David Garelick, MD

Dr. Garelick is a poor communicator. I thought I had a torn rotator cuff, but it turns out he thinks I have a torn labrum. I know this because he dictated his notes into his recorder for the last 5 minutes of my office visit. He ordered an MRI w/ Contrast (Procedure Code 73222) and got prior approval through my insurance. I called my insurance to double-check and they informed me that the MRI facility at the Illinois Bone & Joint Institute charges a fee schedule almost double compared to other outpatient freestanding facilities. $1,087 versus $575. I called 5 different MRI facilities in-network with my insurance and they all require Procedure Code 73223 instead of 73222. I called Dr. Garelick's office back and they informed me that the doctor ordered 73222 for a reason, but he would switch the order to 73223 if I wanted. What was the reason? The only MRI facility I could find in Chicago doing procedure code 73223 is the one downstairs from his office. I am no longer confident in… this doctor's opinion. I will be getting a second opinion elsewhere.

He didn't know me, my history or any meds I may be taking already. His practice ordered an MRI, they didn't make sure they received it. They only get the reports, they said. What orthopedic doc worth anything only looks at reports? He tells me he has seen my issue many times and it was"this and you should do this"...all without looking at the MRI in which the report clearly states 6 different areas of damage. He prescribed me anti-inflammatory medicine without knowing I take meds and what meds they were and how much. We heard his dictation and he stated he prescribed me that medicine because I have a history of gurd. WHAT??? That's not even true. So much gone wrong... Workmans comp case ....was he having a bad day and just wanted to go home on a friday evening?

Dr. Garelick is a discriminatory person. I am a senior seeking help for knee problems. I was ridiculed because of my age. I had the same (age ridicule) when I saw him for my shoulder and went to him again from another recommendation against my better judgement. This time I was referred to as an (Old Guy).. The same negative treatment I had as a shoulder patient. I suggest Dr. Garelick should only see patients under 40.

Excellent clinician, very personable. Painless shot into my shoulder with relief a few days later! Thank you!

He is very professional and caring in his presentation. He explains everything is simple, easy to understand medical terminology. He definitely does not rush into surgical options before presenting the full story of potential positive/negative to surgery. He weighs the patient health in all cases.

Great surgeon. Honest and trustworthy.

I saw Dr. Garelick 3 years ago for a hamstring reconstruction surgery. The success rate of this surgery isn't generally the best, with a fairly high percent of people having life-long pain and inability to completely return to full function. Dr. Garelick was honest, direct, and understood my concerns. The surgery was an incredible success. I returned to competitive sports in less time than he had anticipated and have even returned to my alma-mater to sprint against college kids in NCAA track meets. I have no pain, and my surgical leg ended up even stronger than my non-surgical leg when it was tested on a biodex machine. The negative reviews written on this site are concerning - especially when they focus on bedside manner. I would MUCH rather have a surgeon who is incredible at performing surgeries and honest to his patients rather than someone who will tell the patient what they want to hear and perform unnecessary procedures. I will continue to refer friends and patients… alike to Dr. Garelick.

He had a good knowledge and carefully help me sort thourhg my options. He did not just scheduel for surgury and he help me with the various treatment. He always return my phone calls.

I saw Dr. Garelick for a 2nd opinion after a surgical procedure on my hip only led to more pain. He sent me for x-rays, looked at them, and proceeded to tell me that the bones looked fine, so couldn't do anything for me (the surgery had not been a bone surgery), that it was unlikely any medical procedure would help, that he wouldn't order an MRI or CT scan because it "wouldn't show anything," and that I should see a pain management doctor because this ever-increasing hip pain is probably something I'll have to live with for the rest of my life.I pressed him for a referral to someone who might investigate the cause of my pain. He said maybe I could see a rheumatologist, because it might be an autoimmune disorder.An autoimmune disorder. That manifests solely in a hip that I had surgery on four months ago. The changes of that happening are, oh, about zero.Dr. Garelick had no interest in helping me. He essentially told me I was a hopeless case (based on 1 set of x-rays and no… diagnostic testing) and that there was nothing anyone would be able to do to help, and gave me a card for a pain management doctor.I have a complicated orthopedic history, and have seen more than 10 orthopedic surgeons in 4 states over the last 25 years. My visit to Dr. Garelick was the first where I left the office in tears.This man is arrogant, rude, condescending, and has the bedside manner of Attila the Hun. I don't expect much from orthopedic surgeons in terms of people skills, but "it'll never get better, go away" is not healthcare. It's sadism.

I went to see dr garlick it started out ok intill the surgery. They od me on anistita called them when I was in the hospital took forever for him to get back. Almost died from the od. After surgery have many problems with arm and shoulder. When I told him what hurts he's been ignoring what I say. I have a feeling workmens comp is pushing him but even so I should of got a diffrent doc.