate that we found her! The front desk staff is nice and the nurses are kind as well. We are happy they have Sunday hours too! Every time I've needed an appointment, every single time, they've accommodated us. Overall, we are very happy with the level of care we've received from Children's Primary Care Medical Group. read more

The best of the best, when it comes to pediatricians in San Diego. We are so fortunate that Dr. Neglia was the Dr on call when my first child was born. I can still remember the day he held our first born in his arms...she is not 14 and has moved over to a female Dr...Dr Bryan who is also incredible. Dr. Neglia is still my 11 year old son's Dr. The Dr's in this office are not only competent professionals but are able to connect with the children in a very "family like way", making them feel comfortable. The entire office from the front office to the nurses and Drs....KUDOS! KUDOS! KUDOS! You are all the best and we are so fortunate to have you here!!!!! The Fredricks Family PS...We also like the fact that they have an early morning walk-in without an appt if necessary, but have found it quite easy to schedule one the same day if necessary, but would not recommend this to anyone as a habit...(the front office would not be happy with me...LOL) read more

We have been so happy with Children's Primary Care Medical Group. Dr. Tolba is so wonderful with our boys and they LOVE going in to see him. He takes the time to answer questions and is extremely personable. It's always easy to schedule appointments and the office itself is very organized and clean. I highly recommend CPCMG and most especially, Dr. Tolba. read more

Honestly I knew I wasn't happy here after my daughter's second visit but today after finding the practice that works for me I have to saw this facility is lacking. They prescribed heavy duty medication for a minor issue but missed my daughter's lip tie all while knowing I wasn't able to directly nurse and that I wished I could. I've seen two of the doctors here and honestly I'm so happy to have found somewhere that isn't getting their pockets lined by big pharm. medication pushing negligent fools. read more

Dr Metsch is amazing. As a new patient we were seen within 24 hours. He spent time visiting with my son and talking to him. He was very caring and attentive. He addressed all of my concerns and explained what I need to look for to ensure my son is developing normally. Would recommend him to anyone! Fantastic Dr, so happy I switched here for his primary care. read more

Ive been coming to this location since it was known as La Costa Pediatrics this used to be 5 star for me, but now that its a Radys Franchise its just ok. The care is still ok, the doc was pleasant and seemed to care. I had to call several times to reach someone for an appointment. I took my child in for the extra TDAP booster schools required this year and also an exam that Rady's required for the visit on a healthy child presenting no concerns. I declined the eye and hearing test because my child just had those at school. I got a letter from Radys saying the insurance was not in effect and with very little time for a Rady's imposed deadline to rectify the issue ,apparently I now owe $297. I checked with my insurance the payments were all up to date, Rady's was still in network for my ppo. Turns out My insurance had actually already cut Rady's a check for the whopping $1,097.00 that was billed. There was no Rx and my child was well, a nurse gave the vaccine- This place tried to scam me after scamming my insurance-- and people should be aware! read more

Giving this office a 2 for front desk staff and nurse (Tracey).I'm caring for a girl who lives with my family because her mom died. I take care of her she lives with us and is happy as a clam. Getting her medical care(she went to same clinic when her mom was living) was like pulling teeth. I get it, the guardian needs to fill out a form (her adult big brother), but there is NO reason to be rude to me and treat me as if I Am a criminal when I have a sick kid. The girls at front desk were absolutely delighted to block any and every move to get needed medical care and prescriptions even after they got permission from the guardian. Very nasty,horrible customer service and rude! Then same hostile unfriendly attitude today by front desk girl Erica whom I never even encountered the first visit. Shame on you! Doctors and medical assistant Ashley were superb and professional. Please give this staff some more training or the boot! P.s. Ditto on review written by Katie F. Regarding the front desk girls and nurse named Tracy. read more

This review is for Dr. Schmottlach only. Dr. Schmottlach is the worst doctor I have ever seen in my life. We took our daughter to see Dr. Schmottlach for the first 6 months of her life. We wanted to follow an alternative vaccination schedule where our daughter gets all the standard vaccines, but they are staggered monthly instead of giving up to 5 vaccines at once. With all the uncertainty about adverse reactions to vaccines, autism, etc we wanted to be conservative with our vaccination schedule. When we approached Dr. Schmottlach with our thoughts, he immediately became hostile and treated us with contempt. He called the author of the book who wrote about the alternative vaccination schedule a "charlatan." He treated us as if we were negligent parents who were endangering the life of our daughter, when in fact the alternative vaccination schedule has less risk for the child and is more work for us since we have to go to the doctor monthly instead of bi monthly. After that, we could never have an open doctor patient relationship since Dr. Schmottlach treated us with contempt and condescension. We could never openly discuss any of our daughter's issues with him for fear of him berating us. The relationship steadily deteriorated until he summoned us to his office one day and handed us a print out from a web site and told us that our daughter had SCIDS (Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Syndrome aka bubble boy) and she would die before she turned 2 unless she got a bone marrow transplant. When we asked him if there was any chance that he was wrong, he said he didn't want to give us "false hope." He suggested we take our daughter to Rady's Children's Hospital, and derisively added "knowing how you two are, you probably won't even take her there." After sending us to Rady's for 3 days believing our daughter is going to die, Dr. Schmottlach didn't even have the courtesy to follow up to see how the testing went or if our daughter was ok. He was simply glad to be rid of pesky parents like us who ask too many questions and are too involved with their child's health. Dr. Schmottlach is from an older generation where Doctors were God, and he hasn't adjusted to the modern world where patients are much more knowledgable and involved. We don't just sit back and do as we are told. We ask questions and Dr. Schmottlach doesn't like that. He is unprofessional, condescending, has no bedside manner, and doesn't know how to treat patients. Dr. Schmottlach, do yourself, your patients, and your profession a favor and retire. You have outlived your usefulness and you should go away to a place where you don't have to interact with children or their pesky parents. On a positive note, his "diagnosis" was wrong and we are happy to say that our daughter is happy and healthy, no thanks to Dr. Schmottlach. read more

