Dr. Koch, figuratively, saved my life. Initially, I suffered discomfort in my right hip. Over a period of four days, and while the hip discomfort worsened, I experienced severe and static cramping first in my right glute and then later in my right quad. Soon after, severe and static cramping also appeared in my left glute and then later in my left quad. As the pain in my right hip worsened, I began to also suffer horrific pain in my right knee. After my second trip to the ER, both within the same day, I was admitted to the hospital. By that time, the pain levels in my right hip and knee were beyond description and I had lost the ability to walk. I lay doubled over in the ER and later, upon admission, with little to no relief from numerous injections and medications. I remained in this condition for two days, due to miscommunication and failure to attend to me by hospital administration and some of their associated physicians. Due to these fiascoes, psychological distress and fears set in and now matched my physical distress and fears. The next morning (around 6:00 am) Dr. Koch appeared in my room and shared his take on my examinations, records, and conditions. He was able to determine that all my associated pain was due to nerves in my lower back being crushed between some discs. He offered and recommended a plan of surgical action and, through his expertise and "bedside" manner, was able to resolve my psychological distress. Not long after, he returned and took the time to meet with my wife and share his views and recommendations. The operation was a success and I am now at home and receiving follow-up care. Dr. Koch has followed up with personal calls to us and our office visits are very special. I say this because Dr. Koch spends a great deal of time with us and he/we have gotten to know each other beyond your typical in/out check-ups. I/we are ever grateful for Dr. Koch's knowledge, skill, calming and friendly nature, and for the quality and length of time he spends with us. These traits combined with his general concern for me/us far exceeds any of our hopes and wishes. He has maintained constant and consistent contact as I slowly recuperate and regain full mobility. read more

My husband had severe shoulder/back pain and we scheduled an appointment after an ER visit. Dr. Koch asked questions, prescribed some medications and rehab but never looked at or touched his shoulder or back. read more

I was very disappointed in my experience with Dr. Koch. Both visits, his examination was not thorough and he was very dismissive of my concerns. He only visually inspected my injury and told me to continue with the RICE method (I forgot to mention he also prescribed pain medication and a muscle relaxer). When I inquired about an MRI to see if there was more to my injury, he said he did not think it was necessary since he didn't perceive my pain level as high enough, and it wasn't typical of what he would normally see. Reception even commented their surprise at how brief my appointment was... I went to another orthopedic doctor for a second opinion, since I felt Dr. Koch wasn't thorough and frankly nonchalant about my injury. The second doctor fully assessed me by physically examining my injury (not just looking at it), doing x-rays and ordering an MRI. They showed me my MRI results in detail, frame by frame, which revealed my injury was more serious (grade 3, full tears that won't reattach on their own) which make me a candidate for surgery... Every person's body is different. There is no one-size-fits-all assessment for injuries/ailments. Dr. Koch's patients need to be treated as individuals because they're unique concerns matter and they are literally putting their lives in the his hands, trusting him to give them a chance at having the best quality of life possible. read more

Not impressed. Always in a rush, seems insulted when ask any questions. Thank goodness went to Athens Ortho for second opinion.

I had back problems and went to Dr Koch. He showed me where the pain was coming from in the x-ray and what needed to be done. I wanted to try the shots before surgery, and he agreed to try. I tried and they didn't work. Dr Koch then did the surgery, and the day after surgery I had absolutely no pain whatsoever. I regret I delayed the surgery for so long. I would highly recommend anyone to heed his advice, he is super. He is very professional, and I find his bedside manner to be excellent. I wish more doctors were as great as he is. Knowledgeable, polite and to the point. And I might add, very prompt with assigned appointments. No regrets with him being my doctor. read more

Dr. Koch is wonderful. I was hurt very badly in a car accident. Dr. Koch has been of a great help to me. I highly recommend him. - Dr. Michael Schmidt read more

I've been in chronic pain with my sciatica for years. I've tried meds, physical therapy...just about everything. I've loved Dr. Koch ever since he set my broken arm and knee. He told me he couldn't make me 25 years old again but surgery would remove the bone that was pressing on the sciatic nerve. He doesn't waste time..he's honest & to the point. I'm tired of doctors who don't do anything & you remain in pain. I like his directness..some don't but I know he cares about his patients. read more

