I rarely post online reviews, but after my poor experience at Raleigh Ortho, I felt compelled to share my experience so I can help others avoid the same fate.
Being relatively new to the area, I was referred to Raleigh Ortho by a neighbor. In hindsight, I wish I took the time to read the reviews posted on Yelp because there are many unfavorable reviews that are similar to my own experience.
Based on my own personal experience, I believe Raleigh Ortho prioritizes profits over patients.
After numerous office visits ($), X-rays ($) and a Nerve Assessment ($), it was recommended that I undergo Ulnar Nerve Transposition Surgery ($) to address the numbness and weakness in my left hand.
After the initial surgery, I developed a painful seroma on my elbow near the incision where the fluid had to be drained. The seroma lasted about a month and required multiple steroid injections to relive the pain & swelling.
The seroma eventually subsided, but the numbness and weakness in my hand has not improved after 8 months post-op.
I understand results from Ulnar Nerve Transposition Surgery can vary, which I knew going in, but what I did not know was that 'Tendon Lengthening' is a common procedure performed during Ulnar Nerve Transposition Surgery.
I first learned about 'Tendon Lengthening' when I was handed a surprise bill during a post-op follow up appointment. Although I paid for everything in full before my surgery (except anesthesia which is billed separately), I was told that I owed an unpaid amount which was 60% higher than my original estimate.
The office receptionist who handled me the bill could not explain what the additional amount was for and she told me to call the billing department to inquire.
After two phone calls with two separate billing representatives, I still had no explanation and I was simply told that my original estimate likely varied based on insurance.
It was not until I did my own research that I learned the final bill had a unique code in small print '24305 LT' which I learned was the code for tendon lengthening, billed in the amount of $1,356.
I couldn't believe two different billing representatives and the office receptionist couldn't explain the additional amount owed, but even more appalling was the fact that 'tendon lengthening' was never mentioned on the original estimate and it was never discussed with me at any appointment, pre-op or post-op. In fact, I had to do my own research to find out what the procedure was and I would never have known the procedure was performed if I hadn't done my own due diligence...unacceptable.
Most patients never question a bill their doctor's office hands them, they just pay it. My advice is to review your bills from Raleigh Ortho carefully because you could be billed for procedures that were never disclosed in your estimate or during any appointment.
In order to get the charge reversed, I had to write a letter to the Director at Raleigh Ortho. The entire ordeal from the phone calls, research, emails and letter took hours of my time to resolve.
The final straw was my most recent follow up appointment with my doctor's PA. The appointment literally lasted 7 minutes where he tapped on my elbow and forearm and asked the same repetitive questions I've been asked at previous follow up appointments. When I communicated I felt no improvement, he suggested another nerve assessment ($), another follow up ($) and likely another surgery ($). My co-pay was $100 for the 7 minute visit with my insurance company being billed for the remainder.
I'm now 8 months post-op with no improvement in my symptoms whatsoever. I still have the same numbness and weakness in my left hand. After numerous appointments, tests and surgery, I've spent thousands of dollars and I'm essentially being told we need to start the process over again.
I let the Director know that I was requesting my medical records and considering taking my healthcare to another practice. The email response I received was defensive and impersonal, and I'm convinced my health deserves to be under the care of another practice that puts patients above profit. read more