Poway Women's Care – San Diego, Rancho Bernardo: An In-Depth Review

As a seasoned reviewer of healthcare and wellness establishments, I understand just how vital it is for patients to find a women’s healthcare practice that combines clinical excellence with compassionate service. Poway Women’s Care, located in the Rancho Bernardo area of San Diego, is a well-known clinic that promises comprehensive women’s health services. But does it deliver on its promises? Here’s an in-depth look at what you can expect from this clinic, based on available information, customer reviews, and overall industry standards.

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Essential Information

Address:
11939 Rancho Bernardo Rd UNIT 110, San Diego, CA 92128, United States

Phone Number:
+1 858-618-1156

Website:
No official website available at this time.

Opening Hours:
– Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
– Saturday & Sunday: Closed

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Services Offered

Poway Women’s Care appears to offer a range of gynecological and women’s health services, including:

– Routine wellness exams
– Birth control consultations and prescription management
– Surgical procedures such as salpingectomy
– Cosmetic treatments (e.g., CoolSculpting, Botox, fillers)
– Lab orders and diagnostic procedures

While the clinic does not maintain an official website, reviews suggest a balance between traditional gynecological care and aesthetic services.

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First Impressions and Facility

The clinic is housed in a modern medical office building in the Rancho Bernardo area, a convenient location for North San Diego residents. The office is accessible and reportedly clean and professional, though some reviews mention extended wait times and scheduling challenges.

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Staff and Practitioners

Key Practitioners

– Dr. Karen Kohatsu – OB/GYN, noted for performing surgical procedures
– Deana Buan – Praised for supportive care
– Vicky – Recognized for excellence in CoolSculpting and cosmetic services

The office staff receives mixed reviews, with some patients praising their warmth and professionalism, while others have cited negative experiences with customer service, especially over the phone.

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Patient Experiences: Highlights and Concerns

Positive Feedback

Several patients describe their experiences at Poway Women’s Care as supportive and kind. Deana, in particular, is repeatedly highlighted for her supportive approach, and the cosmetic services, including CoolSculpting performed by Vicky, receive high praise for professionalism and patient care.

> “Vicky was superb!!! She explained the process and walked me through everything…She is such a sweet soul and you can tell she loves the patients…”
> – Satisfied Patient

> “Everyone I have encountered here is caring, kind, and professional. I don’t want to go anywhere else for my women’s healthcare!”
> – Satisfied Patient

Negative Feedback

Unfortunately, not all reviews are glowing. Several patients report significant issues with administrative processes and billing, as well as unsatisfactory interactions with Dr. Kohatsu:

– Billing Issues: Multiple patients report being incorrectly billed for services, facing challenges with insurance claims, and receiving little assistance from office management to resolve these issues. One patient even faced the threat of collections due to billing errors.
– Communication and Sensitivity: Some patients felt that Dr. Kohatsu did not engage in adequate dialogue, failed to review charts before appointments, and did not practice trauma-informed care—an important consideration in women’s health.
– Prescription Management: There are accounts of prescription mismanagement, with patients needing to follow up repeatedly to ensure refills are processed.
– Wait Times and Customer Service: Several reviews cite long wait times (over an hour) and disrespectful or unhelpful interactions with front office staff.

> “I received multiple invoices for an appointment paid for in person in the office, but I’m now being threatened to be sent to collections by Labcorp for north of $600 for three separate tests!”
> – Dissatisfied Patient

> “She does not go through verbal consent or even give a knee touch before placing the speculum directly inside you. This is just awful practice, especially for a doctor who will frequently work with victims of sexual trauma.”
> – Concerned Patient

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Pros and Cons at a Glance

Pros:
– Range of women’s health and cosmetic services
– Some practitioners and staff members are praised for their supportive care
– Modern office and convenient location
– Accepts insurance for routine exams (though billing issues have been reported)

Cons:
– Significant billing and administrative difficulties reported
– Reports of lack of trauma-informed and LGBTQIA+ friendly care
– Occasional long wait times
– No official website for more information or online scheduling

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Tips for Potential Patients

1. Double-Check Billing: Carefully review all bills and insurance claims; keep copies of payments and request written confirmations.
2. Ask for Trauma-Informed Care: If you require trauma-informed or LGBTQIA+ friendly care, discuss this with the staff ahead of your appointment.
3. Arrive Early: Be prepared for potential wait times.
4. Prescription Management: Monitor your prescription status and follow up proactively to avoid lapses.
5. Contact Information: Save the clinic’s phone number and confirm your appointment details in advance.

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Final Verdict

Poway Women’s Care provides a range of services for women in San Diego’s Rancho Bernardo area, blending gynecological care with cosmetic offerings. While many patients have had positive experiences—especially with certain staff members and cosmetic procedures—the clinic’s reputation is marred by administrative and billing issues, as well as concerns over the interpersonal approach of at least one practitioner.

If you are considering Poway Women’s Care, weigh the positive reviews against the negative accounts, especially regarding sensitive care needs and financial transparency. For those seeking specialized, trauma-informed, or LGBTQIA+ inclusive care, it may be worth consulting with the office beforehand or exploring other local options.

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Contact Information for Appointments:
Poway Women’s Care
11939 Rancho Bernardo Rd UNIT 110, San Diego, CA 92128
Phone: +1 858-618-1156

*Note: No official website; call for information or to schedule an appointment.*

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Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5 based on user reviews, with significant variation in experience)