I found Dr. Koch to be unprofessional. He was very vague in his treatment recommendation. Instead of giving me options and explaining the pros and cons and what he would recommend, he gave me a diagnosis and said "so do you want a cortisone shot?" Then, right before he stuck the needle in, he called me "baby". I could have puked right there. Total creep. Had he not just plunged a needed in my wrist, I would have called him out on the spot. The whole appointment his bedside manner was off putting, and that was just the cherry on top. I will not be returning. I had previously used a Resurgens' doctor at the St. Joseph's campus, and I will return there for any future appointments. read more

I can't believe I just paid for that man to insult me. Not only did he say "I don't know what it could be, it could be anything" several times, he had to nerve to insult me because I'm not a finely chiseled athlete. Didn't even recommend PT. Useless, self-centered, rude. I was on the verge of tears when I left because his words were so hurtful. There are plenty of other docs to choose from, stay away from this one. I saw him at Resurgens in Decatur, not the listed Snellville location. read more

Sarah T is completely wrong about Dr. Koch. I hurt my knee and went to the emergency room in terrible pain. While I was there, I was told that most likely I had torn my medial meniscus. I was also directed to see an orthopedist for further diagnosis and treatment. I was released and given a list of doctors that were close by. I noticed Dr. Koch listed as a part of the Resurgens Group. As Resurgens had helped me with my back problems, I decided to give his office a call. I was glad that I did as they were able to see me that afternoon. His staff members were all friendly, and of the highest level of professionalism. Dr. Koch himself was to the point about my condition. He told me right off what he suspected was wrong - a torn medial meniscus - and that it may require surgery. However, he told me that only an MRI would confirm his suspicions and that I would most likely be directed by my insurance company to take physical therapy first. He was right as the insurance company had me go through 6 weeks of physical therapy while the pain in my knee remained and at some points felt worse. I saw Dr Koch several times during those 6 weeks and he always gave me his full attention & knowledge of my condition and answered any questions that I had. His staff was always pleasant and extremely professional. Finally, I was given an MRI and it confirmed Dr Koch's diagnosis - a torn medial meniscus. Dr. Koch then scheduled and performed the surgery and I am continuing to make good progress on my road to recovery. Dr. Koch has 2 qualities that I find rare in doctors - 1) he is direct and communicates in such a way that left me feeling like I knew what was going on and how it would be treated; and 2) he has a sense of humor that helped me to relax. I actually felt good leaving the doctors office for a change. Sarah T - I exercise, but I am far from being a finely chiseled athlete and Dr. Koch never insulted me for that. Instead, he told me what needed to happen in order for me to stop hurting and then how to get stronger after that. He also, told me the reality of what my injury meant for my exercise regimen going forward. On your other comments: Useless - wrong, I found his knowledge and treatment first rate - he definitely helped me get better; Self-centered - wrong again, the man made jokes about himself and never gave off that vibe around me - especially during his inquiries into how my life was going, how my mental health was going in regard to the injury, etc.; Rude - wrong a third time, he was always polite to me, my wife and my son who had to drive me to my 1st visit. I would recommend Dr Koch and his staff to anyone having troubles with their knees. read more

So this place was recommended hesitantly to me and after now sitting here in a empty waiting room for 45 minutes I see why. I came only for a MRI follow up which could have been an encounter over the phone but I guess if they called they would not be able to acquire the 50.00 copayment plus the insurance company payment. Last time I was here two weeks ago, the MD didn't touch me and the appt lasted for less than 1 min for him to tell me quickly. "You've done PT and you still feel bad....okay that's all I needed to hear. They will call you to schedule the MRI." Another 50.00? Why in the world does it take a physical appt to handle these things? Also the driving time of getting to the appt, then the time that you wait in the waiting room, then the time spent in the exam room again... waiting then back in your car now waiting in traffic all to handle what could be done in a two minute or less phone call. I know we live in an instant society and need to be taught to wait but in this case wherereally wish people would begin to take the perspective of others in the health care industry. I personally have a business in health care and I would never do this to anyone. I wish more would operate on the premise of treating others the way they would like to be treated. It would boost patient care, confidence, and the commitment that is shared between health care providers and the community at large. read more

