Dr. Steven Harold Peterson, MD

My husband waited for an app't for a whole year. When they finally called to let us know Dr. Peterson could see him now a year had passed, and so had my husband. Such a shame he had to suffer so long.

Dr.Peterson is a "traveling" orthopedist at Altru in Grand Forks, ND. Shattered my femur on a Friday night and had to wait until Sunday night for surgery. Rod was put in for femur bone. Was told no weight on that leg for 3 - 4 months. Next appointment at 6 weeks with different orthopedist said I could put weight on it at 6 weeks. My regular orthopedist said he would have had me putting weight on it the day after surgery. Caused and cost me unnecessary transitional care. Now that walking on, found out rod is not same size as femur was and will need shoe inserts or built up heel shoes for that leg FOREVER! Leg is at least an inch shorter. Wondering if "traveling" doctors do what they do and leave their messes for other doctors to deal with.

We do not feel this is a doctor we would ever go to again. He does not listen to what his patient is telling him, does not compare x-rays with those done previously, and the resultant scaring from his surgeries is unacceptable. His office help at the front desk is friendly and seems capable, but his office assistant (nurse?) exhibits a complete lack of warmth and personality. We do not consider him a good doctor and would not see him again even under emergency conditions.

I have complete faith in Dr. Peterson. He has been my Orthopedist for over ten years and has performed several surgeries all with excellent success. His personal and bedside manner is excellent. If he says it should be done I am comfortable with him performing and sugical or treatment without questiioin.

I broke my pelvis and shattered my wrist in an "extreme gardening" accident. Dr. Peterson was the surgeon on call at the hospital when I was brought in. He did a fantastic job (this is my third broken wrist -- I can easily compare experiences), rebuilding my shards of bone into a very usable wrist again. He was knowledgable, up to date, patient, considerate, and kind. He was even funny! I loved him! I would recommend him to anyone - and am doing so!

Rushed through without reviewing x-rays, delegated changing of cast to an inexperienced employee who ended up taking the cast off and having the doctor himself do it after I asked for someone else to do the casting. It was clear the doctor didn't appreciate having to take the time for this trivial procedure. We wait another 45 minutes until he found time for us. This is after waiting 2 hrs. Recommended specific exercises, but then was very cavalier about what he recommended since the cast ended up covering joints that reduced the ability to perform exercises, just so he wouldn't have to deal with changing the cast. He did end up changing the location so the joints were exposed after complaining and reminding him of what he told me was important to get range of motion back. Would never go back to him. Very unprofessional.

We had a very good experience with Dr. Peterson and his office. The office staff were very friendly, especially the X-ray tech. Dr. Peterson gave us his full attention, willing to answer all questions, even when some were repeats. Our first visit had a very long wait (about 1 hour before we got to the room, almost 3 until we left) -- we had been "squeezed in" that day. Our second visit had no more than 10 minutes wait. Dr. Peterson and his office staff were very caring, helpful and friendly. I would certainly recommend him to those who need an orthopedic doctor.