Dr. Daniel Daniel Riew, MD

I am 51 years old and recovering from a 4-level anterior and posterior cervical fusion with Dr. Riew. I am an orthopedic surgeon myself, and Dr. Riew is exactly the physician I aspire to be. He is kind, humble, thorough, never appears rushed, and he listens. Technically, his operative skills are superior. He is one of a very small number of spine surgeons who limits his practice to only the cervical spine. He has spent years listening to patients and understanding the description of complaints and subtle changes in anatomy on imaging. He is able to discuss options both non surgical and surgical, aggressive and less aggressive, and he asks you about your goals in helping to reach a decision on the course moving forward. Additionally, he is surrounded by staff (shout out to Giselle and Jenny) who are available and responsive in the pre and post operative period. I initially chose a local surgeon who I believed to be competent to do what I thought was a relatively simple single level… surgery. I had a very poor outcome. After being gaslit for months and being made to feel crazy (even as a surgeon!), I found Dr. Riew who has literally changed my life. Do yourself a favor, and skip my misstep. If you are thinking about surgery on your cervical spine, feel confident putting your trust in Dr. Riew!

Dr Riew performed a combined anterior and posterior (360) cervical fusion on C3-7. I consulted 4 surgeons before meeting Dr Riew. The others were unclear and uncertain in their recommendations. Dr Riew examined and reviewed all my records. He said “this is what needs to be done and this is why”. Great experience from start to finish. I flew in from California and would do it again.

Dr Riew was best of the best for my tailored leminoplasty and laminectomy on 3/15/2023. His team was well coordinated from anesthesia to plastic surgery for 4-5 hour surgery. Am looking forward to seeing him for my six week check up with him on 5/2/2023! MAING

Four weeks ago Dr. Riew performed a 2 level ACDF surgery on me. Immediately following the surgery I was totally pain free which was quite remarkable considering how much pain I was in for several months before I was operated on. I found Dr. Riew and his entire staff to be extremely competent and compassionate. His assistant, Jenny, was always available to answer any questions and/or concerns I had. Dr. Riew is masterful at cervical surgeries and I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone who is experiencing neck pain.

I highly recommend Dr. Riew for cervical spine surgeries. He is extremely experienced and performs only cervical spine surgeries. Dr. Riew takes as much time as necessary to listen to patient concerns and provide detailed explanations of his diagnosis and surgical plan. I am 5 weeks post op for a 3 level ACDF and Corpectemy and am doing very well so far (only spent 1 night in the hospital, had little or no surgical pain and/or complications and was able to get back to work within a few days). Dr. Riew's staff as well as the staff of the Och Spine Center are also excellent and highly efficient. I saw several surgeons for my spine issues and after much due diligence I concluded that Dr. Riew was best in class. I am hopeful that I continue to improve and am back on the tennis court within a few months. Thank you Dr. Riew.

Dr. Riew is a cervical surgeon rockstar! He impressed me on our very first meeting in his ability to assess how my stenosis at C1 and C4 due to arthritis was impairing my balance and causing my numbness and tingling in my hands and feet. Something that a reknowned neurologist missed and misdiagnosed even with a comprehensive nerve test. And a serious problem that I dealt with for almost 2 years. He was clear in his explanation of the problem and in his description of the surgery; laminectomy at C1 and laminoplasty at C4. And his personal attention and care allowed me to schedule surgery within weeks of our meeting. His assistant, Jenny, was also thorough and always available for questions before and after the surgery. The surgery was held on time and went smoothly. One minute I was meeting the surgery team, the next I was in the capable hands of the post surgery team at the Daniel and Jane Och Spine Hospital @ the Allen New York Presbyterian Hospital. The care and… attention I received there by the nurses and support staff was beyond any that I have experienced and I (and my family) are so grateful to Dr. Riew and his team for a successful surgery and care and for putting me back on the road to recovering my quality of life.

It is my understanding that appointments are given to help create a schedule for doctors, staff and patients to help facilitate work flow. When a patient is given an appointment, they should not be kept waiting three+ hours in a waiting room without anyone checking in to apologize or provide an update. This is exactly what happened at my appointment with Dr. Riew (and there was no 'emergency' that caused him to be delayed.). His front desk staff are a team of flat faces who have no information regarding delays; only telling patients that they are "next" when patients who were scheduled for later appointment times were called in before me one after another. When I made my appointment, I was very clear about my cervical problem and other medical challenges that might have prevented Dr. Riew from seeing me. Nevertheless, I was cleared for the appointment. When I finally had the privilege to meet with Dr. Riew after waiting yet another hour in the exam room (now four hours… after arriving!!), I was told he would not treat me even though I am a surgical candidate with a very straightforward injury. No treatment plan was offered by Dr. Riew; no review of my underlying injuries was ever discussed during my limited time with him. Attention only focused on the "other" challenges I presented with -- and not the cervical one for which I went to see him. Dr. Riew has a wonderful bedside manner, and is clearly a very thoughtful and highly educated practitioner. Too bad his office is an upside down disaster with scheduling. Challenging cases like me are cast to the curb with no care or guidance. Taking an oath to "do no harm" should not meant for doctors to send legit patients on their way without any guidance or support. After this experience, I cannot say I would recommend this practice, although I think Dr. Riew has what it takes to be an excellent surgeon and from what I read, has many positive results. Could it be though that he hand-picks cases that will only have clear-cut successful outcomes?

Excellent surgeon

Dr. K. Daniel Riew, MD is the greatest surgeon of all time. He & his staff, Samara & Jenny are truly compassionate, kind, & always efficient. Their knowledge & expertise is incredibly reassuring & awesome. The ambulatory surgery center at "The Spine Hospital", is amazing. The hospital nursing staff, especially Melissa my night nurse was wonderful. I knew from a previous surgery I had by Dr. Riew that I would be in great hands. He & all of his staff are the BEST, hands down!!!!!

Thanks to Dr Reiw I don't have to live on morphine patches and numerous pain pills I would say he is one of the best doctor I have ever been to for my neck surgery thanks so much