Och Spine at NewYork-Presbyterian at the Weill Cornell Medicine Center for Comprehensive Spine Care

My wife got a referral from her GP to see a doctor here to address her constant pain in hands and feet caused by drug side effects. The location is very convenient for us and is in a newer building. Enter on the second floor and there are two reception areas. On the left is for voice treatments and on the right is spine and others. Nice waiting room and pretty busy. The doctor was not able to help my wife with her specific pain problem but did give her a referral to a different pain management doctor. Overall a good experience.

3 months ago, per their recommendations, I had spinal fusion surgery by Weill Cornell Spinal surgery team. I can report that I am now still in constant pain, the nerve damage appears worse than prior to surgery as my feet and legs appear to be numb a good deal of the time. To be frank, I feel worse than prior to the surgery, and my nerves controlling my lower half appear to be in worse shape. Also, the post op experience at Queens Columbia Presbyterian Hospital was one of the worst hospital experiences in my life. The spinal team never showed up on time at the hospital during post op. I sat in the hallway of the ER room for hours upon hours and they never showed up. From what I can tell, I have been pretty much abandoned by the Weill Cornell Spinal team to fend for myself. I am beginning to feel that engaging them was the biggest mistake of my life. If you are seeking sciatic issues and spinal stenosis issues, you might look elsewhere.

Had such high hope to receive good medical advice from the Spine Center after listening to their podcasts over a long time. I called and made an appointment,saw a doctor and had an updated MRI performed. Unfortunately after having the MRI, instead speaking to the Doctor to review the findings , I could only speak to a nurse , who was of no help whatsoever. All She could offer as a remedy for my chronic back pain were epidural injections that I have had in the past and do not work. Never heard from the doctor. End result, I unsubscribed to the podcast, and will seek from another medical institution that Does Not have a firewall between you and your doctor. My time and money spent at the Spine Center was not worth it. I will never go back.

Being in chronic pain for years and after trying non invasive treatment for my back pain, my pain management specialist referred me to a neurosurgeon and recommended Dr. Kai Ming Fu at Weill Cornell Center for Comprehensive Spine Care. I was required to send all my medical history records, including an original MRI disc. After reviewing all the required documents, including my referral, he had his patient coordinator call me to tell me I don’t need surgery and to seek a pain management specialist. I reiterated that I was referred to him by a pain management specialist. She said she’d call back and hours later I was given an appointment and was told I need to get an X-ray prior. I was skeptical to actually confirm the appointment due to the confusion and not addressing it, yet I figured we all screw up now and then. I should have went with my gut. Day of appointment, a bad pain day btw, I show up on time, do my X-ray, having to sit twice before it was done, then went to Dr Fu’s office and waited for over an hour. When I finally saw Dr, I get no apology or greeting. He says that after reviewing X-ray and notes, I don’t need surgery and to seek a pain management specialist. Again, I reiterated the situation to which he says it’s not a good idea to do surgery as it’s not worth the risk, blah blah, not addressing my confusion due to his unprofessionalism. I felt ignored and treated like a fool I asked for a good pain mgmt specialist since my last one exhausted his options. Of course I was recommended me to someone in his office, a ‘specialist’ with terrible reviews on both Yelp and Google. Adding further damage, they never gave me my original disc back after dismissing me. I had to ask for it. The front desk said I could either come back (and waste another day) and pick it up or they could mail it to me. That was in March. For over 2 months now I've called repeatedly, at least 4 times, asking for them to mail me my disc. Every time I called, someone said that it was waiting to be picked up when I specifically said, initially, as well as every time I spoke to someone, that I never said I was coming to pick it up, and I wanted it to be mailed to me as soon as possible because I need it in order to seek other professional help for my back pain. The next day, I get a ‘Cornell portal’ email notification and to view it, I have to waste time signing into a link. I see the note that states that it was mailed stating it was waiting to be picked up and it was mailed USPS to my home (see below). That was almost 3 weeks ago and I still have not received my disc. Their office is less than 9 miles away. I could have walked there and back yet I never got any mail from them. Due to their incompetence, I had to reschedule appointments because I have no MRI disc and now I have to go to where I obtained my original disc and pay a $25 fee for a duplicate, because of the incompetence of this facility and employees. I’ve wasted countess hours, compiling info, calls, going to appointments. I’ve wasted money, a co-pay for a specialist and a copay for an X-ray and the fee I now have to pay to get another disc. And I’ve wasted precious time that could be spent on finding a facility that cares more about their clients and that can help me rather than cause me anxiety. With so many people in one office being so careless, I can’t imagine how careless they could be with the patients that ARE in their care. Everyone’s health is important, and deserve a professionals time and respect. We should seek medical professionals that treat us better than this! There are many other doctors, especially in NYC so I strongly suggest DO NOT waste your time and money with Dr. Kai Ming Fu. Neither he, or any of the many coordinators consider why people are seeking his help. Evidently, they don’t consider their patients’ needs. It’s just a money making business. I complained to the establishment and plan to copy and paste this review to all social media sites and medical review sites for all to be forwarded, as I wish I was forewarned.

