Dr. Andrew Blitzer, MD

When I was 36 years old, I developed a rare voice disorder which took me 5 years to get an accurate diagnosis (from Dr. Blitzer). Since then, the good doctor has helped restore my voice from 20% of normal (when I first met him in 1991) to 90% normal for much of the time. Because he cared enough to figure out how to treat my condition, I still have the ability to verbally communicate. That's a big deal. Over and above all this, he's a kind and gentle man, who's possibly the best in the world at what he does to treat me — which involves a needle being inserted into the middle of my neck. Dr. Blitzer is so fast at this, the pain is actually bearable. So, yeah, I love this guy.

When I first met Dr. Blitzer in 1991 for treatment of Abductor Spasmodic Dysphonia I hated him. He had to use a scope (through my nose down to where he could see my vocal cords) and it hurt. At the time, I didn't know I'd go through the process every time I see him. It's standard for ABSD patients. In 1991, Dr. Blitzer was still new to giving ABSD injections (which are into muscles in spasm at the REAR of the larynx). He has to twist the larynx while you lay still and sniff when he tells you to sniff because that activates the muscles. Back then, it often took 20 minutes or longer, with a long needle in my throat, over and over again until he found an area in spasm. It's now 2012. Dr. Blitzer can do the injections I need in less than 5 seconds. He's come a long way, and I've come to love him for it. He's always had a smile on his face when he greets me, is gracious, and we swap personal updates now and then during our meetings, which are usually 3-4 times per year.In my opinion, this… doctor is more generous with his time, and more caring about results, than any other doctor I know. He's at the cutting edge and has been for years. If you want the best, he's at the Head and Neck Surgical Group in Manhattan.

excellent physician

This doctor was highly rated by friends as an expert in the larynx, my area of concern. However I would go to more of a generalist rather than this guy, who treated me like less than a person, did not explain anything, was rough and acted like my questions were below me. I don't care what he has written or what he knows, he is mean, uncaring, and pathologically pompous. Who does he think he is, especially in NYC, where specialists are a dime a dozen. Ask for another referral-- The department at Columbia, which is a much better hospital than Roosevelt, is where I ended up-- a world of difference.

This doctor is clearly smart, but he talks down to the patient, seems impatient with questions, and preoccupied with his own thoughts. I feel I have a right to ask any and all questions without being rushed out of the room or treated like an underling. He clearly has a personality issue, even if he is an expert. In this city there are so many well trained people, I suggest you find one with skills and a normal personality appropriate to a healer.

Dr. Blitzer is an intelligent, caring MD. He makes time to answer your questions and help you understand your condition. If you suspect you have a cranial dystonia, please visit him.

Extremely aloof. Did little probing or asking questions. Seemed smart but somewhat of an academic and seeing patients was not his main interest.