My review is a two-parter; both good and bad. First, I wanted to give praise to Dr. Vincent and Paula working out of the Oswell location. The unpleasant review is for Mr. Torres (as I will not put t... Read More
My review is a two-parter; both good and bad. First, I wanted to give praise to Dr. Vincent and Paula working out of the Oswell location. The unpleasant review is for Mr. Torres (as I will not put the letters Dr. in front of his name, after the way I was treated).I have been a Banfield customer for nearly 15 years. My dog is approaching 15 years of age. Four months ago, I brought her into Banfield for her comprehensive examine, as she was having difficulty holding her bladder, in addition to her on-going arthritis. I was concerned my dog would go downhill from here - without hope in sight. Dr. Vincent was on staff that day and examined my dog, prescribing bladder control meds and it worked with great success. Every 30 days thereafter, I have called Banfield requesting a re-fill, and it's been granted. I am extremely appreciative of this and give credit to Dr. Vincent. Friday, I expected no different when calling Banfield on Oswell and spoke to Paula requesting my dog's monthly re-fill. Paula has always been so helpful and understanding each time I have spoken to her, and like a professional she ensured I would be taken care of again today. To no fault of her own, the experience I had today with office Vet Mr. Torres was incredibly shocking and unprofessional. Friday afternoon I came to pick up the prescription when prompted, however was notified upon arriving that Mr. Torres did not want to re-fill it, since he had not examined my dog before. I challenged the nurse as to why and gave my dog's medical condition and history. She informed me the doctor prefers to examine the pet for high blood pressure before refilling prescription and monitoring blood work. I reminded her my dog was 15 years old. High blood pressure is the least of my concerns at this point. She's never had it on any medication she's been on. Basically, what I was hearing and being told was the doctor was uncomfortable refilling the prescription. At this time Mr. Torres overheard the conversation and approached the front desk. His behavior from here on out was alarming: Without introducing himself, he sat on top of the front counter to speak with me, crossing his legs Indian style (pause for shock). I commented on his demeanor as being quite relaxed while speaking to a client, and he did not correct himself.He and I discussed his concerns for not wanting to refill the prescription, and I made reference to primary physicians will view other patients files to refill prescriptions due to the rarity of ever seeing the same doctor consistently. He proceeded to tell me the State of California will not allow him to re-fill my dog's prescription without examining her first.I quickly explained what my dog would experience in loss of bladder without medication. Hi reaction was nothing but condescending. I commented on his lack of compassion and experience, then concluded the conversation by letting him know the process today at Banfield was broken and that he needed to get it fixed. I requested a refund as I was already charged for the prescription.He exited to the back then approached the counter again asking my name and called me to a private examining room. I did not enter the room telling him I would not speak with him alone and that I was done dealing with him. He approached the counter again and asked Paula to move so he could use the front desk computer. He proceeded to request my name from Paula or the pets name to access my file (with complete disregard to me still standing there!) He began typing notes into the computer system.I asked him to give Paula's computer back so she could issue me my credit and that I would come back Monday when Dr. Vincent is on staff. Mr Torres said "Paula has another computer she can use." In the end, they refunded my VISA then recharged it for the prescription, with Dr. Vincents name on the bottle. Mr. Torres' customer service skills need some major polishing, along with some coaching in harassment. He should never request a client discussion without the presence of a nurse or other staff member. May want to throw in a little bit of leadership training also. Another thing, never sit on a counter like a 5 year old when discussing the health of a pet to a customer. If he thinks this approach is a sign of the times in which we converse with a professional, he is greatly mistaken. I want nothing more from this location and will be moving my business back to the Ming Ave location. Read Less