Dr. Szmidt has been my Primary Care Physician since around 2007. She has always gone above and beyond to take great care of my medical needs. I just wanted to share my appreciation for being such a great Doctor and always being there for me. She has also referred me to other great physicians that specialize in areas of my medical care. I appreciate her many years of dedication and first rate care she has always extended to me. "Thank you" from the bottom of my heart. read more

I just started seeing Dr. Szmidt and I have to say she is a no-nonsense type of doctor. She will call you out and things and at the same time be very kind and caring. She will makes sure that you get what is needed for your healthcare. Her front desk staff/nurses are terrific and very accommodating if there is something that you might need help on. Charity has been a wonderful to work with and really does get back to you if you need. I would recommend this office if you are need of a GP. Note: They are not on the new Scripps computer system yet, so her appointments will not be seen on your My Scripps app. Hopefully soon! read more

Move onto the next place! TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE. I booked a new appointment with Dr Szmidt and ended up having to see a different doctor bc she went on vacation. I called back for weeks in a row to get my lab results, and they said said they'd let me know when they were in. I asked if it was normal to not get results or answers to my questions for over 3 weeks, and they said when they are busy it could be... Results were normal so I asked for a different test based on my results to get to the bottom of some symptoms and instead of reading my lab results and the reason I came in (very basic) they required me to make another appointment (less than a month later for the exact same thing I went in for previously) bc Dr Szmidt didn't see me originally...even though my appointment was supposed to be with her, and all the notes from that 5 minute appointment are in their system. Extremely unhappy with this whole experience and the customer service provided and will not be returning. read more

This totally bums me out to have to write this review, as Dr. Maria Szmidt herself is wonderful. However, her front office staff, namely Sasha, is absolutely horrific. I was insured last year and was given Dr. Szmidt as my primary care provider. Unfortunately, a few financial hiccups caused me to have to change to Covered California and a new doctor. Fast forward a few more bumps in the road, and I was completely uninsured for months. Finally, on September 1st, I was reinstated on my original plan and with Dr. Szmidt. I schedule an appointment, and there starts my initial disappointment. Last year, I was able to get myself in on little advance notice. The first available morning appointment they had was 2 weeks out. Luckily, I called in the end of August and got myself in on September 9th. I get there and the gal barely pays me any attention and is busy with phone calls. I check the "new insurance" box and give her my card. She proceeds to rudely tell me that they are no longer my primary care provider and basically gives me the "sorry, not sorry" expression. I burst into tears, as I've been feeling like crap the past few months as was so excited to finally get checked out. Not only that, but my husband insisted that he had not changed anything, and made sure that he kept my doctor because he knew how much I actually liked her. With zero compassion (or offering to double check with my insurance company), she says, "Sorry, you can always call up the insurance company and try and change it back. But see, right here it even lists your new doctor (note: it was my husband's card and his provider was listed, which makes it even more appalling how rude she was) and it's clearly not us. You're gonna have to call them. " So, I do. I schedule a new appointment for the 17th with a new doctor. Flash forward to today: I am called by my new providers office to obtain my insurance info. They call me back promptly and let me know, they are not my provider, but it can be changed quickly before tomorrow's appointment and it would only take a 5 minute phone call. Let me spell this out for you... I WAS STILL COVERED BY DR. SZMIDT! WTF?! Yup. I was correct. My husband was correct. I could've kept my original appointment with them, but clearly if they can't figure out something as simple as my insurance, I'm glad to have now officially switched to my new doctor. Do yourselves a favor, and stay away... At least as long as Sasha is in the front office! read more

so far horrible!!! well I don't if its her fault or the people that work there, I requested referral like three weeks ago and been waiting, so I decided to follow up and see what the deal was. Called on Thursday and they said we will call you back on Friday because it is still pending, they didnt call back on friday so I called friday afternoon. They told me oh the person that was suppose to call you is not working today, she will call you back on monday, Monday comes around, no one calls again. I call today and they tell me it is still pending and some lady will call me back in like 30 mins, I waited for three weeks almost. I know it should not take this long, they either forgot to submit it or something is up! so I decided to call my insurance and figure out why they keep saying its pending..... I found out that they just submitted my referral on Friday that I requested like three weeks ago. I understand, we all forget but stop telling me you submitted it and its pending and just be honest and say you guys forgot to submit it. I called again to let them know what I figured it out on my own and the lady is like thats not my department so I said can I talk to the person in charge? ohhhh she doesn't work today :)))) Just perfect Again Maria Szmidt was really nice, but this whole thing was horrible!!!!! read more

Dr.Szmidt has been my doctor for the past several years. She is very nice and encouraging And I have really been happy there. I've moved so I'm changing to a different provider. Fingers crossed that I'll find someone I like as well. Also, the office staff is very pleasant! And trust me, they matter as much as the doctor! read more