Dr. Koch was very nice and seemed to care. His staff was very caring and compassionate. Glad I ignored the negative review and gave him a chance. He could tell I was in horrible pain from a bulging disc and wrote me pain meds unlike my GP who I had to beg to help me. I would recommend his office to those with ortho problems. read more

Dr. Koch served as absolutely no use to my boyfriend when he went in for lower back pain and was positively rude, selfish, and condescending. Quite literally 30 seconds after the X rays were done, Dr. Koch came into tell him that from what he could see, there was clearly nothing wrong. And then went on to say that back pain is common, almost every one has it, but it is a bit bizarre a 24 year-old has constant back pain. If that wasn't useless information enough, Dr. Koch went on to insult him and his current job working at a media store and his appearance, absolutely unprofessional and offensive. He offered no medical opinion and did not even exam him AT ALL in the room. Instead, he just shipped him off with an antibiotic (for what?!), and an anti inflammatory. DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY. read more

Downgrading to 1 star. Three weeks later: 1) I went to my prior hip specialist this week, who confirmed what my PT said -- my hip is bone on bone (easily seen on x-rays and, though Dr Koch is primarily a spine surgeon, one would hope he could read a simple hip x-ray as well) and that is the cause of my pain and I require a hip replacement; 2) this morning I received an email from Resurgens to confirm my 'followup appointment'. I made no such appointment, and when I called to cancel I was informed by an icy, unpleasant receptionist that his medical team had made the appointment (without even informing me). What a presumptuous lot this practice is. read more

Dr. Koch did my back fusion in 2002. L4-S1 was fused. One year later as I was getting out of my car I broke 2 screws. To make a long story short I dealt with back and leg pain for several years and ended up developing scoliosis due to the fact he didn't fuse my back correctly. My back xray looked like a question ? mark.To say my life was hell would be putting it mildly. I finally found a doctor in 2017 that did a wonderful job at fixing my back. Unfortunately because of the scoliosis due my first surgery not being done correctly, I am now fused from T10 all the way to my tailbone. So please, please do not use Dr. Koch for back surgery. My wonderful doctor that did my surgery said " your lower back was a mess. Now I understand why you are on all those pain medications." Just in case anyone needs a great spinal surgeon give Dr. Keith Michael at Emory Orthpedics a call. He gave me my life back. read more

