Dr. Edward K Leventhal, MD

Dr. Leventhal suggested an MRI followed by a Fusion biopsy before he would treat my BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia). His surgical coordinator in the Hanover Urology surgical area explained everything and was to manage the procedure and said I would get only one needle into the lesion area. I completed all the pre-surgical testing. What followed was a complete disaster. Firstly, there seemed to be a breakdown in communication and coordination between the various departments. I had to personally arrange for the MRI disc to be sent to the hospital, which was a step that I expected would be handled internally. Additionally, the pre-surgical testing results for blood tests and urine tests were not received by the hospital and practice, despite the heart test results being received. This lack of coordination led to unnecessary stress and confusion for me as I had to make numerous phone calls to ensure that my test results were properly communicated. I arrived on time for the biopsy on… August 18th, at 9 am, and waited an hour in the pre-surgical area. Finally, the doctor arrived. I was already prepped for my biopsy. Dr. Leventhal explained I would experience 14 needles in my prostate although his surgical coordinator said only one needle would be inserted into the lesion. I asked her to repeat that at the time, so I was clear in what she said. Dr. Leventhal has poor bedside manners and is generally abrupt. I explained to him she said only one needle. His response “She told you wrong”. I again questioned. He repeats “She told you wrong”. He says the pre-surgical staff member is a substitute as if that is my problem. He says, “Mr. Castetter you have a decision to make to have the biopsy or not”. Already feeling anxious and disappointed about how he spoke to me and my already bad experience, I said “No”. Dr. Leventhal said nothing, he left the room. That was the entire conversation that lasted maybe 1.5 minutes at the most. Next, the nurse came in and removed my IV. I explained to the admitting desk what happened, and she said no charge and gave me a card from a UPMC representative. I left the hospital.

Complete Disaster Firstly, there seemed to be a breakdown in communication and coordination between the various departments. I had to personally arrange for the MRI disc to be sent to the hospital, which was a step that I expected would be handled internally. Additionally, the pre-surgical testing results for blood tests and urine tests were not received by the hospital and practice, despite the heart test results being received. This lack of coordination led to unnecessary stress and confusion for me as I had to make numerous phone calls to ensure that my test results were properly communicated. I arrived on time for the biopsy on August 18th, at 9 am, and waited an hour in the pre-surgical area. Finally, the doctor arrived. I was already prepped for my biopsy. Dr. Leventhal explained I would experience 14 needles in my prostate although his surgical coordinator said only one needle would be inserted into the lesion. I asked her to repeat that at the time, so I was clear in what she… said. Dr. Leventhal has poor bedside manners and is generally abrupt. I explained to him she said only one needle. His response “She told you wrong”. I again questioned. He repeats “She told you wrong”. He says the pre-surgical staff member is a substitute as if that is my problem. He says, “Mr. Castetter you have a decision to make to have the biopsy or not”. Already feeling anxious and disappointed about how he spoke to me and my already bad experience, I said “No”. Dr. Leventhal said nothing, he left the room. That was the entire conversation that lasted maybe 1.5 minutes at the most. Next, the nurse came in and removed my IV. I explained to the admitting desk what happened, and she said no charge and gave me a card from a UPMC representative. I left the hospital. By the way, the anesthesiologist was wonderful. I spoke to her after I left. She is very kind and was sorry about what happened. Up to now, the pre-op testing doesn’t show on the UPMC portal. The urine test doesn’t show on either the MYLGH or the UPMC portal, so the pre-exam doctor had nothing to base his exam on. When I arrived home I realized my heart monitor tabs were still taped to my body. I had wasted much time, and money and expended much anxiety in my preparation for this biopsy, and was very disappointed with what happened.

This guy had to quit his practice in Baltimore and leave town because he was addicted to opioids. Not fit to be a physician.

Exceptional care from the helpful and friendly receptionist to the amazing nurse who made me feel so comfortable to the excellent treatment from the doctor. SHAKA BRA!!!

My entire experience was exceptional, from the receptionist to the amazing nurse who made me feel so comfortable to the excellent care from the doctor. SHAKA BRA!!

He is a waste of time and money.

I am not easy to please, and I am very pleased with Dr. Leventhal. Intelligent, interested, great bedside manner, encouraging, great with kids, great listener. I can't give enough praise.