New Mexico Orthopaedics

I had 3 previous image guided injections for hip pain on the 7th floor with Dr. Wallach. The staff was extremely professional and reassuring. An RN went over my meds and took my vitals. Another RN escorted me to my room where the DR., Xray tech, and nurse were present. I was then escorted to a recovery room for a few minutes. I left pain free and had good results for 3-4 months.

(I believe due to a partial block of some kind. } Naturally, I expected the same positive experience again. My reminder informed me I was to see Dr. Patton, but I assumed no other changes. I was told also to go to the 6th floor. As a patient, you do as you are told. No one asked for ID or insurance, and I was called into a room, much resembling an ER. Many beds were surrounded by drapes and marked Cast 1 , 2, etc. I was told to put on paper shorts and wait. A young man (credentials unknown}, begin a hectic undertaking of trying to prepare a sterile field while bumping backsides with the assistant in the next bay. This action would then shift the drape which would have to be readjusted for privacy. At one point my neighbor and I were face to face. My young man hollered for a non sterile hand for help, and by now I was in fight or flight mode.

There was a general vibe of frustration by all, from the onset. Instead of an Xray machine, there was a tiny ultrasound. I questioned the changes and was told repeatedly this new exercise was to save me money! Dr. Patton preformed the procedure, which was entirely painful, and I left in more pain than when I arrived. My copay was actually more than on the previous occasions. No one took my vitals, asked about my meds or allergies. All in all a most stressful experience. Someone has decided to save on cost, but the patient is the loser. I went from first world medicine to what felt like third world. Hopefully NM Ortho will rethink this approach.