Where do i begin about Dr. Szmidt! It took me years to find an amazing Doctor like her. One who goes above & beyond! A doctor that actually cares for her patients, that really listens & doesn't rush you out the door. I honestly don't know where my health would be if it weren't for her. She is a blessing! And the girls up front Tiana, Paola, & Charity are awesome to say the least. read more

Dr. Szmidt is my elderly mothers Doctor and is nothing short of awesome. The office is great about getting short notice appointments. The Dr. has a wonderful demeanor and truly cares about her patients. It's very clear in discussions with her that she is a thoughtful and practiced physician and takes great pride in her work and ability to practice excellent preventive medicine. Her attentiveness and professionalism is apparent in her excellent staff. You couldn't be in better hands. read more

I've seen Dr. Szmidt about 5 or 6 times. Every time I've gone I've had a terrible experience. I am going to find another Doctor. I wait forever to see her and when she finally does come in the room she sees me for about 1-2 minutes. She doesn't ask a lot of questions. It's almost as if she couldn't care less about why I'm in there which is a terrible feeling when you're seeing a doctor. There were a couple times she asked me to come back for a follow up visit and when I came back she asked why I was there. Every time I've seen her it's been a complete waste of time and money. Find another Doctor who actually cares about your health. read more

I found Dr. Szmidt's office through a referral from my OBGYN, and I was really surprised and impressed at her thoroughness, kindness and quality care. This is the first doctor who did appropriate bloodwork investigation and monitoring of my thyroid ever...I usually have to demand the tests myself. She called me back for a follow up, which was amazing, and went over the results and adjusted my medication. She is very up to date with information based on solid science and really cares for her patients. A relaxed, no drama office, with last minute appointments available when necessary. Highly recommended. read more

Dr. Szmidt has been my primary care physician for years and I really appreciate her care and treatment. At first I thought she was a bit no nonsense but perhaps it was a cultural difference. Now I very much appreciate her thoughtfulness and the time she takes listening to me and diagnosing a problem. read more

Dr. Szmidt is amazing! And so are her nurses!!! They do a great job and are very accommodating when it comes to last min apts. they truly care about their patients and it shows!!! Thanks again for the amazing service!!! read more

Dr. Maira Szmidt has been my primary care physician for going on 2 years now. She is always caring and thoughtful. And really takes time with me and my family to make sure we don't leave the office with any questions or doubts. Her staff in the front office as well as the back office are FANTASTIC!!! Always fast and efficient. Whenever myself or my family needs to be seen same day they are always able to squeeze us in. I have no complaints. Only good things to say about Dr. Szmidt and her staff. My family and I will continue to come see her as long as we can! read more

I love the doctor but the staff could use some customer service, kindness and smile training!

Dr. Szmidt is a caring, highly professional physician that is throughly impressive. She offers compassionate care and has never rushed me through an appointment--answering all questions and concerns. Her office staff is equally impressive--remembers your name/issue and they are always willing to go above and beyond. I'm so happy I found this practice! read more

Maria Szmidt has been my doctor for over 5 years and rest of family for almost 20 years. Before I couldn't come to her since I was living somewhere else. The moment I have moved to San Diego everyone recommended me her and now I know why. She is the most carrying and on top of medicine doctor. Always been there for me and my family when my father had a colon cancer. She went above and beyond to help us and recommend to the best doctors and to continue the treatment after. As of myself, I have gone to her with many reasons and has been always satisfied. Never waited long for my appointments and was taken even the same day if I had an emergency. I truly love her office, because everyone is friendly and considerate of our needs. I can truly recommend her to anyone and once when I start my family, everyone will be coming to her. read more

Great practice, staff is very personable. The wait is never long and the visits are very informative. They are always on the ball, getting everything you need in a timely manner. Thank you for all the care you have given me. read more

I have had an excellent experience with the doctor and her office staff. I was transferred to her after my life-long primary care doctor passed away. The doctor has managed my health care very well for over a year. read more

Just perfect! She's very compassionate and does her best to make you feel comfortable during your visit. She listens very well and really hears what you're saying. Tries to prescribe what would be best for you and adjusts after you try it, if it didn't work well. And she's efficient, so doesn't waste your time, but also doesn't seem like she's rushing from room to room. read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Maria Szmidt for 3 years. I always feel well taken care of. She is thorough and has great bed side manner! Her staff is efficient and able to answer any questions or concerns in a timely and professional manner. I would recommend Dr. Szmidt if you are looking for a staff that cares, is good at what they do & a doctor that caring for her patients is top priority. Thank you for the years of great care & health! read more

Dr. Szmidt is just the kind of physician that you wish every doctor would be! She takes her time with you, you never feel rushed or as if you're in a "revolving door" with the need to see X amount of patients before the day is over. She is thorough and caring, and interested in maintaining good health, not just treating ailments. Thanks, Dr. Szmidt....you're A+ in my book! read more

