Florida Spine Institute

Reviews 3

SA

Sandy Scott

Although I was very pleased initially with my preliminary meeting with Dr. Gerges, it was downhill from there. When I went for a follow-up meeting with him after having an MRI scheduled someone I had never seen before came in and started giving me some rather sketchy, seemingly disorganized information. I didnt know if he was a physician, a nurse, the janitor or someone who simply wandered into the room. After about 10 minutes of the person not identifying himself, my significant other asked him who he was. At that point, he finally gave his name and identified himself as the PA of Dr. Gerges. I thought the discussion of my MRI results where less than complete and fortunately, I asked for a copy of it where I later discovered that bilateral kidney cysts had been discovered. I must admit to total amazement that it was never mentioned in that bilateral cysts of the kidneys can be indicative of something quite serious - polycystic kidney disease. Although at that point, my back pain had improved considerably, the PA indicated that I would be scheduled for a L3-S1 facet block under general anesthesia. Here is what amazed me about that: 1) Dr. Gerges had prescribed Celebrex which I did not fill due to the fact that a 30 day supply was $260 and Humana did not cover it. 2) A substitute prescription was prescribed by the PA ($6.50) which apparently worked the same way as an anti-inflammatory drug. 3) In that my back pain was minimal and I had not yet tried the drug, I thought it was a rather rapid rush to procedure based on the minimal pain/discomfort at the time and the fact that one would think a try would be made to see how effective the drug was. The worse was yet to come - the ridiculous scheduling/telephone system at FSI. I got home during business hours and attempted to call the main switchboard to schedule the procedure. I was on endless hold with occasional rings indicative of the fact that a human might actually pick up the phone. It never happened. You would think that someone would at least briefly make an appearance and ask you to hold. I then tried calling the facility that does the procedure (I had stopped in there briefly and spoke with the scheduler and got their number and the number of the administrator). Again, my call was never answered. It was 4:20 PM in the afternoon and they are allegedly open until 5 PM. I then tried the administrators number - no luck Finally, I left a message on the answering machine of the procedure facility asking for a call back. I certainly expected a call back prior to the end of business hours in that they were open for at least another 40 minutes. No one called. I did not receive a call back until afternoon of the next day. By then with time to think about my negative experiences with the facility, I simply allowed them to leave a message on my machine and never bothered to call them back. With all the great orthopaedic offices in the Tampa Bay Area, I would have to recommend bypassing this zoo! Oh and yes, I have no back pain now and I didnt undergo a costly procedure! 1-1-16 I see that Dr. Drygas of this joint was arrested for sexually assaulting a patient during an exam. Wonderful place! :(

TI

Titi Peroni

Dr Gerges is a PHENOMENAL Doctor. Those that have given less than a 5 ⭐Star Review are some of those that have waiting room impatience problems. If you want to be treated by the best D.O. Spine doctor in the bay area, then expect to wait a little extra time. He is only one of a team of great doctors in the group. His/Their above reproach care for a patient cannot be rushed. If you want the best treatment from a doctor that will be there for you from wheelchair to walking, then Dr Gerges & the Florida Spine Institutes entire team is your only choice. I have been so blessed to have Dr. Gerges as my orthopedic doctor & the Florida Spine Institute for my chronic orthopedic health care needs. Adding Dr. Jones to the group as a specialist for knee & shoulder injuries is wonderful. My life partner completely agrees. After retiring 23 years from the U.S. Army, he has accumulated his own share of service related injuries. Carrying 70lbs of battle rattle in 110°F heat in combat can cause knee & shoulder injuries. Bay Pines VA signed his request immediately for a referral to be seen for medical care at the Florida Spine Institute for his knee injury.(The earliest appointment at Bay Pines VA was 4 months in the future.) Dr. Jones treatment for him, after 3 appointments & a specific prescribed knee brace has relieved him of years of pain, without pain prescriptions. Fact: Many days there are active military personnel in BDUs awaiting for their appointment time at Florida Spine Institute. *One specific 2016 Presidential candidate has been speaking at his rallies saying, "I will "ENFORCE" the USA Veterans Healthcare Administration to refer veterans & military personnel to be seen outside of the VHA system for medical care!" He is endorsing this as "HIS NEW POLICY" platform to alleviate the ever growing number of those in need of medical care from VHAs across the nation. Uh..hmm..Really? It isnt a new idea. The VHA has always signed referrals to approved medical providers, like #FloridaSpineInstitute, for medical care. The medical providers just have to be approved by the VHA first, to ensure past & present military personnel will receive the highest, quality of medical care. TO: The people shopping for doctors to write pain perscriptions. Do not waste the time of the doctors at Florida Spine Institue. ** p.s. I have suggested a Valium Salt Lick in the waiting room for the disgruntled impatient patients. Of course, this is only a joke.

KE

Ken Kara

I chose them because they were the closest one that were on network with my insurance and was concerned with all the reviews. I had an appointment set for Monday. Thu before, I came in to sign release of medical records forms and told them I was in real pain and asked if anything was available sooner. The 2 women at the front desk were very nice and sympathetic to my situation and called to see what they could do. My appt was with Dr. Greges, and I could tell they were trying to fit me in somewhere. They finally said if I could wait, he would see me that same day, but it could be a while. I told them that would be great, and was thankful. I filled out all the forms, and they sent me to next building over. I did have to wait a few hours, but again, since I didnt have an appointment, I was thankful. Dr. Greges finally came in, and he had already reviewed all my information, including the MRI I had provided. He was very informative, quick, and to the point, but still very friendly. You could tell he knew what he was talking about. He said he would have to check with my insurance to see how quickly he could schedule my procedure and would be right back. He wasnt gone 5 minutes until he returned to tell me he could do it the next day. The place was packed with people, so they are very busy, and am shocked and so grateful they were able to fit me in as I was in a lot of pain. Had procedure the next day without any issues, and feel 100% better. I will need another which I expected and Dr. Greges told me it would probably require. Called back following Mon and was able to schedule follow up for Thu. Came back on Thu and was in and out within an hour. That included reviewing where I was at, and shot for muscle spasm. They told me they were going to call me the next day to schedule next procedure, which they did. So far, my experience could not have been better. I will update as I keep going, but seems like they probably made some changes since last reviews, because my experience was spectacular to say the least. I highly recommend them.