Best DR ever. Well loved and trusted. Great staff and nurses. So sorry he retired. He listened to what you said.

Best ever. Miss him every day. Have had no other doctor since he was retired. Don't trust anyone else. Spent 70 years looking for a doctor of his caliber, training, understanding, patience, knowledge. Was in very good health while under his care; now have multiple issues. Husband went to another doctor recently and the care was abysmal. Soon after he saw her he had quadruple-bypass surgery. She didn't even examine him, just took intake forms. Such a waste of time. Thank goodness I had a cardiologist referred by Dr. Novak years before for me. That doctor and the surgeon and his team saved his life. Had he been going to Dr. Novak all this time he would not have needed the surgery. What Dr. Novak had him doing that he kept up with saved his life. What he ignored brought on the problem. Does anyone know how I can get in touch with Dr. Novak? We need him desperately! read more

Dr. James Novak is the most insightful and principled physician I have ever encountered. He was the only doctor who ever truly listened -- not just to my symptoms, but to the whole pattern of my life and health. In 2015, during a serious cardiac scare, I was pushed toward invasive procedures by others. Dr. Novak approached the situation with intelligence, care, and a depth of understanding that ultimately helped me avoid an unnecessary stent. His guidance changed the trajectory of my life. His waiting room was always full -- not from hype, but from something much rarer: trust. He saw patients others had dismissed. He took time to understand complex cases and offer thoughtful, often life-extending care. He did not follow trends; he followed the truth. Dr. Novak represents what medicine is supposed to be: compassionate, courageous, and rooted in both science and humanity. I consider it one of the greatest privileges of my life to have been under his care. If he is still available in any capacity -- even consultative -- I would trust him above anyone else. read more

8/16/2023 UPDATE: Sadly, Dr. Novak is retiring after many years of good service to the community. I have a feeling he would've stayed working longer if it weren't for a certain questionable state organization (search for his name in news stories to know what I'm talking about). He's in his sixties but looks much younger, unlike most non-holistic mainstream doctors who are young or old and look old. Good luck trying to find another independent doctor in San Diego who will treat you by your symptoms *and* labs instead of just your lab numbers. (Most doctors, especially ones affiliated with the typical HMO practices: "Sorry you feel like the inside of a garbage can but your lab test numbers are in the range so it must be all in your head. Care for a prescription or two?"). Also, good luck trying to find another doctor outside of La Jolla who knows about the four-times-a-day saliva cortisol test. It's interesting that mainly doctors to the rich only know about this important test. *************************************** I've been seeing Dr. Novak for almost two years. He and his nurse Pam always listen carefully and have great suggestions for self-care when appropriate and only prescribe medications when alternatives don't work; they are very open to holistic health methodologies which I really appreciate. They will run almost any warranted laboratory test that you ask for as long as your HMO will pay for it, and will tell you where to get the ones that HMOs won't cover (and the labs aren't connected to him in any way; he gets no money for recommending them). Most doctors will just do the bare minimum, especially when it comes to thyroid issues. Dr. Novak will run the free T3, T4, and antibodies tests if your symptoms warrant the extra testing. I have apparently been suffering years with Hashimoto's that no one else had the expertise or know-how to diagnose. The only cons are that it's almost always a very long wait and they don't seem to have much experience treating adrenal issues. The staff is friendly, polite and professional. read more

Best doctor ever. Always listened and knew right tests. 36 years a patient. We miss him!

Great doctor and staff. Worked with their clinic extensively while being a personal assistant to a long time cancer patient of theirs. The level of care, treatments, guidance, and personal interest was off the charts for Mr. Moore! Dr Novak is the best! read more

