Benjamin Johnson, MD

I have been with Dr Johnson for the past 8 years and he has been excellent every visit and takes however much time is needed to make sure and address all my concerns. He does what seems to be rare these days, he listens! I like that he takes my concerns and gives me very balanced perspectives so that I can make the right decision for myself. I am someone who takes very good care of myself, exercising every day, measuring the quality of my sleep with an oura ring and eating healthy whole foods 80% of the time... so I don't have any prescriptions except synthroid and I'm looking to keep it that way. Dr Johnson has never pushed medical interventions on me and supports my lifestyle modifications to keep my health optimal, but when medication is advisable, he will tell me what the risks are on both sides so I can make the right choice for myself. Such an empowering doc! I really appreciate him.

I switched doctors and it was the first time seeing Dr. Johnson. The visit was for a physical, but the only thing he "physically" checked was my heart beat. He didn't perform the typical physicals that I was use to getting from other doctors such as...testing my reflexes, checking my ears, my eyes, my throat. When he ordered my lab work, he didn't order a urine test.?!?!. Not sure why he chose to neglect these standard procedures because I was a new patient. He did like to talk though, and to be fair I thought he was thorough in some respects when talking to me about my lab results. He was late to my appointment about 20 minutes or so (not terribly late) but this was consistent with other reviews so it seems that this should be expected every tome you have an appointment. Not sure if he really is a good doctor or not but he didn't satisfy my expectations.

The best doctor of my 60+ year-old life

He took the time to answer my questions and explained the procedures and consequences.

No - he will not refill the prescription you need that your previous doctor filled no problem because you need it. No - he is not "comfortable" performing any procedure you need - he will refer you for that even though every other IM physician can do it. No No No - can't do! That's what he tells you after he keeps you waiting for ages. Does not compare to Dr. Fan, who he was supposed to replace. Dr. Fan was a way better physician.

This is the NO doctor. No he can't renew your prescription you need and have had for years. No he doesn't do the treatment you need. No he cant give shots. But yes - he will frustrate you and waste your time, leaving you sick and having to go see another doctor

He took his time to examine me, and took his time to explain how the body could be working to cause the symptoms that I was having. Quick to get an appointment since he is new at scripps.

Dr Johnson replaced my previous wonderful doctor at Scripps Clinic. I have been to see him three times now. Each time I have left without any help, only to hear him say he is not comfortable to give advice other than deal with it and give it time. Once he said he was not qualified to to a do a basic procedure. Twice I went from his office to the urgent care across the street to get the medical attention I needed, where they helped me right away and didn't feel the need to make me suffer for another week when a pill could (and did) take my pain away quickly. He is frustrating to deal with, doesn't care about the fact that you are not feeling good and has no interest in his patients whatsoever. Never going back to him. He is the worst doctor I have ever encountered in my life. What was Scripps thinking hiring a doctor who refuses to do anything to help his patients and instead tells his patients he can't help them because he does not feel competent or qualified to practice as an… internal medicine doctor?

I waited before commenting on this doctor to make sure my feelings were not overwhelming my assessment. Even still, I cannot be more positive about this doctor. I feel like giving the lowest possible rating but I will round up to 2 because he did have some decent ideas and points. Little use though since the follow-through was not there. I won't go as far as to say it was on purpose, but what transpired made me (and other clinicians!) wonder what happened to "first, do no harm". I would have to go into too much detail of our specific medical situation to explain that. I was not dealt the best hand when it comes to health so between myself and family I have been to countless medical appointments and procedures and am all too familiar with the healthcare system. I have a lot of clinician colleagues and friends due to my background (PhD in biomed engineering, working in biotech). Overall, I am realistic in my expectations. I know drs can't work miracles. I know they don't all have… answers. I know they are under a lot of pressure. I'm not looking for perfection, or coddling or hugs. I just don't think it's too much to expect to feel that my physician cares whether I live or die.

One of the very best doctors I have encountered.