I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Schultzel and his outstanding medical staff including PA, Addison Johnson, Rachel D'Lima, Celine Bogo, Romi and Emily. I recently under went a "hemorrhoidectomy" including the removal of multiple anal cysts. I had lived with this issue for years and tried to ignore the obvious, however this issue was not going to correct itself without professional help. Understandably, I was extremely apprehensive going into this surgery. However after my initial consultation & 1st pre-op with Dr. Schultzel, I was convinced this surgery would work for me. After my 2nd consult and my many questions of both Dr. Schultzel & his staff the surgery was done. Dr. Schultzel's dedication, knowledge and professionalism is only overshadowed by his compassion for his patience. My surgical recovery went exactly as the Dr. had stated, tough but manageable, with the assistance and support of his entire surgical & administrative staff which runs like a well oiled machine. Again, thank you too all! Regards, Gary read more

Dr S is one of the best doctor's I've seen in many years. I had some very bad back door problems. He did surgery and repaired all problems. Im back to normal now. Everyone in his office are very nice. If your problems as similar to mine ----Trust Dr S he'll take great care in getting you back good shape. Thanks Doc!! read more

The staff at Dr. Schultzel is very sweet and courteous. When I come in they all call me by name. ( I feel like I am at the Cheers bar) lol. Dr. Schultzel takes a long time to talk about your problems. He is very gentle and I feel very comfortable with him at all times. I recommended him to my husband and he was thrilled to have him for his doctor too. Both of us will see him in the future if we have anymore problems. read more

Dr. Schultzel is an amazing doctor! It's hard to find a doctor who is not only competent in what he does, but is friendly and personable. Doctors can be very intimidating and you will never feel that way with Dr. Schultzel. He listens and is caring. He is honest and will make you feel confident in the treatment you receive. Don't hesitate to see him if you need help. You will be taken care of! read more

Wish he could be my primary! Dr. Schultzel fixed a seemingly unfixable, debilitating issue of mine. I have nothing but the utmost gratitude, love and respect for Dr. Schultzel, his staff (Romi, Jack, Harper, Addison, everyone!) and everything they do. Thank you, thank you, thank you. read more

I sought Dr.Schutzel after having a second gallbladder attack and I consider myself so fortunate in my choice! From the initial contact with his staff through 4 visits (pre-op, surgery and two post op) I could not have asked for a more professional yet compassionate experience. Everyone I dealt with was amazing. Dr Schutzel was thorough, both in his assessment and his explanation of what was necessary to deal with my issue. I can't think of a single negative to report. Top notch care beginning to end. read more

During the Fall of 2021, I had a life-threatening diverticular bleed. Dr Schultzel performed a robotic laparoscopic removal of the involved part of my colon and constructed a temporary colostomy, which he reversed 2 months later. I did well post-operatively and continue to do do. Dr Schultzel is a warm and dedicated doctor. I owe my life to him! Deanna Ruttenberg Encinitas read more

Dr. M Schultzel is an extraordinary surgeon. He performed my hernia surgery robotically!! The entire experience was really amazing. I had the surgery done at Sharp Hospital in San Diego. The hospital staff was welcoming and very friendly and professional. My nurse was kind and answered all of my questions and concerns prior to surgery. Even Dr. Schultzel visited me before surgery and answered a few questions I had. He was very compassionate and professional. The surgery went smoothly and even recovery was great!! I would highly recommend Dr. Schultzel!! Thank you again for taking great care of me and repairing my hernia. Jen T read more

Colorectal is not something that you usually want to talk about, but if you need a specialist in this area, you certainly want the best. What you also want is a caring professional who will talk you through the very sensitive areas and subjects surrounding your issue. I highly recommend everyone at this practice from the front office to the back and especially Dr. Matthew Schultzel. I cannot say it was fun, but he did keep my spirits up during a difficult time and subject. In fact I have been extremely satisfied. Now I am all done but IF I ever need to see a Colorectal Specialist again, it will be Dr. Matt. BTW he has an identical twin brother named Mark who did my shoulder surgery. Also a great experience. You absolutely will not be disappointed! Lastly, yes they are busy and sometimes you have to wait, but seriously do you want a Dr. who is just standing around waiting for a patient? No, you want to experience and this guy has it! read more

I came in to see Dr Schultzel for a hemorrhoid and during the exam he found I had a large hernia. He did the surgery and did a great job! Now he going to treat my hemorrhoids without surgery. Good doctor and a good guy. read more

