Gary A Pattee's Online Review Report Card

Dr Pattee was recommended to me when I had a frozen shoulder. Having my shoulder just stop working was pretty traumatizing- but he took the time to carefully evaluate, and explain, the condition. I can highly recommend Dr Pattee.

Let me start by saying that Dr Pattee is amazing. Very attentive, knowledgeable, understanding, and kind. He listens to your concerns and addresses them. Great doctor!Unfortunately, his staff is horrendous, hence the one star. The treatment I've received from them was bad enough that I really question ever coming back again. I do not expect any special treatment by any means, but if I have to deal with any of them again, I will be taking my services elsewhere. (I have not yet brought this to Dr Pattee's attention as he has been on vacation during this debacle.)(Giving a less detailed explanation due to limited # of characters) Saw Dr P for shoulder pain in the hopes of finally getting an answer for my pain that I've had for years. He recommended an MRI. I requested that I have it done at a facility in Santa Barbara for several reasons: 1) it would be covered by my insurance 2) given that I'm an employee there, I would receive a discount on the exam 3) and it would be more convenient for me to get it done either before, after, or even during work.Without hesitation, he said that he understood & it would not be problem. He wrote the name of the facility at the top of the order & circled it so it was clear where I would be having the exam done. (Patients are usually sent to Rolling Oaks Radiology in Thousand Oaks). I then went to the front desk to pay my copay (this is when the attitude from the staff began.) The girl that processed my transaction had a minor attitude, which I just wrote off as her having a bad day. I left and went to my car to call & make my appt. However, I was told that I could not make the appt until I had an authorization number. Since I was still in the parking lot, I walked back up to the doctor's office to request the authorization #. I was immediately greeted with attitude. The girl assisting me stated that the Imaging Center would be the one to provide it. I explained what I was told over the phone & that I was having the exam done at a different facility than where they usually send patients. She explained that someone at their office, named Susie, would be the one to provide that information for me & that she would leave her a message since she wouldn't be back into the office until the next day. I thanked her & left. This was on a Thursday.The following day, I checked with the schedulers to see if they had received the authorization #. Nope. So I called the office & asked to speak to Susie. They stated she had left for the day & would leave her a message again with my reason for calling.Following Thursday, still no authorization number. I called again. Out of the office again- would leave her a message. Again. Friday, I called and was able to speak to Susie. I explained my reason for calling and immediately was met with aggression & attitude. She proceeded to raise her voice at me and tell me that she "sent everything they need the first day I received the message", which included my patient history, but that she "does not give authorization numbers". I stated that "I just keep being told I can not make an appointment without the authorization and keep being told that I need to receive it from you". She repeated what she originally told me, again with hostility. The conversation then ended & I went to speak to the schedulers to see if I was misunderstanding what needs to be done. At this point, the schedulers explained to me that authorization needs to come from the facilities writing the orders otherwise insurance won't approve the order. They offered to call Dr P's office for me to get it straightened out.At this point, I did not hear the conversation personally, but was informed that the manager got involved, was made aware of Susie & the staff's attitude, what the situation was, and agreed to get an authorization #. About an hour or so later, I was informed that Dr P's office had called back stating they were NOT going to give the authorization # after all.I was then advised to call my insurance because what they were doing was illegal (I pay for a PPO & legally have the right to see any doctor/facility, but that his office will not give me an authorization # because I am using a facility they do not usually send patients to, so they will not benefit financially from the exam.I called my insurance who contacted Dr P's office. I received an email from my insurance stating "spoke with Marielle. Advised to call our National Imaging Associates to submit authorization and she said they will call our NIA Department. This can take up to 24-48 hrs to complete."The NEXT Friday (7 days later) still no authorization. Called NIA personally. Nothing had been submitting or was pending. Was advised to go to another doctor since they were not helping me. Therefore, I am unable to have an exam done that the Dr ORDERED.Had a friend call the insurance and pretend to be from their office. Took 5 mins. Got the authorization #. THANKS A LOT!! **attitude= not WHAT is said, but HOW**

He is so down to earth and personable.

Dr. Pattee is the BEST shoulder surgeon in the area. Shoulders are all he does and he knows them well. I'm a swimmer with years of overuse; he's done complex surgeries on both of my shoulders and I've always returned to competition with the same strength and function as pre-injury.

Second time visit with Dr. Pattee for frozen shoulder (2007 and 2015). Excellent! Highly recommended. I wouldn't go anywhere else for shoulder problems.

15 years after Dr. Pattee did my shoulder with a titanium shaft with adjustable ball it is working fantastic, even being able to play tennis. I am now 70.

I have been a patient for over 10 years. The physicians and staff are great. I have had carpal tunnel, knee replacement and hip replacement. Everyone involved in my recovery was compassionate and provided the best care possible. I was impressed that surgery was not the first option, as everything that could be done to avoid surgery was considered.

My shoulder is 100% healed and I am back to doing stunts and gymnastics.

We travel from out of state for Dr. Pattee due to an 11 year relationship for us. His surgery is flawless and exceptionally good. He's fantastic! At times office staff reception is excellent but over the years he too acknowledges good help is hard to find. This should not reflect on a consumate professional who cares for patients as he would his family.