Johns Hopkins Orthopedics

"BUYER BEWARE: 900% Markup on a Basic Leg Brace On May 2, I visited an orthopedic doctor after urgent care diagnosed me with a fractured tibial plateau. I spent over three hours at the appointment--but saw the doctor for less than five minutes. He reviewed the X-ray I brought and ordered a CT scan. A different staff member came in to fit a leg brace, which was cranked to 0 despite my leg being severely swollen and the pain being excruciating. Neither the doctor nor the PA checked in to ensure it was fitted properly or provided any instructions. In fact, my husband had to adjust it himself before we left just to relieve the pressure. I received two bills. One of them--over $1,500--was solely for the brace. A quick search showed it retails for about $150. That's a 900% markup on a basic hinged brace. Shame on our medical system. Shame on Hopkins. Patients deserve transparency, care, and fairness--not price gouging when they're most vulnerable. I hope sharing this helps others avoid similar experiences."

"I saw Dennis Rivenburgh PA-C and won't be back. He spoke condescendingly to me when I provided him with a past diagnosis that he disagreed with. He also did not ask for my consent when two students joined in my appointment; rather, he TOLD me they would be sitting in on it. When I let Dennis know I did not like how the appointment was going and asked the students to leave, one of the students rolled her eyes at me. I filed a complaint with the office and instead of acknowledging how poorly the visit went, Brandon provided me with a false narrative from Dennis himself. How embarrassing for this practice."

"My 18 yr old daughter cried after leaving her appointment with Ms. Beard again about ongoing problem of severe weakness and pain in her right shoulder that was injured a yr ago. I went with my daughter to support her. My daughter felt like Ms. Beard wasn't listening to her or me, Ms Beard was rushing, wasn't taking the time/patience to listen. My daughter was using a flimsy shoulder support sling she purchased from Amazon. I asked for Ms. Beard advice about the flimsy shoulder support and Ms. Beard told my daughter and me to just purchase another one from Amazon. Ms. Beard said my daughter need physical therapy. My daughter and I told Ms. Beard we preferred Johns Hopkins physical therapists only and asked her for a referral BUT Ms. Beard still gave my daughter a small paper of a therapist outside of JHH therapists and left the room. Later on I found out through my insurance Beard is a physician assistant not an MD..because of my daughter still having problems with her right shoulder, I'm helping her to find another orthopedics MD doctor."

"Decent at the very best. My doctor seemed very rushed.."

"Even though the surgery did not start anywhere near our scheduled time, we did not want to leave to come back another day, especially since my daughter had already fasted. We said we'd wait for any opening & Erin said she would stay all day if needed. And before 5pm, we had ourselves an OR. The surgery was successful & the healing process has been closely monitored by Erin/colleagues. She is healing great & we are very thankful for the dedication & time. We were even worked into her schedule around my then crazy work schedule while my job was on the line and I'm beyond appreciative. All in all we'd come back (not for another injury hopefully) and would highly recommend her care. From the Hopkins ED to the hospital clinic staff & her surgical outcome, thank you Erin & your amazing team."

"Excellent care, superbly knowledgeable and very caring. I always feel better when I feel like the doctor's sharing some tidbit of his personal life. It feels like you're sharing with a friend. Dr. Cohen didn't pull any punches about my surgery. I wish docs were a little more understanding and lenient about pain control. That would be my only negative mark. The entire team was amazing. I feel in love with my night nurse, Brittany."

"A great friend of mine had back surgery and had Dr Cohen. She was very pleased with her out come and referred me to see Dr Cohen. I was glad she did. I have friends who had back surgery and was not pleased. My surgery was very extensive. Everyone at John's Hopkins and Dr Cohen office were very helpful and kept me at ease. I would definitely recommend Dr Cohen to my friends if they ever needed back surgery. I thank you so much Dr Cohen for all the help and care you gave me."

"Beautiful new facility. Every appointment I have had I was taken back early. Marcy really takes time to listen to all of your concerns and explains things very well. She understood I wanted my surgery done ASAP and the surgical coordinator made it happen within a week. The whole orthopedic team has been wonderful and I would recommend them to anyone. Dr. McFarland did my surgery and was absolutely wonderful.. he really took time to explain everything and answer any questions my husband and I had."