If you're young, relatively knowledgeable, and aware of your own health, consider looking elsewhere for a primary care physician. I've yet to meet the actual doctor in my 3-4 visits over the years. I'm not too confident he exists or ever comes into the office. A few months ago I called and asked for a referral to get an MRI on my knee. Of course they made me come in to see Pam, which is completely reasonable. I explain the injury and the severity of the pain, lack of mobility and instability. I have a pretty high pain tolerance and this seemed serious. After a quick "examination" she surmises that it's just a bad sprain... I plead with her to get an MRI. She tells me I must first get an x-Ray, which they don't have. Then I'll need a prior authorization from my insurance to get an MRI. She gives me the number for an MRI place that I can pay for out of pocket. Okay, no problem! I try this number in the car, no answer. Google it. Nothing to be found. Try again at home, nada. This business doesn't exist. I call Pam's front office and they just say sorry we've got nothing for you. So I get the x-Ray on my own at an urgent care facility. Negative, like we thought. I call the office the next day after results were sent. They tell me Pam hasn't had a chance to look. I call again at the end of the day - "yes, she looked and agrees nothing is broken." "Perfect, can I get an MRI now?" "No, we need to submit this authorization and it could take as long as two weeks, if approved. You should try physical therapy prior." "Why would I go to a physical therapist if none of us know what's actually the problem right now?" "That's just how it works." After this frustrating experience. I found a place on my own that would take me in for a few hundred bucks. Got the MRI, and sure enough my ACL was fully torn, meniscus partially torn and MCL severely sprained. This whole process took a week to finally assess the actual problem. Pam and her office were in no way helpful throughout the experience. They acted annoyed when I called, concerned for my health, and didn't listen when I tried to tell them something was seriously wrong. I never write bad reviews for businesses. I even feel bad for this one. But do yourself a favor and avoid this place at all costs. read more

My brother came here and I must say this doctor is dedicated to truly helping his patients. I didn't know there were still doctors around who truly want to help their patients, not just collect money. Nothing but praise for the whole staff! read more

Had a great experience with Pam the P.A. Very knowable and kind ... I felt taken care of... Thank you read more

Dr. Novak and Nurse Practitioner Pam are legit. Kind, knowledgeable, and caring. We found Dr. Novak after a certain physician in Pacific Beach who supposedly had a holistic practice literally refused to look into my wife's possible Lymes disease issues. Instead, this other doctor said she was probably just depressed. Welp, the team here was down to run a battery of tests and turns out she has Lymes and whole lot of other issues we wish we had started treating a year ago. The Novak team is up on their research and the latest therapy options (such as infrared IV), so if you're hitting a wall with your current treatment, check them out. Weighting room and facility is calm and pleasant, like you'd want it to be. The nurses we've dealt with, as well as the women working the front desk, are all pleasant. Pro-tip: Parking lot is small, but usually we find a spot. If not, it's PB and you may need to walk a block, but usually not more than that. read more

First and foremost, let me say that I was referred over to Dr. Novak by someone who had nothing but amazing things to say about him and his staff. They could not have been more accurate! From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by a very sweet lady named Alicia, and she helped me get set up with all of the new patient paperwork and everything. Once it came time for my appointment, ALL of the staff was absolutely wonderful and greeted me and asked me how my day was going. Dr. Novak himself is extremely personable, and actually takes the time to listen to his patients and what they are experiencing. He is upfront and honest about what to expect as far as treatment plans go, and he genuinely cares about helping people feel better. After my appointment, I used the light therapy bed, and the lady who explained the directions on how to use it was absolutely wonderful. Needless to say, I wish I was healthy and didn't require constant medical care, but since I do, I would trust Dr. Novak and his staff with my life. They are ALL incredibly wonderful, welcoming, caring, and friendly, and you will not find the kind of customer service you get here at any other health establishment in the area. read more

