Dr. Matthew Alan Pifer, MD

I went to Dr.Pifer for an ER follow-up having fractured my leg in two places in a fall at work. I reported that the injury occurred at work. His personal assistant advised me to sign up for workman's compensation asap. In fact she declared that I would not be able to be treated after the initial visit, i.e. follow-up, PT etc etc without it. My employer filed the claim within the week and notified the office of the claim #. When I arrived punctually for my follow up appointment 4 weeks later I was told by Dr.Pifer that he would not treat me further. He said he does Not take WC claim patients and coldly showed me the door! But not before letting me know a number of times that this was a free visit. Oh Wow, you mean your not going to charge me for telling me your refusing me further care?! How incredibly generous of you! This occurred 2 days after I had had a 1 hr. conversation with his office manager concerning my wc claim ; who raved about how lucky I was to be with Dr. Pifer for my… WC case, as well as over sharing with me horror story after horror story concerning her husbands WC woes. (highly unprofessional). At first glance the practice comes across as very well organized. How pray tell does one account for this total lack of communication between Dr. assistant and office manager? Why was I strung along for 3 weeks, during which time I had multiple calls to his personal assistant concerning my further treatments on the pending wc claim? I feel that my time was wasted, that I was disrespected, and my well being totally ignored by the Dr. and his staff. The five words I would use to describe him are ; cocky, poor listener, salesman, arrogant, impatient. Closing recommendations: Have the radiologist practice steering a wheelchair! She drove my injuries leg/foot into the wall. No apology! She " Oh I was trying to make it there". ( pointing to the exam bed) Me "Yeah well let's try to get me through the doorway first in one piece." Dr.Pifer needs to cut back on touching his female patients. I counted 8 times he touched my shoulder, hand or arm in an attempt to be comforting. It made me feel very uncomfortable. Once would have sufficed.

Best Shoulder Doctor in Santa Barbara

Dr Pifer is Awesome!

All the other comments are accurate. Excellent! My only addition is: I'm an old guy and Dr. Matthew did not see me as just another old guy with bad knees and shoulders. I'm looking forward to more repair jobs!

He efficiently diagnosed and treated my shoulder and knee.

I tore my rotator cuff this summer and Dr. Pifer is the surgeon who helped repair my injury. My experience with him and the staff at his practice was very pleasant. In a nutshell, he is personable, has a great bedside manner, knows his stuff, and was happy to answer all my questions. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of orthopedic care.

Dr. Pifer is the best shoulder doctor in Santa Barbara. Dr. Pifer repaired an anterior labral tear in my shoulder. The strength and functionality of my shoulder has never in my life been this good. The scars from the surgery are so small that people never notice them. If your shoulder doesn't work, Dr. Pifer can put it back together.

He was an excellent doctor. He explained everything he was extremely thorough.The recovery was very quick. I would recommend him to anyone who needs surgery.

From the beginning of my treatment after a severe auto accident, I always knew that I was in good hands with Dr. Pifer. He is very knowledgable, friendly, and provides sincere care and service. His staff were all very kind and accommodating and they really make you feel comfortable in the office. I truly appreciate the care I was given by Dr. Pifer.

Extremely caring and competent. Takes the time to address your questions and concerns. Inspires hope and confidence about recovering your capabilities