Dr Ralph Venuto worked with me for my groin injury and took the time to educate me on what happened and explained the process for getting back to normal. The staff were professional and flexible with getting me scheduled for an appointment right away. read more

Doc Venuto repaired my Right ACL in 2006. I just took my wife here today, and thought to yelp to share. Without naming some famous hospitals in the Newport Beach area, be VERY careful and make sure where you are going doesnt have a history of people catching staph infections while getting cut on. Dr. Venuto has worked on professional athletes, has a TON of references and expieriences, and I couldnt recommend him more!! I have had two friends go there with great results as well. He does his surgery work at a specialized center ( ENSURE you know what is in and what is out of network with your insurance!). I also loved the fact that he doesnt push meds on you, and likes to try PT first if at all possible. He has a great personality, very no-nonsense, and I'm glad he's my doc! read more

My daughter had shoulder surgery. When she woke up her hand was paralized . He checked her after the surgery from across the room. He said this was not his fault that she had no feeling in her hand. Seems to me if ones hand was perfect before the surgery and you wake up and have no hand function it just could be Venutos fault. Don't let this butcher touch you. read more

After looking at my MRI, Dr Venuto told me my only option for my knee issue was stem cell treatment which is $7500 and not covered by insurance. I had to ask him to drain my swollen knee and give me a cortisone shot to see if it helped. He did but said he'd not do another and stem cell treatment was my ONLY option. He didn't even give me a prescription for an anti-inflammatory. He never examined my knee and was totally preoccupied with phone calls during my first appointment. DO NOT GO TO HIM! Had I seen a competent doctor I'd be recovering now instead of in horrible pain waiting to see another doctor (that I throughly researched) to help me. Terrible experience!!! Terrible dr!! read more

After seeing Dr. Venuto about my frozen shoulder he quickly sat up physical therapy that very day for me and after a week and a half I'm feeling great! Dr. Venuto was very pleasant and took great care of me. I will for sure use him again. read more

It's been ten months and I have to fess up: Venuto did an op on me for knee tears about ten months ago - feels worse now than ever. Went to a new doc, later, who explained that an operation for tears does not solve arthritis pain, and said many people walk around with tears that don't impact their mobility and cause no pain. He said he wouldn't have recommended operating for what I have as it would do no good. And the whole time, Venuto, even one week after the surgery on my left knee, while it is clearly f---ked up, is hammering me to schedule an operation on my right knee Other problem: Venuto billed the insurer for an "arthroscopy synovectomy," He never mentioned it to me at any time as to needing it done or having it done. And Venuto made no mention of the procedure in his operating report. But he did bull the insurer for the procedure. The insurer refused payment as the procedure was covered under another billing code which he did bill for. I quote: "Synovectomy refers to the destruction or surgical removal of the membrane (synovium) that lines a joint." Additionally, for "plain arthritis," I read, "Synovectomy has a limited role in treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee." WTF???? The question that nags at me, in view of the above, did Venuto try to run up a bill by removing something or doing an unnecessary procedure? I really don't know. What I can tell you it since Venuto operated is this: the knee was never the same, kind of "flimsy," and it hurts most of the time now. What i think happened, but I can not prove it, is that Venuto removed a lot of what padding I did have in the joint. And i think he knew it because while he was recommending four shots of orthovisc, everyone else said three is the standard procedure. The bottom line: the operation Venuto recommended did not and would not have helped my arthritic condition. Oh, by the way, an MRI nine month later shows that during the operation Venuto did, he did not fix most of the tears. Go figure. read more

I got a report from my brother on the best doctors. It's a popular east coast list but they had an edition for LA doctors. Dr Venuto was on the list. He is also one of the few orthos that people bothered to write a review on the internet. He's an experienced and good doctor. He tells it as it is. As he was reading my MRI results, he got really really excited. I have never ever seen a doctor have that reaction. I had ruptured ACLs and two torn menisci on both knees and he explained the course of treatments and gave his recommendation given my situation and next thing you know I was on my way. I am 2 months post-op ACL reconstruction with a cadaver graft, two torn meniscus and used the PRP therapy (out of pocket expense). I am pressing 70 lbs, use the Fitter exercise machine and was driving (surgery was on my right knee) 10 days after surgery. In fact, I barely experienced any pain at all. Rene, his asst, is great. She's knowledgeable and also gives you the more human feel-good comfort side that doctors don't have time to do. Dr Venuto (as of today at least) does his surgeries from two locations. One is covered by my insurance (but wasn't available last year) and the other is not. It's important that you check this out first. I am very happy that I went to Dr Venuto. I have spoken w/3 people that have had recent ACL reconstruction and my experience has been remarkably better than theirs. I trust Dr Venuto more than ever to do my other knee. read more

