I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Dean Filipowicz and surgical team at United. If I could give 10 stars, I would. On July 11, 2015,my dog Riley either jumped or fell out the window of my 3rd f... Read More
I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Dean Filipowicz and surgical team at United. If I could give 10 stars, I would. On July 11, 2015,my dog Riley either jumped or fell out the window of my 3rd floor apartment while I was at work. Thank goodness my neighbors were home and able to get her rushed to North Peninsula emergency clinic. The bad news is, she had two severely fractured legs and the emergency hospital vet wasn't sure surgery would even be an option.
Dr. Filipowicz reviewed the X-rays and agreed to do two separate surgeries on my beloved dog. From the moment my boyfriend and I walked into the clinic, we knew Riley was in the best of hands. The receptionists and vet techs were reassuring, empathetic, and sincere. Dr. Filipowicz spent nearly an hour with us, explaining exactly what he was planning to do, what he was concerned about and why, and what the journey to recovery would look like, if all went well. He was positive yet realistic at the same--it was incredibly reassuring to know I was working with a talented surgeon; the icing on the cake was how down-to-earth, funny, and friendly he was.
The bedside manor at this place is absolutely incredible. In the two days after surgery, while Riley was still hospitalized, Dr. Filipowicz encouraged us to visit her as much as possible. Every time I visited, I was given an update on Riley's status. Never once did I feel rushed or like I was in the way. Dr Filipowicz and Helena, another member of the surgical team, both took the time to sit with Riley and I, give me updates, fill in family members on Riley's current health status, etc. every time we came to visit.
When it came time to bring Riley home, we were given all the information and resources we needed to provide the best care possible for her.
Was it cheap? Of course not! Were there a couple of expenses incurred that weren't included in the original estimate? Yes, but if my dog hadn't received that blood transfusion, all the surgical repair wouldn't have mattered anyway. During our consultation, Dr. Filipowicz told us that it's relatively common for dogs with bloodwork like Riley's to need a transfusion, and I said if it was necessary, please do it. The clinic was conscious of the expense and definitely didn't nickel-and-dime us.
If you want to eliminate the possibility of exorbitant vet bills from your future, DON'T GET A PET. No one wants to pay these bills, but I don't think many realize what it costs to run a veterinary practice. I'd rather pay awesome people like the staff here to treat my pet than get mediocre (at best) care elsewhere.
Bottom line: Do I feel that my dog received the best care possible? Yes, yes, YES! Read Less