FNP Pamela Ferolie is a disappointment. The is issue is when it comes to the actual medical service provided by the "doctor" (the family nurse practitioner Pam Ferolie). I am no medical professional by any means though I have seen quite a few PCP's and specialists in my day and I can honestly say with full confidence that Ms. Ferolie is the absolute worst I have seen. She is generally argumentative, does not appear to care for your opinion (as I expect she believes she knows best), and she is not entirely acclimated to the world as it stands in 2019 as she is quite an older woman (age only making a difference here because to be effective as a medical practitioner I would think you would have to keep up with the times). To go into further detail I have had two poor experiences with her before I decided that I will no longer be using this practice (since Dr. Novak doesn't appear to physically exist on the premises, ever!). The initial introduction I had with her was pleasant however within the first 5 minutes (when my physical had already been finished) I was quite confused; at age 29 I expected a more through physical than just a couple reflex tests and checking of my breathing. My vitals were never discussed with me, I don't want to assume but if were to, I would guess she didn't even read them. Generally she seemed very old school, which is not necessarily always a bad thing... Then I began to explain how I had back issues from a car accident back in 10/2016, and how I had a fractured vertebrae in my lower back and two herniated discs, one resulting in a pinch nerve that i believe falls on my Sciatic, as my numbness radiates from my left hip down to my foot. Ms. Ferolie did no inspection of this of her own and said that that would be something to discuss with a pain management clinic. Okay, understood, that make sense right? However my PCP for years had prescribed me muscle relaxants in the case of the an acute back spasm, to which her answer was "I could give you ibuprofen however I cant prescribe pain medication here, you would need a Pain Management Specialist". This began to aggravate me, as it is not a pain medication, however I didn't argue as she is supposed to be the expert. I left feeling unsure about the quality of the medical attention received but still left with no serious qualms about her knowledge or intelligence in her field. Yesterday I returned again after a bout with a fractured rib (confirmed by Scripps/Mercy Emergency Department), and several complications from this injury. Also, I believed I had come down with HSV, mind you self diagnosed, and followed up with Dr. Novak's office again for an appointment, they got me right in... that WAS pretty amazing. I explained my trials and tribulations to Ms. Ferolie and admittedly told her that the pain was bad enough that I had to take two every 6 hours rather than one (they prescribed hydrocodone 5 mg), to which her response was a scolding "ohhhh you shouldn't have done that you only take the medication as directed", I replied "but one wasn't working..." and she ignored that sentiment. She proceeded to not even check up on me but actually talk to me from across the room (i don't believe we even made physical contact); she didn't ask me which rib, what my pain level was, how it was effecting my breathing, etc. She did seem to question if I even went to the hospital at all because "they hadn't received the paper work yet" (I brought paper copies of my discharge, complete with diagnosis and medications prescribed). Ms. Ferolie skimmed the paperwork quickly and said "hmm i see so you fractured your rib", to which my response was "yes, I told you that when I first came in today, and it still really hurts, thats why I'm following up with you today". I then continued to tell her again that the medication was not strong enough to ease my pain and it was affecting my sleep, my work (9-5 job), and my life in general outside of work as the pain was debilitating. She offered to prescribe me a painkiller, yet a weaker one that previously prescribed, weaker than the medicine I had just explained to her didn't work! When I began to try to explain, she talked right over me and I asked her to please explain why she would feel it was appropriate to prescribe a medicine that was in fact weaker than something that wasn't even helping me already! Her answer, you guessed it "you have to go to a Pain Management Specialist". I told her that it seems that she is extremely adverse to prescribing medication--especially when it's clear the person needs it--and that this is unbelievably aggravating. Not to mention my closest in network "PMS" IS UP IN IRVINE!! Basically it comes down to this-- your question will be can you help me? And her answer will be I cannot. No apology there. Just a flat out sorry, make sure you pay the copay on your way out. I have never had a more unprofessional and distasteful experience in my life-- in the medical field or otherwise. read more

4/12/21 Dear: Dr. James Novak, You are the best Doctor that I have ever found in San Diego County. You truly are amazing. Thank you for all of your help with illnesses and treatment that goes above and beyond all of the medical establishments here in Southern California. You truly are number one. I have to say your staff are amazing as well. Everyone is so friendly, attentive, professional, and they always make me feel right at home. I am so blessed to have you as my Doctor and Pam Ferolie, as my NP. She fills in; whenever you do not have openings and she truly is a gem. Both of you make an outstanding team!! Truly, you both are so amazing and go above and beyond for your patients. I am so blessed to have access to such outstanding medical services. I have found the best medical care and treatment from the both of you. I can't thank you both enough. . :) Your Patient: Sheri K Bunn-Markryd May God bless the both of you always in Jesus name, read more

I am a long time patient of Dr. Novak. My husband is, as well. On a recent visit, I had a laundry list of ailments and Dr. Novak, as usual, cut through my anxiety and laid out a plan including bloodwork and a trip to Imaging Healthcare. He recommended nutrients - some of which he had available on site. I researched them and know that they will help return me to good health. Novak is exceptional at finding the root cause of the issue and seeks to lay the axe to the root rather than covering over the symptoms. I honor and respect that approach. Dr. Novak is kind, empathetic, and he listens patiently. He is a giant in his field, and he should be cloned. I hope he never loses his innate desire to see his patients healed and restored to good health. read more

