Lawrence M. Kotler, DDS. MS.

Review: 10/4/13

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing this letter in regards to Dr. Lawrence Kotler, D.D.S. who practices as an endodontist at [redacted] with an office phone number of ###-###-####.

My appointment was scheduled for 10/4/13 at 9:30 am. My son, [redacted], was also scheduled for an appointment at the same day and time. At approximately 7:25 am on 10/4/13 I received a call from the receptionist asking me to come in early (8:15 am) so they could perform the root canal today. I agreed to come in early, although I was not going to be able to make it by 8:15 am, I was told that was not a problem, they would wait for me.

I arrived at the office and they didn’t have my son’s appointment on their calendar, but could see him regardless. I filled out the paperwork necessary and gave them copies of our x-rays that were provided by our dentist, [redacted] in [redacted]. We waited until we were called back to be seen. My son was going to be seen first, so we were sitting in the patient exam room waiting for the dentist. He was in the office room directly next to where we were sitting. He was on his cell phone speaking to what I assume was his bank. His side of the conversation was all I could hear but it was very clear that he was asking them about a lien that was placed against him and he wanted to be sure that his account was not frozen, as he has to pay his employees today. This was my first red flag. That conversation went on for about 3-5 minutes.

Mr. Kotler came out of the office and greeted us. He immediately told me he had looked at Zaiya’s x-rays and that [redacted] DID NOT need a root canal, that the tooth was not mature enough for that at this point and he went on to tell me how any good dentist would have done x, y, and z (I can not remember what his exact words were) to fix the problem with his adult tooth. He continuously indicated that the dentist that had referred us should have taken care of the problem themselves, if they were a good dentist. I asked him if he was saying that [redacted] was not a good dentist and he repeatedly stated what he would have done when he was a dentist and what a good dentist would do.

Then he told me that I definitely needed a root canal. He said the ladies up front told him that I wanted the (laughing) gas. That was correct, I did request the gas. He then went on to tell me how he thinks I would be a happier patient if I were sedated. This was a major red flag for me. So I said to him “you think I need to be sedated, so this will cost me $400.00 for sedation as opposed to the $80.00 for the gas?” He then stated “No, I will even do this for FREE just to show you that I am doing it for your benefit”. That was another HUGE red flag. I was very uncomfortable at this point and I am sure he could tell. I then told him that I was not comfortable with him and I did not want him to perform any type of work on me. He said “GOOD”. I then requested my paperwork and all of the forms I filled out to be returned to me. He insisted that he needed copies. I asked him why. He said he needed them because it was the law and he figured he would need them on file when my lawyer called him. I said Lawyer???? What for?? He said, “everyone sues nowadays, so when you sue me, I will have the paperwork.” I stated it was ridiculous to assume I would sue him since he didn’t do any dental procedures on my son or myself. He stated he was not going to bill my insurance company for anything. He kept saying as he was making copies how “I don’t need this today” “I just don’t need this”. Once I had all of my copies I left his office.

I notified [redacted] and my insurance company of what happened in his office.

Sincerely,

[redacted]

###-###-####Desired Settlement: That others know about his terrible mannerism in which he handles his patients.

Business

Response:

10 Oct 2013

Dear Sirs:

As you are well aware, under HIPPA restrictions I am not free to discuss or respond to much of the complainants' statement.

Suffice it to say we did not hit off. I spent considerable time trying to establish a relationship. Time for which I did not bill the complainant. In apology, I even made a conciliatory offer to wave a sedation fee.

From her entrance into my office ,to her exit, [redacted]'s demeanor was confrontery and adversarial to my staff and myself. Our mutual agreement for her and her son to be seen else ware is best for all parties involved. My maintenance of records is a matter of Virginia law. As a courtesy she was given copies but the originals always are retained by the healthcare provider.

Further, this is the second recent letter from you organization into patient care. I strongly suggest you advise people with disagreements regarding medical care to refer their claims through a proper forum where we can fully reply. The Northern Va. Dental Association, The Virginia State Board of Dentistry,, or an attorney would give them informed and proper advise,

Sincerely yours:

Review: Recently went to Dr. Kotler for a root canal procedure on April 9, 2013 and paid my portion of the bill which equaled $344.00, the week of April 21st the repaired tooth split in half up to the gum line. I went to my normal dentist for repair on May 3, the earliest appointment possible:She stated: Tooth and temporary filling broke in half, there was a lot of decay underneath the temporary filling that was not cleaned out. Applying the temporary filling over a decayed tooth caused pressure on the gums which in turned caused the tooth to split.This dental experience was the worse experience ever. The decay on the tooth you can see with the naked eye, but Dr. Kotler did not take the time to clean the decay tooth out, before the temporary filling was applied. Dr. Kotler does not have a steady hand, his operating hand shook the entire time in my mouth as he performed the root canal. I think he suffers from Parkinsons disease, a steady hand is needed to provide services to the public. I blame this and laziness for the inadequate dental treatment I received. I contacted Dr. Kotler and explained my problem and they take no responsibility of the inadequate treatment I received and still believe the work was up to standards.In closing to save the tooth from extraction, I had to pay $244.00 for a build- up and then must later pay $ 730.00 for a porcelain onlay. [redacted] referred me to Dr. Kotler. I feel if my tooth was properly treated I would not have to pay an additional $974.00. I would like this dentist investigated as soon as possible they provide inadequate dental care and are also medically unfit to provide services to the public. I would like a refund of the money that was paid out for this root canal procedure. I hope this tragedy does not happen again to another patient.Desired Settlement: Refund amount for the money I paid for low standard sloppy dental work. Worse dental experience tooth split 2 weeks later and they are still requesting more money.

Business

Response:

Check Message tab or see attached.