I've been a complete fool for continuing my care at this practice. Like the last reviewer, I have dealt with the rudest, most unprofessional, and outright unbelievable behavior particularly from the receptionist. I suppose one must include the one dentist's behavior as unbelievable, too, considering he has witnessed this woman speak to me rudely repeatedly and I have complained to him every single visit (usually through tears) in the back room or in his personal office yet he's done nothing about it.
During my very first visit I left with a bad feeling about this practice because the woman at the front desk spoke very badly of every local dentist in Columbia. In her eyes, and apparently Dr. Pelletier's, neither of them can do any wrong because he heard her speak ill of his colleagues, and as usual said nothing.
I'm going there for orthodontic work. My credit card is on file so a monthly payment is charged. I've had legitimate issues with my card a few times, I.e. charges made incorrectly, which were immediately removed and my payment to the dentist was made. Another incident during the time of a family member's death, after which I had to move to another city. That time the office called me (it was a different lady than the rude one), she made me aware that the hadn't been able to get their payment for that month, so I told them I would handle it immediately. And I did. The next day in fact, I called back and told them they were free to make their charge. I apologized for any inconvenience. Two weeks later when I entered their office, Pam, the receptionist, wouldn't look at me or respond when I said hello and asked how her day was. Thought 'great, she's in her usual mood.' She then said they hadn't received payment for the month and she had been trying repeatedly to charge my card. That was an utter lie because more than what was needed for the payment had been available for two weeks, since my phone call. I called the bank and they verified what I thought so I told her to make the charge and asked why hadn't they charged it when I called two wks ago. She wouldn't answer. What she did say was I couldn't have another appointment until this payment was received and that I needed to be quiet and go back w/ the dental hygienist. I was almost tears. Once again utter disrespect and false accusations. Had she done her job weeks earlier, perhaps this wouldn't be happening, but Pam had been just as mean, unprofessional, and hateful towards me every visit so why should I think she could be any different? Really?
Dr. Pelletier worked in my mouth while I was trying to express my concerns, was shaking, and by the sound of my voice he should've been able to tell I was near tears AGAIN bc of Pam. Oh and the fact I told him I was about to cry one would've thought he would've stopped a second and listened to me. Nope. When I walked back up to the front desk, guess what? I was given a receipt where the charge had indeed gone through. And was given an appointment card. I told Dr. Pelletier I was going to drive 100m one-way (now that I had moved) to be treated so horribly, and he told me, "y'all just don't get along, but if it's going to interfere with your care then something needs to change." Was it that he truly cared about rude Pam's behavior or was it the fact I told him I would like for him to do the next step in my dental care and would be able to pay upfront for it in full, as long as Pam didn't treat this way any more?
The fact no one is EVER in their waiting room or in the rooms in the back when I pass should've been another huge red light! But what made me come here finally to tell of my experience? The bill I just received was the last straw. I told doc that I was in the process of handling a family emergency, so if I had to pay my rental truck with that credit card, I would absolutely mail him a check no later than the end of the month. He said he understood and was sorry for my stepmother's sudden death. Mind you, my treatment isn't completed yet, and with this month's payment I've paid 75% of the total. Obviously I'm making sure they get their payments.
So this bill I just received today has typed on it and initialed by Pam, that I "have had ongoing issues with this credit card and only after causing a scene in the office and calling the bank are the payments made." WOW!
Just below this Dr. Pelletier wrote that he reviewed my bill (so he saw this remark) and approved it!
Let me set this straight: Pam, had you listened to me two weeks earlier and charged the card, I wouldn't have had to call the bank just to verify that you hadn't tried to obtain payment even ONCE AFTER I verified the money was there, and that the only reason it wasn't the to begin with was because the bank had erroneously charged me an annual fee! You shouldn't be allowed to work with the public because you obviously don't like people. I've tried every visit to be nice to you so I can just maybe leave that office without having to complain about you to your employer and wanting to cuss you out. Unlike you and Dr. Pelletier, (yes, you, too doc because you obviously support rude and mean bullying in your office), I know what it means to be professional! I didnt have to apply for my job at USC because Dean Parsons and several of my former professors asked me to do it. I am a nurse practitioner who worked for USC College of Nursing teaching students, doing research, and treating patients. My last day at my practice, many of my patients came bearing gifts and with tears in their eyes to see me off. I feel sorry for you two because I highly doubt you'll EVER know the feeling of being truly adored by the people you care for or anyone else that comes in contact with you.
People need to be praying for you.
by Lisa
xxx.xxx.90.57
October 11, 2014
