Patient-32

Patient went to Nevada Orthopedic. She received very little medical care so she asked to go to a different orthopedic office. Nevada Orthopedic (once again) refused to approve the referral to a doctor on the overflow list.

I have had knee pain that has progressively gotten worse over the last two years. I saw one doctor who said I need a knee replacement, but he won't do it because I am too young.

When I asked for solutions because I'm having difficulty exercising due to the pain, he said do less exercise. He then had a tech come in and give an injection. When I came into the clinic, I was not limping, when I left the clinic I was limping.

Needless to say, the injection did not work. I went to my primary care provider who then referred me to physical therapy since the orthopedic doctor did not offer nor suggest a treatment plan.

After a year of physical therapy, my knee pain actually became worse. I then called and requested to see another provider. I saw this provider, who stated that "it appears that you're willing to put in the work."

Besides that, there was no recommendations, no follow up, no backup plan.

I now have a difficult time walking I've done more physical therapy. I still struggle with exercising.

So I reached out to my insurance company to see if there is another orthopedic office I could go to. The insurance plan was very helpful and recommended one, and they approved a prior authorization.

I contacted the new orthopedic office, and they stated they needed a referral from Nevada Ortho and Spine because it is an overflow.

Nevada Ortho and Spine is refusing to approve my overflow referral.

Patient advocates have called them and so has the clinical staff and the manager there is still refusing to approve the overflow referral.

I understand that they would like to keep their patients and their money in house. However, they should do a better job at taking good care of patients, so the patients won't want to leave.