Dr. Venuto told me for 2 years that he would Never do a Lateral release on my Knee, bc it would not work for me and the success rate was low. but thats what he DID any way! I get out of surgery ( he was done in 20min) to find out he did the totally WRONG surgery! This procedure made my knee worse. I had to have 2 more surgeries ( by another Dr. ) to fix the mess he made and it still is not the same 5 years later. After having surgery I heard lots of similar stories. Wish I had known this going in. I would NEVER recommend him EVER!!! He also has a terrible bedside manner and told me my pain 3 days after surgery was in my head! Please! read more

After seeing other doctors in the same practice, I saw Dr. Venuto for a shoulder issue. I was amazed that the doctor didn't even bother to look at my MRI, did not examine me and told me that I needed a shot and I would be fine. I had already been told that I needed surgery by his colleagues so I was stunned that he would say I didn't without any explanation. He was totally disinterested and rude. I was shocked; he couldn't wait to leave the room, he didn't even bother to close the door when he arrived. I would NEVER see this doctor again. It was a total waste of time and money. There are plenty of doctors in the OC, if he can't be bothered to even be civil to his patients, then obviously its time for him to retire. read more

Did arthroscopic surgery on my knee. Pre-surgery prep and the actual surgery went as well as you could ask for, post-surgery followup a little thin but acceptable. Office is very well organized and on the ball, but tends to run behind schedule, at least for afternoon appointments. One friend of mine (PI lawyer who is very hard to please) found Venuto after exhaustive search and was also very pleased with his work. read more

did 2 knee surgeries on me in '78 and ''80 after trying PT. He's conservative and tries PT before cutting. Now I'm a patient again and the same thing.... PT worked wonders and kept me from having more knee surgery. He also treated my very particular father's shoulder with great care and caution. If you want to go to a very knowedgable, highly recommended sports med Dr, go see him! His associates come highly recommended, as well. read more

I injured my knee at work - I am a trainer and fitness instructor -never been injured before. Dr. Venuto was recommended through insurance and I went to see him. He ended up doing surgery to repair my meniscus. I was disappointed after the surgery that he wasn't even going to talk to me about how the surgery went. He was in such a rush and very abrupt - as usual. I had my surgery on Friday and did not hear from anyone from his staff until Monday afternoon. 6 weeks after my surgery, I told Dr. Venuto that I was still in pain. His words to me were " I don't care. You have been off work too long, you are going back. You just need to deal with the pain". He knows my job is very physical but said 'he fixed me and I was fine to go back to doing anything I did before except leg extensions.' I told him I could deal with the pain as long as I wasn't going to reinjure it.He promised me I would not. I told him my physical therapists told me to stop when I felt pain and Dr. Venuto told me to stop seeing them because they were babying me too much. I did everything he said and went back to work. I went to Dr. Venuto 3 weeks ago because I am still in so much pain. He told me abruptly that I was fine, he fixed my knee and he would give me a cortisone shot. I asked him for an MRI instead. The MRI showed a significant tear in the exact same area he told me he fixed. Needless to say I will be having surgery for a second time this week - but not with Dr. Venuto. I would not recommend him to anyone. Not only did he rush me every time I saw him, but he seemed very disinterested and very arrogant. His concern did not seem to be for the patient but rather how fast he could get the appointment over with while pretending he is listening and he actually cares - my last appointment was a full 90 seconds. read more

I have gone to Dr. Venuto since his practice opened 35+ years. He took excellent care of my injured neck and my knees. He is kind, smart and has the best education of any Doctor I know! He gives you plenty of time and reviews my chart every time with me. I recommend him to anyone who has an orthopedic problem. His nurse is kind, sweet and smart. The office girls are the best. Dr. Venuto is the best Doctor in Orange County!! read more

Back for another check up visit and Dr. Venuto sat down and spent time with my husband to discuss his rehabilitation--a much improved experience over last time! Hopefully this trend continues and my husband is on his way to recovery from his shoulder surgery. read more

DO NOT RECOMMEND! Had surgery on my right shoulder back in 2013 and now it dislocates even more. His arthroscopic surgery and "recommend" expensive add on stem cell treatment is bs. He made it worse... not better. Thanks to him I need a latarjet surgery now, but I'm seeing an expert like Dr. Mora. read more

