"The surgeon who said everything looked fine -- now my mother is on dialysis, in decline, and will likely never recover." In December 2024, my 82-year-old mother underwent spine surgery by Dr. Vingan, Chief of Spine Surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center and a lead physician at North Jersey Brain & Spine. The sequence of events surrounding that procedure is fully documented -- and deeply troubling. Just eight days before surgery, her ejection fraction (EF) was documented as 37%. Then, without any cardiac intervention, a new echocardiogram appeared listing 51% with the vague comment "looks better." The report was unsigned, missing details on her pacemaker, right ventricle, and lacked any comparison to prior studies. According to the American Society of Echocardiography, EF measured via Simpson's method has a typical reproducibility of ±5-7%. A 14-point jump--without intervention--is far outside expected variability. When her condition worsened post-op, an independent cardiologist re-tested her EF: it had returned to 37%. That was only the beginning. At 5:59 a.m. on the morning of surgery, her labs came back showing a GFR of 17 -- Stage 4 kidney failure. Dr. Vingan was consulted and documented her creatinine and BUN levels in his notes. He conveniently omitted the GFR. No nephrology consult was documented. Her nephrologist later confirmed -- on video -- that he was never contacted for clearance. The surgery proceeded. The EMG ordered to justify the procedure did not test the spinal nerves at the surgical levels. Still, Dr. Vingan implanted a Coflex interlaminar device at L2-3 and L3-4 -- directly above a prior fusion at L4-5. Coflex is contraindicated in patients with osteoporosis, prior fusions, or advanced age. The manufacturer warns of segmental collapse, restenosis, and instability -- all of which were later confirmed in her MRIs. After surgery, she was discharged. She returned with oxygen saturations as low as 76% and massive pleural effusions -- a life-threatening complication that, if not caught at rehab, would have resulted in respiratory failure. She was readmitted to Hackensack and remained inpatient for 45 days with post-surgical complications. During that 45-day hospitalization, Dr. Vingan saw her once and said "everything looks good." He never followed up again. A post-surgical EMG was performed. Despite numerous requests for the results, the report has never been released. In her MyChart, it appears only as "EMG" -- with the findings section completely blank. After discharge, she returned to Hackensack ER over ten times with severe burning sensations, intense itching, back pain, and progressively worsening mobility. Eventually, the symptoms were acknowledged as neuropathic in etiology. Dr. Vingan never saw her once. Today, she requires a walker with contact-guard assistance indoors, and relies on a wheelchair outside the home. She is also on dialysis three times per week. MRIs from Englewood and Holy Name confirm adjacent-level spinal collapse, severe stenosis, and nerve impingement. When I contacted Dr. Vingan directly about her deterioration, his only response was: "People are always looking for someone to blame." This isn't blame. This is the medical record. The documentation speaks for itself. Choose carefully. read more

Roy D. Vingan, MD charged my insurance company for 45 min saw him less then 15 min and charged my insurance for 15 min and saw less then 10 min. Front Desk staff Rude. I Do not Recommend this place. read more

Was looking for a neurologist that would help with the symptoms as well as the disease. The website said that they did just that; in particular, they say that they only consider surgery after all other options have been exhausted. When we made the appointment, we specifically stated that we were NOT candidates for surgery. The reason why this is relevant is that, after a several week wait, we showed up to the appointment only to be told that they ONLY accepted patients who were candidates for surgery. The doctor was nice, as was the staff, but with the long waits for neurologists, especially those who were movement disorder specialists, to lie on their website about what they do as well as not having the front desk staff know what they do is just plain wrong. read more

I have since received a call from this physician group and I am optimistic that at least someone will listen. I was wrong. Spoke with a person at the organization who identified herself as the vice President of operations she promised me she would get back to me after she gathered some facts she also said she had never heard of any of the problems I was having with her practice. A week later and I've heard nothing read more

The doctor may be rated one of the best but making a patient wait that is in excruciating pain for over 4 hours without even stating why we are waiting so wrong is horrible. Ask staff, "is there a problem? I've been here for so long?" They respond, "I don't know, the doctor is running late." Well gee, I've been sitting here for 4 hours since my appointment time, do you think he's on time? Just horrible! read more

