Dr. Thomas Mark Frates JR., MD

I have been working with the Spine Institute for almost 10 years now. Dr. Frates took over my care when my other Doctor retired. I have had several visits with him and he has always been able to help me relieve the pain through several different sources. He is very patient friendly and helpful. My most recent procedure, the first in 10 years after exercise, medication, PT and preliminary tests proved to be very successful. So far for the first time in 10 years I am pain free and med free. I hope to have it continue, but Dr. Frates has helped me tremendously. Thank you.

When I first met Dr frates, he was a very friendly and easy going person and felt comfortable and relaxed with him.I thought he did his job very well in my situation

Has zero compassion. Does not listen at all. Interrupts and hurries to next question. I told him I'm trying to explain to you what's been going on for 3 years, he said, just yes/no answers and we will talk about the rest later. How do you answer yes/no to questions that arent yes/no answer. I felt rushed, intimidated, sad, unheard and hopeless when I left. I'm still feeling very upset about my visit. Kept offering prescriptions. When I said I'm trying to avoid advil 3 times a day because of headaches and blood pressure, he said it's a give or take. And said advil doesnt cause headaches. I dont agree, when I stopped taking 12 a day for 3 years, my headaches went away. Offered me gabapentin even when it's on my allergy list. I dont trust him!

I have had back and side pain for two years since my spinal surgery in a major hospital in Boston. I have been to a major hospital In Boston at least 8 times to get shots etc to help with my pain. I never got the right diagnosis. I finally went to Dr Frates and after he took an X-ray , he prescribed exactly the injection in the correct joint, that I needed. I got the injection and he was totally correct! I have been pain free for three weeks for the first time in two years. Thank you Dr Frates!

They only want your money. Not help you get better.

He is very condescending, curt, rude and inconsiderate of the pain the patient is feeling. Seems that he feels that he is above the patient and that he KNOWS what the patient is feeling without providing any consideration. In very blunt terms he is someone that I would not recommend to my worst enemy.

I have never rated a doctor before but felt I had to contribute here. I have had 3 back surgeries (1st one at 16 years old) and have had many doctors over 58 years. I can honestly tell you Dr. Frates was Professional, polite and very caring. The injection he performed was not unduly painful. You have to expect some pain with a spinal injection. The relief so far has been nothing short of amazing. I didn't realize how much pain I had been in until it was all but gone. I would highly recommend Dr. Frates and the NHSI

Perhaps he was having a bad day but my experience with this doctor was shockingly bad: he didn't listen at all, kept interrupting, was very arrogant and condescending, and, above all, had a diagnosis contrary to 4 other doctors. Beware of other, high, ratings for this guy.

Dr. Frates is very nice and very caring. However, my 2 injections with him were the most painful experiences of my life. I do question his skill in this regard. Go to a pain clinic for the procedure instead.

Had no problems what so ever. Dr. Frates has diagnosed several conditions over the years and has addressed them all. Would go back again when needed.