Dr Venuto operated on my family member in the late 90s and I had a lot of confidence in him until it was my turn earlier this year. His "bedside" manner has changed dramatically for the worse over time. He spent literally minutes examining my knee injury before ending the appt with a referral for an MRI. Ok, had that done and returned. He again spent minimal time answering questions about the proposed procedure, gave me a brochure for the platelet therapy and wam bam, appt done. I go for surgery to have the anesthesiologist ask if Venuto had explained that the platelet therapy would not allow direct anesthesia to the knee so there would be more pain. No, he didn't and the anesthesiologist said well, he never does. Ok, no problem but after surgery I go for the first post op to find that all of his earlier "you'll be playing tennis is 6 weeks," was just a line! Now I need to have the knee injections, once a week for four weeks, every six months for the rest of my life spiel.... Great! Oh, and his comment that if I think the knee injections hurt than he will know I am crazy. What kind of line is that from a physician??? The physical therapy he sent me to for one month? He didn't even read the report and didn't have it in my chart when I arrived for my post op visit. He had me return a second time to recheck the surgery and again do nothing more than tell me I need the injections. He hasn't actually "hands on" examined my knee and frankly I wish to heck I had never had it cut on because before surgery I had no pain, just occasional swelling of the knee but now it is constantly a problem, constantly swelling and I am heading off for a second opinion. No, I would not have gone to Dr Venuto if he had treated my family member like this and since when do surgeons charge office visits for follow up on the surgery? especially when the actual time with physician is 4 minutes? (no lie, I timed it on my cell phone because I couldn't believe it.) Not at all pleased! read more

I would not recommend this doctor for your knee. We did an ACL re-construction with a cadaver graft and used the blood or placebo treatment. I explained my discomfort immediately after surgery and he said it was my fault. Said something to the effect of "my patients walk the next day." He shot a synthetic lubricant into my knee several times for which I paid out of pocket. I had previously had my other ACL done somewhere else and never had a problem. This one is still bad four years later. He's very nice and obviously highly regarded but that pride can perhaps get in the way of finding a solution that is best for the patient. read more

This doctor pushes a $7000 stem cell treatment which is unproven and not covered by insurance. Coincidentally, he makes a lot of money from this procedure. It does not help bad knees. Stay away. read more

Dr. Ralph Venuto needs to retire now! Unless you want a very old egomaniac with a hand tremor, keep looking! This old style doc with a god complex is from a time when one could get away with not talking to patients or explaining what he sees on your MRi, why you have the problem, and how he thinks it can be fixed. He has absolutely no interest in anything but feeding his huge surgeon's ego - skip this guy! His LVN office and surgery assistant, Renee, can't even be bothered to read your chart when you call in with a question, so she gives out wrong information. How about using a PA or RN who is qualified and responsible??Dr. Venuto himself never calls back and could care less if he ever sees you again after surgery. And if there are problems he tells you that you are an outlier - i.e. you are the only one who did not get a good result. He then does not want you to come back for a follow up since he does not want to hear about problems. He has no interest in pain issues, and like Renee, doesn't take time to read the chart before he tosses you some bad advice. He recommends PRP, which has mixed reviews - and he overcharges for it by $1000 and up - the fees vary I am told. When you get to physical therapy, you find out that PT's have very low opinions of his work, have a tough time rehabbing you, and feel sorry for you as his patient. Linda K. read more

I had hurt my right shoulder at work I'n May 2014. Dr Venuto was recommended to my by a Drs. Office. I had a MRI in June 2014 that showed a Ac separation and other damage. D. Venuto sent me to physical therapy with no improvement. I had a Mumford procedure for my collar bone in OctoberOf 2014. I still had a ton of pain in my shoulder so after three months of Dr. Venuto telling me to man up, I had so much pain he had to order another MRI which showed a torn rotater cuff, torn and separated Labrum, and lots of other damage. Well, Dr Venuto being the great physcian he is when he saw the MRI results told me there was nothing else he could for me but offered my pain shots for 7800 dollars. I was very lucky to have found another Dr. Who rebuilt my shoulder and had to go back and redo Dr. Venutos work. This is even stated in my post op report. PLEASE DO NOT USE HIM !! There are too many other better doctors out there. read more

People don't get how busy this guy is and how much he knows I have been going to him for three years now when there is a change or something important he listens and gives you the time needed when it is just a quick check of status then it is a quick check. I have never felt that he was not concerned with how my knee is doing and reminds me of what I need to do to take care of his fix. Which by the way the surgery was the quickest and least traumatic I have ever had. You want a friend go to the dog park you want an excellent surgeon go see Venuto! read more

