Dr. David Leonard Helfet

I presented a very challenging problem. Dr Helfet was friendly and warm from our first encounter. Just as important, his practice is very well run, with a helpful and responsive staff. They negotiated long and hard with my insurers, and brought my out-of-pocket cost down a lot. Hospital for Special Surgery, where Dr Helfet practices, deserves its stellar reputation. I've been in many hospitals (unfortunately), and very highly rated ones, but the nursing care and other support at HSS was the best I have encountered.

I've fractured my femur in 2 places (one compound) and had to be airlifted and brought in to HSS. Dr. Helfet took care of me and literally put me back together. He's nice and caring and always took time to check how I was doing. I never felt dismissed or ignored. I have to say that for an extremely busy surgeon, I've always gotten responses quickly and even 4 years later, he still is concerned about my health. My recovery was difficult and after almost a year of PT, I am stronger than ever before. I would highly recommend him and yes, he has long wait time since he can only see patients on Monday (he's busy operating and saving people the rest of the time) but it's well worth the wait.

Excellent dr. Great bed side Manner Best dr I have been to

Excellent doctor. Very friendly. Takes time to answer all questions. Felt comfortable immediately.

Great doctor, great team.

A brilliant surgeon.

Dr. Helfet and nurse Patricia Duffy are the best in their fields. Besides being experts in their professions, they truly care and take time to help each patient. They were the answer to a prayer for my son when others were unable or incapable of helping. Their patients are truly blessed.

Last winter I shattered my elbow into 5 pieces while snowboarding in the Poconos. After X-rays at the ER in PA, it was determined that surgery was absolutely necessary in order for me to regain mobility in my dominant arm. I rushed home to the ER at NY Hospital of Queens for further evaluation, and I met an attending from the Hospital for Special Surgery who said it was the worst break he's ever seen! I asked around for orthopedic surgeon recommendations and Dr. Helfet's name came up more than once. I called his office and was given an appointment almost immediatly! Dr. Helfet's staff was compassionate, professional and reassuring. His waiting room was full of patients who all sung his praise. Dr. Helfet himself sat with me, explained what he planned to do during surgery, and told me that I'd be back to normal after some rehab. It was the first time since the accident that I felt at ease. Needless to say, on surgery day, I was pretty nervous. Dr. Helfet's team was amazing at… keeping me calm. When I woke up in the recovery room, Dr. Helfet was there to let me know that my prognosis was "very good." The next day he was in and out of my hospital room, making sure that wasn't any nerve damage to my hand, making sure I had the proper meds, and just checking in overall. He made a horrible experience much easier to get through. A year after surgery, I can say that my arm is fully functional. I had a tough, painful rehab, but I can do just about everything I did prior to my injury. I am so thankful I met Dr. Helfet and I HIGHLY recommend him for anyone who has an orthopedic injury.

Dr. Helfet diagnosed a fractured collarbone and carefully explained the surgical and non-surgical options and consequences. He recommended non-surgical and I took his advice. I'm thrilled I did. He also gave me the confidence to not rely on a sling, except when I felt I needed it for comfort. Another doctor told me to wear a sling 24/7 for the first two weeks. I'm confident the progress of my healing would have been noticeably slower if I had taken the other doctor's advice. Thank you, Dr. Helfet.

I required 4 surgeries due a head on collision. I was told by another surgeon that I would not walk again, ice-skate, hike etc. Then I was referred to Dr. Helfet. Evidently, it was one of the worst breaks he had ever seen. I can now walk again. He is the best in his field. His staff is fabulous as well.