My first appointment here was two months ago, it took forever to get a call back from the receptionist. Until I called back a 3rd time, and said "I have PPO". Then that seemed to spark interest. She immediately didn't pass me on to the 2nd receptionist, she took my appointment down right then and there. Expect to not have any availability when you call, it's typically about a week out I'd say? Unless of course somebody cancels and there's a spot. Dr. Rubinstein is extremely busy! But that means hes a good doctor.
Overall, I was very happy with the Doctor, he seemed personable, but was in and out of the office visits within 3-5 minutes of explanation for my wrist. The first visit I had brought x-rays from my hospital, so he sent me for an MRI at another specialist lab, which I did within two weeks since they were busy also, then had to call again after the MRI to make a follow up appointment with him to see results. When I visited again, the same routine happened like the first time, they told me no copay again, I nodded in agreement, then was in the waiting room the typical 20-30 minutes even though I had an appointment, then i was in the exam room another 30 minutes with my husband also with me since I was extremely sick from the MRI (must have caught something, so he drove me, I was on meds.) That aside, the DR. was in and out of the room again in less than 5 minutes, pretty much just summing up that my wrists tendon likes to move on me, and that my occulus is a tad larger than my other, so it causes a nerve to pinch at certain angles. I just was rest assured my nerve was okay, he did offer to go with surgery, or physical therapy, because this has been a reoccurring issue for me for ~6 years, I am choosing the physical therapy, and am still doing this weekly trying to help get rid of the tightness that gets created somehow. I didn't really want to do surgery, because it might not heal the same when they break the bone to shave it down, not exactly sure on the whole procedure since I was going to try PT first, and see how my journey goes.
It took another 30 minutes in the exam room after the DR. left the room-- to get that note written up to see a Physical therapist, the referral paperwork is what I'm referring to that a nurse or assistant writes up not even the DR. I don't know why things take so long here. I understand he's a busy man, but when I see nurses closes doors shut, and not even coming in for 30 minutes-45 minutes the first time, then them just talking in hallways makes me think his staff is extremely relaxed here, with no real drive to help customers be in and out, especially when they're sick, but cant miss the appointment. The billing is another issue, twice I was told no copay, then of course I was billed my portion of $145.00, and now weeks later am being billed an $85 fee for going to a check up, and a nurse giving me a refferral note to a physical therapist? And my deductible is paid off for the year, what the? That's almost as much as the MRI cost me after insurance covered 1600, I was left to pay 95$. This place really knows how to make money is all I'm saying. I don't think a follow up visit and refferal should cost that much, on top of whatever you charged to my insurance. I called my insurance and stated the scenario of this second visit, and am trying to get them to to reduce the 85$ fee that seems abosolutely ridiculous. If the doctor would have spend 45 minutes with me, sure, but since I spend over an hour and a half in waiting TIME with no personnel with me at all, behind a shut door, and less than 5 minutes of doctor time, it just seems like something they're not billing correct over there. I hope they get it together, is all I have to say. I really do like Dr. Rubenstien, you can tell he has your best interest, and he has a very warm heart. He is so wise, and honest, and gives you options.
Conclusion,
Besides high pricing even with PPO insurance, long wait times to get in, long wait times in an exam room. This Doctor does know his stuff, and is worth seeing if you need a specialist for any orthopedic issue. read more