Sarah T is absolutely right about Dr. Koch. I wish I could give him zero or negative stars! He is the rudest, most unprofessional, and incompetent surgeon in the Southeastern United States. Do not go to Dr. Koch!!! It will save your life as he nearly ended mine! He attempted a femur repair on my upper hip all the way down to my knee, only after he made me wait 4 days in the ER because of his excuse that a few snow flurries shut down the hospital and he said no one could perform any surgery as the OR was understaffed. Yeah right, or maybe he was too busy trying to Google how to fix my leg since it was shattered in ten places and he was too incompetent and ignorant to know how to successfully operate on it. After 4 days, I finally had the surgery, and I was in extreme pain and no one, not the nurses, and definitely not God, I mean Dr. Koch, who should be renamed Dr. Mangula after what he did to me, even tried to manage my pain or give me any of my required maintenance medications. Dr. Koch and everyone on his staff were the most uncaring and rudest people I have ever encountered. After 5 months of constant stabbing pain, swelling and redness that continued to get bigger and no evidence of healing, I asked what could be wrong. I started crying and he had the nerve to put his hand in my face and said we will have none of that, had a nurse give me one X-ray, and he told me I was healed. Well, he couldn't have been more wrong!! After several more months of constant pain and swelling, along with what looked like my knee had split into three parts, the radiologist at Dekalb Medical Wound Center, where I was being treated for 2 stage 4 bed sores with staph infection and osteomyelitis that I received because Dr. Koch left me sitting in the hospital bed for 8 days straight with no one bothering to turn me around, or clean my bed, told me that my leg was still broken and had never healed. Regarding the bed sores caused by Dr. Koch, in response to my calls for help, everyone on staff left me sitting in my own urine for multiple days on end, even though I kept constantly asking for help from the nurses and no one ever came. I was shocked to hear that my leg was still broken as Dr. Koch assured me that it was perfectly fine, while also telling me to talk to the hand and putting his hand right in my face when I asked questions at my last visit when he said you're fine and no future appointments were ever to be made, Thank God! If he had done any more surgery on me, I would probably be dead! Thank God that the awesome staff at Dekalb Medical referred me to Dr. Nathan Jove at Atlanta Bone and Joint! To my not so surprise and dismay, Dr. Jove said that the previous surgeon - Dr. Koch - really screwed my leg up and did a number on my leg. Not only did Dr. Koch leave my leg 25 degrees out of alignment, but the X-rays and the CT scan showed that Dr. Koch inserted rods, screws, and a bunch of unnecessary hardware just dangling in my leg not connected to anything, which was why it never healed! Well, thank goodness for Dr. Jove, as he performed the surgery with no problems and I am already walking a little after four weeks and starting PT next week! Do yourself a favor folks! If you ever find yourself in need of an orthopedist because you had an accident or you experience any kind of bone breakage, do your research and definitely stay away from Dr. Koch! He will not help you and pay attention to the research! He is terrible, rude, and negligent! Do not let him touch you! Pay attention to the reviews! The bad ones are all true! As soon as you hear his name - Run as far away as you can!!! read more

While I was explaining my symptoms of a stabbing pain in my upper back, this man had the rudeness and audacity to yawn three times in my face. He neither bothered to cover it with his hand, nor did he apologize. I was stunned. When I told him I had a recurring tumor in my neck which other doctors had said was inoperable, he insulted me by saying, 'Well, if what you say is true......'. His reply to my symptoms was, 'What is it you expect me to help you with? I deal with people with problems of the spine.' And, it was not only the words, but the attitude and arrogance, as though he was God almighty himelf. When I regained my speech, I told him I had not chosen him out of a phone book, that I had been referred to him by my cardiologist who thought what I had was a muscular/skeletal problem. The worst part is yet to come. At one point, because I was in excruiating pain, I said something like, 'I'm having a hard time focusing.' To which he replied, 'Well, so am I.' What kind of person (let alone a doctor) talks to a patient in pain in that manner. One star rating is way too much for this person who claims to be a doctor. My advice to anyone reading this review.....stay away, stay far away from this one. read more

Loses interest if he can't cut. Basically told me he wasn't interested in continuing to see me unless I was willing to undergo an invasive procedure. I wanted to try PT, etc first. I guess he'd rather lose the business. read more

About two years ago we had an immediate need of an orthopedic surgeon and the ER doctor recommended Dr. Koch--excellent choice. He answered ALL our questions both before and after surgery, and in followup appointments. I have since used him and am still impressed with him. He's very personable, easy to talk to and on time! read more

I agree with Sara T.. I saw him and it was a waste of my money. The minute he saw the paperwork i bought in to him he had made up his mind. I took the MRI report to them and i know it said that there was a problem on my right side of my neck . I had surgery on my neck years ago and it was my left side that was the problem. I'm having pain on the right side now but i' m having pain down my left arm that comes and goes. Sometimes i can't hold even a cup with my left hand but since the MRI does not explain it then i' m faking all because of the paperwork i ask to be filled out. Why would i say i' m having problems more with my left side if the MRI was saying the right unless it was true. I told him i did not have a lot of money to spend. So since my symptoms do not fit in that perfect box , i must be faking. Let me ask you this.. If something is pushing on my nerve in my left side of my neck without treatment will it get worse and could it be permanent damage to my nerve? Thanks for treating me like trash and being my judge plus jury. Maybe he should watch Monday Mornings show to know that Doctors who think they are God more times are the ones that make mistakes because they do not listen because they are too busy judging. I also saw him in Decatur. read more