South Orange County Cardiology Group

I waited two weeks for an appointment following a trip to the ER for an echocardiogram with this practice. At the time I setup an appointment I made sure to verify that they accepted my insurance as they were recommended by my own insurance company but I always like to make sure. I also completed all pre-visit new patient forms including insurance information. My husband left work to accompany our new 3-month old and I on our visit while I hired a babysitter to watch our other 3 toddlers at home.

Upon arriving at our appointment we were advised in front of an entire waiting room full of about 15 people that they would not take me as a patient that day. Apparently Blue Shield Gold Tandem PPO only contracts with select doctors at their practice (including the doctor I scheduled with), however, they stated their decision not treat me was out of protest to Blue Shield for not contracting with ALL doctors at their practice. Since we were desperate to see a doctor, we inquired if we could pay for a consultation and echocardiogram out-of-pocket (having already performed all other tests at the GP and ER). They advised that, no, they would not allow me to do so as the services would exceed $700. We insisted on paying out-of-pocket due to the timing of needing to see a doctor and they still denied our visit.

This unfortunate incident took place without any respect to a new mother's time, husband’s time off work, and more importantly, my urgent health needs following an ER visit and having already waited two weeks to get into the doctor. Shame on this practice for letting their protest with Blue Shield CA get in the way of patient care and respect, and for having a front/back office that does not perform timely verification of new patient insurance as to not waste everyone’s time.

Several patients leaving their appointments said they were sorry for how we were treated by the office staff. I hope this group will reconsider their new patient processes and their situation with Blue Shield.

I know health care sucks in general, but man the office staff is horrible. Maria just got very rude with me because when she asked for my name I gave her my first name. She then repeated “your name”, after I gave it to her again, and then said “your name”, then we repeat thing again cuz i dont know if she cant hear me, but then got real rude with her tone and raised her voice. I laughed and had to stop and ask her why shes being this way. And then said its because people normally give a full name. Ask for my full name, i cant tell if your greeting me or needing my info. Shes gunna have heart problems too if shes always that grumpy. This is my second time dealing with rude staff, first time was with Sarah. Just rude for no reason. Please call me to address this concern too. I don't want it to pour onto your doctor’s reputations as well.

Dr. Ron Gim is an exceptional and attentive physician who goes above and beyond for his patients. The staff is also very friendly and helpful. Thank you!