Pam Ferolie Nurse practitioner was professional and just about the sweetest woman ever!!! I am so happy I switched from my other practitioner for my bio identical hormone prescription. My other Dr's office was getting so busy I was lost. read more

Literally just coming from my new patient appt with Novak. MA was Karina or Katrina. I changed to this doc being a male because I have never had a male doc. Most females docs that I have had have egos and also, they feel like most patients do not have knowledge of medicine and can not demand for what they want, why not? I paid for my insurance so i know and i should be able to ask for whatever. So I thot a male doc will be different BUT this NOVAK is the same, but as usual, I made him realized that am knowledgeable and know and would ask for for I want. Although i came in 5 min late, the MA took VSs and almost exposed me to other patients in the waiting room by not seeing that I was not done dressing after taking my jacket off for VSs. I told her in the room and what the bitch said was "ok" I just pray similar thing happen next time and the bitch will know who I am. Then Novak came in about 5 min after MA, this was a pretty good time, I appreciate this. Then Novak suddenly started " so what's going on" I was like do i know u or do u know me b4 from my head? No intro whatsoever ( this is the worstest experience ever in this aspect). Then he rushed and just over look my symptoms ( he could sense that I have medical knowledge, that make him disoriented ). He rushed to the extent that he did not assess me whatsoever and forgot to check my nose which I kind of forced him to, I reminded him though. Long story short, he does not appear as a good doc at least for the first appt, this first impression was horrible. If not for my lab work, I will never go back. But I am not going back if the lab result does not require me to OR rather I just change him ASAP. In the long run, I am definitely changing him due to this first impression. SHITTY doc read more

Pretty lackluster doctors Kinda lacking I came for a rotator injury and never got PT referral The admin and waiting room is real nice tho Good location though Just wish I received better care I only met Novak once , he rushed in to give me a cortisone shot and didn't even bother to introduce himself or say hello... so zero bedside manner there Pam ferolie is sweet but I feel like mishandled my injury After I changed doctors I immediately got PT referral and felt much more comfortable with my physicians rapport read more

