Fessler Richard MD

Got me in right away. Was compassionate and knowledgeable. Explained my problem in language I could understand.

I am super disappointed with this doctor. I had been seeing him for over 5 years for a herniated disc. Recently, my pain was getting worse so we scheduled surgery for 4÷23÷13. Dr. Fessler wanted to do surgery at a hospital not affiliated with the network (DMC) that I am through. Dr. Fessler saw me in his office for over 5 years as a DMC doctor but refused to follow his contract with HAP (my insurance) and go to a DMC hospital to perform surgery. When I called HAP, they said Dr. Fessler was in fact, a DMC doctor and is required to go to a DMC hospital if he takes DMC patients in his office. I talked with Dr. Fessler’s nurse and told her what HAP had said. I got a call the following day from his nurse saying «Dr. Fessler is no longer a DMC doctor and doesn’t go to DMC hospitals!» I called HAP and they said that wasn’t true, he was still a DMC doctor. Obviously, he had his nurse LIE to me to get rid of me! I have filed a grievance with HAP and feel that what Dr. Fessler did is unethical and illegal. Why would I establish a long term relationship with a doctor that refuses to go to a hospital my insurance says I have to go to? If I had been told that he didn’t go to DMC hospitals for surgery, I would have never have gone to him :(
Now I’m starting all over with a new Neurosurgeon after 5+ years with Dr. Fessler. I refuse to have surgery with just anyone, so it will be a while and I’m in a lot of pain.