LOOK ELSEWHERE FOR A PAIN SPECIALIST, THIS IS NOT YOUR GUY! I went to see Dr. Dobecki's office because I have been dealing with a back injury and back pain for many of years. In going to his office, I was told to start with a steroid shot, likely that would help with the pain for a few months. Shortly after I went to Sharp to have the injection done, and nothing. The pain was still there, and my back felt no relief. After another month had passed and the pain did not subside, it was suggested to me that I go in for a two-step process. First step, to have a numbing shot done that mimicked what an ablation of the nerves would ultimately do and make sure that procedure was the correct one for me. Shortly after I was back at the Hospital again to have the numbing shot done, I still have not seen Dr. Dobecki face-to-face, each time he walks in after I have already been on my stomach laying down and medicated. Because of him not coming in to speak with me before or after the procedure, he did not explain to me any side effects or things to watch out for after having a needle inserted into my spinal area. Well, two days later we found out the hard way. While looking at homes with my Fiancé and his mother, I suddenly hit the ground with the worst headache I have ever experienced in my life; the pain was so intense that it was also making me vomit. Back to Hospital we went, without knowledge from Dr. Dobecki that this something that could happen after having any type of epidural, we all feared that it was a brain aneurism, nothing else could possibly hurt that bad. After being checked in at the ER and having a CAT scan done, they admitted me to the Hospital. Three days of being there, plus an MRI, MRA and MRB all being performed on me to figure out what was going on, they FINALLY figured out it was due to a lumbar puncture hole left by Dr. Dobecki. When a lumbar puncture is left in the spinal area your spinal fluid leaks out, once enough spinal fluid has left from around your brain it creates the exact side effects that I was experiencing. Why would a DOCTOR not tell you nor send paperwork home with you stating anything about this as a possible side effect? I have now received a $5,000 bill from the Hospital that could have been completely avoided as well as another bill from Dr. Dobecki’s office for an additional $450 for a shot that I had already paid for at the Hospital. Furthermore, I called the office to see if and what they were willing to do to help with this crazy set of circumstances and the answer was, nothing. I am now in debt $5,450 from his office, my back does not feel ANY better and there is nothing I can do about it because I will need to pay off this bill before I can afford to see someone else to help. Save yourself, save your money and see someone else!

Submitted Dec. 21, 2020

I have to agree with one of the others making a posting. I have been in extreme pain for several months and got a referral to Dr. Dobecki about 3 weeks ago and I am still waiting for an appointment. I have made a dozen phone calls to his office trying to get an appointment scheduled. All I get is that they will check into it and someone will get back to me. You would think that knowing patients are coming to him because of the need for immediate relief he would have a staff that was more responsive to his patients. I am totally disgusted and depressed.

Submitted June 24, 2015

Submitted Aug. 8, 2014

Dr. Dobecki is a great doctor, but his staff is horrible about returning calls and helping to get procedures done in a timely manner. You have to make several follow up calls to get anything done. If you want something done, you really have to stay on them or you will just continue to suffer. They seem to be overwhelmed with work/patients and it is only a matter of time until I will have to switch again due to the slow service and them being inundated with patients. It takes months to get procedures set up and rarely will you get a returned phone call the same day.

Submitted Jan. 3, 2014

I found Dr. Dobecki very knowledgeable and helpful. I had already tried physical therapy for my neck pain so went with the intention of receiving epidural injections. He didn't try to force me into them - actually told me the risks and benefits and said if I needed more time to think about it to wait and just give him a call if/when I was ready. I ended up getting two injections over a several month period and he actually suggested waiting before receiving a third after I had a flare-up. I also liked that when told him I was going to start getting acupuncture and he didn't badmouth eastern medicine and said it can benefit some people. Overall seemed caring and made sure all my questions were answered. Sometimes he ran late but not ridiculously so.

Submitted May 29, 2013

I've been going to Dr Dobecki almost 3 years for pain management, and I think he's a great provider to have on my team. He has treated me with nothing but respect, and always let's me be apart of my treatment plan. He has never forgotten my difficult to pronounce name and he has excellent bedside manners. I have followed him to his new office move in Sorrento Valley. Everyone has different experiences, but my experience with him has been exceptional and I have had surgeries, disabiliy claims, leave of absences from work that he has supported.I have never been over charged or suspected anything dishonest. I trust his professional examinations and his current staff at Coastal Pain. He has always made time to return my calls within reasonable time. Also the drug/urine testing has grown on me knowning Dr Dobecki is just complying with regulations. That makes me trust him more! And if I'm doing what I'm supposed to do, there's no issues! He's a wonderful doctor, give him an opportunity!

Submitted Jan. 21, 2013

DR needs bedside manner training. he sees dollar signs when he sees you, that is only needle time, where he wont even say hello until, you speak to him, been a patient for 1yr. not anymore. also forgot my name while doing my procedure. only seen him 4 times, in 1yr, 2 office visits. they sent me to his PA every month for follo-up, and medication. never see him. staff accused me of missing appt. charged my 25.00. told me of 1 morning at 9am saying that i wont be seen because i had an 8am appt. which was wrong. the woman was very combative, had me in tears. finally said they said they confused mw with someone else, then gave me a starbucks gift card for 5.00. DR doesnt care, great guy to talk to upon meeting him after that he only does needles. not patients. Dont go to him. Or also kept charging for services not given

Submitted Oct. 21, 2011

dr, is good, sometimes he is hard to get hold of. staff is friendly. makes you take urine tests upon appts. dont like that makes you feel that they dont trust you. otherwise meds easy to get, pain under control. i trust him

Submitted June 21, 2011