During my first pregnancy I met with a few different OBs to find one that would support co-care (w/ a midwife) and honor my right to informed consent. After meeting with a couple of different OBs, I was starting to think I wouldn’t be able to find a doctor that supported my goals and plans for this birth. Finally, someone suggested I call Dr. Kohatsu’s office as she does support co-care. So, I called them and they confirmed she has no problem with that. I then waited five weeks to see her, and my husband and I were excited when the day finally arrived. We walked into her office, and noticed there was nothing about childbirth in the waiting room, instead it was all vaginal rejuvenation and cosmetic ads. When we finally met with the doctor, she spoke to us in such a condescending manner that we were immediately put off by her. She said she would NOT support co-care and suggested that we were “crazy” for pursuing care outside of the traditional medical model. She even tried to convince us to deliver at a hospital outside of my medical network because that’s where she would be at the time. My husband and I are open to dialogue and answering questions regarding the care we are seeking, however, the way Dr. Kohatsu approached us made us feel like she was talking down to us and as though she was quizzing us rather than having a healthy discussion. Dr. CutsYou, if you happen to read this, thank you. Thank you for turning us away from your model of care. You really helped us cement our goals and desires with this pregnancy and birth, and because of your poor bedside manner I decided to birth our son at home with our midwife present. We had a healthy baby boy in the comfort and safety of our own home, with zero complications, in eight hours. And no, I do not believe we just got “lucky” as you might say. Based on our conversation with you, I firmly believe that you would have pushed for interventions which would have resulted in complications, which you would have then treated. Doctors like you create the problem to solve the problem, and that is why the birth model needs to go back to basics.

I was extremely disappointed with how I was treated at my appointment with Dr Kohatsu. I have never left a doctors office in tears because of the way I was treated. I couldn’t ask any questions with out getting an attitude in response from her-as if I was inconveniencing her. I wasn’t allowed to say I was “confused” I could only say “I don’t understand” or she would interrupt me and “correct” me and tell me I was not confused. If I asked a question a term I haven’t heard she would stop and stare at me, then repeat it again dramatically slow. After that point, I stopped asking questions because of the responses I was getting. She hastily explained directions on what I should proceed to do but still did not initially try to help me with why I was there in the first place. Medication prescriptions were pushed at me. I was never given any other alternative and none were even discussed. She started scribbling instructions on the back of my lab results (not even in order or eligible) and then she walked out. I didn’t even know the appointment was over. I waited a few minutes and when she didn’t come back I walked out and the ma Vicky just said that was it....Vicky asked if I understood everything that Dr K had explained and Vicky further explained more in a polite demeanor. I couldn’t believe it...I specifically chose Dr Kohatsu because of the good reviews I read. Maybe I caught Dr Kohatsu on a bad day? I’m not sure the reasoning but patients should not be treated like they’re not cared about or that their an inconvenience. I shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions at my own appointment. We are all human and have bad days, I have been there and understand. But I think awareness should be made to these bad days, to help make sure there are fewer ones.

Dr. Kohatsu was the most professional medical doctor and physician I have ever had the pleasure of meeting in my life. My wife and I had to be rushed to the hospital after our birthing plan went haywire and Dr. Kohatsu and her entire staff and team of medical professionals and nurses met us immediately at the front door of the ER. They rushed us up to the delivery room and immediately began to assist with our birth in a cool, calm, collective manner. All of them knowing their exact roles and playing them perfectly. Dr. Kohatsu knew how to command the delivery and operating room as a general commands his men in war. After a successfull delivery and the birth of our first child we were all very emotional. Dr. Kohatsu and her team stayed with us for hours, talked with us, cried with us, prayed with us, comforted us, assured us, cared for us, hugged us, and continued care for us for months. I couldn't imagine the birth of our firstborn any other way. She and they have all truly made an everlasting impression in our minds and will be forever remembered and loved by us for saving our birth and lives, making it so much more worth living and forever being in their debt and being grateful to them for all they did for us that day. God bless you Dr. Karen Kohatsu and thank you again from the bottom of our hearts! Daniel and Deborah Karczewski

I am new to the San Diego area and was looking for an OBGYN that would be caring and attentive. I went to see Dr Kohatsu after reading of some local moms recommending her, and I couldn't have been happier with my decision. Her practice has expanded with esthetics treatments and they don't do prenatal care anymore. I waited a little bit while they finished a procedure before me, and was worried that would mean I'd be rushed. I couldn't have been more wrong. Dr Kohatsu was as loving, kind, patient and informative as I needed her to be about a delicate and personal matter. She warmed up the room as soon as she walked in, took the time to sit with me, listen, ask questions, and genuinely cared to make me feel at ease. She was reassuring, spoke calmly and confidently, and I left feeling supported and empowered. Thank you Dr Kohatsu, you made my whole day! :)

