Alex-Bell Veterinary Clinic

Reviews 6

OL

Oliver Stoutner

Our two chihuahuas were boarded at this vet May 25 - May 30 2017. Prior to boarding, we were asked by office staff if we wanted the dogs to have an additional walk and were informed that there would not be an added fee for the service. At pickup, we were presented a bill that included service fees for the additional walk. When we questioned about the fee and explained that we were told there would not be a fee for this service, office staff indicated that they werent sure why we were told otherwise. No effort was made to resolve the situation. Last year, this vet prescribed medicine (4 different scripts) to manage our eldest chihuahuas congestive heart failure. He must take the medicine every month. Without it, he gasps for breath and is very lethargic. When presented with the bill for the prescriptions, we were shocked at the amount but paid it to give him some comfort. Several months later we asked this vet if we could fill the prescriptions at an online pharmacy whose pricing was half as much or less than what this vet was charging. We were told by office staff that we could do this but we would be charged a "fee" to transfer the prescriptions. When we questioned office staff on the amount and purpose of the fee, we were told that it was $10 per prescription and that it was for the purpose of the doctor reviewing the scripts before approving them to be transferred. Shocked at this "fee", we contacted the online pharmacy and several other local vets to determine if this type of fee was typical. Those we spoke to indicated that this practice was unusual and that the only real purpose for such a fee is to discourage customers from switching to other providers. Our view was that this vet was holding our beloved pets health hostage to make a few extra bucks, but we had little choice. If we wanted our poor dog to feel better, we would be saddled with transfer fees or marked-up prescription prices. When we reached out to this vet again, we asked if this was a "one time" fee or recurring, and office staff assured us that it was a one time fee. Hoping that we would finally be rid of this vet and its deceptive business practices, two months ago (April 2017) we paid the fees. After two months of smooth sailing, just yesterday (June 5th, 2017) we received a notification from our online pharmacy that this vet was not releasing the prescriptions. Shortly after, we received a call from this vet wherein office staff informed us that we were required to pay the fees yet again, before they would release the prescriptions. When we explained to them our conversations with office staff from two months prior, particularly pointing out that these fees were explained as "one time only," we were told that it had always been the policy to charge the fees every time the scripts were to be renewed. When we explained our perception of what the phrase "one time only" means, we were told that they were sorry but nothing could be done. Once again, our poor dogs health was being held hostage by this vet and its deceptive business practices. And once again we have paid the fees so that our dog may be a little happier in his final years. We are at whits end. We cant trust anything that this vet is telling us but weve spent so much money here on exams and prescriptions and fees, it seems prohibitively expensive to switch to another vet.

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A Private User

Every time we board dogs there are added expenses over an above the kennel charge. Plan to pay full examination fees (41.75) and Nail Clipping (11.50). We were charged the exam fee due to the need for bordetella vaccine, though both dogs had been seen 2 months prior. No warnings given about declining bordetella and receiving a second exam fee though we said we planned to board them soon. Also A-B vet clinic does a poor job of record keeping for what your pet has been examined (e.g. heartworm) for so plan to get a full workup when you board because they have no record of ....".

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Margo Udinov

The doctors and staff are outstanding. Dr. C is the most caring and thoughtful veterinarian that I have ever met. She is very intelligent and takes the time to listen to pet owners and find the best possible treatment. She genuinely cares for each patient that walks in the door. Dr. Diehl is also very caring and intelligent, he is great about getting patients in on short notice and response time for bloodwork is very quick. I am happy to bring my pets to either doctor and know that they are in safe hands.

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Cat Marie

Dr Diehl is horrible. Doesnt even meet with patients . Let my cats leg atrophy in a cast and it was so weak dislocated . Horrible horrible horrible ! Worst experience ever I cried endlessly for the suffering they put my catcthrohgh and they had no compassion for the thousands of dollars they drained me of fixing the problems they created . Plus she got fleas

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Sean Thornton

I have been taking pets to Dr. Barry Diehl since 1979 when his office was on 48 which is now the overpass for I-675. He is a great Vet. He has performed numerous operations on our dogs over the years. His staff is next to none ! You get what you pay for and Alex Bell Vet Clinic is the areas best.

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Cheryl Mauer

I still take my elderly cats here. Insulin is sold here but there is a hefty $20 shipping added on.

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