First of all, I am surprised that I have never rated my experiences with Dr. Gutierrez and his…read morestaff.
While living in Whittier (2009-2017), I worked in Beverly Hills as an office manager for a private dermatology practice. I knew I could receive a word-of-mouth (excuse the pun) recommendation with the expectation of a professional courtesy. However, I did not believe/feel I had major dental concerns, and I was not seeking to capitalize on perks since I had a PPO insurance plan.
After doing some research, I found Dr. Gutierrez's office to be accommodating regarding my main objective: teeth whitening.
His staff was open and honest when I called to make sure the office was a good fit. I found them straightforward and said they do perform teeth whitening; however, I would still need an initial exam. I did not find this approach erroneous. Why? I intended to utilize my insurance whenever feasible and cover any costs not covered by it personally.
Putting it into perspective: taking my PPO out of the equation, a plastic surgeon will not automatically perform a cosmetic procedure at a person's request. A radiology center would not automatically perform a CAT scan of an individual's brain if they walked in off the street with a headache and agreed to pay for it. Why? Medical facilities do not work that way. Invasive cosmetic procedures or noninvasive tests fall within the spectrum of medical procedures and are typically performed by certified specialists; therefore, one can expect bureaucracy, red tape, and ethical considerations in medical care.
If not an emergency, delays can be frustrating. But when pain and costs are involved, everyone's time is precious, so expectations of being accommodated can be subjective, even though patients are not to be blame for their issues. Therefore, implementing proper management when 'risks' are involved is crucial (I will revisit this issue at the end of my review).
I was due for an oral tune-up (x-rays, cleaning, and consultation of recommendations). I chose to open up and address concerns about past dental issues. In 2004, for several months, I had a documented history of trigeminal neuralgia, which ended up being related to my 2005 confirmed thyroid cancer and not a cavity filling as initially thought. The filling was the least of my concerns compared to the many other neck/head medical issues I needed to address during those months/years. And so, upon our first meeting, I finally addressed any problem I had been evading (since I was in a 'safe' place) when Dr. Gutierrez was surprised to find a crater in one of my molars.
The neglected molar was one issue, but I had wisdom teeth that could have interfered with my dental health (I knew this before establishing my dr/patient relationship with Dr. Gutierrez). He performed my teeth whitening and handled root canal treatments. Eventually, I signed up for Invisalign because costs were always my excuse for not getting braces. Although costs were no longer a factor, Invisalign was less expensive, less time-consuming, but also less permanent, because braces meant I had to have my canines pulled. After so many years of medical issues, less invasive meant more. The Invisalign option met my aesthetic interests on all levels.
The only reason why I stopped seeing Dr. Guiterrez in early 2019 is that I permanently moved to Northern California.
Bottom line, regardless of the number of my outpatient treatments, I found Dr. Gutierrez to have an excellent bedside manner and expertise. Again, having worked in the medical field, but more importantly, I have also been a patient who has suffered misdiagnosis (deemed as malpractice, but I chose not to sue), as patients, we deserve our dignity. Still, that being said, I did not find it offensive when his staff discussed aspects of my care (e.g., explaining the costs of procedures (billing), obtaining my signed consent, confirming follow-up availability options, scheduling the appointments, or checking in to explain whenever there may have been wait times).
I acknowledge that some people may not have a good rapport with a professional, or that mistakes may occur that makes better sense for a patient to seek care from another professional; however, what I am stating from my experience throughout the years I was a regular patient is that there was no pattern of nefarious treatment or substandard care by Dr. Guiterrez and his staff. Anyone seeking medical treatment should always be aware that they have the right to a second opinion and should never apologize for seeking one.
Still residing in No. Cal. I think of Dr. Guitierrez often and have contemplated traveling to reestablish my patient-physician relationship; however, I know that dentists are at the top of the list for evaluations and treatment should pain or emergencies be involved, and that evaluations and treatment cannot/should not wait; therefore, I have chosen to just keep my fond memories.