I agree with the positive reviews that have already summed up the best parts of Dr. Novak. He is well researched and knows what he is doing. He is willing to treat very complicate and chronic illness with care for the patient, not the money. Chronically or severely ill patients don't make the ideal patients but Dr. Novak cares to take us on. Chronically or severely ill patients hardly "run-on" time, but he and his staff don't disparage us. They work with us and we work with them bc we know he is treating someone else back there with the same care we will get. It takes time to be a detective of confusing symptoms- but Dr. Novak and staff are willing and very knowledgeable. You can rule things in and out very quickly with his deep medical knowledge and vast patient population experience. 1) I credit him with possibly saving my life. Definitely for giving me a quality of life I wouldn't have had without his persistence. If not for Dr. Novak, I would still be in chronic pain and likely bedridden or worse. 2) Talk about saving time... I spent 2.5 years waiting for a doctor to know what tests to run! Dr. Novak and Staff knew what tests I should be running within my first appointment! And they were 100% accurate. They put me on a path to recovery was impossible without accurate diagnosis. My advice is write your symptoms and medical history down with dates. If it is complicated, fax it in advance and ask the Staff to review if possible prior to your appointment. I find good professionals appreciate the advance time to do their jobs well. :) He not only knew my symptoms but was the only doctor who knew which independent LABS had BEST and latest technology testing sensitivity for my tick infection. 3) He cared more about me then money. He took my Covered California insurance. You can not find hardly find a integrative/natural or specialist in tick infections that takes insurance. It was a HUGE blessing. He does not gouge his patients for money because others have turned this into a "cottage industry". 4) He was honest with me. The expectations he set for my treatment were accurate. He educated me on what the medical community's past and current recommendations were for my case. He spoke to me like he would his own daughter. He didn't sugar coat that this is a chronic/progressive illness that would take a lot to treat. But he never got impatient or gave up HOPE on me. He has treated more patients for this condition than any other doctor I can find. He would set expectations on my treatment options, cost, side effects, alternatives and he is always correct. In my hear I know I could trust him bc he treats patients with my disease/illness this not bc he "read about it" 5) Dr. Novak and his medial staff are a well oiled machine. Sometimes the wait times are 20-30mins longer than expected but, I would be missing the forest for the trees to complain about that! They would work me into the schedule if I was late, I give them the same consideration for the care they are giving to very sick people. Get started with his Nurse Practioners and they will start running tests and pull Dr. Novak in as needed or if urgent. Any other specialist would be way more difficult to get in to see and have much longer waits. Also mentioned, most are drawn in house- so it is one stop to get appointment and blood/urine tests. That saves a ton of time and stress than going to the lab. The long story with a happy middle bc this isn't the end! I was very ill and practically bed-ridden most days. I had pain, strange rashes, infection after infection that antibiotics wouldn't cure and I was having mental confusion and nightmares. I sought integrative doctors in Temecula, I sought medical doctors up in LA/Encino, I sought specialist in Poway... I was Googling from bed, asking for rides to the doctor and spending up to $350.00 for a visit to be told no answers by other doctors. I was a medical mystery and losing all of my savings trying to get help. UNTIL Dr. Novak was referred to me. A lady from my bible study knew Dr. Novak for 20+ years. She came to me and said, " I have seen your decline over the years, do they know what's wrong?". I told her I just.... couldn't... tell.... my symptoms and story to... one... more.. person without crying out of despair and frustration and pain. Within 48 hours of hearing about Dr. Novak and 1 co-payment later and a few moments with the NP- I was given the accurate path for my recovery. It turns out I had Borrelia infection, Babesia and Bartonella and few other tick born illness. And after my treatment, I consider myself a HUGE success story bc I mostly recover. That is HUGE success in dealing with the monster of tick born illnesses. read more

Dr. Novak is a kind , caring and extremely intelligent doctor. I have been seeing Dr. Novak for 12 years. I have been to many doctors in my life and Dr. Novak is the absolute best. I have had 3 failed surgeries ( not by Dr. Novak) and many doctors wouldn't even try to help. They don't want to fix someone else's mistakes. Dr. Novak has tried many different treatments to help me .Dr. Novak is simply the best. He would never hurt anyone. Also the NP Pam, Brenda, Alisha, Kelly , Bella, Fiona, and Bianca are all Angels. You cannot find a better Doctor or Staff. I love them all. read more

Never again. I made an appointment to have my blood pressure meds renewed, but the best Novak's office would do was an appointment with a nurse practitioner. (That should have been my first clue). The staff assured me that the routine blood work they insisted on taking would cost me $20 max, and that my results would be available in 10 working days. (That should have been my second clue). 3 weeks later, I'd left several messages, but no one ever called back. (That should have been my third clue). Day 15 I received two Explanation of Benefits notices from my insurance company. I was looking at $1,946.77 bill for lab chemistry from a company named Spectracell, and a $513 bill for lab chemistry from a company named Lab Corp, and $130.00 for the office visit. Grand total: $2589.77. I was furious. After many, many phone calls, I finally talked to Yolanda who assured me that my total bill would be $20.00 at most. I was delighted, although skeptical. A woman named Brenda, from Novak's billing dept, called me back a half hour or so later and confirmed what Yolanda said: Novak had brokered a deal with the lab, and this was the most any of his patients had to pay. Wow, too good to be true, right? (This should have been my fourth clue). Next day, I get a bill from Lab Corp for $513.00. So I call Novak's office again, leave a message, get no response, so call my insurance company to figure out what in the world is going on. My insurance agent looks into the billings from both labs and wonders why one lab wasn't enough. I wondered the same thing. So the agent calls Yolanda at Dr. Novak's office, and Yolanda told her that I was informed that ONE lab would be $20.00 and the other I'd have to pay. So then I call Yolanda to ask why she said that (lied), and why my blood work required TWO separate labs, and she informed me that she didn't know, nor did anyone else on staff. (Dr. Novak might know, but he was unavailable as usual). When I asked her why I wasn't informed of the second lab fee, she pretended she told me all about it. Yelled at me, then hung up. So okay, I'm not dumb enough to believe that my lab work is going to cost $20, but then again that's not why I made the appointment.. I just wanted a prescription refilled. So $1,000 later, I finally got what I asked for. A refill of a $7.00 prescription that's good for ONE MONTH. I need the meds, but I wouldn't go back to Novak's office if they paid ME. The office is dirty, the staff is rude, and God help you if you want to talk to an actual human being. Sorry for the length, but hopefully, someone else will learn from own stupid mistakes. read more

