Business ProfileforUniversity of California of Irvine

TERRIBLE! I went outside my insurance network to seek treatment for a severe breathing problem that I struggled with for over five years. I was referred to UCI *************************** The first issue is the inordinate amount of trouble communicating with them. The first surgeon (Dr. ******************* ~ 2021) dismissed my problem and told me to see a dermatologist. He barely looked at me and directed his conversation about sports analogies to my husband. I gave up at that point!Then, I almost died in 2022 and resumed my efforts. I went through several in-network plastic surgeons (in combination with my ENT and pulmonologist) who eventually referred me to a different plastic surgeon at *** (************). I consulted with him and he committed to a nasal surgery that would (in his opinion) be split 50/50 between insurance and out-of-pocket. I was presented with a glossy folder that contained a quote of $16,000 for the portion that he deemed 'cosmetic.' I went back to my dermatologist who provided a report that reducing the nasal tissue was a medical necessity. At that point, I was notified that ************ would not do the surgery. I was promised a referral which I am awaiting. I have requested an answer as to why he reneged on the surgery...I guess it would have moved forward if I agreed to pay $16,000. STAY AWAY! They are incredibly unprofessional and the two surgeons that I saw are arrogant and uncaring. I was given the business card of his practice supervisor for followup, but she does not have voicemail and does not answer her phone. This department needs some serious training in customer/patient service.