Ralph B. Garretson, MD | Gainesville, VA | Orthopedic Surgeon

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Dr. Ralph Garretson treats rotator cuff disorder, shoulder bursitis, and rotator cuff tears, and performs shoulder instability procedures, arthroscopic surgery, and arthrogram. He has practiced orthopedic surgery for 30 years and is affiliated with Fauquier Health and UVA Haymarket Medical Center. Dr. Garretson completed his residency at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center and earned his medical degree from Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine. He sees patients in Gainesville, Virginia. Patients on Vitals rate Dr. Garretson 4.47 out of 5.

Overview based on verified provider data

accepting new patients
4.5

36 Ratings
30 years of experience
speaks English
Rush Presbyterian St Lukes Medical Center
28 written reviews
2 specialties
18 areas of expertise
2 hospital affiliations
1 office location

Gave an accurate diagnosis
Had a good bedside manner
Spent time with me

Based on patient feedback. Read the reviews

Ralph B. Garretson's Ratings and Reviews

4.5

36 Ratings with 28 written Reviews

Average Wait Time 11 Minutes

How was your appointment with
Ralph Garretson?

Patients’ Perspective

Gave an accurate diagnosis: (26) Did WellNeeds Improvement (1)
Had a good bedside manner: (24) Did WellNeeds Improvement (3)
Spent time with me: (24) Did WellNeeds Improvement (2)
Provided follow-up after the visit: (22) Did WellNeeds Improvement (1)
Flexible scheduling: (26) Did WellNeeds Improvement (0)
Saw me in a timely manner: (3) Did WellNeeds Improvement (0)
Staff was courteous: (2) Did WellNeeds Improvement (0)

Patients praise Dr. Garretson for his exceptional bedside manner, thorough explanations, and effective treatment outcomes, with many highlighting his professionalism and ability to make patients feel at ease. His ability to quickly diagnose and recommend appropriate treatments, such as physical therapy or surgery, is also consistently appreciated, creating a sense of trust and satisfaction among many of the people he treats. However, some negative reviews mention dissatisfaction with the timeliness and accuracy of diagnoses, as well as concerns about financial aspects like surgery deposits and elective procedure decisions. Overall, while the majority of patients commend Dr. Garretson and his staff for their competence and compassion, a smaller number feel disillusioned by aspects of the care and operational processes.

AI-generated from the text of patient reviews

36 ratings & reviews

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Showing 1 to 10 of 28 reviews

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Dr. Garretson was great. He explained everything very well and did a great job reviewing my images with me to give me the most confidence. His bedside manner was impeccable, he was understanding and empathetic to the situation, took the time to go over all options, recovery and future steps. I would highly recommend him for anybody looking for shoulder surgery.

Did Well

Gave an accurate diagnosis
Had a good bedside manner
Spent time with me
Provided follow-up after the visit
Flexible scheduling
Saw me in a timely manner
Staff was courteous

Needs Improvement

October 6th, 2026

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I have been having pain in my shoulder which was getting worse so I was so happy to get an appointment with Dr. Garretson within a day of me calling. I have been to him before for left shoulder surgery about 18 years ago and that all went well. Then I sent my husband to him about 8 years ago and he had a positive experience as well. I trust Dr. Garretson’s care of me. He gave me an injection in my right shoulder and it is already feeling so much better. Plus he recommended PT which I intend to do. Even though my husband and I no longer live locally, we drove 2 hours and 45 minutes for this appointment. Enough said?

Did Well

Gave an accurate diagnosis
Had a good bedside manner
Spent time with me
Provided follow-up after the visit
Flexible scheduling
Saw me in a timely manner
Staff was courteous

Needs Improvement

August 20th, 2026

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From diagnosis to surgery to final follow up, Dr. Garretson is compassionate, kind and professional.

Did Well

Gave an accurate diagnosis
Had a good bedside manner
Spent time with me
Provided follow-up after the visit
Flexible scheduling
Saw me in a timely manner

Needs Improvement

July 25th, 2026

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Helpful, no-nonsense and professional evaluation.

June 18th, 2026

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I was in to see Dr. Garretson for a pain in my shoulder. I was seen very quickly in less than the time it took me to fill out my paperwork. He discussed with me in length what the next steps were. He was very thorough and very delightful.

April 23rd, 2026

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I came in for a checkup on my inflamed left ACL. Dr. Garretson had me move my arm in several different ways to see if it hurt. Everything was fine. He reminded me if the pain came back to ice it and take Advil. The office visit was great and Dr. Garretson was professional and courteous.