My wife and i have both been going to Dr. Novak for over 5 years. My wife unfortunately has Lyme's disease. Dr. Novak is one of very few specialist in So. Cal who knows, believe and understands Lyme's (his daughter has it too) and is very passionate about it. Any who knows about Lyme's knows that every patient and every strand of Lyme's is different. There is no one cure cures all for this horrid disease. He's been a blessing. His PA Pam, is the bomb. She's always got a smile, truly cares and is very committed to what she does. We both love Pam and her availability 24/7 (for real!!!) The office staff is great. They always have a smile, always caring and try to accomodate at every turn. I'd be happy to speak to anyone about this medical practice and the love that my wife and i have for them. read more

Have started treatment with him and highly recommend this provider. I mean he's probably one of the best doctors I've seen so far in my 20 yrs of trying to find someone to competently treat my autoimmune problems! Everything he has recommended to me so far has worked when so many treatments and supplements have failed. This man is brilliant! read more

Yes, his office atmosphere is a little "outdated." Hence the 4 stars. But that's my only complaint. I'd rather have outdated equipment than get MRSA (yes, the super nasty staph infection) from a "fancy" office (*cough* UCSD *cough*). I've always been treated with respect at this office. I've always been able to get an appointment ASAP (that day or the next) for semi-urgent matters. Dr. Novak cares about YOU. Not drug companies, not trying to squeeze 30 patients into the same timeslot. He notices the little things, and makes natural, holistic recommendations, as well as medications. The Nurse Practitioner, Pam, is always on-call for after hours, and has always been helpful with questions and concerns. My mother is making a stop in his office all the way from the East Coast, and I've recommended him to everyone! read more

I am giving 5-stars based solely on Dr. Novak. Top-notch professional, who really cares about his patients. He is also too faithful to his front-office Brenda, the office manager for 15+ years - is worthy of one-star. Albeit, she has improved over the years but nothing on par with her employer, Dr. Novak. It's very difficult to actually see Dr. Novak - but if you can schedule a month or two in advance - he is SOOOO worth it. Pam is also nice, but nothing like what Novak offers. Just my two cents.... read more

I have been in Dr. Novak's care since I was 13 years old. Now I am 35. He has be my on and off General Practitioner as I have changed insurance many times over the years. I just visited him again after having fertility issues and not feeling 100% comfortable with my new doctors. His approach to my issues were different then all the fertility doctors I have talked with. He was more concerned with my toxicity level and the problem it caused on my body. I still do not have answers but I finally have a plan and hope. I really appreciate his opinion and willingness to try a new approach. He sees thing differently then mainstream doctors and seem willing to help more organically with less invasive procedures. read more

First time at this office, I got there early 45 minutes, 15 mins before the the 30 minutes directed by the monotone receptionist. The in person meeting with monotone receptionist was not better. It was almost like they were competing against each other not to smile or perhaps everyone's dog had literally died that morning. (They were able to see me at very short notice. Probably for my $20 copay) I am not sure why one would need to be there 30 minutes early to complete 4 pieces of paperwork. It took me 5 minutes. My appt was at 2:45, I waited till 3:10 to be invited into the back. I waited a further 10 minutes in the back. The Dr was not there so I saw a nurse practitioner. The nurse practitioner gave some options, I explained that i have tried those but in my experience that X drug works for me and I simply would like a prescription, as I am in a lot of pain. I have been doing this for a while- surgery last June (Discectomy Fusion C5-C6 - Chronic pains). She explained that she could not prescribe that without my prior medical records. I was obviously angry due to my intense pain in my neck but kind of understood. She shouldn't just give out meds, willy nilly but perhaps could have gave me my $20 co pay back. The office did nothing medical for me. I filled out a Medical Records form and sent it to my previous Doc. They tried to contact Novaks office 3 times and left messages but were unable to confirm the fax number as per Fed law. I had to chase up and get this all sorted my self 4 days later. By the way, I am still in pain and have slept incredibly poorly which is now effecting me at work. I asked the monotone receptionist to see if she has received my fax of medical records. She said they only check the fax twice a day. I explained my pain and she didn't seem to care. I pay a lot of money on insurance to have "private health care", not to mention copay and meds pay for what only can be described as a substandard, depressing, unreliable business with unhappy staff who care more about not doing too much, then doing a good job, and helping a person who is in pain, sick or in need. read more

