Dr. Mark Barry Lonstein, MD

First, I’ll say the surgery itself by Dr Lonstein, went well. They (Dr Office) seemed to have gone out of their way to get a surgery scheduled quickly. That’s about all I’ve got to say in a positive note. Now for the rest of the experience. Dr Lonstein has certainly been in the profession for a long time, it seems as though he is very knowledgeable. With that, he’s not one to listen. In every appointment I’ve had, it was hard to get a word in at all, being cut off or being talked over whenever I had something to say. The communication from his office/office staff is sub-par with not only me, but the hospital as well. I was kept overnight following my surgery, Dr Lonstein came in the following morning, 9-10am to check on me. After a very brief visit, he gave me the okay to be discharged. Fast forward to nearly 5pm, I get word from a nurse that they’ve still not received any discharge paperwork from the Dr Office. I’m then told that this isn’t the first time his office has dropped… the ball, but they were aware of 6-7 other patients of the office, who experienced the same. My 10-day follow up was surprisingly brief; a couple x-rays, reviewed by the Dr, a brief back and forth about how recovery was going, then he was ready to cut me loose. I made mention of pain in my right pec/lat/shoulder, as well as pins/needles in my right arm/hand. His answer was basically, it could go away, but we’ll see with time. I basically had to request physical therapy to see if we can get ahead/address my concerns. Billing has also been a hassle. After having the surgery approved by insurance, I went to SMH for my pre-surgery Appt as instructed my the Dr Office. I use the term ‘instructed’ loosely. I was basically given a piece of paper by office staff with a date/time, to show up to the hospital and to follow up at the Dr Office immediately afterward . At the hospital, I go through all the necessary steps, one of which was paying my insurance deductible, among others. Upon completion, I return to Dr Lonstein’s office. Once there, I’m checked in. The Dr comes back, asked how my appointment went, I told him it went well and did everything on the their checklist; Covid screen, MRSA screen, labs, UA, etc. He very briefly listens to my heart, then says he’ll see me in two days for the surgery. When leaving, one of staff at the front desk said I owed a $50 co-pay, I asked for what, she said for my visit. I asked if she meant the 5-min where he listened to my heart then let me leave?She ended up only charging me $5, only to get a call after leaving that she made a mistake and will get the remainder after surgery. Fast forward nearly two weeks after the surgery, I get a call from a woman at the office stating there’s an issue with my insurance. She states that I have a balance of ~$1000 because the hospital took my deductible payment. I informed her that no one at their office said who to pay, that they sent me to the hospital for everything I needed to do, pre-surgery. She tells me that I’ll need to call the hospital to get payment refunded because they shouldn’t have been paid that portion and that I should get on the phone soon, as it’ll probably take multiple calls. I informed her, as a Veteran, I followed their instructions, though vague, to the letter. She then gets short with me, mumbling something under her breathe, then something to a co-worker as she’s hanging up. I’ve now received a bill in the mail, coincidently enough, is almost identical to what was paid to the hospital prior to the surgery. When trying to contact the office during regular business hours, I’m forwarded to an answering service, who informs me they’re having issues with their phones. So I guess I’ve got a fight on my hands with regard to being unjustly billed. Take what you will from this information when reviewing offices to handle your spine surgery.

Excellent doctor. Had herniated disc in my neck. Dr. Lonstein operated on my neck and I am pain free for first time in 5 years. He is the one to see for neck or back problems

The service has always been very professional, warm and caring. I would gladly refer others to you. Thank You

Had spinal stenosis with severe pain down my legs. He did a thorough exam, answered all my questions. He operated on my back, put in screws and rods to fuse the slipping vertebrae and I am now pain free. Excellent surgeon, office staff is great and they actually pick up the phone when you call!

I was directed to go here for a workers comp case. I had lower back issues. My first visit, Dr Lonstein asked what had happened to me and how I was injured. He took his time and answered the questions I had about the MRI CD images I brought with me to the appointment. They gave me a back brace and explained the benefits and how to use it. I went to my follow up 3 weeks later and he ran a couple tests and saw how much better I was after using the brace and going to physical therapy. I had great visits and though the staff was knowledgeable and friendly.

If you want to be rushed through the entire appointment and not have any explanation as to why your in pain , this is the doctor for you. 0 bedside manor. Recommended physical therapy and if that helped a MRI, Office staff okay very chaotic too many girls doing different things. when I left I called back and asked to speak with office manager regarding the appointment and the waste of money it was with my insurance she comes at me like a bulldog through the phone and tells me i don’t know what to tell you? No apology, no let me speak with The doctor to resolve this issue and see what we can do ... NOTHING!

Highly recommend Dr. Lonstein. He has helped me and two other family members with back and knee pain and am very thankful for his caring nature and expertise.

I seen him back over 3yrs ago, he took reg xrays and put me in therapy there , which i could hardly move cause of pain, since then i had to have 3 spine surgeries. 2 by Dr E. Sundberg in Lakewood Ranch at Coastal orthopedics, he fixed me up!

I would recommend this doctor anyone suffering with back pain. I was seen for an evaluation and he recommended physical therapy , massage and ESI's I am doing much better pain free.

I had herniated disc in my back with spinal stenosis. Had many injections with pain management but no relief. Went to see Dr. Lonstein. He spent a lot of time listening to me, did a thorough physical exam, and completely explained the surgery to fix the problem. I had the surgery and am completely pain free. Very satisfied and greatly appreciate his skilled work. He has my highest recommendation if you need spine surgery.