Dr. John Finkenberg, MD
Orthopedic Spine Surgery•Male•Age 66
Accepting new patients
Orthopedic Specialists of San Diego
5555 Reservoir Dr Ste 104 San Diego, CA 92120Dr. John Finkenberg, MD is a Orthopedic Spine Surgery Specialist in San Diego, CA. He is affiliated with medical facilities Alvarado Hospital Medical Center and Sharp Grossmont Hospital. He is accepting new patients. Be sure to call ahead with Dr. Finkenberg to book an appointment.
Dr. Finkenberg's Reviews
Likelihood to recommend Dr. Finkenberg
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What went well
- Staff friendliness (8)
What could be improved
- Staff wasn't friendly (4)
Reply Flag
I had the misfortunate of meeting with Dr. Finkenberg today. This guy displays a total inability to even pretend to show concern about patient's well being. If he can't even pretend to show concern or true interest in a patient's condition, then the alternative is that he simply doesn't care. He provided no information as to what might be causing the pain, provided no assurances whatsoever that experiencing numbness and debilitating pain in my neck, elbow and hand for the past 6 weeks is no cause for alarm, didn't offer any injections or prescriptions. Didn't ask if the pain was getting worse or better, or what other treatments I'd been through. He spent a total of about 5 minutes with me, during which all I got was a referral to a physical therapist, and a $200 bill. I didn't even get a "good luck" or "heal well." I left the office feeling like I was little more than an inconvenient detour on his way to more important things. Dr. Finkenberg if you're reading this I implore you to cons
What went well
No results
What could be improved
- Appointment was rushed
- Didn't listen or answer questions
- Didn't explain conditions well
- Didn't trust the provider's decisions
Richard Gilmour – Jan 15, 2021
Reply Flag
I recently had neck surgery a week ago from a fall a few years ago with Dr. Finkenburg. He is a very good surgeon and has much experience with spinal surgery and is highly regarded by his peers and those who work with him at the hospital. I researched him very extensively before choosing to have the surgery. He was very good to speak with and first suggested other means to relieve my pain which I liked a more conservative approach. After exhausting all options and reviewing current xrays and mri he said surgery was necessary. He explained what needed to be done and answered all questions and put me at ease the appt before my surgery. He’s truly an asset to his field and I highly recommend him for spinal surgery. I’m recovering now and can tell the surgery has helped already. I also want to say his office staff Stephanie, Deja, Lisa and the insurance individual at their office (sorry can’t remember her name) were very nice and have always been very helpful. Thank you all.
What went well
- Staff friendliness
- Appointment wasn't rushed
- Listened & answered questions
- Explained conditions well
- Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Tracey D. – Oct 24, 2020
Reply Flag
Have had back pain and Dr. Finkenberg is the absolute best there is! He did my back surgery (which went very well and relieved all pain) and has always been available to answer questions and concerns. I love that he showed me my xrays, went over MRI in detail and draws pictures to make it more understandable. Great Doctor!
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Jun 02, 2020
Reply Flag
I was referred to Dr Finkenberg to do my neck surgery. He explained all the options and every single detail to me before even suggesting surgery. When he did my neck surgery, he did an excellent job, I don't have any issues. You can't even see my scar. My range of motion is almost back to when I had no issues.
His staff and his bedside manner is unsurpassed. I highly recommend him.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Christine Truman – Nov 19, 2019
Reply Flag
I'm in constant pain for 6 months and have muscle spasms all over my leg. I can't stand in the shower or sit in the car from my back pain. And after spending $800 on this man, he tells me I'm perfect and there's nothing wrong with me. And doesn't help me or believe me at all. Worst doctor I've ever seen.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Jan 25, 2019
Reply Flag
Dr. Finkenberg performed my back surgery in 2006, I had a total collapse of my L4 and L 5
Discs. I had been in horrible pain for several years. Once I had the surgery and recovered I have not had to take anything for pain. He did a great job. He is a great doctor!
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Janice in San Diego, CA – Jul 12, 2017
Reply Flag
I am disabled due to a workplace injury. This doctor did not give viable information about my medical conditions and never was honest or trustworthy. It's sad that doctors like this exist, being are biased and are not there to help their patients
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
San Diego, CA – Feb 05, 2017
Reply Flag
I was sent to Dr. Finkenberg by workman's comp. I had been sent to two other ortho surgeons prior to being sent to him (the first wasn't giving me an accurate diagnosis and the second gave me the diagnosis but didn't want to take my case). I work in the medical field so I have medical knowledge which helped me know what was going on with me. He's not the best at communicating but after my lumbar surgery I feel like me again.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
El Cajon – Jul 26, 2016
Reply Flag
Absolute expert in cervical surgery. Direct communicator, on the conservative side when discussing options (right where you want your surgeon). My ACDF procedure went perfectly, was out of the hospital the next day. Virtually no residual pain from the surgery. Would be interested to know more about other low-score reviews as they are certainly not reflective of my experience.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Randy in El Cajon, CA – Apr 14, 2016