Hands down we LOVE Dr. Amanda Terry. She happened to be assigned to us in the hospital as the pediatrician for our son just after birth. We loved her so much that we decided to keep her as our main pediatrician. Her personality is so real and down to earth. Every time we go in she is so willing to answer our questions and gives us great answers. We feel very grateful for such a wonderful pediatrician! Thank you Dr. Terry! read more

For past yearly check-ups, they've been satisfactory, nothing stellar nor unsatisfactory. But recently we experienced symptoms and based on their experience and a quick physical exam (no lab confirmations or testing, etc.) they provided a guess-diagnosis, and then wrote an Rx for an extremely expensive drug (upwards of 500$, not kidding). When we called back to ask for an alternative, it was a few days of back-and-forth, as our questions and concerns were not truly addressed. In the end, we never really had a true diagnosis - so what if this wasn't the condition, and then the medication wouldn't work - we'd be right back in their office, right? Well, maybe that is okay for your "business" - not so much for the patient, right? Given the future of healthcare, I'd like clinicians to think about what they will judged on, and how they WILL BE reimbursed by payers - it'll be based on PATIENT OUTCOMES and PATIENT SATISFACTION, inclusive of the consideration of the cost of quality care. The old days of "pay for service" and let's write an expensive Rx without confirming a diagnosis are leaving - and soon clinicians and their practices will be held accountable to provide quality care, mindful of those costs. The movement toward higher deductible plans paired with HSA accounts are becoming the norm, and patients are now consumers. Consumers have choices, but must be vigilant to choose wisely. Clinicians who act as PATIENT advocates against over-care, return visit$, and over-medication (playing right into Pharma's goals to over-medicate for profit) will be the clinicians we choose. The gravy train of moving patients through without proper diagnosis to get to the next patient will soon be over. Voicemails being returned 24-48 hour later (if returned at all) will also go away. Practices that don't adapt will be consumed by those that do, or just go away altogether. In a consumer-driven healthcare world, you won't have profitability with this many negative reviews via social channels, period. We will move to another practice to support our child in her healthcare, one that aligns to the belief that clinicians, not just the patient, is an advocate for better health; this is a partnership in care. Just one mom's opinion. read more

We have been coming here for 3 years. We have 2 children here. Dr. Kamei Tolba is their primary doctor and he is hands down one of the best doctors. Both of my children have spent a lot of time at the doctors due to asthmatic issues and every time he has been welcoming, calming, honest, listens to every concern, goes above and beyond what most doctors would with his care of our children. He definitely cares about your child and the parents well being. He does not get annoyed if you ask questions and he actually takes the time to respond to emails thoroughly. My kids have also seen Dr. terry and dr. Clementino which were also great doctors. read more

My wife and I had a terrible experience here with Dr. Laurie Rubenstein. She tried bullying us into getting vaccines for our daughter who is on a delayed schedule. After explaining our reason for a delayed schedule (my wife and I have some genetic defects), she asked us, "if your genes are so bad, why did you decide to have children." To say we were offended by the remark is an understatement. Avoid this practice at all costs, if you are wanting any compassion from your child's pediatrician. read more

I have been extremely happy with this practice! My youngest was a patient at the Carmel Valley office for years (even after we moved closer to the Encinitas office) but once we had baby #2, we made the switch closer to home. I love that they have early walk-in hours, weekend hours and when they are not open, calling Children's Triage is a wonderful alternative. I feel like there is someone always there to help us. The vibe is much more laid back at this office compared to Carmel Valley which we like, it's clean and the doctors are awesome! We have seen almost all the doctors in this office (just from walk in appts) and I have no complaints about any of them. One doctor gave me his personal cell phone number when my oldest was sick and told me to call him, even though he wasn't on call, if we needed him! Now THAT is a great doctor! read more

I have brought both my daughters to CPCMG since birth. 18 and 17 Years. We always went to the Carmel valley office but Dr Lipp sadly retired. We live close to the Encinitas office so I thought I would give it a try. My 17-year-old recently needed a form filled out for her physical for varsity softball at her high school. I dropped off the form off and was rudely told it would take 3 to 5 days. I understand my emergency is not their's but I felt as if she could have been a little bit more friendly. After all, I have been a part of this practice for 18 years. I waited three days, called back, and again was spoken to rudely and she repeated about five times that it could take 3 to 5 business days. I asked if she could please put a note on the form that my daughter needed filled out and she again repeated it would take the 3 to 5 days. What happened to a little compassion. Very disappointed. read more

