Dr. Douglas Schottenstein, MD

I had a very concerning experience with Dr. Shottenstein that I feel others should be aware of. On March 18, I called the practice in advance of my scheduled appointment to ensure I understood what the procedure would entail—specifically whether I would be able to drive after receiving a back injection planned for March 19. I have a call log confirming this call at 2:22 PM. Patients should be clearly advised of any pre- and post-procedure considerations, rather than having to seek out that information themselves. When I came into the office on March 19 for the injection, I referenced that call. During my interaction with Dr. Shottenstein, I was not simply told there was no record—I was yelled at and accused of lying. Despite my efforts to clarify and make clear that I had no reason to lie about calling, the situation escalated unnecessarily. Rather than working to resolve the confusion, Dr. Shottenstein called security. Security arrived and quickly left, as it was clear I posed no… threat. The situation felt mishandled and highly unprofessional. Later that evening, the practice contacted me by phone and text, acknowledged that my call had in fact taken place, described the situation as a “misunderstanding,” and apologized. They also offered a complimentary treatment. The follow-up does not change or excuse what occurred during the initial interaction. Patients deserve clear communication, accurate record-keeping, and to be treated with respect—especially when asking reasonable questions ahead of a medical procedure

excellent experience. dr schottenstein does all the patient encounters himself; he cares about me.

One of the worst experiences! Useless tests, instant recommendations for not needed injections, a doctor who you never see again: only his young "assistants." With an assembly line of paying patients.

Avoid Dr Schottenstein. They don't answer the phone, all calls go to answering service. They don't return messages left there. I was running 15 minutes late and called ahead to make sure they could see me. Answering service said no problem, they are very flexible. Heard nothing more until I arrived, to an empty reception desk. Someone is supposed to come out and find you eventually, but I had to go looking for them. Finally they said yeah, btw we can't see you b/c you were 15 minutes late.

Narcissistic, no office help. Shuns at other Dr.’s opinions or suggestions because he is a Narcissist. Don’t expect any return phone calls. When faced with real time problems he sends a teenage assistant because he doesn’t want to confront you. He once wrote me a note, saying that I was mean to operator. I come all the way from NJ and he has a teenager hand me a note. Lied to the Workers Comp board about weaning off a medication, wrote that he weaned me off 50%. Then I was cut off cold turkey because he lied and never weaned me off.

Dr. Schottenstein is outstanding all the way around. He is knowledgable, caring and effective doctor. I can't say enough what a truly compassionate person he is. I was impressed with him and his entire team. Thank you, thank you!

I’ve been a patient of Dr.Schottenstein’s since 2013. In this past six years I’ve only had a few minor issues with the staff not doing things they were supposed to complete. We’ve always been able to resolve these mishaps. On today I was shocked at how erratic he became. I literally had no idea he could be heartless and unprofessional. Let me give you a little back story on how things In his office have drastically changed in the last six months. Sixth months ago I walked into the office and instead of being greeted by Wendy and Grace I saw a note to wait until someone called me in the room. A man grabbed my file and brought me to the room. Normally a physician assistant would ask me what brought me in and how I’ve been feeling in the past month? This gentleman handed me a clipboard to write out my pain level and the reason for my visit. Dr.Schottenstein wrote on the paper if I needed refills and if my pharmacy had changed? I was told I could leave. I received a text with my next… appointment. This became the norm for the next few months. I remember texting the employee asking who took our copays? Since they no longer had a staff member at the front desk. The next month I visited I saw a credit card machine along with instructions of how to make our payments. I missed a few months of visits because husband was hospitalized and now has a life threatening illness. When I saw Dr. Schottenstein I apologized for not coming in but I had to put my health on the back burner until my family and I adjusted to our new normal. At that visit I let him know it was also time to renew my intermittent claim I had on file with my employer.. Which is something I renewed every six month with Sedgwick as their company policy requires. Grace and Wendy had emailed me the forms always. Making only a few changes to the paperwork which were the dates I visited and the start and end date for the approval for my claim. He replied to me ‘’ Sure honey no problem’’. A week went by and I hadn’t gotten my email from the office, so I just called to remind them. Three days later I received a call from Bainbridge, WA stating I owed $100.00. I was confused because I knew I shouldn’t have a bill. When I called the number back they couldn’t confirm a Dr. Douglas Schottenstein. Thinking it some someone trying to hustle me I called his office back. The company now uses a third party receptionist. I asked if I could get a better understanding of why this number called me and for the status of my paperwork? A few more days pass by and now I’m getting concerned, because I only have fifteen days to return my documentation. I got another call telling me the company now charges for filling out my forms. Mind you it’s three pages and only two require the office to complete. Also they had my old forms on their computer. I explained I didn’t understand why I wasn’t informed of this policy change when I gave the doctor my forms weeks ago? I explained that my family is on a strict budget since my husband isn’t working as much as he used to. I asked if someone from the local office to please call me. I heard nothing back so I decided to talk to Dr.Schottensin or his office manager. I went in today thinking that he would be understanding of my situation and of the fact his patients weren’t ever informed of this new policy. I walked in today and waited to been seen. I saw a woman and a minute later Dr.Schottstein walked in ‘’ Hey honey I remember you’’. I smiled and replied ‘’ I don’t have a appointment today I just have a question. He then freaked out on me in front of his employee and two patients. I couldn’t believe he would humiliate me like that in front of others. I brust into tears and just asked him to listen to me. I asked for a payment plan. I had two copies of the last forms they had previously sent and a word for word hand written copy I wrote. I was hoping for him to sign. He wouldn’t look or listen to me. He kept telling he didn’t have time for me. One of the patients asked me what happened. I replied ‘’ the company changed their policy and I wasn’t aware and I couldn’t afford the fee’’. He rushed out the room he was in and told me to leave because he couldn’t have me bad mouthing him. I never did such a thing. I was too shocked to give him a attitude. Everything my family are experiencing is new to us. Shame on me for thinking Dr.Schottenstein could have used his human side and signed the forms or had his office manager complete it. Instead he was a complete jerk to me and I’ll never forget what he did to me. You know when the shoe could end on the other foot. You can’t keep mistreating people.

I wish the best to the people of NY spine because they have made the hugest change in my life! Thank you for taking care of me.

This office has been one the of the best places that I have been to to receive treatment. At first I was a little confused of what the doctor was telling me but he explained everything very well and the other specialists that work there as well all answered my questions that I had.

I am originally not from here but I appreciate the professionalism and the care that the people of New York has given to me and my family. The doctors in my country are not as well but they do the best with what they have.