Michael Rutman, DO

NO bedside manner; makes you feel like you are bothering him when you ask questions and advocate for your own care. Don’t bother arriving on time or early… they book 2 – 3 patients for the same time slot so about all you do is wait for lousy medical care. Sitting in waiting room I overheard a staff member on the (speaker!!) phone discussing another patient with someone… very violating.

I went to this office once and paid my bill on time. Two months later, I got a bill saying I never paid and payment was late. I looked up the check online and it had been paid already. I guess they need to recheck their billing. Wasn’t wowed by the service, and definitely not wowed by the billing department.

I have been seeing Dr. Rutman for about 8 years. He has always seen me within 10 minutes of my arrival. I see him at his La Jolla office. He has even managed to get me in on short notice (same day). Try that with your HMO. I have always found his staff helpful, courteous and accommodating. I have been to all of his offices and have found that the best place to show up is La Jolla. Much quicker in and out times.

I fundamentally disagree with the two previous posts. Dr. Rutman has been my primary care physician for almost ten years now. And his expertise and specialized care are why I am still a loyal patient. Although wait times may be longer than expected, I truly believe that both Dr. Rutman and his staff are committed to providing excellent care to any patient that walks through the door. Andrea, the office manager, has time and time gone out of her way to make sure that my test results are received on time, or that if there is a billing problem, that it is resolved promptly.
It is rare these days to find a physician dedicated to their patients well being and not merely interested in financial return. Dr. Rutman is this exception. I highly recommend!

This place is run like a factory with appointments always double or triple booked. Dr. Rutman comes off as socially inept, which may be a byproduct of the fact he always has 5 other patients waiting on him in other rooms. (or it could be Asperger’s Syndrome?) He does not like you to ask questions and in fact appears psychologically threatened by inquiry or attempt to understand his thought process or failed past treatments.
The entire office looks like a pharmaceutical marketing hell. I can guarantee that if there are a variety of prescriptions for a given condition, you will always walk out with one for the company that has a poster on the wall. I’ve never seen such a blatant and shameless display of branded marketing posters, pads, clipboards, clocks, exam table paper, diagrams, models. If you can’t afford it, just get out of the business. please!