Word to the wise: don't criticize Dr. Christian Gallegos at Complete Spine & Sport. He'll ensure your ten year relationship with your doctor is severed immediately. He can't handle the slightest criticism about himself. He also can't handle the truth: that he doesn't care about his patients. He cares about money.
I've seen the same doctor for all those years, Dr. Robert Hall. Dr. Hall sold his practice and is now employed by the latest new owner. I was recently informed my hardship rate would nearly double. Cancer and multiple medical issues create a potent financial bind for most, and Dr. Hall understood that. The last owners understood that. Christian Gallegos doesn't, and isn't remotely interested in what your established relationships might be, what your financial needs are, or how desperately you need ongoing care with the actual good doctor that treated me when Christian was still a student in school.
He'll openly question you on not having the extra money he charges you, because it's incredulous to him that not everyone is as well to do as he is. He'll also deny he said that, because his ego is quite fragile. He'll tell you that you're the reason prior practices closed because they didn't charge you enough, then he'll try to clarify his own words like he didn't say them to your face. He'll confirm to you that he doesn't understand the first thing about equity or hardship, because universal pricing is important to him and individual situations don't matter (even though nearly every doctor makes exceptions for certain people in certain situations). Not this one. Don't try.
What he WILL do is cut you loose, deny everything he said, use his own paid staff as "credible witnesses", and move on to patients with thicker wallets and better insurance. Of course, he'll tell you that he takes Medicare now, but make sure you don't upset him. Kiss the ring on the way in and out his door, or you'll be referred right out of his practice.
There are better doctors than this. I've seen many, and trust me, I know. There are better facilities to get your care from. There are better partnerships to make then from a fledgling care center that's already trimming the poor and unhappy from his files, even if you don't even see him personally and the only reason you go at all is to continue the ten years with the ACTUAL good doctor that is now the employee there.
I'll miss you, Dr. Hall, I wish I could continue my ongoing care with you. But Doctor Palpatine just couldn't tolerate my presence after knowing I was upset with him for denigrating me to my face. read more