Help for Elderly Incontinence. Who knew at age 87 this was possible at my mother-n-laws age. She has lived with a prolapsed bladder for decades. She just lived with it and the incontinence. Wanting to give her a better quality life along with her elderly struggles, I brought her in today, where Dr. Kohatsu performed a very quick painless procedure in the office on her. Unfortunately my mothernlaw had stopped going to the obgyn over a decade ago, and didn't realize her situation could be helped. The staff was so comforting and sweet to her, putting her 87 mind at rest (she was nervous) So grateful for this office, the staff, and doctor have treated myself as well in the past & currently. They have been life changing. Highly recommend this office

From day 1 Dr. Kohatsu made me feel like pregnancy was going to be a walk in the park. She was always so calm and reassuring during each visit, despite my anxiousness since this was my first child. I always knew she was a great Gynecologist but she was AMAZING during our birth experience at Pomerado Hospital. She made us feel like family and even came to visit the next day on her day off. Dr. Kohatsu - my husband, our baby and I love you from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you so much for everything.

Best Dr. a girl could ever have! personable yet professional, easy to talk to and makes you feel very comfortable and informed. She has delivered two of my babies and helped me through one very sad and scary emergency ectopic pregnancy as well as 2 tubal remover surgeries. She also did my sons circumcision after he was born. I have traveled from Ramona and now Valley Center just to keep her as my Dr. ...SHE IS THE BEST OF THE BEST and as long as I live in San Diego she will be my OB/GYN!

I do not recommend Dr. Kohatsu. I was supposed to have an ultrasound 6 months ago because of frequent tumors. I called to remind them to send me the information. Spoke with her nurse Vicky and she said she would have the ultrasound people call me. Two weeks later I haven’t heard from them. I could’ve had cancer and be on my deathbed. Dr. Kohatsu and her staff are incompetent and do not follow up on urgent healthcare needs of their patients. For this reason I will find a new obgyn.

My experience with Dr. Kohatsu and her staff has been outstanding! The C02 laser is a game changer. My skin looks amazing. I would highly recommend this treatment to anyone that is considering it. I am in my 60's and the result is unbelievable! A sprinkle of botox and now having a tattoo removed. Dr. Kohatsu has a wonderful energy that is comforting and professional. Thank you!!

I love Dr.kohatsu. I wouldn't want any other Dr helping me through my pregnancy. My past two births have been through a different dr, but after finding dr kohatsu I couldn't go back. Her assistants are really nice and yes sometimes they get a little backed up with the wait time but Dr.k is a jack of many trades. Should show you how good she is at what she does

I am here to see Dr. Kohatsu again today. As always, staffs are friendly, Vicky is really nice, and Doctor Kohatsu is exception; she is calm and tentative, and took her time to listen and answers all my concerns. Great doctor, friendly staffs. Doctor spends time listened to my concerns. Would definitely refer to family and friends.

I really like this office, and have been a patient for three years. Everyone from the front desk to the nurses and doctor are caring and kind. Easy to schedule appointments and I never feel like I have to wait too long to see the doctor. Dr. Kohatsu has a great bedside manner and always engages me in conversation.

Dr. Kohatsu is a truly amazing Doctor. She is compassionate and has the best REAL bed side manner. When you have questions she is happy to take the time to answer them and so is her assistant. I am a CMA so I know doctors, she is top notch. Thanks DR.

Very friendly staff. Very quick responses to phone calls voicemails etc. brought son in for circumcision and they did a great job! Very little upset from him and doctor explained the whole procedure which was very appreciated. Would recommend!

We had such a great experience with Dr. Kohatsu. She was really wonderful in helping us to navigate our first baby's birth and was amazing with our second, as well. We wouldn't go to anyone else in the San Diego area.

Dr. Kohatsu has a sweet and calming presents. She was very attentive and asked me if I had any questions multiple times. She even taught me a few things. I recommended her to all my closest friends already!

a wonderful warm caring office.The Emsella chair for male and female incontinence is an amazing adjunct for this challenge.Service provided to male and female patients

De Kohatsu is the best! Very caring and understanding. Always make you feel comfortable and at ease. Knows her job very well. I would never want anyone else!

Excellent service!! Customer service and professionalism at its highest. We will never forget what they have done for our family. They went above and beyond.

Amazing service. Kind. Patient. Realistic. Dr. Kohatsu is amazing!! Go!! You won’t be disappointed!! It’s all true!! Her consult is amazing!!

Very friendly and knowledgeable about everything. Easy to talk to, she really listens and asks lots of questions.

Dr. Kohatsu is amazing, wonderful and very caring doctor.