Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Dr. Richard Wilkenfeld - Office staff is TERRIBLE. Find another location.



Recommended Posts

Dr Wilkenfeld is alright, but his staff is the WORST! I had two appointments with Tina (pre-op and post-op) she was 1.5 hours late for the first one because they had to call her in and let her know she was seeing patients that day. She didn't show up at all for the 2nd appointment for the same reason and I had one of the office staff conduct my appointment. VERY UNPROFESSIONAL.

I paid cash for my procedure, but I also provided all my insurance information, as requested, FOUR times (3 times to Dr. W and once to the surgical center). I was assured that if they discovered and repaired a hernia, that my insurance may be billed for that particular procedure, but that I would not incur any additional charges. So why do I keep receiving invoices for $700 and $500 from the anesthesiologist and surgical center?? When I call Dr. Wilkenfeld's office, they just take messages for "Betty" who never returns my calls.

Choosing a surgeon is a big part of having this surgery, but the office staff is what makes a good doctor a great doctor and it's what we, as patients, will remember most. Get it fixed, Dr. W, or you will lose the confidence of your patients and potential new patients. I know I have already advised people against having the procedure at your location.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I hate to hear that you have had such a bad experience with Dr Wilkenfeld's office. He is my doctor and I have had an excellent experience with him and his office. Betty is usually very helpful and has helped me through some blood work issues with LOTS of calls back and forth! I hope your experience improves! Good luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hey I hate that you had a bad experience with his staff but I thought his staff was very friendly Dr. Wilkenfield is a bit on the quiet side but so far I am happy with him as my sergon. I am 7 days post op and so far so good :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I agree, I went to Dr. W. I didnt have trouble with the waiting however His wife that assists him chastizes you when you mess up a little...she doesnt seem to understand how difficult the process is..so I havent been back. Now im looking for another Dr. That will work with you instead of making you feel like you have been spanked every time you have an appointment..Does anyone know of another Dr. In the area?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yes I agree, his staff definitely are not the brightest, with the exception of the older nurse who is banded herself. She is a total sweetheart! Great motivator!

The office staff have been very rude from the get go.. Such a shame cause he's an excellent surgeon. I'm going for my post op visit this week, and if the office women talk down on me as they have through out the process, I will express my concerns and ask for his recommendation on another Doctor cause I won't tolerate the b****iness any more! Just cause I am overweight doestnt mean I don't have a heart or feelings.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am using Dr. Wilkenfeld also. I haven't had any problem so far with the office staff. They have been very helpful. They sent me to be checked for a hiatal hernia since my insurance wouldn't pay for lapband surgery. They have answered all my questions. You are right about the doctor though. He is pretty quiet, but he was very nice. I just hope my experience continues to be good after my surgery.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am also using Dr.Wilkenfeld. I do not have anything negative to say about his office yet. I go for my first appointment in two days. I will update later :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You won't have any problems until after your surgery, then you will stop receiving courteous treatment or help.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Theweightisover2024🙌💪

      Question for anyone, how did you get your mind right before surgery? Like as far as eating better foods and just doing better in general? I'm having a really hard time with this. Any help is appreciated 🙏❤️
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I had about 6 months between deciding to do surgery and getting scheduled. I came across the book The Pound of Cure by Dr. Matthew Weiner, a bariatric surgeon in Arizona, and started to implement some of the changes he recommended (and lost 13 lbs in the process without ever feeling deprived). The book is very simple, and the focus is on whole, plant based foods, but within reason. It's not an all or nothing approach, or going vegan or something, but focuses on improvement and aiming for getting it right 80-90% of the time. His suggestions are divided into 12 sections that you can tackle over time, perhaps one per month for a year if a person is just trying to improve nutrition and build good habits. They range from things like cutting out artificial sweetener or eating more beans to eating a pound of vegetables per day. I found it really effective pre-surgery and it's an eating style I will be working to get back to as I am further out from surgery and have more capacity. Small changes you can sustain will do the most for building good habits for life.

    • BeanitoDiego

      I've hit a stall 9 months out. I'm not worried, though. My fitness levels continue to improve and I have nearly accomplished my pre-surgery goal of learning to scuba dive! One dive left to complete to get my PADI card 🐠
      I was able to go for a 10K/6mile hike in the mountains two days ago just for the fun of it. In the before days, I might have attempted this, but it would have taken me 7 or 8 hours to complete and I would have been exhausted and in pain for the next two days. Taking my time with breaks for snacks and water, I was finished with my wee jaunt in only 4 hours 😎 and really got to enjoy photographing some insects, fungi, and turtles.
      Just for fun last week, I ran two 5Ks in two days, something I would have never done in the past! Next goal is a 10K before the end of this month.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Teriesa

      Hi everyone, I wrote back in May about having no strength. I still get totally exhausted just walking from room to room, it’s so bad I’m using a walker with wheels of all things. I had the gastric sleeve Jan. 24th. I’m doing exactly what the programs says, except protein shakes. I have different meats and protein bars daily, including vitamins daily. I do drink my fluids as well.  I go in for IV hydration 4 days a week and feel ok just til evening.  So far as of Jan 1st I’ve dropped 76 lbs. I just want to enjoy the weight lose. Any suggestions or has anyone else gone thru this??  Doctor says just increase calorie intake, still the same. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Stone Art By SKL

      Decorative Wall Cladding & Panels | Stone Art By SKL
      Elevate your space with Stone Art By SKL's decorative wall claddings & panels. Explore premium designs for timeless elegance.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Clueless_girl

      Losing my hair in clumps and still dealing with "stomach" issues from gallbladder removal surgery. On the positive side I'm doing better about meeting protein and water goals and taking my vitamins, so yay? 🤷‍♀️
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×