Naval Medical Center San Diego

I’m in chemo so I’m constantly here. I’ve dealt with different parts of the hospital, and I’ve noticed that no one is ever on the same page.
And the ER is horrible. Had a visit the other day. They completely ignored the reason I came in, and instead focused on what I told them were chemo side effects. They admitted me to the hospital and I missed two days of work because they didn’t listen to anything I said. Only gave 3 stars because the oncology department has been alright.

The parking here is RIDICULOUS always crazy busy… if you come, come early and just be prepared to hang around

*** BEFORE YOU DECIDE TO GO HERE PLEASE DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND LOCATE YOUR CLOSES HOSPITAL AND GO THERE AND NOT THIS TRAINING FACILITY***. For those that do not know this location is not for actual hospital care it is a training facility for personnel that are injured and for young ensigns in the Navy to get training on you as a patient or on your children. Besides that the emergency room waiting time with only two people in it was four and a half hours for my child that was having issues breathing. I arrived at 4 a.m. in the morning and the only thing they told us was there would be a full bed capacity and we are «better off» waiting for 7 o’clock for their rapid line to start. Now I am sure any parent out there would not wait for their child at all until 7 o’clock you want agent care immediately that is the reason why you woke up at 4 in the morning in the first place to rush your child to care. For you civilians that believe most military personnel have good care please do not mistake yourself we have more scared than you do because the staff in hospitals don’t get fired so they care less about the patients care or attitude. Whereas in a civilian sector with enough complaints nurses and doctors can get fired from their jobs. I love you regret not going to sharp Medical Center instead of the branch military clinic that is supposed to help us active duty military personnel.***DO NOT GO HERE FOR THE EMERGENCY ROOM *** also if your PCM is on this base switch to an outside doctor.

Come early prior to your appointment time to ensure you can find parking. We arrived almost an hour before our sons appointment and had no trouble however upon leaving we noticed several unopened spots. Also the facility itself is huge and can be a bit overwhelming for first timers so arriving early can give you time to familiarize yourself with the hospital. If you are looking for places to eat there are venues at the hospital (i.e. Dining Facility, McDonald, Subway, Dunkin Donuts and other vendors that sell food/​snacks).
Our son had his appointment at 0900hrs and he was seen at 0915, which was fine since there is generally a 15 min grace period. The pediatric facility we went to was in building 2 and it is a bit outdated but up kept well. The checkin staff civilian and uniformed, were prompt and very friendly. There are kids books, tables/​chairs and a tv with cartoons for the kids.
The doctors who seen my son were very caring, thorough, knowledgeable and helpful. Dr. Kazlaukas and his team members were very attentive to evaluating my sons needs. They showed great patience and care when working with my son making him comfortable and willing to interact. He explained everything to us in a way we could understand and comprehend that made it easy to grasp. After our appointment we received a follow up from the Dr himself with further information we needed for our son.
We have seen several specialty Doctors over my sons first year, none have compared to the team of Doctors we seen today. We were so grateful that my son was able to see Dr. Kazlaukas and his team. Thank you for having Doctors who show compassion and care to our most precious blessings our children.

Thisplace is a joke of a hospital. Its a bunch of young kids acting like they are in a club or hangout cracking jokes about patients and mocking them. The DR came in and told my sister that she had to have a C-​Section, my sister asked if she could still have babies since she had a lot of health problems and the DR sarcastically reapinded «You’re not even a mom yet and you’re worried about having more kids? Whats wrong with you?»
They have no bed or couch for the spouse, the nurses seem to have an attitude. It’s ridiculous! I hate this place!

Balboa is hit or miss. I’ve been going to them for about four years now and you never know what kind of service you’ll get; average or pretty bad. I have epilepsy and after four years I’ve NEVER gotten to see a doctor, you’re assigned a nurse practitioner. They get the job done but I think that’s a little ridiculous. I’ve had to wait up to four hours for a refill in the pharmacy, about an hour & a half on a good day. I’d say the most frustrating thing is trying to get a regular appointment for any department. Usually there’s a 1 – 2 month waiting list.
The ER has been decent. The best service I’ve gotten was at 3:00 AM when I got seen within five minutes. I was in a lot of pain but for some reason I was seen before the guy across from me whose foot was bleeding badly and had clearly been waiting a long time. I was in a car accident about a year ago and they kept sending in therapists to try to get me to admit my injuries were from my husband hitting me. I guess they mean well but I was pretty clear that my husband was deployed!
I’ll keep going because it’s not AWFUL and we can’t afford other healthcare but I do recommend going to one of the Marine bases offices to get seen within a day or two.

I would give this hospital 10 stars if I could. I just delivered my daughter here end of July and this is my second baby. I had my first daughter in Oregon and that was a nightmare. This hospital was amazing. I’ve never been treated so well. After they moved me out of labor and delivery into my room. …Matt took care of me. Wow. If you get him as your nurse. …you scored. I will never forget the effort he made to make me comfortable. I can’t believe anyone would have a complaint about this place. 10 stars… thank you, thank you, thank you! !!!

Although the doctors have done right by me medically, the support staff is less than acceptable. They will not work with you to try to consolidate appointments. Some of us have jobs that can’t just be left unfilled while we are visiting the doctors. NO MATTER WHEN I CALL (even when I’m the first caller for the new month), they always say they have no appointments for dates that would work for me. Probably, that’s what they’re counting on.

