Dr. Phillip N Kissel, MD

I was diagnosed with a tumor inside my spinal canal pushing on my spinal cord. I got in touch with Dr. Kissel for a second opinion (the first opinion involved an unnecessary spinal fusion). Dr. Kissel did not feel a fusion was necessary. He did a laminectomy and excised the tumor. I had zero complications. Dr. Kissel explained everything very thoroughly to myself and my husband. He answered all questions honestly. The surgery was very successful and the pain management I received in the hospital was well planned. He visited me multiple times in the hospital and had several follow up calls post-surgery. He approved all the time off work that I needed as well as the physical therapy. For being such a serious and scary medical issue, Dr. Kissel made it as smooth as possible. I am so appreciative and grateful for his expertise and care.

Can’t recommend highly enough. Fixed my back and gave me quality of life again. Great person and surgeon!!

My internist recommended him as someone who takes a careful conservative approach. My doctor forwarded my information so I could make an appointment. When I called, the person on phone acted like a robot filling in the blanks on her computer screen and just processing another batch of data through an assembly line like people are all just another interchangeable part. She would not even take the time to find my paperwork. She would not give me a minute to retrieve a file to provide information she'd just asked for. She was an indication that this might not be a great office when it comes to how they care about patients. A day later, she calls, doesn't even leave a voice message, and when I call back says, "After reviewing the information, Dr. Kissel suggests that you see Dr. X". I asked why and she said, "I don't know, I didn't talk to him about it." (The doctor Kissel was recommending is well known among doctors AND patients to be one of the WORST doctors in the county! I… consulted with him several years ago--I would not let him remove a splinter, much less perform complex surgery. Most reviews of him are horrible as well.) That's a horrible way to treat a potential patient. If you look at places that rate doctors, you'll see that males rate Kissel highly ("great guy! did great job!") and females nearly universally rate him as one-to-two stars and talk about how condescending and unhelpful he is. That should tell you something. I'm sure, the fact that I'm not only female, but a Medicare patient informed his decision not to even bother meeting with me as well. Not enough big bucks? (He's also affiliated with Dignity Health. I've yet to see a single doctor affiliated with that group who is worth seeing.)

I read these reviews and can't grasp where they went because Dr Kissel and his staff have ALWAYS been professional and courteous. He has performed 2 surgeries on me and I have healed perfectly. I'm inpatient with the healing process but he calmed me and was always patient with me. Everuthing he has told me (whether I wanted to hear it or not) has been on point.

He is absolutely fantastic. Very honest and willing to answer any and all questions. He was also very comforting and compassionate during a stressful time. I would highly recommend Dr. Kissel.

Has had many malpractice suits. Would not recommend, infact I would highly discourage.

Staff is very rude and Dr. Kissel is not a very nice person. He belittled me and talked down to me while I was paying money to see him and when I was at one of the weakest moments in my life after I suffered a severe neck injury. NO COMPASSION at all! He had his mind already made up when he entered the exam room. If the injury is not obvious and he is unable to figure it out then there is nothing wrong with you and you need to visit with a shrink. Very sad treatment.

2012 I was diagnosis with a leaking disk, Dr, Kissel reviewed my case knew how to fix me. Procedure went perfect, no complications, was out of the hospital in couple days. Follow all the Dr. directions, and was back to work in 3 weeks.

Don't expect hospitality from the office staff. Their specialty is neurosurgery and their attitude reflects as such. Dr. Kissel is smart but his hesitation to help on an obvious problem and diagnosis gives the impression that he picks and chooses which cases to take despite medical necessity. Another specialist diagnosed the problem immediately.

Dr. Kissel is the best around period. I would trust no one else as a surgeon. He took care of my problem (neck) in a caring and very professional manner, explaining everything thoroughly pre and post-suragery. I'll be forever grateful for his amazing talents........ You can't do better............