Did Well

Gave an accurate diagnosis
Had a good bedside manner

Needs Improvement

March 10th, 2026

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Got bad news but sensed compassion

Did Well

Gave an accurate diagnosis
Had a good bedside manner
Spent time with me
Provided follow-up after the visit
Flexible scheduling

Needs Improvement

January 30th, 2026

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It was fast to the point he was funny put me at ease now on to Rehad

Did Well

Gave an accurate diagnosis
Had a good bedside manner
Spent time with me
Provided follow-up after the visit
Flexible scheduling

Needs Improvement

October 15th, 2025

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I was seen quickly by Dr. Garretson. He is very knowledgeable and personable. This is my second time in need of his skills, which is why I scheduled this appointment.

Did Well

Gave an accurate diagnosis
Had a good bedside manner
Spent time with me
Provided follow-up after the visit
Flexible scheduling

Needs Improvement

July 14th, 2025

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The office is run like a well oiled machine. Friendly staff, promptly saw me and ordered additional testing which I was able to schedule the same day. Very impressed.

Did Well

Gave an accurate diagnosis
Had a good bedside manner
Spent time with me
Provided follow-up after the visit
Flexible scheduling

Needs Improvement

June 23rd, 2025

Blue Ridge Orthopaedic & Spine Center - Gainesville Office

14370 Lee Hwy Ste 102Gainesville, VA 20155

Tel: (703) 743-2814

Mon8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tue8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wed8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Thu8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Fri8:00 am - 5:00 pm

SatClosed

SunClosed


Ralph B. Garretson, MD	Dr. Daniel Cuttica, DO	Dr. Cyrus Press, MD	Dr. Eric J. Feuchtbaum, MD
Orthopedic Surgery	Orthopedic Surgery	Orthopedic Surgery	Orthopedic Surgery
Accepts New Patients	Accepts New Patients	Accepts New Patients	Accepts New Patients
4.5 (36 Ratings)	4.7 (15 Ratings)	4.7 (48 Ratings)	4.4 (126 Ratings)
30 Years of Experience			14 Years of Experience
No Virtual Visit Option	No Virtual Visit Option	No Virtual Visit Option	No Virtual Visit Option
Speaks English	Speaks English	Speaks English
Gainesville , VA	Falls Church , VA	Woodbridge , VA	Bethesda , MD
Med School: Washington University In St Louis School Of Medicine	Med School: Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine	Med School: University of Illinois College of Medicine	Med School: University Of Virginia School Of Medicine
Current Profile	View Profile	View Profile	View Profile

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Arthroscopy
Bone Fracture
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Herniated Disc
Hip Surgery
Joint Pain/Swelling
Joint Replacement
Knee Surgery
Laminectomy
Orthopedic Surgeon
Osteoarthritis
Rotator Cuff Problem (Shoulder Impingement Syndrome)
Scoliosis
Shoulder Dislocation
Shoulder Fractures
Shoulder Pain
Sports Medicine
Surgery

Ralph B. Garretson holds an active medical license in the state of Virginia.

Medical License

Medical Doctor with an active medical license in the state of Virginia that expires in 2026.

Education & Training

Residency

Completed their residency at Rush Presbyterian St Lukes Medical Center.

Medical School

Graduated from Washington University In St Louis School Of Medicine in 1996.

NPI Number

Ralph B. Garretson's NPI number is 1790702249.

Megan C Harvey
Nurse Practitioner
| Falls Church, VA
(0)
Lauren Alison Kerr
Nurse Practitioner
| Chantilly, VA
(0)
Dr. L. Kaleb Friend, MD
Sports Medicine
25 Years Exp | Washington, DC
(21)
Dr. Charles Carroll IV, MD
Hand Surgery
44 Years Exp | Middleburg, VA
(123)
Dr. Galadriel Lea Pastor
Orthopedic Surgery
| McLean, VA
(0)
Dr. Eva Umoh Asomugha, MD
Orthopedic Surgery
17 Years Exp | Manassas, VA
(31)
Kim Snow, PA-C
Orthopedic Surgery
| Herndon, VA
(0)
Dr. Fredric Louis Salter, MD
Orthopedic Surgery
45 Years Exp | Falls Church, VA
(3)
Dr. Andrew Rowan Bishop, MD
Orthopedic Surgery
44 Years Exp | Reston, VA
(5)
Dr. Laurel Claire Blakemore, MD
Orthopedic Surgery
35 Years Exp | Fairfax, VA
(14)

How can I make an appointment with Ralph Garretson?: You can find contact information for Ralph Garretson here on Vitals.
Does Ralph Garretson accept my insurance?: You can see the insurance plans that Ralph Garretson accepts on their Vitals profile.
Where is Ralph Garretson's office located?: Ralph Garretson's office is located at 14370 Lee Hwy Ste 102, Gainesville, VA, 20155.
What languages does Ralph Garretson speak?: Ralph Garretson speaks English.
Is Ralph Garretson accepting new patients?: Ralph Garretson is accepting new patients on Vitals. View Ralph Garretson's profile on Vitals to make an appointment.

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