OK - it's been four years since Venuto f**ked up my knee. He screwed it up so badly and I've had so much pain and inconvenience from his operation that I thought I'd do a four year update. #1: Don't buy his stem cell treatment - no proof it works for anything, according to med lit. I fell for it for 3K. Takes your cells, spins them, and injects them back into you. A croque du merde, as our French friends say, across the water. He's not even buying any meds on this treatment - it's your cells! Whip me, beat me! for falling for that one. #2: I had the beginning of arthritis, which I get the knee shots for now. Works great on the knee i didn't let Venuto operate on. Not so well on the knee Venuto got to. #3: Really bad operation outcome for torn cartilage. Actually, another doc later told me many of us walk about with some torn cartilage, but if it's not bothering you, let it alone and don't operate. Not Venuto - he wanted to operate on both knees at the same time for minor clicks at full extension. What's crazier, Venuto never even fixed the torn cartilage that wasn't really bothering me to begin with. The result on left knee Venuto operated on: Damn near crippled me on that knee. After Venuto operated, it was six months before I could walk more than 100 yards. The tears were not fixed (really didn't need to be), but he did a another procedure, a synovectomy - removal of the lining of the knee joint - (never told me about doing this before or after the operation) and - get this - billed the insurance company $9,000 (they told him to stick his bill where the sun never shines), and my knee has been painful every since he operated, severely limiting my ability to walk fast and long distance before this "great gift to knees" whacked away on me. I wear a brace walking now with that knee, but it still hurts like hell, often enough. The result on the other knee that I did not allow Venuto to operate on? it's absolutely fookin' great! I'd hate to have two Venuto'd knees. When people ask me what happened to my knee, I tell them I was venutoed, like torpedoed - never saw it coming. When I later asked another doctor if he should operate on my right knee, as Venuto kept hammering me to do (minor clicks at full extension, like my left knee), he replied negatively. I asked him why not. His reply was great: "Because it doesn't do any good." How refreshing after Venuto, who told me it was only going to get worse and because of my age, to operate now. Before you allow Venuto to invade the privacy of your knee joint, GET A SECOND OPINION from someone in ANOTHER knee practice. And if it's a go, I'd still not let Venuto near me in an operating theater. In fact, and this is the flat-out truth, I'd rather have a small animal veterinarian operate on me than Venuto. And that's the name of that tune....... read more

I posted a YELP review over a year ago, on Dr. Venuto and just learned from YELP they remove it, if you don't do a certain number of YELP reviews per year. I was disappointed to learn my review was removed and am re-posting. Dr. Venuto's waiting room is always full! As a new patient, I learned as I spoke to patients who had just had their various surgeries, and were in for follow-up care; raved about him and his skills and follow-up care. One man told me his life was back on track, that he had a life again, which gave me hope. Dr. Venuto provides effective therapies to help restore, repair and regenerate tissue, while reducing pain and improving the lives of so many who thought surgery was the only answer for their knees. I have a heart condition and learned that the regular knee surgery ups your risk 8 times of heart attacks or strokes, and blood clots, so I am opting for Dr, Venuto's surgery; which is not life-threatening and achieves a great result. I spoke to about 12 patients of his in the waiting room who had the athritus and stem cell therapy. Each patient was elated that Dr. Venuto restored and regenerated healthy cartilage to their joint surfaces and that they had joint preservation with his platelet-rich plasma as an advanced therapy that involves injecting a patient's own enriched blood platelets into the site of damage to accelerate healing and preserve joint health. I have not been able to have the surgery yet due to medical bills I have paid for our son, my father who recently passed of Multiple Myeloma cancer who was really suffering, and my twin who was hit by a 15 passenger van and medivaced to Cincinatti Hospital, and our son with DVT's, but I plan to have it this year. I have been so busy with each of them that I could not take care of me, but happy to help them. Recently, I observed him in the patient hallway, helping a small girl with her knee injury, so compassionate and knowledgeable. An additional great aspect of Dr. Venuto is that he gives shots into my knees while I am rebuilding my cash reserve that do not hurt! He is the only dr. who gives shots the correct way and are not painful. Other drs, will give Senior Citizens shots, and as I have observed, they and I will sit in their waiting room crying for hours from the pain, while Dr. Venuto's does not hurt !!!! Dr. Venuto is a kind, caring, knowledgeable and highly skilled man and has a nutritionist on staff that has helped me greatly improve my life. If you need knee shots until your procedure go here you will be happy you did, no pain! Dr, Venuto is an asset to our communities with his knowledge and expertise. So are his staff: His assistant, Tina the manager keeps that office operating synchronized and does an outstanding job! The staff is exemplary, kind, efficient, knowledgeable, communicates consistently and efficiently and go out of their way to help. Dr. Venuto's, Renee Rozunko, LVN and Karlye Gedney, CNA are outstanding, compassionate, knowledgeable assets, who provide exemplary follow up. Renee, his LVN, assists him when I get the shots and is outstanding! Jeanette in billing goes out of her way to assist, returns call and is very supportive and kind. His staff is exemplary as is he. Kendra and Laurel are outstanding in the front office and very helpful. This team is superb! As a children's author and Sales Manager for North America in Human & Animal Nutrition, Cosmetic and Food, for a company out of Denmark, I was running all over the USA and also traveled to Denmark. Dr. Venuto noticed a difference in my health and recommended me to his Integrative Healing Advisor, Ken Roycroft. I was in early 60's looking as if I was 90. Venuto doesn't miss anything on his patients and after referring me to his nutritionist, my nutrition improved and health, thanks to the excellent recommendations Ken made and Dr. Venuto noting something wasn't right with my health. I am very thankful to Dr. Venuto, his staff, and the skills he has to change lives and give those of us hobbling through life, "hope!" I look forward to my surgery this year after building up my cash reserves again and having the shots to function until surgery. Sincerely, W. C. read more

