I would give zero stars if I could. I emailed Dr. LaPrade on April 21, and he responded on April 23 saying that he couldn't make a recommendation without examining both me and reviewing the studies. I asked him why he doesn't do MACI anymore, but he wouldn't say why. He emailed me back saying to email his administrator, Amanda Peña, to arrange for him to review my records. I emailed her about getting my records to him, asked what his reasoning is for not doing MACI anymore, and if he would recommend OCA for me. She did not answer any of my questions and just said that he would be happy to review my imaging and records, and that he can't offer a full recommendation without also doing a physical examination.
I emailed Amanda on May 18 asking when would be the earliest appointment available, and again, asked what his reasoning is for not doing MACI anymore and if he does OCA. She did not respond. I tried emailing her, calling her, left voicemails, and submitted my questions/request for an appointment on Dr. LaPrade's website and on the TCOMN website. No one ever responded.
I didn't know what else to do, so I contacted the records department on June 10. They responded to me on June 16 and said that someone would reach out to me. Christa Johnson, a Patient Advocate, told me that LaPrade wouldn't take on my case. I emailed her back and told her that Dr. LaPrade said he wouldn't make treatment recommendations without examining me and reviewing my reports. I asked her why that changed. I also told her that the last surgeon I saw was the only one out of everyone I've seen who recommended MACI/TTO, so it didn't make sense to continue treatment with him. Furthermore, I wanted to get care locally in MN, and Dr. LaPrade was recommended to me. Christa never responded to my questions or emailed me back.
I tried emailing Dr. LaPrade again about getting an appointment ASAP. No one responded. Because of the lack of communication I received, I didn't know what else to do other than to drive to the clinic to schedule an appointment since no one was helping me. The following week I get a voicemail from Paula. She says that Dr. LaPrade is not going to take on my case. I call her back and ask why, but she won't explain.
To sum it up, I am beyond frustrated and disappointed with the lack of communication and consideration of Dr. LaPrade and his team. They are disrespectful, neglectful, and it is completely inexcusable for them to treat me the way they did. I spent almost 2 months trying to get an appointment, and in the end, it was a huge waste of my time and energy. And it was a major letdown. I wouldn't recommend him to anyone. read more