Dr. Arnold Mark Schwartz, MD

As the expression goes, “haters are going to hate” this is how I feel about the negative reviews I’ve read. Dr Schwartz was AWESOME. He did not keep me waiting very long. More importantly he certainly did not rush me out at all. He explained everything to me in depth & answered all my questions! Thinking about the extensive time he spent with me, I can see where I might have to wait in the future; however I will assume he is spending time with the patient before me & I am good with that. I was nervous going to the dr; however he & the entire staff made me feel comfortable & cared for. Step two for me is an mri. I will report back as I go.

Arrived at 8:30 for 8:45 appointment. 9:15 Asked front desk rep how much longer I had to wait. She "had no control over it". (Not helpful) 9:30 Asked front desk if she could call to find out how much longer. Didn't check but I was next. (Not helpful) 9:35. Finally called in by the nurse. Asked how long I had to wait in the exam room. Doctor was "on his way"! When I asked why I had an 8:45 appointment if the doctor wasn't going to arrive until later she said I should take it up with the doctor. 9:40 Doctor's Physician Assistant saw me. Apologized for delay, evaluated and prescribed. 9:45 An hour after my scheduled appointment I saw doctor entering building as I walked to my car. Same problem last visit. Waited for almost an hour and a half before seeing the doctor. If I return to this practice I will see the Physician Assistant.

1986 I had a car accident. While I do have back pain, thanks to this guy I can walk, play sports and even excelled in the police academy at age 43. Extremely grateful. I think I was the first operation of that kind back then with rods and screws and wires.

He is always late. Had the first appointment of the day and he was an hour and a half late.

He and the practice is much different then it was 10 years ago. There is little care for the patient. It seems to be a factory to get patients in and out and on to the next just to make more money. It doesn’t matter what time your appointment is scheduled for, you will be waiting and by waiting I mean at least 2-4 hours, it is ridiculous. Treatment wise he does not offer the best solution for your individual need. Again for him to make top dollar he of course pushes surgery without discussing any other opitions. He is very rude with this to as it is his way or the highway. I also agree with previous reviews stating how every appointment there seems to be completely new staff. I cannot even imagine what the turnover rate at that office is. My advice is to see another specialist in the field, there are many better and more affordable options.

I was taken via ambulance to the hospital with sever back pain and was immediately given Valium and morphine upon being examined by the emergency room physician. After 6 hours or so, the emergency room physician came and asked if I could move and if so to try and get up. I was unable to get up and was admitted to the hospital. The next day, while still heavily medicated, Dr Schwartz suddenly appeared, asked me a few questions about my back and asked me to follow up with him and call his office when I got out. At no time did I call Dr Schwartz or asked to see a spine specialist. After spending two nights at the hospital, I was discharged fortunately pain free. A year and a half later I received a bill from Dr Schwart's office for $636.00. When I called his office and said I did not authorize Dr Schwartz to treat me or even to come and see me, they said it did not matter. that he saw me at the hospital and that was his fee. I then gave them my insurance, but they apologized and said they… do not NYS Empire Plan. I have never run into a doctor that did not take NYS Empire employee health insurance. I asked if I could negotiate the amount, I was told by his office he already discounted it, that he did not charge me for a visit he made to me in the emergency room. Although I was heavily medicated, my husband was with me the whole time until I was admitted into the hospital, Dr Schwartz never saw me in the emergency room. He obviously hangs out at the hospital and anyone with a problem with their spine he swoops in, with or without their consent and asks a few questions and charges his outrages fees. Watch out for this guy, an ambulance chaser for sure! Glad I never followed up with an appointment after reading all the other reviews.

Without being to specific, do your homework before you decide that this dr is for you. Please get a second opinion. ok lets start with, Yes you are going to wait 2 and a half hours every time you go to see him, and yes he will only give you 5 to 10 minutes of his time to you, and yes The staff always changes, that is a 100 percent true. But they have all been nice and helpful. It is the dr that is the problem.. if you are looking for a dr to be kind and respectful and to explain everything to you, and actually spend time on you for the whole process thru surgery and after, Then this is not the dr for you.. If your looking for that in this office, Dr alongi is the better surgeon all together. I stupidly have been a patient of dr Schwartz for over 13 years. and have been misguided, fooled and convinced that he was the best... At first I thought he was just arrogant and obnoxious and rude because he was really good at what he does. but after a few surgeries. there's not a day that goes by… for me that I don't feel total regret.. ok so first of all he will rush and push you into surgery. and once you commit to him. you will not have an opinion anymore. and there are drs in that office that will agree with everything I am saying. which can't be good, right? He has no problem reaming you out, and belittling you. It is totally his way or the highway.. I do have to say he wasn't this bad in the beginning. and I think that's part of the reason I stayed, but this past year and latest surgery, I have now seen the worst in a person never mind the dr that is going to do life changing surgery on you. I know this sounds like just one angry patient going on a rant. but its so much more then that. I am really just trying to help as many people as I can, even if its just one person. I will feel that I have done something.. all's I ask is before you agree to surgery with this man.. PLEASE get a second opinion, and ask as many people as you can, His office waiting room is probably the best place to get some feedback.. do not be shy... like I was for years.. Its your life and your happiness that you could be giving up.. and everybody deserves the best dr with the capability of respecting you as a human being and being sincere to your pain and issue at a very important time of your life. you will see he thinks his life is much more important than yours.. His office is where I spoke to many of his patients and staff and realized that I am one of many angry, displeased, and full of regret people. for stupidly rushing into surgery one after another, and putting my life in his hands, I have to say I seriously lost a little respect for myself after dealing with this man for so long.. well I can go on for hours with actual details of all the incidents, but its up to you now to do your homework and decide.. good luck too you and your decision and who you decide to do your surgery

The office of the practice is very nice and has many diagnosis options on site. However the wait time is unbearable. Regardless of when appointment is scheduled you will be waiting at least 2.5 hours. Once the physician sees you he does not spend much time. Also I've been going for years and every appointment I feel there is a completely new staff. The turnover in the office cannot be considered a good thing. There must be a reason for so many people leaving.

I have been under Dr Schwartz's care since a serious, life changing accident 5 years ago. He has been astute in his decisions regarding my care, while being a concerned and supportive professional during my post surgical journey. Dr Schwartz's facility is state of the art and his staff is courteous. Although I may have to wait a bit longer than I'd like at times, he always apologizes for the delay and is fully attentive to me thereafter. Since I was taken to a hospital by ambulance and it was "luck of the draw", I've felt blessed to have landed in Dr Schwartz's hands.

The usual wait time is 2.5 - 3 hours. No exaggeration. Then, you're lucky if he gives you ten minutes consultation. If you're an intelligent individual and expect to be treated with respect and courtesy - run as fast as you can. This man is obnoxious. Will not communicate. His way or the 'highway'. Who needs it.