What a kind, gentle man is Dr. Venuto. He cares about the whole person, not just their ailment. He takes the time with me each visit to be sure I am comfortable with any procedure. He is so gentle with his injections that I was barely aware he was doing them. His assistant Renee is smart, thorough and considerate. Thanks for taking such good care of me. read more

I became acquainted with Dr. Venuto when he took care of my grandmother after a horrible accident injury in the 80's when he first began his practice. I have since become a devoted patient as he has repaired the meniscus in both my knees and subsequently successfully injected Orthovisc in them both. In October 2013, Dr. Venuto harvested and then injected my Stem Cells into both my knees--the recovery has been remarkable and my knees are like new! It was a 2.5 hour procedure and I walked in and out of the office and my own stem cells rebuilt my lost cartilage over the next 6 months--all without pain! I consider myself fully recovered! I am so very thankful for his ability to use the latest in research and technology to correct physical ills--I am also very appreciative that he has been on the forefront of medical science. Even though the insurance companies do not assist with the cost of the Stem Cell Replacement, it is totally worth the out of pocket costs to have this done! I am so thankful that this procedure has eliminated the need for me to have additional Orthovisc injections (as much as I appreciated them) and that I do not have to think about knee replacement surgery. My knees function at 100% without any pain or stiffness! Additionally, Dr. Venuto referred me to the best physical therapist in this area when I first saw him about my knee problems! Nick Theders and his associates at Think Physical Therapy in Tustin are the best! read more

I'm not one to write letters in public. But after stumbling upon this site and reading these reviews I felt compelled to write. My sister, my brother, my brother-in-law, and I have had arthroscopic knee surgery performed by Dr. Venuto. All have had exellent results and have had no problems. We all did exaclty what we were told to do after surgery, ice machine, CPM machine for 10 days followed by physical therapy. By doing what the staff instructed, we all had great success. I like Dr. Venuto's quickness, there is no hesitation in his decision making or his actions. He knows orthopedics so well he doesn't have to stop and think. He answered all my questions and concerns immediately. I so appreciate the wisdom that comes with age. He appears to keep himself in excellent physical shape and up to date on all current medicine. I hope he keeps on this path because I know I'm going to need him down the road. If a doctor has practiced orthopedics for over 40 years, ONE doctor performing THOUSANDS of procedures on THOUSANDS of people with the vast, vast majority of them praising their success, and then ONE person doesn't like how their procedure turned out, logic tells me, the conclusion to this is something is wrong with this ONE person rather than the doctor performing THOUSANDS of successful procedures. Sorry for rambling on, but when I see an injustice I've got to stand up. Thank you Dr. Ralph Venuto and staff for my health and a better life. read more

