JR William Watson Briner, MD

Long wait. The first couple of times, a wait of 20 minutes or so. Then the wait became an hour to an hour and a half. Every time. I explained to the staff that it’s very inconvenient for me because I time my appointment to the traffic. I have a long commute to the office. It got to the point I always had to reschedule other things because of my appointment with him. I don’t know is it the doctor ior the office policy? Who knows but I do not recommend them it is not worth it.

A long wait in the waiting room then another 30 minutes in the exam room. And he absolutely is NOT worth all that wait. Condescending and not knowledgeable. Misdiagnosed a problem. His assistant is also rude and cold.

I arrived @ 9:15am for a 9:00 am appointment on a day that there was snow. It took me 75 minutes to get to the appointment and I waited a month to get the appointment! Because I was a new patient, the nurse told me it was their policy to have me reschedule due to the paperwork and X-rays I would have to do. It would take too much time. I refused to reschedule. If I doctor could not be that flexible on a day when there was snow or that caring, he could not be MY doctor. I will find someone else. I left the office in tears and quite upset.

My experience with most great ortho docs is that they will only focus on one area (lower back and hip or neck and shoulder) during a consult. If you want to see a hack, they'll give you a full body exam but it won't be a true physician exam unless they schedule a 2hr appointment, which I don't think any physician does.

Dr. Briner was recommended by another HSS physician's office. Sadly that was clearly based on trying to generate business for him rather than his level of expertise which was shockingly lacking. I'm surprised HSS would have a doctor this poor on staff. I went to him with multiple joint problems. I made clear at the time that I made the appointment that I needed a general orthopedic exam. Other than one glaring radiological problem in a shoulder ( calcified tendo that would have been obvious to a first year medical student if not to a layman off the street), the visit was a waste of time. After registering with the receptionist, I was brought to radiology. There I was told that only the most pressing area would be xrayed. When I protested and asked for at least my hips as well as my shoulders should be done, I was told 'no, our policy is only one joint'. There was no medical reason, my insurance covered any number of films but they were adamant about their 'policy'. Finally I was made… to parade, in my gown- with very little on, holding all my belongings, clothes, coat etc. through the halls to the office manager. She was simply nasty. No other word suffices, but finally agreed to the films. When I finally got to see Dr. Briner, his exam, interest level and ability to explain or diagnose any of my problems was appallingly deficient. Stabbing intermittent pain in multiple joints, no diagnosis, no guess as to a diagnosis, no suggestion other than non-specific physical therapy at the discretion of the therapist. My advice. Choose another doctor. Oh yes, had to the office manager again on the way out. Condescending, snippy, not an ounce of politeness and respect.

I saw Dr. Briner after suffering a back injury. I hoped he would help me to get back to my athletic lifestyle. Instead, despite continuing pain and what I learned were classic symptoms of sciatica, he did not order further diagnostic testing and told me my muscles were tight. He questioned me on seeking a second opinion, which I'm glad I did. Even more strangely, when I canceled my last scheduled appointment with his office, I was not asked why or if I wanted to reschedule.