Dr. John Gonino - Gonino Center For Healing

I feel it’s important to share my experience in hopes of preventing others from going through something similar. After a serious fall that resulted in a torn MCL and meniscus, I was referred by the ER to an orthopedic surgeon. My insurance required a referral from my primary care provider, Dr. Gonino. Because this happened after hours on a Friday, I had to wait until Monday to contact the office. When I called, I spoke with Jessica, who told me she had “50 other faxes to go through” and would “get to it when she could.” I explained that I was in severe pain, mostly bedridden, and that the orthopedic office had an opening the next day but she was dismissive, rude, and completely lacking in empathy. Two days later, I followed up again and was told the same thing. I asked to speak to the office manager, Anita, and left a voicemail that was never returned, not that day, not that week, and not even three weeks later. I eventually sent a detailed email to Dr. Gonino’s nurse explaining the situation, which included the fact that my insurance company had also been calling and leaving messages for three days. Within minutes of that email, Jessica suddenly called to say the referral was complete. By then, I had already missed my earliest orthopedic appointment and was forced to pay out-of-pocket to be seen sooner because of the delay. This entire experience was shocking and unacceptable, especially considering that I had followed Dr. Gonino’s instruction from my first visit to not have any imaging (like MRIs or X-rays) without consulting him first. But when I actually needed urgent care, his office made it nearly impossible to get help. When I later tried to address the situation and provide feedback, I was told I’d need to make an appointment to discuss how I was treated, which felt ridiculous. For context, I suffer from a rare autoimmune disease and initially chose Dr. Gonino because his approach seemed holistic and compassionate. Unfortunately, my experience showed otherwise. The office appears far more focused on selling “extra” services and tests (many of which are not filed with insurance) than on providing timely, patient-centered care. I personally spent over $1,500 on tests that, in hindsight, had nothing to do with the issues I came in for. Ultimately, I had to involve my insurance company, which was so concerned by what happened that they initiated their own complaint against this office. This was a profoundly disappointing experience from a doctor I initially trusted. I hope the office takes this feedback seriously and improves communication, empathy, and urgency, especially when patients are in pain or facing medical emergencies.

Alena Brooks • October 16th, 2025

Dr. Gonino is an extremely gifted and caring doctor. He pays attention to the details like no other doctor I've ever had in the past. His staff is friendly and helpful and the Gonino Center is beautiful. As a 5 year survivor of colon cancer, I truly appreciate the importance of working towards and maintaining peak health and wellness. I am in excellent hands on that mission with the Gonino Center for Healing.

Susan Georgeson • October 31st, 2025

Taylor, our nurse practitioner here, is so efficient in finding the root cause and diagnosing it. We love ❤️ our wonderful family here! Leslie in IV treatment is also so efficient and always cheerful! They treat root causes instead of symptoms!

Olga Sackett • December 30th, 2025