There are not enough words to say that could express how grateful I am for Dr. Hartle, Chelsie, Nick, Joe, and the rest of the team at Weill Cornell. They were absolutely wonderful to me, and really cared about my recovery and well being. They were very professional and made me feel comfortable and safe. I would recommend them to anyone who asked. They gave me my life back and I am finally up and moving without pain!

I am a relatively new patient to the Spine Center. My journey began seeing Dr. Michael Sein for pain management. I had an excellent experience, Dr. Sein was very caring and clearly an expert at what he does. it was unfortunate that the injections did not produce sustained relief and I was referred to consider surgical management. The benefit of being seen within a Center with a multidisciplinary team was quite apparent. I was then referred to Dr. Roger Hartl and was seen pretty quickly. Again, had another exceptional experience. Dr. Hartl and Nurse Practitioner Chelsie McCarthy were amazing. They spent a lot of time reviewing the proposed surgery, what to expect etc, all of my questions and concerns were addressed fully. Dr Hartl has a wonderful chairside/bedside manor. Thankfully, I had surgery last week (another phenomenal experience) and am feeling so much better. Chelsie McCarthy, NP has been wonderful and has walked me along the post operative care continuum, extremely responsive. I couldn't be more pleased with the process and with the care I have received. I strongly recommend this multidisciplinary team.

Dr. Roger Hartl and his team are not warm and fuzzy, but I knew in my gut he would know my case inside and out. He was completely focused on his job...fixing my back. After a bad fall, I had severe compression on my spine and required a fusion of my L4 and L5. Getting an appointment requires a recent MRI. Mine was 9 months old so I had to get a new MRI just to see him. He doesnt take appointments unless he feels surgery is required so I had mixed emotions when they called and said they would like to set up an appointment. He was very concerned. He explained my options and surgery very clearly. He gave me his email and cell phone number and responded while on vacation. Sometimes he was unavailable and had his PA, Chelsie McCarthy respond, but its understandable because he’s in surgery much of the time! Chelsie had the answers to all my questions. Everybody told me horror stories about their surgeries and the recovery period. My back was so bad he was worried about paralysis or incontinence. Post-op I only saw him once very briefly but immediately the numbness from my waist down was gone following surgery and his team was available for any questions or concerns that i had. He is a genuine, kind and caring man, but more important to me - he is a BRILLIANT surgeon.

I am a 60 year old woman with acute and chronic lower back pain for 15 years. Evaluated at NY Presbyterian Columbia neuro surgery where I was told I would need surgery for both a small lesion on the conus medularis and fusion of my Lumbar vertebrae 4:5 because of stenosis, spondylithesis and severe facet disease. I was evaluated by two neurologists, one referring me to Dr R Hartl at the Cornell Spine Center for a second opinion. I Sent results of my MRI and EMG , and was told by Dr Hartl's rep that he reviewed the images and determined " that there was nothing there that indicated a need for surgery", and that I should see one of the neurologists at the spine center. I was assigned to Dr Bridget Carey. She performed a thorough exam and told me she would present my case at the weekly Wednesday patient conference with Dr Hartl. Seven weeks passed and After multiple telephone calls I still had no response from Dr Carey. Her secretary actually placed notes on her desk and computer to call me, all to no avail. Finally, I reported my complaint to the office manager for the entire group. I received a call back immediately from Dr Carey who apologized and stated that because it was the summer they had not convened for their weekly conference. She presented me the next day, called and advised me to contact the front desk and that Dr Hartl would finally see me and I should make an appointment. She also advised that at this point I needed up to date images and she would have the requisitions sent to my radiology group. When I attempted to make an appointment with Dr Hartl 8 weeks into this process again I was told by his screener that he reviewed my images and nothing indicated a need for surgery. No new scripts for MRI were ever sent and I was Advised to follow up again with Dr Carey where she would determine a plan of action. This experience has left me totally dumbfounded. Never did get a second opinion by this "renowned physician". Would never pursue further evaluation or treatment with the Cornell Spine Center because of this very frustrating experience Run, don't walk and find competent practitioners elsewhere GM

The office manager gave me her card, then never returned a call. A nurse practitioner didn't read the medical notes and invented a story which made no sense. The attitude of the office workers was uninterested which made the entire experience a waste of time.

Staff is attentive and helpful Dr. Sood and her staff are both expert and supportive. The procedures are explained in detail as they proceed and concern for the patient's comfort is unwavering.