I suffered for years without knowing having high sensitivity to cold, pain walking, pain in my back, etc..I had internal hemorrhoids that end up to become a blockage, I visited another colorectal DR. before that didn't even check internally and made things worse, giving me medication instead of removing them. Why Drs. make women to have regular vaginal check ups and never even suggest a rectal check, it would save years of pain. Dr Schultzel resolved my problem in an outpatient walk in system, easy and minimally invasive, the procedure only takes minutes, my husband had at least 2 proctologist visits and they never told him to visit the colorectal Dr. he also had hemorrhoids, thanks to Dr. Schultzel he is also free of pain. read more

I highly recommend Dr Schultzel,Very competent and professional . The staff is always gracious and attentive . Trust me I would Never see a Doctor no matter how good he was if I was treated well by its staff .First visit he right away told what it needed to be done. Not long time after I had my surgery . Everything went smoothly .I have recovered from Surgery but I am still seeing Dr Schultzel for other problems I have . I am glad I found a Dr I can trust .Many Thanks to Dr Schultzel. read more

I'd like to begin by sharing that Dr. Schultzel provided good care for my issues, was knowledgeable, kind and his office staff was very friendly. My experience is unique to insurance/coverage and I am hoping it may help others and Dr. Schultzel's office staff when advising patients in the future. Before scheduling my appointments I called Dr. Schultzel's office to get clarity on what the procedure would be, what it would be billed as, and if it was covered by my insurance. I was told it would be billed as an office visit and would not have any other additional cost-the person I spoke to sounded certain. I scheduled my appointments and went through with my procedures feeling confident that they would be covered. That was not the case and I was sent a hefty bill a few months later. I tried to work with their billing department and the front office person I spoke with after feeling very mislead. I was told there was nothing they could do and that it was a result of my insurance. In the future, it would be helpful if the office staff could not ensure coverage if they have not checked directly with insurance prior. My biggest frustration is that they could have just told me they were not 100% sure, and I would have looked into it more before going through with it. I trusted their billing knowledge and in the end felt misled and stuck with a bill for a procedure that I would have otherwise opted out of. read more

After reading favorable reviews, I decided to try this doctor and my experience was disappointing. 2 stars are generous and are for Dr Schultzel being proactive about sending me to various tests for Gi issues. I found him to have a bit of an ego when questioned. His office took along time to get my referrals going or to answer calls. I was in a-lot of pain , and on 3 occasions either forgot about my video visit or canceled. When all my exams were complete, he seemed almost bothered that i had made an appt to follow on results and was unfocused with disinterested responses. He offered nothing at this visit of assurance very blasé. I should have known better as I noticed this doctor had yelp review cards in his exam room for patients to take home. read more

DO NOT LET THIS "Dr" TOUCH YOU! He is awful! I have never had such a terrible experience with a Dr ever! I was in the E.R so I had no choice but if you do, ask for another Dr. I waited for my appendectomy for over 13 hours in the hospital. During all of that time, there were many opportunities for the doctor to explain that I had two options for how he would perform my surgery.  However, he never explained to me that he could have either 1) cut below my belly button or 2) cut through my belly button.  If I had been given the choice, I would never have chosen the option that had a much higher likelihood of causing a hernia. I work out every day and had a completely flat stomach before this nightmare began. I have since gotten several other opinions, and all the surgeons I have spoken to about my case have said that my result was predictable, and they would never perform an appendectomy in the way that Dr. Schutzel did because of that exact reason.  My primary care physician saw me two days before the surgery and performed a full exam. At that time, there was no sign of any hernia.  So, I know the hernia is a direct result of the way that the doctor performed my surgery.  After my surgery, I showed two of my friends who are physicians the lump on my stomach, and they told me to call Dr Schutzel. When I did call and he finally decided to call me back after several messages, he said it was normal. Clearly, this is not correct. I just had the painful hernia repaired by an excellent surgeon and my stomach is flat again. read more

