Warning: Very detailed review below, but I hope it will be helpful to discerning animal lovers for future reference. I've waited a couple of months to see if my feelings changed, but they haven't, so ... Read More
Warning: Very detailed review below, but I hope it will be helpful to discerning animal lovers for future reference. I've waited a couple of months to see if my feelings changed, but they haven't, so I felt I needed to write this review.I took my terrier here because he suddenly started to exhibit signs of pain - excessive grooming, tail between legs, etc.My first visit was with a visiting vet - Dr. DeVries. She was actually very pleasant to work with, took her time to examine him, was personable, and really appeared concerned for his well-being. She prescribed some pain medication and said to keep an eye on him and return if no improvement.A few days later, after no improvement, I remembered that he had two separate blood tests within the past year at another vet showing an elevated level of ALP, which indicates he could have Cushing's disease. I never opted for the full test to confirm this, as he had no symptoms at the time. However, since he was now in noticeable pain, I thought it was time to get the official test for Cushing's. I returned to Kingsview with a specific request to perform this test. I never spoke with the vet (Dr. Grim), as she did not present herself when I dropped him off, so I relied on the front desk person to convey all relevant information.When I picked him up, I was gob smacked with a $492.00 bill. This is after paying $72.00 for his previous visit. After composing myself and reviewing the bill, I noticed the that the Cushing's test was $300. This was fine. I was completely prepared to pay for this test to know once and for all whether my little guy had the disease. They notified me this is costlier because they have to send it out to another lab...fine. Then I noticed another cost of $78.00 for "Blood Profile In-House." I inquired about this one. They said it was an in-house blood test to check to see if the ALP level was still increased in order to justify the actual Cushing's test. They do this for the sole purpose of saving me money in case the ALP levels are down and the Cushing's test is not needed...Huh?? I was very specific that I wanted the Cushing's test regardless, and I was happy to pay whatever cost for the test, but they went ahead and charged me for an unrequested and unnecessary blood test that indeed indicated his ALP level was still high...so in trying to save me $300, you actually cost me $78 additional dollars. Thanks.While in-office, I tried to discuss this with the front desk lady. Then the office manager came to the front, armed and on the defense. When I reiterated my concern to her, she explained again that the test was done to try to save me money, and when I mentioned that I wanted the full Cushing's test anyways, she basically changed the subject while handing me my dog and ushering me out of the office as quickly as possible.When Dr. Grim called the next day, she confirmed he did indeed have Cushing's. When I explained that I was not expecting the extra blood test, she explained again why she did it but said she would speak with the office manager. I emailed the office manager again to request to remove the charge of $78, and she replied with "We are unable to refund the money for the Health Profile completed in house on 9/30/2014. As discussed with you on both 9/30 and 10/1, the doctor felt it necessary to repeat the profile prior to running the ACTH test. This was done to insure that the ALP remained elevated and warranted the ACTH be run."I responded that I was unhappy with the decision and would like a digital copy of the lab results. She emailed them to me with no message in the body of the email - obviously annoyed with me and ready to not have me as a customer anymore.To top it all off, they charged a $5.00 "Biohazard Waste Disposal" fee for his poo - a charge I have never seen at any of my previous vet offices. Really? Just give it back to me, and I will gladly dispose of it myself.Finally, their office is very dated, hard to find, and the parking lot is non-existent. You have to park on an unmarked round-about, as all the staff take up the actual spaces.Alas, I was primed to give them a lot of business for the care of my two dogs, but after this experience, I will not be back. Read Less