Dr. Abraham Knoll, MD

I sought help from Dr. Abraham Knoll at Garden State Urology for severe kidney stone pain. I’ve dealt with 52 kidney stones in my life and 26 related procedures, so I’m familiar with the process, but this experience was by far the worst. From the first visit, Dr. Knoll made me feel rushed and showed no compassion for my pain level. I specifically requested something mild like prescription-strength ibuprofen, but he initially refused any pain medication. When he finally prescribed something, it was opioids – despite me clearly stating at my initial appointment that I would never take opioids due to personal reasons. Imaging revealed an 8mm stone causing obstruction, a 6mm stone, and a smaller 4mm stone. After a delay, I was prescribed , which did help relax things and reduce pain. We discussed surgery options. I shared my history of severe complications from past invasive procedures (including stents and non-lithotripsy surgeries), such as hospitalization, vomiting, high blood pressure,… and months of inability to function. I’ve had shockwave lithotripsy (sonar) multiple times without those issues. I felt this history was relevant for planning the best approach. Dr. Knoll became irate, yelled that a stent was already scheduled, and said I had no choice in trying less invasive options first. He then dismissed me as a patient. This happened around Thanksgiving week; as a single mother with an autoimmune disease, I was worried about timing and recovery affecting time with my child. Surgery couldn’t be scheduled before the holiday despite the obstruction, and the office pushed me to go to the ER – which I avoided per my rheumatologist and PCP’s advice to minimize hospital exposure. Miraculously, my severe pain resolved completely just before the planned surgery. I requested repeat imaging to confirm the stones’ status before proceeding under anesthesia. Dr. Knoll argued against this, making me feel like I was wrong for asking. An X-ray showed the stones had moved significantly toward the bladder (confirmed by my PCP reviewing the images), though Dr. Knoll insisted they hadn’t moved at all. Soon after, I caught a bad cold (likely from my son) with coughing and sneezing. I was transparent with the surgical center, and they required full resolution of symptoms plus a two-week wait to reschedule. While still recovering from the cold and now completely pain-free for nearly a month, the office called to “check in.” I updated them honestly, mentioned feeling like a stone may have passed naturally, and asked about new imaging since symptoms were gone. They said they’d follow up. Instead, I received a discharge letter terminating me from the practice. The letter contained inaccurate statements, including claims that I hadn’t been forthcoming about my health (I updated them consistently) and hadn’t followed the treatment plan (I’ve taken Flomax daily and stayed hydrated with over a gallon of water). No one in severe pain should endure this lack of empathy, rushed care, or abrupt dismissal – especially from a specialist. I’ve attached the discharge letter and imaging photos for transparency. I strongly advise others dealing with kidney stones to seek care elsewhere in the Garden State Urology network or another practice altogether. Here is the letter he sent me I am writing to inform you that, effective immediately, you are being discharged from my medical practice. This decision has not been made lightly, but is necessary due to ongoing concerns regarding your honesty, cooperation, and compliance with recommended medical care. As your physician, it is my responsibility to provide care in a setting of mutual trust and respect. Unfortunately, there have been repeated instances where you have not been forthcoming with information, have demonstrated manipulative behavior, and have not followed the treatment plans and recommendations provided including canceling your surgical procedure the day before the scheduled surgery. These behaviors compro