The actually doctors don't really seem to care about their patients, I would go somewhere else but closest location next to my house. Also,obviously the front desk is unable to answer phone calls. I was on hold for 10 minutes and I called back again few minutes later and still nothing. It was only 4pm so they weren't closed. read more

Love Dr. Clementino, she has been my child's pediatrician for years, even after moving to another city, I still decided to continue to bring my child back for follow up appointments. She is so thorough and pays attention to detail, if you need to be referred to specialist, she gets you to where you have to go! read more

Our boys have been coming here since birth, and used to see Dr. Neglia, who we loved. I even saw him as a child myself. When he retired, we chose Dr. Metsch as the primary doctor for our boys, and we absolutely adore him! He is always extremely caring, and really spends time talking with us. He ensures any questions we have are answered, and is really great at taking his time and making sure the kids are comfortable. He's talked my crying son back to a smile when it was time for shots, and has made sure my newly teenaged son gets all of his questions answered without feeling awkward. When I emailed him a question through My Chart, he was quick to respond and put my mind at ease. Dr. Metsch is a gem, and I highly recommend him. read more

My boys have been seeing Dr. Clementino for over 6 years. All of the office staff, nurses and Doctors have been professional, helpful and very kind. Dr. Clementino goes out of her way to make sure all my questions are answered and I never feel rushed. She calls to check in and make sure the boys are doing better when they've been real ill. She speaks to my boys with patience, kindness and respect - she is their favorite Doctor, they love her. In addition, she is very helpful and encouraging with getting help from specialists when needed. I don't write reviews often at all, but after a recent appointment which helped my oldest son feel much better, I felt compelled. I am very thankful my boys are under her medical care. read more

I love dr Clementino best doctor ever. She is caring , intelligent and proactive. I do not mind the drive in order for my children to see her. She does what is best for the patient always. I will continue to take my kids To see her and I'll recommend her to my family and my friends read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Clemetino for atleast ten years now. I started coming to her as a teen and am now still seeing her at 23 years old and will keep going until my insurance won't allow it, because she is the best! She is thorough, engaged and really takes her time with each patient. She has taken the time to personally call me on many occasions and you can truly sense her sincere care and compassion, even over the phone. She has helped me tremendously over the years and I would refer any family or friend to her. Thank you so much Dr. Clementino! read more

We saw Dr. Neglia for years I would rate that experience a 5 (staff included). But he retired. We say Dr. Tolba recently. DO NOT use this doctor. He did not wash his hands. He took out my son's stitches without gloves and no hand washing that I could see. So I stood and made small talk and watched in case he washes outside the room and he walked straight into the next patient without washing. I was already unhappy with him. I tried him for my son's physical and he obviously read nothing in his file. He lectured him about things that don't apply and made both of were uncomfortable and felt put down. My son got a flu shot and as we left Jamba Juice (where we went right after the appointment) his wrist was swollen. We called and the staff said come back in but it was lunch time so we had to go to Carmel Valley. An hour or so later we checked in, with the wrist still swollen and had to wait 15 minute past our appointment time. As we are called back, the swelling has gone. Dr. Tolba rudely tells us he can't tell what it is because it's gone and it is not the flu shot and my son probably scratched his arm on a bush and it was an allergic reaction (the bush in Jamba Juice?). Not happy with his attitude towards us but willing to try one more time. Two days later we are in urgent care getting stitches and need to then go see our primary care a few days later. Dr. Tolba tells my son its not healing fast. But we schedule to have the stitches removed and that's when he does it with hand washing. So rude, condescending and un-hygienic. Avoid at all costs. I also must say avoid Dr. Schmottlach. He yelled at me one time for bringing in my child (3 or so years old) because he had so many other sick children and I was wasting his time. He then looked in my son's ear and remarked it was the worst ear infection he had seen in months. No apology. I have also seen him yelling at staff, and I don't think clients should see you yell at your staff. I have good experience with Dr. Mendenhall but as I have a 15 year old boy, I am looking for a male doctor. So sad to have this experience after the real care we got from Dr. Neglia. read more

I had a very unpleasant experience using this pediatric group and would not recommend them. There was one pediatrician that I liked, so I only took my children to him. Working with anyone else in the office was really a challenge and rather unpleasant. When the doctor retired they basically told us to go to another practice. Which I am more than happy to do. Glad to be done with this practice. read more

My 19 month old son had his first appt with this doctor last week & I was so pleased! Dr. Tolba is his new pediatrician & he works out of their Encinitas & Carmel Valley locations so getting an appt is easy & convenient. He was so wonderful with my son & gave me a ton of useful tips on how to deal with the terrible 2 tantrums that are starting. I'm very excited about finally finding a pediatrician that we love! The staff was super friendly & we were in & out of there rather quickly. Not to mention there was a fishtank in the office which made my son very excited, especially after getting 4 shots! read more