I would love to give this place one star but I’m giving it two stars as I think a couple people there try. However, when my 7 month old for admitted there for an unknown medical condition with subsequent surgeries, the care was below par and we were not provided with the ability to send my son to Children’s. A week later we checked out of Balboa («they couldn’t figure out what was wrong so he must be fine»), drove to Children’s, he was admitted there and diagnosed/​treated immediately. Not stellar medical care and not a place I ever want to return too.

Unfortunately I ended up in the ER at balboa and went in (truthfully) with low expectations given the bad rap MTF have in military communities. I was seen fairly quickly, encountered empathetic nurses, PA interns and doctors through my whole stressful experience. They all took time to listen and provided exceptional care and follow up in the week after. I’m so very thankful that I was pleasantly surprised by the service of the ER. I have since returned for follow up at the OB clinic at this facility and my experience has remained a positive one.

My Family and I have been going here since the 80s. They have a gala that has inexpensive healthy food, food trucks, a subway and other vendors are available in the quad, McDonald’s and a mini Navy Exchange on the lower level.
Be prepared to come early and bring your patience, parking is difficult. Be early or bring an extra person to park for you.
They have wheelchairs and a concierge available curbside and shuttles available off site free of charge.

I would like to say thanks a lot to Dr.Soballe. He is the coolest doctor I ever seen in my life. He gives me hope and courage whenever I discuss with him. And gave me peaceful mind all the time. Thanks a lot, Doctor!
I would like to say thanks a lot to Dr. Gallus!
I would like to say thanks a lot to Miss. Libby McDonnell for your care and kindness. Thanks a lot to Miss. Laura R. Duffy and Mr. Rooney from plastic surgery department. And all the doctors and nurses who took care of me when I was in the hospital. I really thanks to you all from the bottom of my heart. I still alive because all of your help. I love this country and so proud to be a military family. We had a lot of opportunities in this country. God bless our troops! God bless U.S.A!

Government hospital. Typical.

I have been trying to get a hold of someone for weeks. I have never had someone pick up the phone under 40 minutes of wait time. Once they finally answer they tell me I need to go somewhere else where they pawn me off to another employee which to no surprise will then tell me they can’t help me and they send me back to the first guy. From there he will say oh that’s strange well let’s see what I can do for you. After being sent to 4 different people the piece of shit employee just hangs up on me. Literally just hangs up on me because he doesn’t want to help me.
Who the fuck does that
Worst possible employee.

I’m recently married to a navy sailor, and when it was time to enroll with tricare I was very skeptical.
I have tricare prime and must get a referral for all services I need. I went from kaiser to this plan, so it’s very similar, except I have never had such great service! Very appointment I get almost within a few days. No longer than a week. My primary care doctor is so kind, and she listens! I have had great experiences so far!

I had my first child at Balboa Naval Hospital. I have nothing but great things to say about the staff at the delivery ward and post maternity ward. The nurses, doctors. Midwives, corpsman and staff all introduced themselves to me and made me feel comfortable. They helped my husband and me with all questions, comments and concerns. They kept me updated at each stage of delivery. My triage midwife made me feel relaxed and at peace. The midwife who delivered my baby was polite, encouraging and supportive during my somewhat complicated delivery. She made sure I knew what was happening at all times!
The hospital environment was warm and cozy. Despite the uncomfortable chair/​bed my husband had to sleep on, the TV that was in our room was the perfect opportunity for him to relax and feel a bit more at home. The nurses all were polite and kind, sharing stories, giving practical advice, and helping our sweet baby.
If you are kind & polite to the staff they are sure to return the kindness!

I have to say the staff here are very professional and caring. You can tell the teams that are here work well with one another. I was here for 42 days between the maternity ward and the NICU and the staff and doctors all made me feel at home. I trust these doctors insight and was glad to have been transferred here after having my little one.
Hospital is always kept clean and there are lots of food options to choose from so you wont get bored of the same o thing. It’s pretty cool how the food trucks come in here also!
I can not thank the Maternity ward and NICU staff enough!

I’ve since had another baby at NMCSD. My experience was completely different the second time around. I did the centering classes for prenatal and I highly recommend that. You bond with other women that are pregnant and due around the same time as you and it’s definitely a more personal experience.
My birth was great. The midwife that was on call and the nurses were wonderful. They knew I had studied, planned and prepared for the birth I wanted (unmedicated VBAC) and they were there to support. We rocked the birth, my second son had a much better experience than my first. It’s all about who you have and I had the best team I could ask for. They went above and beyond, they were knowledgable and personable. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience!

Hospital is huge, clean, orderly and has secured facility. The hospital is situated on a hill that has a great view. The grounds and building were pristine and excellently maintained. Also, there is a check point prior to you getting up to park and there is staff to direct you. The staff that I encountered were super nice, helpful, and respectful. Amazing hospital.

I come to check out the guys in uniform. (just kidding! Maybe…)
I’ve been to this medical center numerous times and I’ve consistently had a good experience. The staff has been professional and friendly and the center is clean and open. You do have to know exactly where you are going or you are never going to find your doctor within all those different buildings. Tip: don’t wait at the pharmacy, they will mail your prescription to you if you are willing to wait a few days.