I can not attest to the professionalism, service, or quality of the work of Dr. Virgadamo himself, but I do intend on sharing my horrible experience at the reception. I came in for a first time visit, cleaning, and an inquiry about a possibly chipped tooth. The office was in mediocre shape in a home, which isn't bad per se, but I'm painting you a picture. No one was at the reception when I walked in, so I went to the chairs. When someone did come to the reception, I went up to present my insurance card and fill out standard medical background forms.
The man who created my file was very polite and professional. I believe he was a dental assistant on his way out the door. The large lady with facial hair (receptionist?), however, was disgraceful.
When I mentioned my concern about a possibly chipped tooth, she tactlessly barked that I'd have to pay for it. That it wasn't covered by my insurance. Fine.
Next, this receptionist received a personal call about her mortgage, which she took while sitting at the desk and talking to me. At some point I wasn't sure if we were still talking to each other because I said something to her and she didn't respond or even make eye contact or a gesture. I figured she was listening to her personal call and went to sit down. She proceeded to argue with the person on the other line for nearly the whole rest of the time that I was there.
Finally and most importantly, she demanded that, on top of a copy of my insurance card and my date of birth and my name and my address, I give her my social security number. I told her that she did not need it because she had all my other information. She did not need my social security number in order to communicate and be paid by my insurance company. In fact, recently, she is the only doctor's office that has insisted I give them my social security number because, no, you don't need it anymore. With 8.3 million identity thefts a year, you'd better believe we no longer share that. Anyway, my insurance company has it already. They also have my date of birth, my name, my address, and an identifying number on my insurance card. I do believe you'll be able to identify me to the insurance company.
Of course, I failed to say all of this to her, just that she didn't need it because she had everything else. She, on the other hand, said "then I won't see you." No further discussion, no tactful reassurance, nothing. She set aside my file and I said "are you serious?" I turned around, wished her a good evening, and left.
In conclusion, do yourself a favor and don't go to Dr. Virgadamo's office. It was a waste of my time and an unpleasant experience all around. read more