Saddleback Breast Center

HORRIBLE Radiologists!!!
SBC has a new group of radiologists that are incompetent and rude. I went in to SBC in a crisis situation and in A LOT of pain and all of my concerns were discounted. Dr. Bucciarelli was cold, showed no empathy whatsoever and offered no possible solutions other than to go and see my plastic surgeon or get an MRI. She made comments about my body and physique that were completely unrelated to my problem and totally inappropriate. I called SBC and complained and they had the Director of Radiology, Dr. Levine call me. Before I could say anything, he assured me he had reviewed the ultrasound pictures and consulted with Dr. Bucciarelli and concurred with her conclusion. Nothing was wrong with me, and maybe I needed to have an MRI or see a plastic surgeon for a revision surgery. After telling him the way I was treated, he said, «You just wanted some empathy, I understand. I’ll make sure and speak to her. I applaud you for calling». So condescending.
That same day, I found the radiologist who used to be at SBC. Horrified by what she heard happen, she got me in a day later, only to find out I had a RAGING breast infection. Had I not found her and had a proper ultrasound, I would have ended up in emergency with removal of my implant. Dr. Bucciarelli, never looked at my lymph nodes, which I have been told is «standard procedure». Had she, they would have seen that they were HUGE, and my body was trying to fight an infection.
I believe both Dr. Bucciarelli and Dr. Levine are both incompetent as radiologists, and if they are working at a breast center, they should have been able to see a breast infection on an ultrasound. Thank God I found Dr. Karen Reuss at KSK Imaging in Irvine. They picked up on the infection IMMEDIATELY, and I am now on 2 antibiotics trying to fight this infection that went on for a week. Shame on you Dr. Bucciarelli and Dr. Levine. Maybe next time you should listen to your patient when they say, «I know my body, and something is terribly wrong».
* Think I’m over reacting? Google her and read another woman’s experience with Dr Bucciarelli at Hoag. She was treated the same way. This doctor has no business working in a breast center, where women are very vulnerable.

I went there for a routine test. I was asked to come back for a secondary round of tests. My doctor did not agree with the diagnosis but said if it is covered just do the tests. I was informed by them that it was covered. They did $ 6000 worth of tests in an hour and sent me a bill for $ 800. They truly are trying to make money off anyone they can.

I’m sure all women are like me and dread their yearly mammogram. But fortunately, Saddleback Breast Center makes it as pleasant of an experience as it can be. The facility is very clean, and the staff are really wonderful. When I made the appointment and when I was called with a reminder, the woman who helped me made sure I knew exactly where they are located and how to prepare for the test. They are extremely organized, and my appointment didn’t take long at all. The technician was very nice and did her best to take the images quickly to avoid excess discomfort. I was told I would get the results in two weeks, but I received a letter in less than a week!

All of my pre-​mammogram anxiety was for nothing! Of course, no one enjoys getting their boobs flattened, but I must say the actual experience wasn’t as horrific as I had imagined it to be. The facility was clean, the technician was professional and it was over-​with pretty quickly!