Matthew M Schultzel, DO - Proctologists Near Me - Encinitas, California

I waited a couple of months to write this review . After a lot of thought I decided I have to share my experience. I believe Dr. Schutzel reccomends treatments and or surgeries that are unnecessary! He told me I needed surgery and this was after him snipping on me a few times and the last time for a skin tag removal was the most horrible month of my life. I understand it's my body's reaction however I think if I went to another doctor to begin with I wouldn't have my problems. My skin tag is ten times worse and I hate it with all my heart every day of my life. Because of my problems in the last year I finally got great insurance instead of cash paying which I did here. My new doctor told me no way I don't need surgery and new doctor tried to be professional about it but he suggested that from what I told him that my last doctor gave me more problems instead of fixing them . This includes banding. New doctor knew Schutzels name and said he's had patients come over from him. He was trying to be professional but the look on his face said it all. I wish i never came here because I have the ugliest tag ever now!! I should have thought twice before allowing someone to cut on me!!!!!!! And as far as my other issue is concerned all i needed was time to heal with my gi and diet . ** have to edit ** response is only partially true. All the risks were never discussed with me. The one single thing that is true is I was told the recovery would be painful for a couple of weeks. Furthermore I am only mentioning one procedure. I am not mentioning the other issue that I was told I should have surgery for! I am volunteering the information I choose to volunteer. And I would hope this office respects confidentiality and not argue with me by including my whole record on yelp.Bottom line I had a bad experience. I am far from a person who goes bad yelping unless I have an awful experience I regret . read more

Dr. Schultzel and staff are wonderful. I had a very positive experience with urgent abdominal surgery. Very little pain, and barely any scarring. He and his staff are all competent and compassionate. read more

Dr. Schulzel is the best! He listens to his patients well and keeps them informed of how exactly he is proceeding.

The recommended age for your first colonoscopy is now 45 years old. I made an appointment with Dr. Schultzel because he was local and got great reviews. The preparation for the procedure is a bit daunting, but Dr Schultzel has a nice friendly demeanor and walked me through everything before hand. The day of the procedure he made me feel very comfortable and everything went perfect. I plan to go back to Dr. Schultzel and his awesome team in in the future when I have to get another routine colonoscopy. I would highly recommend Dr. Schultzel if you are ready for a colonoscopy. read more

I first came to Dr Schultzel with a bad case of a health issue that was simply getting worse. I had a hard time even moving my body. He acted quickly and brought me into surgery soon after seeing him. I will continue to seek out his medical expertise. He listens well and he will take the time to address your questions/concerns. He's kind and he'll treat you with respect. His staff/team has been great. read more

I am writing this review to share my horrible experience of having a hemorrhoidectomy done by Dr.Schultzel. Please do not have this surgery done unless it is 1000% necessary. This is the most painful surgery I have ever had and the recovery time is much longer and WAY more painful than what the doctor will tell you. I am a healthy woman in my 40's. They say 6-8 week recovery but it is more like a 6 month recovery. After Dr. Schultzel performed the procedure, I was given a nerve block and ended up having 3 seizures on the operating table. (I have no history of seizures). I was transported to the ICU and woke up the next morning with a breathing tube down my throat. No one could give me an answer as to why this happened to me. Dr. Schultzel showed no compassion and acted like it was no big deal when I woke up intubated wondering what went wrong. I had so many questions but he just took off. Long story short, I now have over $10,000 in medical bills from the ICU and severe PTSD as a result of having this surgery done. read more

I was referred to Dr. Schultzel by my Primary C doc due to a prolapsed hemmorhoid after I'd strained doing work on my yard fence. [Note to self: don't squat and strain to lift or drill or otherwise work from that position] Anyway Dr. S's PA took my history and explained what the next procedure was tobe. After a short wait Dr. S came in and greeted me and had me get in position. He did an exam and determined that banding would be appropraite and then he did one. In all I had 3 bandings and I got relief in a very short time. The other 2 banding were one month apart and I had no complications, only relief. The office in Encinitas is run very efficiently and the staff as well as Dr. S are friendly and informed me all through the process. I've referred two family members to him already, and if I have any further problems in that area, I'd definitely go back to him. read more

Dr. Burgess, preformed an excellent surgery and treatment in repairing my Hiatal Hernia I suffered with for years. The pain meds worked amazing. Recommended liquid diet was easy and even lost weight. Follow up care excellent. In two months all limitations were removed diet back to normal and no lifting limitations. I owe this to Dr. Janoski who realized I had a serious problem and helped me find the right Doctor to help me. read more

It took me a long time to write this review. No words I write can share my feelings and thoughts on Dr. Schultzel, Dr. Burgess, Emily, and staff. Angels on earth- they saved my life. The care, compassion, patient importance, partnered with the surgical genius of Dr. Schultzel makes him a rare find in the medical field. I am confident that I would not be here today to write this review, had my path not crossed with Dr. Schultzel. I was hospitalized for 49 days under the care of multiple drs at Sharp Memorial in San Diego- all due to my OC based GI Dr's medical negligence. My second opinion with United Gastroenterologist in Murrieta saved me. Dr. Schultzel, Dr. Burgess, or nurse practitioner Alison visited me every single day, 7 days a week and monitored my situation closely even when surgery wasn't on my radar. They still visited me daily to monitor my progress and be there if I did need surgical intervention. Ultimately, I needed to have an emergency total colectomy to save my life. Overall, I have been operated on 4 times with Dr Schultzel and Burgess. All major surgeries and every one being done laparoscopically with minimal scarring. Had I seen any other dr I would have been cut open abdominally from top to bottom. His skill in the OR is unmatched in my opinion. Thank you for supporting me in the darkest time of life so I could live to see the light. 5 star rating doesn't come close to the care I received. BEST IN CLASS! read more

