Refuse The Substandard Care At Orthopedic Medical Group of Riverside by Dr. John Gonzalez

Many patients are directed to Orthopedic Medical Group and John Gonzalez MD through insurances (both workers compensation and medical). Because they were directed to a specific provider, patients feel they have no choice and wind up enduring a substandard level of care out of fear of being denied benefits or ignorance to their ability to choose a different doctor.

I fell into this trap as well. It wasn’t until after my huge blow up that I learned I could refuse to be seen by a specific doctor, request a second opinion (again which will put you with a different doctor), or that a doctor could refuse to see me (then the insurance must find another).

Contact your insurance company and ask what other orthopedic surgeons are available.

Below are excerpts of the conversation between S.A.M. and me. My impression is that he too felt trapped into seeing Dr. John Gonzalez. (For ease of reading, I have altered some of the original text but not to the point it changes what was intended by S.A.M)

I am so very disappointed with the treatment I am getting at Dr. Gonzalez’s clinic.

The staff is very rude and obnoxious, especially Angie and they make you wait at least 1.5 hrs. to 2 hrs. before you get to see Dr. Gonzales. It seems he is always running late which is why sometimes patients get up and leave.

I personally brought this matter to Dr. John Gonzalez’s attention and his attitude is “they always come back.” Just like me because I am stuck with him until I get carpal tunnel surgery on my left hand. After that I do not plan on ever returning.

The whole experience makes one feel unwelcome and sad I even have to be there for treatment.

I am still awaiting confirmation on my pre-op/surgery dates. It has been 3 weeks and I have received nothing but the run around and bad attitudes from Dr. John Gonzalez and his staff.

When I reached out to S.A.M, I requested that he allow me to post his concerns, and below is part of his response.

Hello Paul,

Thanks for the reply, and yes you can post my concerns on your website but only after my surgery for the simple reason Dr. John Gonzalez is operating on me and I am not too sure about him, so I don’t want any complications.