I have experienced nothing short of EXCELLENCE (in every sense of the word) when I consider my…read morerecent needs that were addressed by POA.
First, it should be noted that I have had several episodes requiring orthopedic physicians and when I compare the experience I had with OrthoCarolinas (OC) vs. POA, there is no comparison.
It took almost 3 months to get an appointment with OC even with my GP's direct referral. Yet, POA was able to see me in less than a week. Next, Dr. Ridgeway at POA was able to diagnose my issue using X-Rays and knew my complaint regarding hip pain as well as the need for hip replacement was very real. He didn't try to run up my expenses by requiring an MRI.
Dr. Ridgeway and his staff also spent every minute of time I needed to answer questions not only during my appointments, but during phone calls as well.
Next, when it came time to get the pre-surgery process started, I learned what an outstanding hospital he was affiliated with (St. Francis) which gave me great confidence that I was in excellent hands. Additionally, at the time of surgery and through out the post-op processes, I was treated like a person and not a number.
Suffice it to say, the outcome of the surgery has been spectacular! The hip feels great and once I get all of my strength and range of motion back, I will feel as if I never had surgery to begin with!
Please don't interpret this review as to mean the hip replacement process is easy to endure. Honestly, it was far from "fun" and actually more painful than I had envisioned. But, considering what must be done to perform this procedure, it could have been a lot worse. Also, considering the few weeks of discomfort I will go through compared to getting my life back such that I can be physically active again is a small price to pay.
Lastly, while I can't recall all of the names of the folks I have interacted with at POA, I have to give applause to everyone there. They made me feel like I was their most important patient even though their offices were very busy. This speaks highly of their physicians, office managers and front line employees.
As someone who recently moved to Greenville and not knowing any difference in orthopedic groups other than OC in Winston-Salem, NC, I consider myself very fortunate to have been directed to POA, Dr. Ridgeway and his staff, by the BCBS website made available by my employer!