Fresno Heart and Surgical Hospital Organization

Post-: Dr. Boone has such a great bedside manner, he did an excellent job and I feel good just a few days after surgery...Thank you Dr. Boone!!
Pre-op: Dr. Boone is very professional yet personable. I agree that at first he seems somewhat reserved and distant, but once he warms up, he's sweet as can be. He has a warm personality. He answered all my questions clearly and took his time and went over all aspects of the surgery. He took the time to make sure that I was well informed.

He emphasizes aftercare and the fact that WLS is a tool. He expects follow-up and for the patient to take the decision for WLS and maintenance afterwards very seriously.

After meeting him, I feel that he is more than competant, I feel comfortable putting my life in his skilled hands.

All in all, Dr. Boone is a wonderful choice for a surgeon. I would recommend him to anyone.

My 1st impression was he seemed quiet or reserved. But I liked him right away. He did seem caring and answered all my questions. His office staff is very friendly and professional. I went to my 2 week check up and 4 week and 8 week and again 2 months later and then I canceled the next one because I felt great and it was a 1&1/2 hour drive to his office and I got lazy. Then Dr. Boone's office called and said I had to come in because it is very critical that he monitor me for the 1st year and a half. He really cares and so I went back and I'm glad. I am 60 years old and have asthma, high blood pressure, chest pains, leg cramps. Since my surgery I have no asthma,no leg cramps, no chest pains and I take 1 pill a day to control my blood pressure instead of 4 pills prior to surgery. Oh yes I no longer have heartburn at all. I give Dr. Boone and his staff a 10. He did the lap on me.

I was surprised at how young he looked, but I was very impressed with his friendly manner & how knowledgeable he was. (So was my friend who is a Physicians Assistant & had an old gastric procedure that didn't do to well). I thought he was very friendly & yet did not talk down to you or use all the big words he knows to impress you. I felt very well informed of my choices, including the risks & benifits. Their office also insists that you attend a seminar that explains the entire procedure, including risks, benefits, diet, other procedures etc. The information was also given out in written form so if you didn't take it all in or forgot anything you could look it up. I am a nurse & I thought it was one of the most well put together, easily understood packets on surgery I have ever seen handed out to patients! His staff is very nice, friendly & efficient. Thank God for Laurie & Jan as they take all of my phone calls (those questions you can never think of when you have them on the phone) in good humor & answer all my questions...& if their voice mail is on they call you back quickly. Would rate him & his staff a 10!!! They also where helpful in scheduling things closer together for me so I wouldn't have to make so many trips pre-op since I live over 3 hrs. away.

Rather bland, business-like man. Not much in the way of personality came through at this first meeting, so nothing to like or dislike. I think that he is quite good at what he does and I trust his surgical abilities and that is what I want. Entire appointment did not last more than 20 minutes.
Office staff for the most part is very nice. Didn't care much for front receptionists. They seem to be not at all organized. They could not find any record of my appointment when I went the first time. Mind you, I had been waiting for this appointment for over 3 months. I got the impression that the receptionist felt that I was lying about the appointment time and day. Only after I offered to go the car and get proof (she insisted that I do so) and presented her with the proof did her attitude change. I was not a happy camper. They had me wait for about 15 minutes in the waiting room, took me back to Laurie's office (I knew then that I would not be seeing the doctor today) and rescheduled my appointment for the following Tuesday. Tuesday came and they were unable to locate all the paperwork that I had filled out and mailed to them in July. They also were unable to locate the EKG that had been sent to them in June for my Sept. appointment. There is an aftercare support group but other than that I am unaware of a structured aftercare program. This may be something I learn about further down the road. Dr. Boone did address the risks of the surgery both at the mandatory seminar and at my appointment.
Well, folks. Dr. Boone still isn't a bundle of laughs but my God, is he a great surgeon!! I was released 21 hours after my surgery to go home. Never had a bit of pain, just sore like too many situps. Haven't had any nausea so far. This has been a walk in the park.

He is a great man I really do like him. He makes you fell like you are some one and that you do count. I am blessed to have him for the surgery and that he does care about me.

I haven't met Dr. Higa as yet. I have an appointment for June and it seems so far away. I have one friend who had her surgery with Dr. Higa. I know from what she has told me that he is the doctor I want. Another reason will be because he is the doctor who accepts my insurance. I have only heard good things about him and am very anxious to get the ball rolling. I feel like I am in limbo. I think I have finally decided to do this and now it is wait. I can do that if that is what it takes.

Dr. Boone is AWESOME. Just loved everything about him after our first consultation. He is so gentle and caring and really takes his time. Jan and Laurie are great too! Very patient and understanding. I must have called to check on things at least twice a week and they always explained things to me. They are very busy so sometimes it's a little difficult to get hold of them. Keep trying!!! Dr. Boone is wonderful. I'm telling some of my friends about him who are considering having this done. Just love him!!!

I have not met my surgeon yet. However, the office staff has been very kind when talking to them over the phone. I do have an appointment in April!!!
Linda

He seems to be a very knowledgeable person on the subject of WLS (gee - hope so, he just did my surgery) He is very thurough. Any (I mean ANY) question asked was answered until I completely understood the answer. I think I was in pretty good hands . I would recommend him to anyone (excpt, maybe my worst enemy....don't want them to have the best you know)

Dr. Boone is a wonderful person with a good personality and sense of humor. He is young and appears to be somewhat shy, which could cause some to think he is cold. He IS NOT! He was there in pre-op, and knows how to reassure the patient. He was there post-op and in the hospital. This is someone who really cares about his patients! I haven't found many doctors, especially surgeons, with the type of personality Dr. Boone has.
The more I met with him, the more I liked him and felt comfortable. HEY FOLKS, this is serious surgery and will alter your lives, virtually forever. Dr. Boone will help you get there!

As for office staff, I had mixed reactions. Dr. Boone is with Valley Surgical Group and as with any group, staffing problems do happen. I don't particularly care for some of the front people. Last time I there they seem only focused on getting the money and nothing else. The back staff do better with you (now I probably won't get in the door!) They have support if you need it and monthly seminars that are generaly worth while to attend.

I would rate Dr. Boone a 9 out of 10 ( you can't give 10s out so said one of my boot camp CPOs.) There is a structured aftercare program in the seminars and returns to the doctor. Dr. Boone does address the risk of surgery in the seminars. There are also lots of people getting this surgery now, unlike ten years ago, when it was radical.

Dr. Boone is a good surgeon (as far as I can see) and has a fine bedside manner (nice smile too)!