Dr. David S Raskas, MD

If you have spine issues, you may be intrigued by one of Dr. Raskas' several billboards around the county with a giant human spine wrapped around them (see attached image). However, if you can look past the appeal of such an inviting spectacle of advertising, there are things you should be aware of when considering him as someone who could be performing surgery on your spine. TL;DR; Version: Regarding him as a surgeon, the same symptoms that led to a cervical spine dissectomy with Dr. Raskas began again about three years after surgery. But that's really irrelevant since it's very difficult to see him unless you qualify at a number of levels (read more below). He exemplifies the characteristics of the classic physician who seems very interested leading up to your first surgery, but loses interest afterwards after he has already made his money. Longer Version: Dr. Raskas (pre-billboard era) performed cervical spine surgery on me about three years ago. I just started… having complications that have lead to significant pain as well as complete numbness in my fingers without any traumatic incident that could be causing this. So I decided to seek out his advice on what could be causing the symptoms I was seeing. The patient-physician relationship really started to go downhill at this point. The first thing to know, is that in order to see or even talk to Dr. Raskas, you need to be a pretty special human being. Being a former patient of his that involved a highly expensive surgery, I thought I had a pretty good chance. The lady that answers the phone--and I don't believe it's her fault but rather just instructions coming down from Raskas--will not be able to schedule you on your first call. She will need to check with Raskas to see if you qualify. I'm not sure what criteria he uses to choose who is allowed to see him (it seems to be some combination of what insurance you have and how likely it is that he'll be able to justify surgery for you), but my husband, who has already had two cervical spine surgeries, was denied for some unknown reason--without even a call back to tell him so. I, on the other hand, was fortunate enough to get scheduled three weeks out. I figured "what's another three weeks of constant pain and highly disturbing symptoms", so I took the appointment. About a week and a half from then, I went to urgent care as the symptoms were getting worse. There was almost a disbelief by the medical provider that saw me that day that I could not be worked in more quickly given the symptoms. She advised me to call Dr. Raskas' office back and specifically emphasize the complete numbness in my fingers and see if I can get worked in more quickly. So I did exactly that, and they were able to move me up three days, from a Monday to the previous Friday. So finally the day of the appointment came around. I drove to where I had seen Dr. Raskas prior to my surgery only to find a note on the door that Dr. Raskas had moved from his old South County location to Kirkwood. Having left in time to get there a little early, I hurried over the Kirkwood location, where I was told that while some of the physicians at the old location had moved to Kirkwood, Dr. Raskas was actually now located in Frontenac. With Frontenac not being that far of a drive from Kirkwood, I decided to call the office and let them know what had happened and that I was on my way. I was told that they have a strict policy of not allowing the patient to be more than 15 minutes late, so I would have to reschedule, even though with Frontenac not being a far drive from Kirkwood, I likely would have been there close to the 15 minute mark after already driving to two separate locations to see him. At that point, I decided it's time to seek out another doctor. In summary, the patient service of this clinic is horrendous. Again, I believe this falls directly on Dr. Raskas, rather than his assistant, Amanda. Also, the surgery which we characterized as routine, was unsuccessful. I would certainly recommend seek out another surgeon.

I only gave him two stars as the dr seems knowledgeable.. this is our 4th visit here and once again we are already 90 minutes past our apt time and still in waiting room.. this is every single visit. Then dr comes in for less than 5 min to say ok lets keep doing shots... no further treatment plans.. no explanations.. it's very sad.

I walked in terrible pain and 3 weeks later I’m a new person. Thank you very much Dr. Raskas and staff!!!

I’ve seen Dr. Raskas and his P.A. Dr Thatcher for ongoing lumbar fusion and pain. They are to the point but companionate. He will do what it takes to help you.

I just had anterior and posterior spinal fusion. I saw a few surgeons before Dr. Raskas was recommended. He's such a caring and compassionate person. I was really concerned with a 2 day surgery, but he reassured me that his team would be right there with me. I can't give him enough credit for giving me my life back!

I wanted to let Dr. Raskas know how much I appreciate what he has given to me. I was in the worst pain EVER and was sure I would never be able to enjoy all the things I love to do most. Wrong. After my procedure, I slowly started healing and with each day that passed, started to feel like myself again. Thank you Dr. Raskas and your wonderful staff. Robin M.

I saw Dr. Raskas this week due to lower back issues which have kept me from enjoying life and feel confident that he is the one who will turn things around for me. I'm ready!

Dr. Raskas was very informative and explained in detail all that would take place which kept me calm. I understood what would take place with surgery and physical therapy. I am extremely pleased with the handling of Dr. Raskas staff as everyone was understanding and caring. Thanks Dr. Raskas

the Dr. performed an unnecessary operation on me 3 years ago and I am still struggling to recover. little support from him afterward. it was as though as soon as he did his surgery part he was dis-interested in my case and wanted to pass me off to others. do not trust his diagnostic ability!

Great Doctor!!! Excellent Surgeon.