Dr. David John Perna, MD

In my opinion Dr. David J. Perna is the next best thing to Ice Cream. He is so knowledgeable, very professional, explains every detail of his procedure so you are well informed, friendly and helpful, and is the best doctor that has dealt with my osteoarthritis knees. I really can't say enough good about this awesome doctor. I highly recommend him to anyone who is suffering from knee pain. He has worked wonders for me and my right knee has severe osteoarthritis.

I've seen Dr. Perna for several issues over a period of a few years. He's thorough, listens, explains, and his choice of treatment in each case was effective. I particularly appreciate the time he spends explaining. Maybe he realizes that I find the information interesting, but he's happy to explain the medicine and treatment involved.

My rating applies only to the time I spent with Dr. Perna. I found him attentive and thorough. He took time to answer my questions in a straightforward manner, He explained potential options without pushing to do something. I was impressed. My rating of the time waiting is a bit different. I would have benefited knowing I should have arrived much earlier than I did for the appointment. The new patient paperwork is extensive and took me over 20 minutes to compete. It was an hour past my appointment time that I actually met with the doctor. Having said this, I want to say also that I found the office staff to be very professional.

I have no idea what happened but when I first visited him two weeks ago, he was respectful, kind and knowledgeable and answered all my questions patiently about my lumbar spine issues and the two procedures he stated he was going to give me: an epidural for L2-3 and three step facet joint nerve blocks at L4-5 with radio frequency ablation at third step if the first two blocks show there was abatement of pain in L4-5. Then he scheduled an epidural for me for today. When I showed up, he came in, did not even greet me, and gave me a dismissive rude glare. When I asked him about the possible epidural pain he claimed the needle is smaller than the epidural injection syringe given for cervical spine and thus, the pain produced by needle would be minimal, if I feel any pain at all. However, when he injected me today at L2-3 with the epidural needle, the pain was excruciating. When I screamed out that it was hurting me, he did NOT care and remained silent. Not even a "I'm sorry it… hurts." He then stabbed me again with another needle at the second site. Now I don't know what happened between my first visit and this procedure, but clearly his behavior and attitude towards me changed. Even though he's supposed to give me L4-5 facet nerve root blocks in the future, I NO LONGER trust or respect him. Hence, I'm going to another doctor who actually CARES about their patients and not pretend to care until he gets paid for the procedure and then treats them like dirt after. I believe his altered conduct is due to either: 1) money -- he found out I'm not a rich cash cow he can milk; or 2) my neurosurgeon badmouthed me and Dr. Perna accepted what the neurosurgeon said at face value without seeking evidence or directly confronting me because that surgeon is his colleague from same hospital and has clout. (I make this assertion because that same neurosurgeon had badmouthed me to another surgeon I had chosen when I tried to leave neurosurgeon before).

Dr. Perna's front office is as bad as he is good.