James P Hatfield, DPM

I hesitate to say anything negative unless I feel very strongly about it. Dr. Hatfield is a nice person, his office staff is very nice and really good about getting you in for an appointment, but I wouldn’t recommend him. He doesn’t seem to stay abreast of the latest treatments, and he lacks problem-​solving ability when it comes to chronic issues such as plantar plate tears, plantar fasciitis, etc.
I thought he was great at the first visit, and even recommended him to a friend, but then realized his abilities are limited. My friend went to him with plantar fasciitis and came away as frustrated as I was (and even spent hundreds on orthotics only to find out that they were terrible from another provider).
I had a plantar tear and his treatment failed to even begin with step 1, a plantar pad. He tried to fix my current orthotics to do something similar, but it was ineffective and I went in several times to have him redo it. He’s not particularly thorough and really won’t give you the info you need unless you prompt him (are there stretches? what sorts of activities can’t I do? how long will this take to heal? what are my options?). After wasting several weeks seeing him, I went to someone else and a simple plantar pad and taping made all the difference – I was on the mend within a week. The time seeing Dr. Hatfield cost me a few hundred dollars, but worse, a few months of my time that could’ve been spent healing rather than getting worse.
He doesn’t seem to have any problem-​solving ability nor a desire to look for solutions (other than laser – which is not backed up by much solid research as a treatment). This is inexcusable nowadays.
I’m sure he means well and he’s conscious about cost and doesn’t push surgery or expensive options – that’s a plus. Perhaps 20 years ago he was great when he was a bit more current and perhaps enthusiastic. Sadly, I think it’s time to retire.
Don’t waste your time and money here, go elsewhere.

Dr. Hatfield was terrific.
I had seen other podiatrist before and did not receive a proper diagnosis. I was very satisfied with diagnosis and the orthotics he designed to accommodate a slightly larger metatarsal.
Very professional and efficient.

Dr Hatfield is great. I feel very blessed that I was referred to him by UCSD for my foot problems. I had total big toe joint replacements on both feet six days ago. I felt very comfortable because he listened to me and is very experienced and skilled. I was in excellent hands and am healing very well. When looking into surgical options and reading all the bad outcomes and stories online you will see that having a good Doctor is the number one indicator of having a good outcome! Dr. Hatfield is great and the Center for Surgery of Encinitas facility and staff were great as well. Good luck!

Why didn’t I find Dr. Hatfield earlier? After already having two invasive surgeries on my heel, and not having pain relief, here is a doctor with conservative but real alternatives to surgery, for me to try. Unfortunately for me, I will be accomplishing in the wrong order. This doctor is very attentive to your needs, and fully explains his recommendations. It is clear that he truly cares about his patients, and has their best interest in mind.

I was referred to Dr. Hatfield by my primary care physician after being seen by another Podiatrist in the medical group. I have to say I was a little fearful of seeing another foot doctor due to my past experience at my PCP office, with ingrown toenails. I must say that I’m very pleased with the staff and with Dr. Hatfield. He had surgerically removed four ingrown areas on 4 toes. My toes were put to sleep and never once did I feel any sticks from the needles. We discussed the procedure that would take place and Dr.
Hatfield clearally explained everything before he got started.
I’m so impressed with the staff who were very helpful and with Dr. James Hatfield. He is very likeable, informative and caring Physician. I would recommed Dr. Hatfield to others and give them a 10 out of 10 rating. Thank you Dr. Hatfield I look forward to seeing you next week for my follow –up appointments. Best regards DianaB

I had really bad left foot pain, and I could hardly walk. I went and saw Dr. Hatfield and he did X-​rays and put me in a cast boot. Dr. Hatfield was very helpful, kind and I he is very knowledgeable. He takes the time to understand where your pain is. I would go back to him in a heartbeat and I recommend him to others. His office staff is great and very friendly, they make it easy to schedule your appointment.

I have brought both my teenage sons to see Dr. Hatfield to have a procedure done for ingrown toenails. He chemically cauterized them so they would not come back. He was very personable, and I could tell he really cared about the patient. His front office staff were also very helpful. They were able to tell me exactly what the procedure would cost after insurance, when another podiatrist in the area could not! If you have a foot issue, this is the doctor you want.