Dr. John William Bookwalter, MD

It was recommended by my PCP that I see a neurosurgeon due to multiple findings on my low back MRI. He came into the room after reviewing my MRI results. He told me that my MRI results were nothing more than age related degenerative changes. He had me stand up, touch my toes and walk. He then did a quick reflex assessment of my lower extremities. He never looked at or touched my back. He proceeded to lecture me on the workings of muscles and joints. Then he told me that I would just need to modify my behavior and find a new routine to exercise, which is the only thing that will work to help it. He told me that no surgery or medication, be it oral or injectable would fix it. I went into this appointment with some hope that I would be steered in the direction of a solution to a year long pain and inability to complete certain physical activities. I do not take issue with him telling me he can not help me. What offended me was that he was dismissive of me throughout my appointment.… We did NOT have a back and forth conversation regarding my symptoms or my previous and current levels activity. He spoke down to me and did not take the time to discuss MY case. He only made generalizations about how aging may affect joints including the spine. He minimized my experience and symptoms. He actually said "I'll guarantee you that my MRI is worse than yours." As a mother of two young children who was in fairly recent history very active and athletic, it was extremely disheartening and insulting to be told that what I'm dealing with is not an actual problem, just something that I need to learn to deal with. Every day I meet or exceed the limit for ibuprofen dosing. The pain in my low back has negatively affected every single area of my life. And now he wants me to accept that this is only the normal results of aging. I did not come to him seeking a magic cure, surgery or medication. I came to him expecting to be respected, taken seriously and given hope that there is some sort of treatment available for me. Instead I was disrespected, dismissed and generally told to just learn to deal with it. I will never reccomend Bookwalter to anyone. He should be ashamed of himself for treating anyone the way he treated me today.

Dr. Bookwalter is absolutely AMAZING! I had my surgery yesterday, his diagnosis was right on the money, AND I had some, almost immediate relief. REALLY became involved with ME. The surgery went very well, and when I got home, I actually walked, almost normally, up my front steps, which I haven't been able for a few years. The entire staff, especially Mary Alice, was incredible! Although the time for the entire healing process may take awhile, I already feel like a new person! I VERY HIGHLY recommend Greater Pgh Orthopedics, especially DR. BOOKWALTER!

After I went in to see him and he ordered MRI he wouldn't even take the time to read it. Poor bedside manner. Still looking for a doctor.

They do not see you when the appointment time is at hand. They take patients who are late. The woman at front desk thinks we are all stupid and can't tell time . Very arrogant. Treated like we are nothing. Sorry was recommended to him

He takes his time and let's you talk to him, no rush to get you out of the office. I truly have found the right doctor to help me.

I had surgery in 2006 and have pain from that day to present, "2015"that I didn't ever have before! He brushed me off as if nothing wrong! Never took pain meds til then and still go to pain clinic. He is arrogant, no bedside manner, doesn't care about his patient and thinks what he does is ALWAYS right! I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND HIM TO ANYONE! RUN AS FAST AS. YOU CAN AND FIND SOMEONE ELSE WITH BETTER REVIEWS. THERE ARE PHYSICIANS THAT CARE IF YOU DO YOUR HOMEWORK! 2.5 STARS DOES NOT SAY MUCH. HE HAS NO CHARACTER AND I DO NOT CONSIDER HIM A DOCTOR! UPMC NEEDS TO START WEEDING OUT PEOPLE LIKE HIM! I AGREE WITH THE REVIEW THAT SAID .. THEY DO NOT KNOW HOW HE RECEIVED A LICENSE!!!

He did a surgery on me that has left me in more pain Than I started with, and has basically just blown me off!!! Also never came in to see me before or after my surgery!

This Dr. Is a independent medical examiner for insurance co. He quits taking patients at 2:00 pm to do independent exams for the insurance industry . Any doctor who is a good neurosurgeon would not have time for this type of activity in his schedule . I would not recommend him to anyone who needs spinal surgery . He does the IME for extra $$ , like i said a good neurosurgeon doesnt need the extra insurance co $$ . This guy sure does !

I never thought in a million years, after surgery on a loved one, that a surgeon would call out to the waiting room to talk to one family member of 30 seconds!! I was very disappointed. We watched all the other surgeons come to the family waiting area and take complete families, into a family consultation room to discuss their loved ones surgery. Dr. Bookwalter has depersonalized surgery to an infinite degree and shame on UPMC administration for allowing him to treat their customers, the patient's and the patient's families in such a manner. I pray he is a talented surgeon and the results of the surgery are not as poor as his bedside manner.

Surgery for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion 1 week ago at Magee Hospital in Pittsburgh. My original symptoms are gone and I am recovering weel at home. Although I am tired which is to be expected after surgery I feel as though I am progressing well and Dr Bookwalter was right on the money with the diagnosis and the correct option that I chose for surgery. He and Sam his asst have done a wonderful job. I look forward to my follow-up appt in 3 weeks. And possibly returning to my job which has a lot of physical requirements in about 2 months or so. Thank you Drs!