Dr. Schultzel and his entire staff are some of the nicest, genuinely thoughtful health care providers around. Last year I had a gall bladder removed, and later in the year a hernia surgery. In between he treated my hemorrhoids non-surgically with banding. I generally do not like to go to the doctor for anything. But Dr. Schultzel and his people are wonderful, and their combined demeanor helps a patient like me deal with the anxiety of doctor's offices and hospitals. read more

So almost three weeks ago I had surgery. It was initially supposed to be one thing, but when Dr S got in there, he discovered my appendix needed out too. The two stars are for the surgery itself - grateful for the catch and that it went wll. Everything following has been pretty tough. I followed the advice given to a T. 8 days post op, I was having terrible pain and other symptoms. I called the PA. I told her everything I was going through, from the fever to the constant trips to the restroom and the pain I was in. I was told to add a probiotic. No relief!! I ran another fever and went to ER. They contacted Dr S. They did a scan, offered me a Tramadol, and sent me home. The following day was my appointment with Dr S so I was hopeful to get help. I drove from Escondido to La Jolla. Mu husband took off work to join because he was worried about me. When I checked in, I was informed that my appointment was changed to the following week - wait what?! I was given no phone call. I spiked a fever that night and went back to ER. Finally I was given the right test and diagnosed with a NASTY infection. At that point I had been suffering 7 full days. In hind sight, I should of not tolerated being dismissed by his PA. I felt like I was treated like a nuisance. I was not drug seeking - I was suffering. I wont be back for any post op appointment. read more

Dr Schultzel quickly resolved my medical issue. He and his team are professional, efficient and friendly.

It's never fun to get any of these types of procedures, so finding Dr. Schultzel was such a relief! I had to do both my first colonoscopy as well as have some hemmoroid issues taken care of. Yup. No fun and no fun to talk about! Thankfully, I was referred to Dr. Schultzel who was so kind and supportive, it really was a no brainer with him...His ability to put me at ease, listening and addressing all questions (even the silly ones) was such a gift. And his assistants and office help were all just as nice and supportive. It really is a win-win situation with him! Also, having the procedure done at Scripps Encinitas, couldn't have been easier. Again all involved there were so professional and comforting, I just couldn't have asked for a better experience all the way around. Thanks to all!!! read more

Dr. Schultzel provided after surgery care to my fiancé after a ruptured appendix and he is amazing and so very kind being on call for any questions or concerns we have had. Thank you so much to you and your team for taking care of him and giving the best care. The office is wonderful for post op follow ups and I would highly recommend this team for any upcoming appointments. My fiancé was very thankful to be in their hands during a pandemic and having to be alone without visitors. Dr. Schultzel made him feel calm and comfortable. 10/10 recommend! read more

Dr. Schultzel took excellent care of me and made difficult subjects easy to discuss. He was thorough, efficient and explained everything well. He knows his work can be uncomfortable and does a great job of being funny and light. read more

Great doc. Clean office, and super nice staff. Was always very good experience going into the office. Couldn't ask for a more awesome team. Dr. Matt is super nice and would highly recommend him to anyone in need. read more

So happy I was referred over to Dr. Schultzel. I have suffered from internal hemorrhoids for about a few years now from chronic constipation, the last thing I wanted to do was go see a doctor about it. I went in his office with 3 hemorrhoids and now I'm hemorrhoid free! He is very knowledgeable and straight to point. He made me feel very comfortable with everything, we need more doctors like Dr. Schultzel! Great staff and very clean office as well! Thank you Dr. Schultzel and his team for exceptional service read more

I thought Matt schultzel was very professional and the woman who assists him was very helpful and polite. Matt schultzel was all business and not a lot of small talk. Nice but at the same time serious about you and your health. He told me the importance of a colonoscopy and mentioned how his own brother was affected. I recommend this guy and his assistants. read more

