Dr. John Ruth

It wasn't until my third appointment that I actually met this doctor to discuss options for a hip complaint. The first two appointments were for assessment and a cortisone shot. Ruth was MIA. Got the PA instead. The shot didn't work so I went back a third time. Finally met Ruth who suggested I have another cortisone shot and, if that didn't work, I would be looking at hip replacement. For the shot, he said I should go to UMC for an outpatient procedure that required numbing my leg. I made the appointment but later cancelled due to other circumstances. I called last Friday to reschedule that injection and received a call back today from one of Ruth's schedulers. She left a message asking me where I was supposed to go for this injection ("you're supposed to get it done somewhere but not here in the office....") and then she asked about the injection. "...so I was just calling to verify what type of injection you were going to take...." These are direct quotes taken from the voicemail… transcript. Seriously????? If office staff can't be bothered to check a person's chart to have this information, then what does that say about the surgeon's practice? He's not exactly running a tight ship there. I called and expressed my concern in no uncertain terms. I am jaw-droppingly amazed at the incompetence.

Surgery at hospital after admission and f/u post hospitalization not optimal; poor follow through along with difficult attitude from PA in office. Numerous phone calls to try to get assistance needed.

He is a really good doctor. The scar left by the surgery was minimal and straight. He is a little quick in the chat, however, he has lots of patients to see.

Doctor seemed good, but the office was awful * over 1 hour late * office cannot get my list of meds right even though I hand edited the list * asked to undress in a room with 3 wide open doors to many people. No chair to sit on although I couldn't left my leg well. Small pillowcase thrown on table to cover myself, but of course I couldn't hold it. Also had to try to redress in front of 3 open doors (2 to other patients, 1 to medical personnel) * asked to climb on a high xray table without assistance or step stool, painful and diffcult with a fracture. Also had to hop down unassisted. * no sheet or paper on the xray table. I had bandaged wounds, felt this was an infection risk.

I am grateful to have had Dr. Ruth and his staff after a horrific motor cycle accident that left my right leg/ankle/foot crumpled and crushed.I owe Dr Ruth and the other surgeon a million thanks. I am able to walk and function due to their efforts.Without Dr. Ruth, I would have been ruthless! :)