I was "sick" and tired of my last doctor that looked at me for literally 5 minutes then rattled off a list of prescription drugs. I came here specifically to find a doctor that would be more holistic in his approach to health care and not just give drugs to mask the symptoms. After searching many doctors I find that one important factor that represents the overall office is the bedside manner. When I first met he just sat down and looked me in eyes and asked about my problems and just listened patiently. After listening he recommended me a natural substance that fixed my issue within a week and less than just *one* of the many prescription meds the other doctors recommended. I recommend Dr Novak for anyone wishing to find a quality doctor who follows a more holistic path. The only downside is it is sometimes hard to get an appointment, makes sense because of his quality. read more

Not even really sure what to say about my experience with this facility other than they have really let me down I was in a tremendous amount of pain in my foot which turned out to be a bunion and plantar fasciitis which was diagnosed by a podiatrist 6 months after the fact ;( read more

I went here over a year ago and front desk was somewhat friendly, it took about 25 minutes to see the doctor (thankfully I was early for my appointment), got my birth control prescription from Pam who is awesome and was out... Well, a year later and trying to fill it again, I have attempted to contact them once a week for three weeks. My pharmacist even contacted them, and nothing. Being a young, healthy person, I would think I am a straightforward patient, but will never return to this office. read more

Dr Novak saved my life years ago. I have been a patient of his for almost 20 years. He truly has the sweetest heart. He digs deep into what's going on. He specializes in the diseases/illnesses that all other MDs don't want to even have anything to do with. He has blessed me in more ways than one in helping me heal. I appreciate his time, his giving heart, his ability to listen and hear what you're saying. You never feel rushed or like he doesn't care to hear what you're going through. He takes the time with each patient. And that might mean you have a bit of a wait. I say for those who aren't chronically ill or have a chronic disease and you just want a traditional Dr to get you in and out; Dr Novak isn't the Dr for you! He spends time!!! And that means all of us wait. And wait joyfully cause we know we are in great hands! He is a blessing. A wealth of knowledge. And what other MDs are going to want to treat you naturally before pumping you with a bunch of meds? Not many now a days. MDs are trained to only give pharmaceutical. The good MDs step out from just that and treat the person as a whole! Novak is truly a blessing. read more

Best medical practice in San Diego. I've been coming here for over 25 years .Dr. Novack , nurse Pam the greatest . Can't recommend them enough read more

Presented to office as a new patient and was asked to arrive 30min early. Arrived at 930a for a 10a appt. Finally was called back at 1045a and proceeded to wait in the exam for another 20 min. I am a health professional as well and make a point to let patients know if I'm even 5min behind. Infuriated that I sat in waiting room and had to ask how much longer it would be 30 min after my appt time. Very unprofessional for office staff in my opinion. Dr had poor bed side manners and kept saying there was an emergency and that's why she was behind. Fine-so have your staff tell me and ether ask if I want to wait or reschedule. I will find a different doctor. read more

I went to see Dr. Novak for the first time and I have to say that the staff is quite excellent including Dr. Novak himself. After reading these reviews, which I took into careful consideration, it is a shame that people don't realize that this is a doctor who really cares about you as a patient and a person. He does not have an ego like most of the other doctors I have seen (most of them have an ego the size of Southern California). And I can tell you that I have been sick for a long time and I have seen boatloads of doctors. And you can tell he is not in it like most of the others for the big money and big business. Also, I want to commend the staff and how nice they treated me. So far, an excellent experience. I also want to say that if you don't think you have to wait at a doctor's office, then think again! Because all the doctors' offices are like that. Sometimes you have to be patient. I recently had to wait 41/2 hours at a very popular back surgeon's office. I was pretty shocked at that, but he was excellent so I waited. It is a shame that some of these doctors book 30 people into a tiny slot, but that is the way it is. And for the last bad review on this page, you can not fault Dr. Novak for your treatment. He was treating you for what he thought was Lyme Disease. How was he supposed to know that you had silicone leakage? Think about that. read more

