October 21, 2020
Dr. William Leone
1000 NE 56th St,
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33334
Dear Dr. Leone,
This letter is to express my gratitude to you and your staff for the outstanding services and support I received during my double hip replacement journey.
This journey started about 3 years ago when I was diagnosed with degenerative arthritis in both my hips. Over the 3-year period, I received injections that worked for my left hip, but not so much for my right hip. I was taking an anti-inflammatory which helped, but I continued with my daily routine trying not contemplating surgery yet.
This past summer the pain was so great I realized I had no choice but to have the surgery. My wife works for GE and they have what’s called the Center of Excellence Program. This program is for employees or dependents in need of full hip or knee replacement at no cost. I started doing my research and came upon your name. I read all I could about you and your accomplishments. I was extremely impressed with your knowledge and passion for your profession and chose you to be my surgeon.
I was put in contact with Julie Zalabak from your office who became my liaison and helped me with the whole administrative process leading up to surgery. Julie is a true asset to the Leone Center. She bent over backward to get answers to all my questions and help make the process go smoothly. She was very patient and polite. Prior to my first surgery on September 2, 2020, I met with you, and your two surgical PA’s Susan Simonton and Tamara Hudak. It was so refreshing to have everything explained to me in layman terms and I did not feel rushed. Dr. Leone, you put my fears about surgery to rest with your encouraging words and positive attitude. I have never been comfortable with doctors, but just by you explaining things in a way I could understand, and giving me words of encouragement made me realize how much you and your staff care about your patients and treat them as if they are your only patient.
Since my 2nd surgery on October 7, 2020 I am now 7 weeks out from my first surgery and two weeks out from my second surgery, and I can confirm that I am walking freely with no pain whatsoever.
The William Leone Orthopedic Center is top-notch! You are truly the best in the business, and with the professionalism and skills of you and your staff, I will wholeheartedly recommend you to anyone who needs a full hip or knee replacement.
Thank you for the wonderful experience and for making me whole again. You are a true savior and it is a blessing to now be able to walk with no pain.
Sincerely,
Joseph Mercatante
GE Centers of Excellence are a designation awarded by GE to a few highly qualified centers which are spread around the USA to provide hip and knee replacement to their employees.
GE is one of the largest employers in the US and the program is designed to bring down employee health care costs while providing excellent care. These centers are selected based on a high-quality rating and experience. GE workers pay no or minimal out-of-pocket expenses. Many patients travel great distances for their treatment. GE saves money because the surgical result and experience are more consistently excellent with fewer complications.
Mr. Joseph Mercatante traveled from Jacksonville, Florida for his bilateral total hip replacement which is over 300 miles away. We’ve had many patients who travel from all over the world.
