Kristopher Downing's Online Review Report Card

Dr. Downing is very knowledgeable and caring. I feel totally confident with him as my caregiver. Thank you Dr. Downing. It's a pleasure and your stuff is great!!

Dr. Downing and his staff are all wonderful. Dr. Downing truly cares about his patients. He has a wonderful bedside manner and he.takes time to make sure all questions are answered.

Brindan un excelente servicio, son profesionales y muy humanos.

If you’re reading these reviews, you’re most likely considering surgery for yourself or a family member. As someone who’s recently had shoulder surgery, I thought that sharing my experience may be of interest and value to you. I had an industrial accident where I landed on my elbow from a substantial height that drove my humorous (upper arm bone) into my shoulder (rotator cuff) and snapped 3 of the 4 tendons off the bone, causing them to retract, plus displacing the bicep tendon. Medically, my injury was classified as a “Massive Rotator Cuff Tear”. After the accident and MRI diagnosis I realized two things. First, having it repaired sooner rather than later was critical to having my arm return to normal function. And second, the surgeon I chose would have a significant impact on the success of the operation. Because of my engineering background, I understand the importance of technical skill. Whether building electronic devices, micro-machines, or drilling and reconnecting body parts, skill is the paramount attribute that will define success or failure. With that in mind, I began researching orthopedic surgeons that specialized in upper body repairs, and especially rotator cuff. Like you’re doing right now, I also read numerous online reviews from yelp, Google, HealthGrades, and more. As I read through the reviews, I was looking for just one thing, the technical skill of the surgeon! What I was not interested in was how friendly the staff was, how long the wait was, whether the parking was good or bad, and many other superfluous items. What I wanted was the most competent, expert, and knowledgeable rotator cuff surgeon I could find. Although I live in the very north end of San Diego County, I found my surgeon in the southern part of the County. When I called the office and explained the seriousness of my shoulder injury, I was able to see the doctor the next day. Maybe I was lucky, maybe it was fate, but I very much appreciated the help of the office staff to get me the appointment. Introducing Dr. Kristopher Downing: That initial meeting exceeded my expectations. Dr. Downing reviewed my MRI, explained what he observed and the choices I had, and punctuated this by swiveling toward his computer and showing me ‘on screen images’ of shoulder anatomy, along with various surgical techniques and equipment that could be used. As an engineer myself, I very much appreciated that he took the time to carefully explain the details of the potential operation, including both the positives and potential negatives . . . I had the surgery three weeks later. That was one year ago. (1) Dr. Downing spent over 3 hours ‘in my shoulder’ reattaching the tendons using six anchors into the bone, plus a bicep tenodesis (cutting and re-attaching the bicep tendon). It truly was a ‘massive’ tear. (2) I diligently followed Dr. Downing’s post-surgery instructions and protocols to the letter (3) I went to physical therapy for 3 months as prescribed, and gave it my best efforts (4) I kept a positive attitude from the day I fell to now, knowing that being positive will always produce better results than being negative. Today my shoulder and arm are 100%, just as before the accident! I’m sure there are other excellent surgeons in Southern California and I’m very grateful to have found one of them. Dr. Downing specializes in hands as well as shoulders and I would strongly suggest you meet with him if you need this type of surgery. P.S. I also very much appreciate that Dr. Downing agreed to do my surgery as I’m a healthy 79-year-old who’s looking forward to using that arm for many more years.

Very knowledgeable staff, Waiting time was minimal for excellent diagnosis and results

First time in 2 years of having this issue and I finally got some very comforting feelings and answers. Dr Downing went above and beyond what I've been experiencing in the past even with my own PCP. Thanks and I can tell he really cares for his patients.

Dr. Downing performed bilateral carpal tunnel surgery on me at the end of February 2023. Unfortunately, my experience with him and his office staff has been quite disappointing. Dr. Downing comes across as arrogant and typical of a surgeon. He claimed that everything went well with the surgery, stating that he didn't remember doing it, which was not reassuring. However, my left middle finger is still numb after the surgery, which is concerning. In addition, Dr. Downing's office staff seems to be inept. When I was prescribed Hydrocodone for the pain in my finger, the assistant/nurse/medical assistant called in Oxycodone instead, causing further confusion and hassle. Moreover, the office charged me for X-rays that I never had, and despite their claims of explaining what my insurance would cover for a nerve study appointment, they did not provide me with any information on it. When I called to follow up on the referral for the nerve specialist, they gave me the number of the wrong office/doctor. I have been extremely frustrated with the office staff, and dealing with them has been nothing short of work. Edit: 5/23/2023 - Last week, an individual from the office contacted me regarding this review and expressed a desire to discuss it. I returned their call twice, leaving a message on both occasions. Have they called me back? Nope.

All the Nurses were so friendly and explained everything that I needed to do at home! Dr Downing answered all my questions! Thank You for an awesome Surgery!!

Dr. Downing is the most knowledgeable, professional, and caring physician I have known. He thoroughly explained the condition of my arm and gave me great confidence in proceeding with my operation. He operated my left arm beautifully. His office staff are the most caring and professional people I have encountered in my life. God blessed me with having Dr. Downing correct my arm. Thank you!

Dr Downing and his staff have and continue to be very thorough, being very clear in explaining all options and completing all follow-ups, more than meeting my expectations! Thanks again! -Pete