Dr. Ian Michael Wattenmaker, MD

I had to go today for an independent medical evaluation. Although i do not know what my results are, i feel compelled to share my experience. The ride took me almost two hours that sucked! However the office is absolutely gorgeous. The office staff was extremely polite, even offered my sister something to drink while she was waiting on me. The doctor although very professional, was nice and actually took the time not only to exam me but also to discuss all of my symptoms. I was terrified...but God's grace heped me through this exam. And i was pleasantly surprised that after all the negative reviews ...that wasn't at all my experience!

After suffering from spinal issues for nearly 2 decades, Wattenmaker gave me my life back. Pain free after the surgery, and I felt 100% comfortable in his experienced hands.

Performed complicated procedure on mangled neck

It’s very absurd and ridiculous that how some people are accusing Dr. Wattenmaker of being greedy or a doctor who only cares about money!!! I took my father to Dr. Wattenmaker for herniated disc. My father had Kaiser insurance and for months Kaiser kept giving him painkillers and even refusing to do MRIs. Eventually after I got the MRI, I took my father to Dr. Wattenmaker and explained the situation. Not only he said he would do the surgery ASAP, he waived 100% of his fees and said he would talk to the hospital to give us discounts for any related costs! His visitation fee was $400 that day since Kaiser wasn’t covering out of plan dr visits. Dr. Wattenmaker gave us 50% discount!!!!! I have seen dr Wattenmaker maker for my own back a few times and have never felt anything negative about this doctor.

Had two evaluations 22 years apart; He got both of them wrong.

I was referred to this Dr. by my Primary Care Physician. I basically got the feeling that he did not want to fool with doing the surgery suggested. He referred me to another doctor far away from where I work and live that does the same thing he does. I felt the appointment was a waste of time and money. His solution was to "simply cope with the pain". That was his exact words. I am shocked, upset and totally feel like I am back to square one. He does not deserve a star at all.

Dr Wattenmaker has performed 3 back surgeries concerning L3,L4, and L5 from 1996 to present. He has an excellent bed side manner and his staff is so helpful. I am very satisfied with my recent surgery!

I was very happy with the level of care I received from Dr Wattenmaker and his staff. He quickly diagnosed the problem and surgery was the answer. I received immediate relief after surgery and the whole experience was wonderful. I would recommend this surgeon.

Knew about all the options & helped me decide the best care for myself

I had an appointment with this man today. I saw two doctors before him who advised me to talk to a surgeon about my herniated disc and pinched nerves. I brought my MRI CD and report to the appointment and he totally blew it off. I explained to him that I was on pain meds and that I did not want to be on pain meds for the rest of my life (I'm 37). I also told him that if I need surgery, I would rather have the surgery while I'm young and healthy. I also told him how my back pain has become progressively worse over the past 15 years and that even having a bowel movements causes severe pain in my lower back that radiates down my legs. He told me that he didn't know why bowel movements make me have severe back pain. He acted like he didn't care. Sever pain after a bowel movement could be related to several different things including pinched nerves in the spine. This man also had the audacity to tell me to stop taking my pain meds, not to get surgery, stay active, and ignore the pain.… Unbelievable. If I didn't take my pain meds I wouldn't be able to get out of bed. I read through all of the reviews and I can't understand why he is a professional doctor with good bedside manners to some of his patients and the total opposite to others. I wonder if he's being selective based on the severity of the patient's back pain (i.e., more money earned to treat those patients). He only offers long-term care to patients with severe, chronic spine issues that will require expensive, extensive surgery, or maybe even multiple surgeries. He doesn't want to waste his time on the small bucks. His brochure even says that he's limiting his patients. It's all about the money. I got the Bernie Madoff type of greedy, money hungry jerk vibe from him. He only cares about money. That's it. He's disgusting.