From ClearChoice Spokesperson to Completely Abandoned Patient. Unbelievable…read more
If this is how ClearChoice New Orleans treats an existing ClearChoice patient, I would strongly encourage prospective patients to reconsider where they spend their money.
Approximately 12 years ago, I had my dental implants completed at ClearChoice in San Diego. My experience was exceptional. In fact, I was so pleased with the results that I appeared in a ClearChoice infomercial that ran for more than THREE YEARS.
Let that sink in. I literally helped promote this company.
Fast-forward to today. I live in New Orleans, travel extensively, and recently noticed a small crack in my lower implant bridge. Nothing catastrophic. Just a repair that needed professional attention.
Naturally, I contacted ClearChoice New Orleans. Same company. Same brand. Seemed reasonable, right?
Apparently, that was my first mistake.
Here's how the next TWO WEEKS unfolded:
First call: The receptionist couldn't schedule an appointment because the scheduler was at lunch. I was promised a return call. Interestingly, I had to volunteer my phone number so they could actually call me back.
Nobody called.
Second call: I called again the following day. This time, I was told they needed my original dental records before they could even schedule an appointment. Fine. I contacted ClearChoice San Diego, completed the authorization, and had the records sent that very day.
Third call: Three days later, after hearing absolutely nothing, I called AGAIN. Now I was told the doctor needed to review my records and apparently doesn't like repairing another dentist's work.
Excuse me?
This isn't some mystery dental work performed in a back alley. These are ClearChoice implants, originally installed by ClearChoice, and I'm contacting CLEARCHOICE for help.
I explained that I wasn't claiming a defect, requesting warranty coverage, or expecting anything for free. These implants are approximately 12 years old. I understand that things wear, crack, and occasionally need maintenance.
I WAS READY AND WILLING TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR.
Still nothing.
Another week passed. No appointment. No meaningful update. No solution.
Finally, after nearly TWO WEEKS of chasing this office, I left yet another message explaining that I simply needed someone to help me.
And what was the brilliant solution offered by the receptionist?
I SHOULD CONSIDER FLYING BACK TO SAN DIEGO TO HAVE IT REPAIRED.
I'm sorry. WHAT?
So, after two weeks of unanswered follow-ups, I'm supposed to spend approximately $2,000 on airfare, accommodations, and travel expenses to have an existing ClearChoice implant evaluated because the New Orleans office apparently cannot--or will not--help me?
Why have a nationwide brand if your patients are treated like strangers the moment they move to another city?
What makes this experience particularly insulting is that I wasn't demanding special treatment. I wasn't asking for a discount. I wasn't even asking for a free consultation.
I was asking for an APPOINTMENT.
And despite having my records, my history with the company, and my willingness to pay, this office couldn't manage even that basic level of patient service.
The contrast between my extraordinary experience in San Diego and the astonishing indifference I've encountered in New Orleans is staggering.
ClearChoice New Orleans didn't lose my business because my bridge cracked. They lost my confidence because they couldn't be bothered to help me address it.
I spent years publicly endorsing this brand. Today, I'm publicly warning others about my experience with this particular location.
If you're considering a significant financial investment in dental implants here, I suggest asking one very important question before signing anything:
What happens when something needs repair years down the road, especially if you move?
Because based on my experience, the answer might be: Buy yourself a plane ticket.
Two weeks. Multiple phone calls. Records provided. Willingness to pay. Zero appointments. Zero solutions.
ClearChoice New Orleans, you had every opportunity to handle this professionally. Instead, you turned a longtime, enthusiastic brand advocate into someone who wouldn't recommend your office.
One star. And that's only because Yelp doesn't offer a frequent-flyer-miles option.