My experience was outstanding from start to finish. Dr. Schultzel took the time to explain everything to me very thoroughly, and he answered all of my and my wife's questions. Between my initial appointment and the surgery date, he and his staff provided me with very detail instructions, and they made themselves available should we have any questions that we may not have thought of during one of my appointments. My surgery (gall bladder removal) was done laparoscopically and I was able to go home the same day! Recovery was a breeze. After the surgery, the level of care never waned - Dr. Schultzel and his staff were very attentive. I can't think of any areas in which they could improve, and I highly recommend them for anyone who may need GI care. read more

My 88 year old mother had leakage problems for 20 years in her intestines and bladder that her regular doctor tried to help her with, all to no avail. Dr Schultzel saw her and was able to diagnose the problem and set a surgery date. She delayed a bit, due to her own scheduling conflict, and by the time the surgery date arrived, she had sepsis and felt weak. He did the surgery and it did take some time for recovery, however, the situation was more than expected once he was in there. She is healed, has NO colostomy bag, and acts 10 years younger as a result of just feeling better and having a healthy system. Her disposition is much more positive and she is back to herself. Had dr Schultzel not performed the surgery, my family believes she would have passed away. He just gave her her life back!!! read more

I was scheduled to have a hernia repair in late 2019 (more on that later) when I was admitted to the ER after 24 hours of extreme discomfort. I had developed an entrapped bowel that needed to be corrected immediately. Luckily Dr. Matthew Schultzel was on duty that day. He said that after repairing the critical problem he'd be able to tackle the hernia as well. This was no small "while you're in there" job... I had a 40x40 cm abdominal protrusion that had been steadily growing since surgery for diverticulitis 3 years prior, and without being too dramatic it was a large, ticking belly bomb. The surgeon I had originally discussed the procedure with had informed me that given the size I'd need extensive, invasive work to correct it. He'd even sent me to get scanned with maternity ultrasound equipment but they were unable to accurately measure the size. I got some interesting looks, but that's a different story. I was told pointedly that laparoscopy was not an option, and I needed to plan for at least a month+ of recovery time. Dr. Schultzel told me that he could indeed perform the surgery using the Da Vinci surgical robot (much less invasive), dramatically shortening the recovery time and decreasing the risks of traditional surgery. Dr. Schultzel successfully performed both the emergency procedure and the hernia repair in the same session, and I was back to work a little over 2 weeks later. His demeanor throughout was positive and reassuring, he seemed genuinely interested in my progress and after care, and despite clearly being insanely busy, spent the time needed to make sure I understood everything. Highest recommendation. read more

10/10 Review. Dr. Schultzel and his office staff are true professionals and I am grateful for the treatments that I received. Anyone who is suffering from colorectal issues, hemorrhoids, etc. please contact this office. Getting a referral and seeing Dr. Schultzel was a great decision that I made. read more

After my colonectomy and seeing more than one GI surgeon to try and get help for my pain and without receiving a clear diagnosis Internist said he couldn't help me. I was devastated and couldn't imagine living with the pain. I told my GP about it, and she referred me to Dr. Schultzel. His office called the very next morning and they squeezed me into his schedule that day. After the examination he gave me the CORRECT diagnosis and got me started on a path to healing. Not only that, he has referred me to a specialist to help me get my digestive track balanced. He gave me hope, and his advice was excellent. Dr. Schutzel cares about his patients and listens carefully. He's also very well trained and smart! read more

FIVE STARS are just not enough! What more can you say about a team that who not only saves your life, and treats you with amazing kindness (like I've never before experienced), but then also fights WITH YOU to get the much needed reversal covered by insurance! I LOVE everyone here! Dr. Schultzel and Dr. Burgess are truly leading an amazing team! These are spectacular doctors who truly CARE and provide STATE OF THE ART ROBOTIC technology!! How fortunate was I that Dr. Burgess was "on call" that fateful night in the ER... THANK YOU everyone! :) read more

AMAZING! Our family feels extremely fortunate to have found Dr. Shultzel. He has performed hernia repair surgery on both my husband and my mother. I too had surgery and multiple procedures done by Dr. Shultzel. He is a very upbeat, confident and extremely compassionate doctor. The positive friendly atmosphere almost makes you forget why you're there. We were all very impressed by the kindness and care that we received. The office and staff are equally remarkable. I have a number of autoimmune disorders and in 21 years of illness I've seen hundreds of doctors; trust me when I say there aren't many like Dr. Shultzel. The three of us were equally grateful to Emily, we just loved her! I would highly recommend Dr. Shultzel to anyone in need of GI care, he is simply the BEST! read more