Dr. Szmidt has been my primary care doctor for several years, both in my Healthnet HMO and now in my Aetna PPO. She's the first doctor I've had who genuinely cares about me and my health, keeps up on the latest research, and goes beyond my complaints to make sure I'm really doing well. She calls me after hours, partners with me to resolve chronic problems, shares recommendations to other doctors she trusts - she wins my whole hearted trust and approval! read more

Had a terrible experience with Dr. Szmidt. She billed me for a consultation and not a yearly, and so I had to pay the $153 deductible instead of having the visit covered. She was unwilling to talk/work with me to resolve it. She did not diagnose or treat a very itchy rash I had. She prescribed an oral medicine for the itch which was completely ineffective, so much so I had to call the doctor of duty that week-end who was able OVER THE PHONE to diagnose and treat me correctly. Worst $153 I ever spent. Uncaring, cold, and incompetent. read more

Dr. Maria Szmidt has been my physician for many years. I have tremendous respect for Dr. Szmidt, she is very knowledgeable, and delivers care in a very respectful and gracious way. She is a great listener, and has a very nice way of working with you to meet your needs. Dr. Szmidt's office is welcoming, her staff are friendly and accommodating. It is clear to me that Dr. Szmidt is very dedicated to providing ultimate care for her patients, and does so very efficiently! This was affirmed during a recent health challenge I experienced. I was most impressed by Dr. Szmidt's discernment, and her ability to quickly diagnosis my problem. Dr. Szmidt, and her staff, extended themselves to ensure a timely appointment for me with a revered specialist. They got me in the next day! If I had attempted to make the appointment, I was told there would have been a 2 month wait! I am very grateful for Dr. Szmidt and all that she has done to support me in my healing process. I value her genuine interest in my comfort and welfare. read more

Rarely is something or someone so frustrating that it is worth taking time out of your day to complain about them to random people, just so they don't suffer along with you. But this staff has managed to do it, forcing me to make an account to contribute to the site after years of casual browsing for reviews. So lets get to it. I was transferred through my health insurance from my long-time doctor after he retired this past year to Szmidt.... who is over 40 miles away from where I live in San Diego. When I called their office to sign off on a closer medicare clinic in El Cajon that I was currently awaiting treatment at, they actually denied me. Yes the good people working for Szmidt decided that since they hadn't seen me and gotten their cut yet, that I should stay sick until they were paid off in some way. They would not allow me to go to any nearby facilities that they approved of, and told me to go to the ER if it was so bad I couldn't drive. I have severe pneumonia that has me coughing pretty harshly every minute or so, so I was driven in by a friend. Not wanting to drop a few hundred more for the ER on top of health insurance I already pay for, I got of the phone and began immediately searching for another primary. Lo and behold, the friend who dropped me off gave me the contact to his physician. Within 30 minutes I was now a registered patient of theirs, and the new doctor was kind enough to immediately sign off on treatment for the El Cajon facility I was at. Furthermore, the new primary told me what they actually did was illegal as I was over 30 miles from their facility....not to mention being placed on hold for 9 minutes as they "searched for my files for the clinic" and dropped the call hoping I would go away. Doctor hires her own staff, so I must hold her accountable for the actions of her people. read more

good, smart people who really care. the only hiccup is it seems to take a long time to "get the ball rolling" with referalls and any sort of red tape. but thats not unique to this office, its been happening at every doctors office ive visited in the last few years. the whole system is messed up, aparantly. update for 2016: the new staff is pretty bad at getting referals, making the calls they need to. they may be overworked. i liked the old staff! dr szmidt is still good. read more

Dr Maria Szmidt has been primary care physician for my family for longer than 8 years, and I am always impressed how much attention she pays to us and her other patients. Even though our insurance does not require primary care physician, it was our choice to rely on her experience, competence, and quality care. Besides being exceptionally good specialist, she has also one of the most kind and warm personalities, which make every visit very enjoyable. read more

Dr. Szmidt is a wonderful doctor. Caring, yet no-nonsense. A good listener, asks the right questions and is determined to get to the bottom of any issue with your health. She is easy to see-- even same day. She takes her time. Her staff is sweet, but not perfect. I do not care for her nurse practioner at all; however, if you are looking for an internist, Dr. Szmidt is really great. read more

I was very impressed with Dr. Szmidt. I went in there for a regular physical and had blood work done. She called me back in to review the blood work and told me I had hypothyroidism. I never demanded this test and I didn't think I had any of the obvious symptoms,but her thorough questions must have triggered her to do the test. I am so happy that she found this. I didn't wait long to be seen and her staff is real friendly. Thank you Dr. Szmidt I will recommend you to everyone I know. read more