Being in chronic pain for years and after trying non invasive treatment for my back pain, my pain management specialist referred me to a neurosurgeon and recommended Dr. Kai Ming Fu at Weill Cornell Center for Comprehensive Spine Care. I was required to send all my medical history records, including an original MRI disc. After reviewing all the required documents, including my referral, he had his patient coordinator call me to tell me I don't need surgery and to seek a pain management specialist. I reiterated that I was referred to him by a pain management specialist. She said she'd call back and hours later I was given an appointment and was told I need to get an X-ray prior. I was skeptical to actually confirm the appointment due to the confusion and not addressing it, yet I figured we all screw up now and then. I should have went with my gut. Day of appointment, a bad pain day btw, I show up on time, do my X-ray, having to sit twice before it was done, then went to Dr Fu's office and waited for over an hour. When I finally saw Dr, I get no apology or greeting. He says that after reviewing X-ray and notes, I don't need surgery and to seek a pain management specialist. Again, I reiterated the situation to which he says it's not a good idea to do surgery as it's not worth the risk, blah blah, not addressing my confusion due to his unprofessionalism. I felt ignored and treated like a fool I asked for a good pain mgmt specialist since my last one exhausted his options. Of course I was recommended me to someone in his office, a 'specialist' with terrible reviews on both Yelp and Google. Adding further damage, they never gave me my original disc back after dismissing me. I had to ask for it. The front desk said I could either come back (and waste another day) and pick it up or they could mail it to me. That was in March. For over 2 months now I've called repeatedly, at least 4 times, asking for them to mail me my disc. Every time I called, someone said that it was waiting to be picked up when I specifically said, initially, as well as every time I spoke to someone, that I never said I was coming to pick it up, and I wanted it to be mailed to me as soon as possible because I need it in order to seek other professional help for my back pain. The next day, I get a 'Cornell portal' email notification and to view it, I have to waste time signing into a link. I see the note that states that it was mailed stating it was waiting to be picked up and it was mailed USPS to my home (see below). That was almost 3 weeks ago and I still have not received my disc. Their office is less than 9 miles away. I could have walked there and back yet I never got any mail from them. Due to their incompetence, I had to reschedule appointments because I have no MRI disc and now I have to go to where I obtained my original disc and pay a $25 fee for a duplicate, because of the incompetence of this facility and employees. I've wasted countess hours, compiling info, calls, going to appointments, etc. I've wasted money, a co-pay for a specialist and a copay for an X-ray and the fee I now have to pay to get another disc. And I've wasted precious time that could be spent on finding a facility that cares more about their clients and that can help me rather than cause me anxiety. With so many people in one office being so careless, I can't imagine how careless they could be with the patients that ARE in their care. Everyone's health is important, and deserve a professionals time and respect. We should seek medical professionals that treat us better than this! There are many other doctors, especially in NYC so I strongly suggest DO NOT waste your time and money with Dr. Kai Ming Fu. Neither he, or any of the many coordinators consider why people are seeking his help. Evidently, they don't consider their patients' needs. It's just a money making business. I complained to the establishment and plan to copy and paste this review to all social media sites and medical review sites for all to be forwarded, as I wish I was forewarned.

The staff is friendly and efficient. I was pleased that they asked for a comprehensive history of treatment for my lumbar stenosis, including MRI and other tests, to determine if surgery was necessary or if other methods of treatment were indicated before surgical consultation. It would have been a waste of time to not have all this information available to the doctor at the first visit. It is clear they do not consider surgery to be the first treatment option. I was taken into the treatment room before my appointment and vitals and other information were gathered by the staff. Dr. Hartle was thorough and efficient and answered all of my questions. I had sent my MRI disk 2 weeks before my appointment and I received it back in the mail the day before my appointment. I will update you after my surgery.

Inconsiderate ,zero empathy,physicians that wont even listen to more than a few words from you. Only one medication was offered to me,which a freind of mine became extremely ill from, and Needed the ER to become stabilized. I really thought there was a good chance that I would be helped,but no such luck.Do yourself a favor and find another group, I definetly prefer NYU Langone where the DRs' care, and treatment is decided by you and the physician,

Prior to scheduling, I called to ascertain they prescribe the medications I need for the type of pain I suffer from only to be told at the appointment that they do not and can't help me, Then they had the audacity to refuse a refund of the $677 I paid to have my time wasted. Don't expect them to be accredited by the Better Business Bureau as this silly extremely avoidable situation was reported to them.

3 months ago, per their recommendations, I had spinal fusion surgery by Weill Cornell Spinal surgery team. I can report that I am now still in constant pain, the nerve damage appears worse than prior to surgery as my feet and legs appear to be numb a good deal of the time. To be frank, I feel worse than prior to the surgery, and my nerves controlling my lower half appear to be in worse shape. Also, the post op experience at Queens Columbia Presbyterian Hospital was one of the worst hospital experiences in my life. The spinal team never showed up on time at the hospital during post op. I sat in the hallway of the ER room for hours upon hours and they never showed up. From what I can tell, I have been pretty much abandoned by the Weill Cornell Spinal team to fend for myself. I am beginning to feel that engaging them was the biggest mistake of my life. If you are seeking sciatic issues and spinal stenosis issues, you might look elsewhere.

Excellent staff, very good deal with the patients. First level. I was fortunate enough to be with Dr. Hartl excellent person and a professional first. Thank you for receiving me Dr. Fernando Nin from Uruguay