Dr. Barry Irving Katz

From the looks of it, people either love or hate him. We are just grateful. My husband had spinal stenosis and it was pressing on his sciatic nerves. Tremendous pain and he couldn't walk. He worked hard to do all his PT and will be coming home soon. If it had not been for Dr. Katz keeping on top of things after the surgery, it could have turned out much worse. There was a staph infection that went all through his body, but hadn't gotten to the brain yet. He was treated for it immediately and now is much better. He had a really tough time of it, but said he would do it again. I would go to Dr. Katz for surgery if I needed it.

If you are a young adult he will tell you that you are looking for drugs and there is nothing wrong with you. He was incredibly rude. Would not look at my scans, test results, MRI’s, etc. When he entered the room it had looked like he rolled out of bed. His presentation was awful. The first thing he said when he walked in the room, he looked at me “You’re the patient?” Just don’t do it. He’s awful.

Saw him twice. First time he said I needed surgery and it was a big surgery. That it would hurt a lot. That because I was taking too much pain medication he would not give me anymore post surgery.Quoted a 7" incision, rods, pins and 2 or 3 disc replacements. No more pain medicine?? What idiot would want that? I needed some time to think about it. Ten days later On 2nd visit he then says my films are not that bad, that my pain seems much worse than my films yet still recommends same surgery and probably skilled nursing home following that He doubted I could go home alone(but the films are not that bad right?) I told him I would not do a big surgery like that without the promise of the best possible pain relief and a more detailed explanation of the procedure itself. He said if he were me he would go home to New Orleans for another opinion since I was moving there. I went to get my records to take, they first offered me a wheelchair(long walk) then nurse comes in and says I could go… back downstairs and see if a volunteer would do it!When I got the records in the notes this judgmental quack called me a drug user!!! What a demeaning horrific scary experience this was.

He explained everything told him every issue I had been having over the years all things I have tried to ease my pain and discomfort. He explained exactly what he could attempt to do to alleviate my symptoms he got in there with minimal down time and when I woke up I felt great!! Yes of course sore from having surgery but in a much better place than what I was previously. He checked on me and also made sure a Dr came in and cleared me as well. He was very considerate and caring. Explained everything from start to finish from beginning (clinic appointment) to pre-o.p and even came in for after care and had ot come in as well. The entire team in Joplin was awesome!! Highly recommend!!!

Very rude. Said i neede surgery asap. But coulddnt give me a straight answer on anything.. Changed to dr lee in springfield. Wouldnt. Send my dog to katz

I have seen him twice, both times he was Extremely Rude!!! This last time I saw him, he told me there was nothing he could do for me, went to a different hospital that day, who ended up giving me emergency surgery, and that doctor told me if i had waited any longer i would been paralyzed. Please don't send your family to this man!

Rudest inconsiderate judgmental self absorbs egotistical I have ever had the displeasure to meet!

good dr good surgeon

I saw Dr. Katz multiple times over a period of 14-15 months. He was excellent. First, he prescribed a generous amount of physical therapy. When the problem improved, then later worsened, he performed my second ACDF surgery. I feel like he did a better job than the dr who performed the first. The whole approach to post-surgical care was different than the first time as well. I believe I had a much better outcome because of this (and from the effort I put into physical therapy immediately afterward).

I refer Dr. Katz to all my friends in the NWA area. He is absolutely one of the neurologist around.