Dr. Hugh Lawrence Bassewitz, MD

During our 4th visit today to seek help from Dr. Bassewitz for my husband's degenerative disk, he so thoroughly confused and talked down to my husband that when asked if he had answered all our questions my husband said "No!" and in his frustration used an expletive. The doctor didn't have the emotional intelligence to talk it through and left the room. He now refuses to further treat my husband. Perhaps, if the good doctor spent more time listening TO and empathizing WITH his patients (instead of bragging about how he is the doctor for the Golden Knights) my husband wouldn't have responded in this manner. This doctor is probably a good technician, but definitely lacks in bedside manner.

According to the National Institutes of Health, implicit racial bias towards Blacks and other POC is pervasive throughout every field of medicine and medical treatment. Most Backs are aware of America’s racist and discriminatory medical treatment from both a historical standpoint and personal experiences. I believe that Dr. Bassewitz exhibited such bias in his assessment, treatment, and ultimate refusal to treat me further after I made the decision not to go the dangerous and problematic route of pain management. Doctor Bassewitz’s racial bias was evident from the very beginning, even though I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt. As an ex-bodybuilder, even at age 66, I was quite muscular. Many white doctors’ implicit racial biases make them perceive Blacks, even Black children, as being stronger or able to tolerate more pain than a similar white person. I believe Dr. Bassewitz initially misdiagnosed my spinal stenosis because of his implicit racial bias because I didn’t… present like other spinal stenosis patients. Consequently, he had me go through physical therapy that had no chance of improving my condition. Moreover, once it became evident that the physical therapy wasn’t working, doctor Bassewitz suggested a contraindicated exercise that I believe he never would have suggested to a white person my age or any age. He suggested that I take 130lbs of barbells on my shoulders and perform squats. This was clearly suggested because of my physical appearance. I doubt that Dr. Bassewitz, who is 10-15 years my junior, could squat 130lbs with no back issues. After an MRI showed that I had spinal stenosis, Dr. Bassewitz claimed that he could perform an outpatient procedure that would alleviate the pain. However, he later instructed his PA to suggest that I try their pain management clinic instead. I decided against pain management since it only masks your symptoms. When I informed Dr. Bassewitz of my decision, he became arrogantly belligerent and said that he couldn’t do anything else for me. I’m actually glad because the last thing a Black person needs is for a white doctor who has demonstrated his racial bias and lack of respect for their agency to mistreat them let alone perform a surgical procedure on them.

Well what can I say about Dr. Bassewitz and Dr. Edmund.....This was probably the most stressful operation I have had. I have had back, face, shoulder and hand surgeries before having my neck issue. I went to 4 different surgeons and all came back with different plans on how to fix my neck. I read every review of each surgeon and when I chose to go see Dr. Bassewitz I was figuring he was to approach me with a similar attitude of " I do this everyday no big deal". However it was a big deal to me but Dr. Bassewitz didn't do that he answered everyone of my questions as well as my wife's and explained the procedure in detail and let me decide without pressure which doctor to choose. I went home and reviewed more information watched more videos of the procedures than I should have. In the end I chose Dr. Bassewitz over the other specialist risks were the same for the most part except one very important detail. All the other doctors want to cut into the right side to address the disk… replacement but Dr. Bassewitz went in through the left side removing the risk for the most part of the vocal cord nerve that can easily be damaged cutting on the right side as it is very hard to see until it is to late. Dr. Edmund explained everything to us in our Pre-op meeting in great detail and relieved any remaining stress I had about the surgery. Additionally I procedure he preformed did NOT involve cutting the muscles in the neck thus extending the recovery and adding PT to my treatment. Since they spread the muscles apart and went from the left side I was speaking at normal tone in less than 1 day and out of my brace in 7 days with about 65% range...no pain in the neck just stiffness from holding my head up and lack of sleep ....I am 14 day past surgery and am back at work, driving and feeling better and better each day...My recovery time has amazed both myself and my wife....Yes I push the limits but I know not to go to far to fast as I do not want to go backwards in my recovery. I plan to follow the Dr.'s rules for recovery and look forward to addressing my lower back issue once recovered and would recommend Dr. Bassewitz and Dr. Edmund to anyone needing help in deciding where and who for surgery....

Dr. Bassewitz listened to me and understood my need for the operation. 7 months post op and things are going well.

I had 2 discs replaced by Dr. Bassewitz 6 yrs ago and I would not be afraid to do it all over again if I had too. He in my book is amazing!!! He is a caring doctor who takes the time to listen. I am not stiff and my range of movement impresses people. He does a great job hiding the incision because he puts it in the wrinkle of the neck. I recommend him to everyone who has issues and need help. I cannot imagine finding a better doctor.

I had him perform surgery on my neck in 2000. He was younger then and also had a young Assistant. I like the Assistant a lot ~ a bit more friendly. But keep in mind, you're going to your doctor to be pals with. Your going to have something hopefully taken care of for good and Bassewitz is that person. Now my husband is having back problems and the MRI result showed that it actually may be his spine. He was refered to someone, but getting through to this this other doctor is becoming next to impossible. So..may be calling Dr.Bassewitz. He IS worth it!

Great Doctor

He has absolutely no interest in his patients at all. Never even touched me, or asked to see where I was hurting, barely looked at my MRI & X-Rays. After waiting about 3 hours in his office, then in the room, he spent MAYBE 5 whole minutes with me. His very first words when he walked into the room was... WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE, I AM A SURGEON!! I left knowing nothing more than when I walked into his office. Very rude, horrible bedside manners, lack of care and interest, was in a hurry, and just overall plain rude and heartless. My pain management Dr gave me my diagnosis from my MRI & X-Ray. Bulging Discs, inflammation and pinched nerve. And this idiot wants me to go back to WORK!! Get real, maybe you need to go back to school Dr Bassewitz!!

The doctor seemed to be very intelligent and knew what he was talking about. His bedside manner howevee; completely rude, uninterested, condinsending, superior/belittling attitude. Overall, I wouldnt recommend him to anyone who wants to feel like they were being helped. However if you wish to feel like a crumpled piece of garbage... hes your man.

He is so arrogant....even his I guess she is a assistant to him not even sure what position she holds but Chelsea is just as unfriendly and arrogant as he is. Very uncomfortable atmosphere. you feel like when they walk in the office that you have interrupted a date night for the two of them and they are doing you a favor by seeing you even though your paying for it. It was truly that uncomfortable. The surgery he recommended was the same one he recommended for 2 other people I have encountered. All of us have different symptoms. I went to get two other opinions and was told there was a much less aggressive option available. I would not recommend him to anyone. Everyone else I met in this office were so wonderful. But once you get in and meet him and his PA it goes downhill...