Joseph A. Kratzer, MD

I don’t even have this doctor, but he was unfortunately on call for my doctor. I called at 5:25 pm on a Thursday because the prescription that my Dr had sent earlier that day did not have a frequency written on it. I asked him to call the pharmacy to fix it for the terrible migraine I was experiencing at the time. He said that I could call the office back in the morning to let my doctor take care of it. I calmly explained that I couldn’t wait until the morning for pain relief. He sighed and agreed to do it after rudely asking for the pharmacy number. He called me back less than 4 minutes later only to inform me that he was “sorry”, but couldn’t wait on hold for a pharmacist and that I would have to call back in the morning. I asked if the pharmacy could call him personally and he said “No, they cannot”. He was rude the entire time and also mentioned that he was one doctor covering 700 patients after 5:00. He added “I’m sorry” at the end of the rushed conversation, but he could not… have been less concerned. I don’t understand how someone has a profession of taking care of people, but couldn’t care less about someone in pain. I understand that plenty of people have bigger issues, but that doesn’t decrease my level of pain or make it irrelevant. He should not call himself a doctor. The least he could have done is notified my doctor so she could address it.

Save your time. Unless you like depression. Then see this guy.

Dr. Kratzer left me walking out of his office in TEARS....and did not give two ‘spits’....I have been unable to walk, lift anything, do more than wash dishes or bathe myself (not in the same hour) for over a year. With a cursory examination he disregarded my laundry list of diagnoses, symptoms, and concerns. He told me my best option was a ‘final option’—a visit to Duke or The Mayo Clinic. He was gonna order a lot of expensive tests, but he was sure in the end, he’d be able to do nothing for me, so it was my choice if I wanted to waste the money (not those exact words...this is a quick summary of his very non-empathetic comments). I swear, I think physicians lose sight of ‘First do no harm’. This means don’t send your terrified patients into a depressive spiral.

This man made me feel like I was crazy and that my medical problems were only in my mind. He asked me if I had a psychotherapist and told me I needed to get one. He also told me that when I had meningitis at the age of 10 it lowered my IQ. He did not talk to me as a person that had concerns about my brain MRI . He treated me as if I were crazy. My sister was with me and was astounded at the way this man acted. I would never recommend him. I did report him to the clinical office manager and plan to report him to the Board.

Dr Kratzer ordered CT and MRI on my spine and pelvic area. I had the results in my chart two weeks before going back to my follow up. He told me my scans were normal. Which is not what my test showed. One area looked good in my pelvic area. The spine CT showed advanced spinal stenosis. And other problems in the middle part and bottom of spine. He told me I was 56 years old and everybody had that at my age!!! How come my friends aren't complaining about pain that feels like I'm being cut with glass or stung by bees. I told him I knew what the results said. So he said he could refer me to an Orthopedic specialist. But once I got in my car the paperwork says it was a Neurosurgeon!!! I'm confused. It maybe he is.

Had symptoms related to TBI incident. Sudden onset of slurred speech and memory loss. MRI showed no abnormalities so he literally tells me that there is no one that could do anything for me and that I’d just have to live with my “subjective symptoms”. Are you kidding me? Then I asked him if he could recommended any other type of specialist and he just shrugged his shoulders. Zero craps given. I waited 4 years to have myself checked out for these symptoms, because I was afraid I wouldn’t be taken seriously. Thanks for validating my concerns about the American health systems.

I received a cursory examination, after which I was referred for an MRI. I haven't heard from Dr Kratzer since and it has been over 2 weeks since the MRI. I can't reach him by phone. Where did he go?

Needs to leave his religon outside the hospital. Doesn't listen to patient. Too busy trying to impress students with how smart he is and how stupid his patients are.

Down to earth doctor that tells it like it is. No sugar coating. We liked his manner and feel confident in positive results. Staff very friendly also.

Years of dizziness and finally THIS dictor finally diagnosed my Menieres disease. A simple water pilll and NO symptoms. He was SOO nice. Why was he the first one to diagnose and treat me properly???