UC San Diego - Division of Gastroenterology

I’ve had a great experience being a part of the IBD center in La Jolla. My main GI is Dr. Sayal and he is so amazing. He really knows his stuff and he doesn’t mess around with making people wait to treat symptoms etc. I am very happy that he is a part of my care team. He has been super involved and always available to help in any way he can. I highly recommend him if you want a really great GI who knows what hes doing! I also had a colonoscopy with Dr Singh and he was great. He explained everything well and answered all of my questions patiently. My experience for this was smooth and I had zero issues with him or his nurses etc. Dr Sayal’s fellow, Dr Tirath is also fantastic. I don’t think she’s gonna be there much longer in this capacity but it has been a pleasure working with her during my visits and getting her advisement on my care. Reception is kind of hard to deal with at this specific location. I think they just need some more training. Overall my experience with UCSD gastroenterology has been amazing. I highly recommend trusting them with your care. I know how important it is when you have IBD to have someone you trust in your corner.

ETA on 7/21- after going elsewhere and starting from scratch (i.e., SCRIPPS) since I posted this back in May, I've been seen and evaluated by gastroenterologist, had a colonoscopy and a motility test. What UCSD Health couldn't do in over 1.5 YEARS took Scripps LESS than 2 MONTHS, incl. dealing w/multiple referrals and insurance authorizations. ORIGINAL POST: Protect your health and go literally anywhere else!!! First I waited 5 MONTHS to be seen by gastroenterologist at UCSD Health. And had to miss my mother's 80th birthday because that was the FIRST AVAILABLE appointment. Then I had to wait 7 MONTHS to be tested (again, FIRST AVAILABLE APPT)... confirmed appt, bought prep supplies, only to receive a message canceling my appointment (which was in 3 days!!!) with zero explanation. SO A FULL YEAR WAITING WITH NO ANSWERS. Would give zero stars if possible. Absolute garbage institution.- ETA on 5/17- FOOL ME ONCE, SHAME ON YOU; FOOL ME TWICE, SHAME ON ME!- well, despite my better judgment (& bc I didn't want to start process all over again) I rescheduled my appt for 1ST AVAILABLE (5/22) & guess what I just got this morning (5/17)?! ANOTHER CANCELATION VIA TEXT MERE DAYS BEFORE MY RESCHEDULED APPT WITH NO EXPLANATION!!- seriously, go elsewhere, anywhere is preferable to this nightmare.

I know a lot of people are posting super negative reviews, but I had the complete opposite experience with UCSD Gastro. Where I went before was absolutely awful and UCSD took over my care and was able to get me a new colonoscopy and endoscopy and into a nutritionist where nowhere else was willing to do that. UCSD finally got me a correct diagnosis and into pelvic floor PT, which is super difficult to get. Yes, I had to wait a few weeks to get everything scheduled, but it was worth it to be able to have a team that actually listened to my concerns and wanted me to have a safe experience with my colonoscopy rather than the dangerous one I had before. My doctor even wrote the prep prescription in a way to get the insurance to cover the more expensive one because of how much difficulty and discomfort I experienced last time. My doctor also called me personally on a Friday night to check on me and add new tests that he thought of that would be beneficial for my diagnosis. I’ve never had a doctor take their personal time to do that to make sure I was ok. Many people might complain about gastro in UCSD, but they do have very compassionate physicians and nurses. I don’t know of any gastro department that doesn’t have long wait times for scheduling and it’s very much the norm. UCSD has provided me with much better care than anywhere else I’ve been to.

I have to completely endorse the medical team UCSD Gastroenterology for their care and compassion in performing my Colonoscopy and ECD. From the receptionist to the prep medical assistants to the nurses, I felt that they showed great care and professionalism in handling my care. I know I picked the right place and the right people for my medical needs.

Failed to provide dietary and other necessary instructions for 3 day home test they have me doing for them. No protocols at all. Scary place. COMPLETELY DYSFUNCTIONAL. RUN!! GO TO SCRIPPS, SHARP, UCLA OR CEDARS SINAI.

If you get a referral for gastroenterology at UCSD, go right back to your primary doctor and ask to go somewhere else. You’ll wait months for a 15 minute appointment, then schedule out another 6 months if you need a colonoscopy or endoscopy.

Can NOT get into see doctor though severely sick and suffering. Only Nurse Practitioner and only 2 times in 7 months!

I have been trying to get an appointment with Dr. Kunkel for almost a year. Today I received a text that I can make an appointment. I called and was told I can make an appointment with any Gastroenterologist except Dr. Kunkel. I asked why and was told they didn't know. Super unprofessional, I don't recommend UC San Diego Division of Gastroenterology and especially don't recommend Dr. Kunkel or his staff. According to his credentials he seems smart and qualified, but falls way way short with all the rest.

Never answer their phone. Have called hundreds of times.. Totally worthless.

Cancelled my both my husband and I multiple times, including with very little notice, for a planned colonoscopy. Still trying to get my husband’s procedure done, and we started scheduling over a year ago. Worst scheduling I’ve ever encountered and they have zero remorse about cancelling you for their scheduling needs. On a positive note, I was able to get mine completed after this review and I did have a fantastic experience with all the staff. Excellent service, once I finally got in. They still need to work in their scheduling issues, though.