Dr. Venuto is outstanding in Orthopaedic surgery. He was highly recommended to me by a Hoag physician. He is honest, innovative and highly dedicated to his profession. He gives hope to Osteoarthritis sufferers and has a revolutionary way to repair cartilage. He is the only physician I know who gives knee shots that do not hurt! He is amazing and I am looking forward to having both my knee surgeries this year when I retire. Dr. Venuto is extremely dedicated and highly skilled. I talked too numerous patients of Dr. Venuto's in the waiting room and they all stated Dr. Venuto changed their lives for the better! Just in the time I have gone to Dr. Venuto he has changed my life. He listens, is sincere and knows his stuff! He takes a thorough interest in you as a patient. He has amazing and talented assistants in Renee and Karly, and a Nutrition expert on staff, in Ken Roycroft who changed my life. I am very thankful to all Dr. Venuto's other patients who raved about him when I have been in for my appointments. They shared his ground-breaking non-surgical treatment for knee pain. He will continue to change my life for the better when I have the surgery later in 2016, until then I am having the shots till I retire. I have great confidence in Dr. Venuto and his staff. Very thankful he is in my area to have access to such a gifted physician. Sincerely, Wanda Cavaliere Mission Viejo, CA read more

Dr. Venuto has taken care of me for over 30 years -- starting with a Gortex ACL replacement, followied by torn meniscus on other knee, and then Rotator cuff on one shoulder and now the other. I wouldn't see any other doctor. The man is excellent, has years of knowledge that make him the King of Knee and Shoulder surgery. I would much prefer someone with his experience who is very concervative and not a rush to cut. He knows his way around the knee and shoulder beyond any doctor you can find. Do not believe the other bad reviews -- these must be written by very stupid people! I know, as we just did an MRI on my knee and my gortex ACL is still perfectly intact!! It has let me do everything I want to do -- hike, step classes, up and down stairs, you name it. He is the MAN. read more

If you want a direct straight answer to a direct question Dr. Venuto is your guy. He takes a conservative approach and is not eager to pursue aggressive response to an injury. He is my first choice for a knee problem. read more

I've been having a painful knee for about 2 years. I had a torn meniscus, had it repaired, but it still hurt because of arthritis. I became aware of Dr. Venuto and went in to see him. He said I had 2 options for the arthritis. One was visco-supplementation shots, which had to be repeated every six months, and the other more permanent solution was the stem cell therapy transfer for the price of $7,200. Of course, I chose the stem cell therapy since it was non-invasive and PERMANENT. It was supposed to grow back the cartilage which was worn out. I was very hopeful. At the end of 8 weeks during my appointment, Dr. Venuto passed me onto his friend, who was a fitness expert (charged another fee) and he proceeded to talk about diet and nutrition. I was expecting physical therapy.... Bottom line is that there is no follow-up, and Dr. Venuto is marketing his stem cell therapy whether it works or not. He just wants your $7,200 for that Friday afternoon. Stem cells cannot grow back something (cartilage) that is not there anymore. That makes sense. I've talked to people and doctors prior to my injection (none were supportive) but I wanted to believe it may work. I have an appointment for a knee replacement in a few months, and it's not with Dr. Venuto. read more

I should have read these reviews before... long story short... I was 15 mins late for my appoitment due to construction around the office. I had to go around and wait for a long time... I called 7 mins after my appointment time to let them know what was going on... the rudeness experienced was unbelievable. The office manager was unprofessional. They simply told me that this doctor would not see me because I was late. I mentioned that if it had been the other way around, they'd make me wait regardless.,, that's when another patient, listening to the conversation, metioned that she had been there for an hour. According to the rude front desk staff, including the even worse manager, the doctor refused to see me... even if, in theory, my appointment was for 30 minutes of this doctor's "precious" time. They offered to see him in the afternoon, evidently, I declined, as I had already left work and driven more than 30 miles. Disrespectful is the best word to describe. read more

After two arthroscopic surgeries on my knee by Dr. Venuto, I continued to see him for injections to reduce pain in my knees. With the last series of injections, I experienced a little improvement on one knee and none on the other. At that point, Dr. Venuto told me he would continue the injections on the knee that had shown improvement, but not on the other knee. For that knee, he offered me a metal brace. He and I had discussed a brace earlier and I told him I could not tolerate the pressure near my knee because of fibromyalgia, which causes chronic muscle pain. At that point, he offered me an experimental stem cell procedure (which we had also discussed during another appointment), which is not covered by insurance. I told him that as a retired person on a fixed income I really could not afford the $7K out of pocket cost for the procedure. At that point, he told me he had nothing more to offer me. My knees have become increasingly painful and swollen since that appointment, so I saw another orthopedist who examined my knees and knee x-rays, and immediately prescribed physical therapy. I feel that he listened to me and actually cares if I see some improvement and some reduction in pain. read more