The Spine and Orthopedic Center

I’m actively thinking about pulling all of my care from here, but am not sure where to go. Here’s the litany…
I was promised when I first started going that my work comp injuries would be taken on a lien. But every time I have gone, there’s been some discussion/​arguement with the DOCTORS about billing to work comp or to my private insurance that eats up the time we could have spent discussing MY CARE! Dr. Burgoyne has been the chief problem on this matter. Not only that, Dr. B could seem a little less upset about my injuries not needing surgery. This should be good news and delivered with a smile, right? But, it always seems like ortho docs have a god complex and don’t feel like they are doing anything unless they can cut and sew you back together and admire their work. Dr. B also keeps putting my treatment off because of these billing issues which aren’t even going to be resolved for a few months pending probably more than one work comp trial. Lucky me! But seriously, a doc should leave the billing up to the office and leave it out of the treatment room. It makes me very angry — particularly when I came back after having a bunch of MRIs and then didn’t hear anything about what was in them because he was too busy being sort of a tool.
I also had problems with the pain management doctor — Dr. Kenly because he wouldn’t listen and shut me down when I tried to talk about problems which I think are related. He just seems like that smartass who makes unwelcome, snarky comments all the time — the one no one wants to be friends with. I complained (big surprise there) and switched to another doctor there and was happier.
I have no idea what the docs are writing in their work comp reports — which may come back to haunt me. I don’t really appreciate that I call there and don’t get a call back from a doctor because they are too busy going around to 4 other locations. The staff seems disorganized. I don’t appreciate the office losing things that are mailed to them or putting them into the wrong file. What gives? I had to spend about 30 minutes of time talking with a PA about sorting out which body parts should be placed under which claim. Half the time I call, I can’t get through. And, while it’s nice to have a bunch of different specialties under one roof, it’s not so nice to have to go to all of them when you have multiple body parts injured.
I really like the podiatrist there, Dr. LeChiemanant and I think he ought to break out on his own. So far he’s been outstanding. I’m actually really impressed with his skill at diagnosing and treating my foot/​ankle problems. But the staff has lost the MRI CDs that I specifically called and asked be mailed to the office. If it weren’t for Dr. L being great, I would have been out of there, and they would have only one star from me!
Sorry this is so long, but if I’m going to give a poor rating, I want to be thorough. I’ve learned that just because someone is a doctor doesn’t mean that they are going to be good with patients. So, if you aren’t happy, open your mouth and say something, or walk out, or demand that your insurance company send you to someone else. I’ve had too many problems with docs which I didn’t even find out until I reviewed their notes AFTER my release. Apparently you actually have to look over their shoulders and make sure they do their work right and make sure they actually listen to what you say. And hand them written notes to make sure that they heard you — especially with work comp. They have a medical license, but YOU know your injury. I got royally screwed over in work comp when I didn’t have an attorney. And I’m even getting the shaft when I do have one. :(They could definitely be doing a better job here, though. And 2015 may find me relocating my care.

This place just had me for a 1:30pm appointment. It is now 3:30, and they’re still taking there sweet ass time. Horrible waiting times, dull office, with no sense of urgency. I didn’t even get to see my
Main doctor, only the pa. Really really frustrating. Wouldn’t return again.

I just had my first appointment with Dr. Ben Dirkx at the Spine Center. I have had some persistent back spasms that have been getting progressively worse and anyone with chronic back pain knows how it can really dampen one’s quality of life. I got really lucky that I got an appointment with Dr. Dirkx. He’s enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and spent a lot of time with me to ensure that I had proper care which unfortunately is a rarity in today’s rush rush rush disjointed health care system. They have an in house x-​ray tech who also was very professional and cordial. I felt at ease throughout the entire experience. After my xrays Dr. Dirkx carefully explained what was going on with me and put me at ease (which is very hard when your in significant pain). We collaboratively put together a treatment plan which included for my condition trigger point injections, which, for anyone who has had trigger point injections knows is really dependent on who is doing the injections as to how well the outcome will be. Dr. Dirkx took his time with the injections to ensure the exact location to hit. Within 3 minutes I felt the spasms in my back release there grip on me. It was like my back took a giant exhale and all I could do was smile. I felt so much better and I am very lucky to find the needle in a haystack that Dr. Dirkx is. Thank you so much.

I ripped the tendon between my elbow and my bicep muscle experiencing severe pain and complete lack of use of my hand, arm and shoulder. I saw Dr. Chad Burgoyne a Fellowship Trained Sports Medicine and Arthroscopic Surgeon who took his time to answer all my questions and present my options in clear terms (not medical speak) and with compassion and a sense of humor. I chose to have the surgery done and they accommodated me within a few days and recognized my fobia of needles and handled me with extreme care and compassion. The staff at their surgery center was amazing and the surgery very successful. Dr. Burgoyne was brilliant and the follow up visits were quick and informative again with compassion and sense of humor. He has overseen my recovery and I am feeling better each day under his care. My scars look as though a Plastic Surgeon had completed them, very non-​intrusive. I have had other good experiences with surgeons (ACL and Miniscus) but this was by far and away the best care I have ever had. I love this doctor and The Spine and Orthopedic Center facilities and staff were truly amazing. Thanks to all of them I am well on my way to a complete and painless recovery.

DO NOT GO HERE!!! I have been a patient for a couple yrs and the office staff is horrible, especially in their Santa Maria office. They are constantly making mistakes on writing prescriptions. The aftercare (if you have surgery) is non existent. Honestly I don’t know how this office is still in business. Do yourself a favor and go somewhere else…