Extremely RUDE and UNPROFESSIONAL front office management. I would NOT Recommend this doctors office to anyone. As a physicians practice it is imperative your employees have compassion & empathy... and unfortunately Dr. Novak's office assistant Brenda is one of the most awful people I've ever been forced to interact with in my entire life. Moving forward I suggest you treat your patients feelings & circumstances with more consideration. Do not come here. read more

Dr Novak is the best in his field. I traveled out of state to be seen by him. If in the future, I need help with my, at times, failing, health again, I'll be happy to return to his practice. read more

Dr. Novak is amazing at what he does! He's extremely knowledgeable and very kind and compassionate. He spends time with you and will sit and listen to everything you have to say. I absolutely love the fact that he wants to treat the underlying problem and not just the symptoms. Thoroughly recommend him to anyone! read more

I have been seeing Dr. Novak as my primary doctor for years. He cares about his patients and gives 100% of himself to his practice. I sometimes have to sit in the waiting room or in the exam room for awhile to see him but that's because he spends whatever time is needed with each patient (and sometimes I've been the patient who screwed up his schedule because I needed the extra time.) What I appreciate about him the most: he doesn't over-prescribe pharmaceutical medicine, instead he has an integrative approach and his goal is to heal the whole body instead of focusing on just one isolated symptom and writing a prescription; he has an extensive toolbox to address illness -- much more than a typical M.D. The care he provides is based on his lifetime of treating patients and using alternative health care in combination with what he learned in medical school. His office is indeed very busy but his staff have always been extremely accommodating, kind, patient and friendly to my family and me. I have no complaints at all, am surprised by the comments that say otherwise. (For example, on a few occasions I've lost my lab slip and Yoli always faxes it to me with a smile. I have been a bit late for my check-in and they are always accommodating.) One of Pam's specialties is hormone regulation during peri-menopause, using safe techniques and bio-identical hormone creams. It worked for me and was a huge help. My most recent visit to Dr. Novak was for a bad case of bronchitis. Dr. Novak told me he thought it was viral and to try immune builders and rest instead of jumping to an antibiotic. I was hesitant because I was hoping to take an antibiotic and have a quick recovery, but I know his track record so I took his advice and he was absolutely right. I've seen him for a number of issues through the years, normal care that comes with middle age and a few things that have needed additional care, and his approach to my health and healing has always been spot on. For example, he recommended a schedule for routine 3-year screening on an issue where I have a family history. Because I followed Dr. Novak's 3-year screening schedule instead of the 5-year schedule the specialist had recommended, Dr. Novak saved me from getting cancer. (Pre-cancerous polyps were caught in time. The specialist moved me to 3-year screening schedule after that.) read more

I really like Pam the NP. I have never met Dr. Novak. Have not needed to see him. She is warm and helpful. She is like me, does not throw drugs at a problem! I LOVE that about this place and her. Holistic approach to life. She pushes me, gently yet firmly, when I have put off something important, as she should. This is my kind of doctors office and I don't ever want to switch. read more

Dr. Novak is the first to attend to an issue that doctors have ignored about me for 40 years, although I have been asking for all these years. I am so relieved to have been referred to this doctor! Life will finally begin to get better! He is respectful, professional, patient and open. He way of practice and treatment has given me great hope! His staff is professional, helpful and friendly. read more

I was very nervous coming to this office due to the reviews I read but it was assigned to me by my insurance, so I decided to give it a chance. I actually had a great experience. Everyone was overly friendly and prompt. I did see the NP, not the doctor but I personally am fine with that. I did think it was silly to pay a $20 co-pay for two referrals but that is the insurance's policy, not the doctor's. I did not have an extensive visit, as I did not need one, but I can say that I was plesently surprised by the care I did receive. read more