Unity Healthcare

Positive experience: In the last four years, I have had four procedures at the Surgery Center. Great care by Surgery Center & Othopedic Clinic staff and primary care physician. Why a three star rating? A series of less than acceptable experience at Unity's Pain Care Center. Here's the details: Dr. Bigler? Great to work with. Staff? Another story altogether. Have found it difficult dealing with staff. Have stood at the counter to check in for 5+ minutes and not even acknowledged. Have had several times when staff committed to call to schedule or confirm an appointment, but didn't. Most recently, I had an appointment scheduled more than three months Iin advance. Received a call from staff the day before, telling me that my appointment would need to be canceled because they had not yet gotten pre-approval for the procedure. When I asked why I was being notified the day before and they wouldn't provide me with a alternative appointment, I was told that it was because I had only scheduled the appointment the day prior - when in fact the office had called to change my appointment due Dr. Bigler having surgery at the same time. Call it negligence, ignorance, or "gas lighting"; i dont need any of the three. The staff dropped the ball, then canceled and refused to acknowledge their mistake. Staff refused to commit to rescheduling or to give me a timeframe for approval. As someone with severe pain, the procedure has been the one thing that works. Now, I'm forced either wait until they get pre-approval or find another doctor. I have done everything recommended by Dr. Bigler and been able to avoid psychotropic medications. I need a care provider on which I can rely. Dr. Bigler has been great. Staff and experiences such as this are not acceptable. This "mistake" - at the end of the calendar year - could cost our family several thousand dollars (due to resetting of our insurance out of pocket maximum on January 1). I am very disappointed. While waiting to see if anyone calls back, I will begin the process of finding another provider.