Excellent shoulder surgery! Thank you! Great office staff. Short wait time. Blessing!

At age 70, last August, I went "grass-surfing" and fell while weed-whacking dry grass on a steep slope. I went to the ER after a several weeks of discomfort and was found to have a torn rotator cuff (a large tear). Once my case was referred to Dr. Lichtman, things happened pretty quick. After surgery, I spent 6 weeks in a sling and then started physical therapy. Since June, 5 months after surgery, I've returned to full range of motion, my strength is back enough to reengage in maintaining my 3 acres (carefully)... and I'm pain free. In my surgery, Dr. Lichtman did multiple repairs for the tear, bone spurs and early-stage arthritis. I had four follow-up visits with him (not his staff) where he assessed my progress and answered questions. I couldn't be more pleased with the entire process, including Sutter Health's staff, facilities, process... and my physical therapist, Eric P. THANKS! read more

PLEASE TRAIN YOUR FRONT OFFICE STAFF! The woman who checked me in today was abrupt, curt, and matter-of-fact. She lead with the threat I would not be allowed to see the doctor, and again threatened a second time before she did any research or verification. (I have been an office manager in a General Surgeon's office and LTC Consulting Firm for over 35 years, and have trained many receptionists, assistants, and back office staff.) While driving to my appointment, I had been stopped for construction for 12 a minute wait, then got stuck behind a rock hauler going 20 mph for 10 miles. I CALLED THE OFFICE WHILE WAITING IN TRAFFIC as a courtesy to let them know I would be "on time or a minute or two late, but I'm coming". I had planned to be there 15 minutes early as requested. When I arrived, the Front Desk receptionist threatened to not let me be seen as I was TWO MINUTES LATE--despite my courtesy phone call and unavoidable delays--because I supposedly had 15 minutes worth of paperwork to fill out. Her next reason to deny my visit was she claimed I needed an X-ray before a doctor would consult with me--News to me! I have carpal tunnel--I had the required pre-testing before my consult. Why would I need an X-ray?! I told her I would need to discuss it with the doc because an X-ray is not warranted for my Dx. Her abrupt and haughty manner is more my complaint as well as the office policy of denying care for being 2 minutes late. After she finally graced me with permission to be seen, she handed me two short papers which took me a total of 20 seconds to date, time, and sign. So wait... its okay if they require 15 minutes of MY time for a 20 second signature and then sit around for 14 minutes, but when I'm 2 minutes late they threaten not to see me? I was so put off that I strongly considered just leaving and just driving the distance to see my previous Orthopod in Placerville, and I almost did walk out. It seemed they were looking for reasons not to see me anyway. So my advice to that receptionist: VERIFY bad news before gently discussing it with the patient--don't lead with it. Certainly don't give multiple threats until you verify. And do it with tact, empathy, and a careful choice of words. TACT is the ability to tell the truth in a way that considers other people's feelings and reactions. Then, use EMPATHY and emotional intelligence to connect with people, and to see things from their perspective. And thirdly, your choice of words and body language can influence how others perceive your message. It doesn't take any extra time to be kind and courteous, only preparation and care on your part. If you don't get training, watch a couple YouTube videos for great ideas on what phrases and words work best for your situation. Be the best and aim high! Anyway, the wait time to be called back was reasonable, (so I hadn't kept them waiting) the Back Office staff was GREAT! They get both of my stars. My visit with the doc was also good--he agreed with my simple carpal tunnel dx and treatment plan, I verified with him that X-rays were not warranted, he went over the procedure and I was done. I'm glad I didn't leave, but note from one Office Manager to another: TRAIN YOUR FRONT OFFICE STAFF! read more

Super Great orthopedic pain care with quality and caring!! I find that it is well worth the drive to Auburn.

Dr. Lichtman is amazing! He replaced/repaired my ACL 1.5 years ago. As an elder, non-athletic patient, he worked a miracle. Today, my knee feels as it did pre-injury: strong, flexible, full range of motion, stable, full functioning, and pain free. I expected to experience joint and/or flexibility issues post surgery and rehabilitation, but no. My post surgery knee is amazing. I'm thankful I elected surgery and even more thankful Dr. Lichtman was my surgeon. Dr. Lichtman is very personable, attentive, compassionate, and caring. He has a very communicative and educational approach. My pre/post surgery experience: After reviewing my injury, Dr. Lichtman presented the findings and several alternatives to restore my knee. He explained each alternative and the expected short and long term outcomes. Then, we discussed my choices. Post surgery, Dr. Lichtman's at home and physical therapy rehabilitation program helped me restore the full functionality of my knee. Pre-surgery, I presented Dr. Lichtman with an unusual request to use a special donor's tissue and he was able to accommodate my request. For that he will always hold a very special place in my heart. read more

The staff at Auburn Orthopedics is without compassion or empathy. Possibly the doctors do not know what is taking place in their front office, however if they do shame on them. Be prepared for "take a ticket and talk the hand" service and care taking. How embarrassing to have the representatives of their staff reflect the attitude's of these ladies. Yes, I did encountered a small culture of uncaring individuals in this office had infected all. read more

I had recent wrist surgery with dr. Lichtman. It was really a positive experience. From start to finish he has been professional, knowledgeable, an excellent communicator, and possesses a wonderful sense of humor. I am an aging old athlete and as such have experienced several orthopedic doctors over the years. Therefore I think I'm qualified, as a patient, to render this opinion. read more