Yellow flags? Red flags? No flags? You be the judge…read more..
I initially came here because my previous awesome Sutter OB-GYN retired on me, and an OB-GYN at this facility came highly recommended.
For several years, I actually thought this was a Sutter office because it's located on the Sutter campus. (It's not.) That was totally my mistake, but looking back, it certainly explained why they did things so differently and why the overall experience seemed less polished and professional than what I've experienced at Sutter offices.
I made an appointment with the highly recommended female OB-GYN and waited five months to see her. Two weeks before my appointment, the office called and canceled because she was retiring.
I was already way behind on routine screening, so I agreed to see another doctor. I wasn't thrilled about seeing a male OB-GYN. I know there are great male OB-GYNs; I just personally prefer a woman. But I sucked it up and went.
On my first visit, I walked into the office and was greeted by a giant poster advertising a fat-reduction product. It seemed very out of place and, honestly, a bit predatory for a women's health office. (See photo attached)
Then I met my new OB-GYN, who appeared to be very old-school. He didn't seem to use much technology, and the whole experience felt dated and awkward. And yes, his age added to the awkwardness for me. I wasn't exactly eager to have an almost 80-year-old man poking around down there. Nothing against older doctors, but combined with my preference for a female OB-GYN and the generally old-school feel of the appointment, it just wasn't a particularly comfortable experience. I figured I would get through it and probably see someone else the next time I needed care.
Fast-forward several years: an issue came up and I needed to be seen. Unfortunately, he was the only person available, so once again I sucked it up and had the testing done. No fat-reduction poster this time. Whew.
Then they lost one of my tests. I was pretty sure I didn't have a yeast infection, so I let it go, but obviously losing a patient's test isn't reassuring.
Next, I needed a D&C procedure. Thankfully, it was going to be performed by another doctor. Unfortunately, no one was calling me to schedule it. After several weeks of waiting, I even had my insurance concierge call on my behalf. When I finally dealt with the scheduler, I found her extremely rude, defensive, and unkind.
At that point, I decided to see if I could find a new office and OB-GYN.
The angels were apparently shining down on me. I found a new Sutter OB-GYN and must have lucked into a canceled appointment because I was able to see her within a few days. I discussed everything that had been going on, and she had my D&C scheduled within a few weeks. The entire experience was professional, timely, and kind. I messaged my previous OB-GYN to let him know I was transferring my care and would no longer be using their office.
Then, about two and a half months after the issue first arose, the original office's scheduler left me a voicemail saying they could perform the procedure in another month and a half.
So, had I stayed with them, I potentially would have been waiting about four months from the original issue to actually having the procedure.
That was the final confirmation that leaving was the right decision for me. The communication was poor, the scheduling was far from timely, and the overall experience simply did not inspire confidence.
I'm sure there are good employees and providers here, and other patients may have completely different experiences. But after the canceled appointment, lost test, scheduling problems, poor communication, and my interaction with the scheduler, I'm soooo glad this place is in my rearview mirror.
