My appointment with Dr. Steven T. Kelley at Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine Associates in…read moreTemecula was hands down the WORST experience I have ever had with a medical professional. The entire appointment lasted all of TWO MINUTES, after I had waited MONTHS to see him.
I was referred to Dr. Kelley after having an MRI of my left knee and was looking forward to finally getting some answers about what was going on. Unfortunately, I left his office with absolutely no answers, no explanation, and a complete lack of confidence in him as a physician.
As a brand-new patient, I was sitting in the exam room waiting when Dr. Kelley walked in and said, "Okay, so we're looking at your left knee?"
No introduction. No greeting. No attempt to establish any kind of rapport with a new patient. He didn't even bother to make eye contact with me.
I responded yes, and while continuing to stare at my chart rather than acknowledge me, he simply said, "Okay, well, I'm not going to be able to tell you anything today. You need an MRI with contrast. Once you have that, schedule another appointment with me."
AND THEN HE WALKED OUT.
That was it. TWO MINUTES. After waiting MONTHS for this appointment, he couldn't even take a few minutes to explain the results of the MRI I had already undergone, discuss what he was seeing, or explain WHY another MRI was necessary.
What makes this experience even more upsetting is that I subsequently saw another orthopedic surgeon who actually took the time to review my original MRI and explain that there were concerning findings involving a possible tumor, including concerns about malignancy, as well as signs of early arthritis. These were significant findings that deserved an explanation, especially to a patient who had been waiting months for answers.
I'm not criticizing Dr. Kelley for recommending an MRI with contrast. I'm criticizing him for his complete lack of communication, professionalism, compassion, and basic respect for a patient.
When someone is seeing an orthopedic surgeon for a potentially serious medical condition, the absolute bare minimum should be an introduction, eye contact, and a willingness to explain what is happening with their health. Dr. Kelley couldn't even manage that.
I was so appalled by the experience that I called my primary care provider THAT SAME DAY and requested a referral to a different orthopedic surgeon. I never returned to Dr. Kelley, and I am incredibly grateful I made that decision.
The orthopedic specialists I have seen since have been a night-and-day difference. They have taken the time to explain the tumor in my knee, answer my questions, discuss my treatment options, and make me feel comfortable and confident about my upcoming surgery. THAT is how patients deserve to be treated.
Now, as I'm writing this review and reading the other one-star reviews describing similar experiences, I am absolutely shocked. I wish I had read them before wasting months waiting for an appointment with this doctor.
Dr. Kelley was dismissive, rude, unprofessional, and made me feel like my health concerns weren't worth even five minutes of his time.
I would NEVER trust him with my surgery, and I will NEVER return to his office.
If you're looking for an orthopedic surgeon who will actually listen to you, explain your medical condition, and treat you with basic dignity and respect, I strongly recommend looking elsewhere.
Absolutely horrible experience. ZERO stars if I could.