Dr. Philip Balikian, MD

It has been 5 years from the botched Achilles surgery performed by Dr. Belikian and I am still suffering. He was above his skill level when he attempted to repair my Achilles. I take the responsibility and admit I should have done more research to find a specialized surgeon, but being in an HMO my primary Dr. gave me a referral to Balikian. His incision was over 8 inches long (most are 3-5 from what I have been told when talking to other Orthopedic surgeons) and within 3 days from the surgery I had a raging infection. Dr Balikian and his staff did not manage the infection properly and I went to the wound clinic. The wound clinic had me to an infectious disease Dr. the same day and for the next 30 days I had a picc line implanted to my heart in order to directly send antibiotics into my body. It took over 9 months for the incision to close. If you need an Achilles repair I hope you will research better than I did.

Dr.B is amazing and his staff the Same ! I struggle with RA and Dr.Balakian and his team have always taken care of me with a professional and family feeling all a once.!!!

If you live in North County of San Diego, do NOT EVER let Dr. Balikian operate on you. Five years ago, while he attempted to fix a torn meniscus, he tore FIVE of my tendons, including my ACL!!! Four months of non-stop pain, I sat by a man at a sushi bar. As we started talking, he turned out to be THE ortho surgeon that EVERYONE told me about, after Dr. Butcher/Balikain. The #1 ortho surgeon is Dr. James Bried, Poway, CA After Dr. Bried, repaired the work that Dr. Butcher/Balikien did, I had zero pain, swelling or need for codeine for the first time in FOUR months.

Dr. Balikian analyzed my condition (using a very necessary and revealing MRI), and made a thorough evaluation of my condition He explained his findings; the possible options for treatment of my knee; and answered my questions and concerns . I feel he helpfully involved me in his analysis and conclusions. Of course, as the expert, his thoughts and conclusions etc. were basically dispositive. There are options for treatment of my knee that he explained clearly and gave me the relevant facts to make an informed decision regarding how to proceed with the treatment of my knee. He spoke directly and did not muddle his explanation with extraneous facts and opinions. Everything was done in a reasonable way. I must also note that my primary care physician, Dr. Meram, has been supportive and has taken actions that have helped to mitigate the pain and discomfort in my knee.

I saw him after an MRI on my back, I have had constant pain not only in my back, but whole body pain. He didn't read my MRI, he just read the written report. He told me he wouldn't touch my back with a ten foot pole, it is too messed up. He suggested shots (I don't think they would help since I have all over body pain) and excercize (I did have six months of pysical therapy which didn't help) He showed no compassion, I had the feeling he just wanted to get rid of me as quickly as possible. He seems to be the only Dr. who has been trained in problems such as mine, and so I get no help except pain pills. I would like someone to take the time to explain to me what I can and cannot do in order to protect my spine from further collapse.

Dr. Balikian has been exceptional and was able to find a surgery date for me very quickly and was able to accommodate my schedule for a full knee replacement. His staff, especially Vickie, has been wonderful and has explained everything to me. Vickie was also instrumental in scheduling my walker, got me a temporary handicap parking permit, and made sure I had all information for the big day. My surgery went without a hitch and I am currently working with a PT to stretch out all of my ligaments and tendons so that I have as full range of motion as possible. My post-op appointment is in a few days where I will have more X-rays taken and my stitches taken out. Dr. Balikian has been wonderful and his bedside manner is energetic and he explained everything very well to me. There were no surprises and the process went like clock work.

My 16 year old son had a knee scope done by Dr. Balikian in which he repaired a torn meniscus. The quality of care my son received from all of the staff was exceptional. They were all so kind and caring which made my son's first surgery less scary. Yesterday was my son's post-op appointment and he is healing very well. There is no swelling and very little pain. Thank you Dr. Balikian and staff!

Great experience. Great doctor!