Dr. Mark James Downey, MD

My Mother visited Dr. Downey for back pain in August 2024. She was transitioning from another doctor, and they requested her previous medical records. She had a consultation, and from there a plan was made for her care. They were going to perform a block, and from there, if that didn't help, discuss a nerve burning procedure. On the day we returned for her block, my Mother was immediately called to an area, and within less than 15 minutes they were ushering her toward me. They handed us a paper and that was all. I have never witnessed anything so fast, or even anything done in a regular office before (of that magnitude). The paperwork mentioned that she would get worse before getting better, which was odd as well. Mind you, she's had several blocks from other doctors, but this entire situation with Dr. Downey was too quick and an extremely botched job. My Mother has since gone completely downhill, so much so that she states she is in the worst pain of her life (and she's in her… 70s). Since having the procedure, it has been extremely hard to reach anyone, and even when she came for a follow up appointment, Dr. Downey avoided us. My Mother specifically asked to speak with him, and we heard him casually talking in office, yet he sent his Nurse Practitioner to help instead. My Mother was then referred to a Neurosurgeon, but due to her weight, she has been sent back to Dr. Downey for a nerve block. Given the terrible procedure and even worse results, I Will Not send her back to him for more excruciating pain. She is in far worse condition now than ever, and needs full assistance to get around, thanks to whatever he did (in less than 10 minutes) in his office. The reviews from most sites about him have either been scrubbed or are quite old. However, my review pertains to him and his Homewood office from August - October 2024. I do not recommend Dr. Downey and his staff for the reasons stated previously, and because trying to reach them for anything besides scheduling an appointment, is a lost cause. In 2024, there are better options available.

The front desk is dinging as a box of ding dongs. They have no idea what is going on. You come in and all you hear is the women in the back talking and gossiping, no one at the front desk. Then the back staff never call you back after your procedure if you have questions. It is not professional. Also they send over and over bills for the anesthesiologist that you already paid. They say they took care of it and then a month later they send another bill.

Kind, Patient, Caring. Excellent

Doctor Downey and everyone at spine group of Alabama are very kind and do a great job. Thank you for all you guys do. From, Rebecca Ann Jacobs

Dr Downey explained my injury and options thoroughly and worked to find the right procedure to help my back pain. I’m finally back to running pain free and I’m so thankful to Dr Downey for his persistence!

Excellent Dr. I have been seeing him for 12 .5 years. He does the best work to relieve my pain. I could not recommend anyone higher than him. Great with patients.

I’ve seen Dr. Downey for several years to help manage some chronic health issues. He has always demonstrated the highest level of professionalism and always seemed to genuinely care.

Dr Downey has helped me so much with my back pain. He does great epidurals that are very effective. I am upright and functional due to his help. Highly recommend!

I recently visited Dr. Downeys office and wow has his staff changed since last summer, and not for the better. You go in now and you’re greeted by a less than superb front desk woman. Then his new Medical Assistant whom I didn’t catch her name, was too busy to even remotely listen to what I had to say and why I was even there, and to top it off she left the door open as she took my vital signs and continued to semi-ask questions. His nurse practitioner was wonderful as always, she came in and talked with me about my symptoms at length, only for her to bring me out to do as she called it “show and tell” with my x-rays, to see two of Dr. Downeys staff huddled around on their cell phones, to my surprise they didn’t even bother to look up nor put their phones down when I came out of the room. I later learned that one of them was his new scheduler, and the other one was the one that brought me back. I’m no expert but, but this was EXTREMELY rude and UNPROFESSIONAL. I hope these issues are… resolved before other patients encounter such rude behavior from his staff.

Dr. Downey has helped my husband and myself. He takes time to listen. He remembers you and your story. He’s very personable, yet he always mentions his wife in a loving way. Very thankful for how God has used him to help us. Most doctors don’t care anymore. He’s one of the few thag do.