Be prepared when dealing with this practice to be abused. They will make unreasonable demands to supply them with a full case history, peppered with questions, intimidated, putting their policies before patient care and being interrogated as if you were being questioned for a capital crime. The arrogance and lack of any care for your health is beyond anything I've ever seen at any doctors office ever. Plenty of great, talented and caring Neurosurgeons in our area. You would be wise to seek out another practice. Who knows what kind of care you'll wind up getting if you actually did have them do your operation. I'm not prepared to find out and put my life in hands of such callous people. I couldn't run away from this "doctors office" quick enough. Completely unprofessional. Don't take a risk with your health. read more

Dr. Roth is thorough, approachable and kind. He offers a practical opinion, be that surgery if necessary, or by other means if appropriate. He is not profit driven, but rather patient care driven, tailoring his recommendations to what he feels will provide the absolute best outcome for his patients. It may be tough to get an appointment, but there's a reason. Top level doctors are in demand, and they are worth the wait here. read more

I recently had back surgery performed by Dr. Mohammed Khan and must say from my first office visit to my last, I was so pleased with Dr. Kahn. He not only answered all my questions, but my daughter's as well, explaining all my options and what to expect. The surgery has made such a big difference in my daily living, especially being able to drive without pain and sit and read or watch TV. I would highly recommend Dr. Kahn. Helen R read more

Making the appointment was difficult because the woman on the phone was not understanding of my situation but managed to get me in. When the day of my appoinment came, the bad experience continued. I was next to see the doctor, 45 minutes after my 3:30pm appointment. If I waited any longer I would have been late for work. Got my money back and left with no apologies from the staff. I will never return to this office. read more

Awful staff in the front office. Receptionist hung up on me twice while I was asking questions trying to figure out if this practice could address my mom's medical issues as well as clarify whether they accepted her insurance. Never experienced such a thing in my life when calling a doctor's office. I hope these physicians know how their support staff are representing this practice. I called back a third time to speak to the office manager after getting hung up on twice and she didn't have much of anything to say. Find a practice where you get Physicians and good support staff. read more

Dr. Khan recently performed a surgery on my lower back. Before the surgery he met with me and explained my options. He was so thorough when he explained all of my options to me and I never felt like I was being forced into anything. The day of the surgery, he remained to be thorough and optimistic. I wasn't nervous for a second knowing I had such an amazing surgeon by my side. With this, I recently started physical therapy here. The therapist is so amazing at her job. She is so compassionate about her patients and works really hard to ensure that they are getting everything they need to strengthen the weakened area. read more

I had a tumor in my pituitary gland which was diagnosed as affecting my current and future health. I had a consultation with Dr. George Kaptain, and like other doctors I'd seen (endocrinologists and neurosurgeons), he recommended surgery as most effective. I was satisfied with his experience and compassion, and last year I had the surgery. There were no major complications during the operation, and my MRI and bloodwork in the past year indicates the tumor was removed. I visited the Hackensack office and had my surgery at HUMC. I was happy with the office staff, and all aspects of my experience. Please get multiple medical opinions if you are facing a difficult medical decision (like brain surgery), but I have no regrets about choosing Dr Kaptain as my surgeon. read more

A shout to Dr. Pat Roth for his time in discussing with my father on his medical issues. Well known and widely respected, Dr. Roth just launched a book on how to deal with back pain, "The End of Back Pain." read more

Long waits to see anyone. And don't expect to get a return phone call. Waiting two weeks now for results of my scan, that the doctor said he would report to me on same day. Called multiple times: Doctor is busy, Nurse is out, Nurse is busy, Doctor is out. 2 weeks and counting. Mediocre doctors, terrible care. Look elsewhere. read more

Dr George Kaptain saved my son Juan life. he is very kind he took care of my son as if it was his own, Dr Kaptain was always available to provide the details of my son surgery and always gave us enough time when he have questions for him and always explained on detail what to expect Juan's recovery. God bless Dr Kaptain an instrument of God to care for his pacients. Antonio H R. read more

Dr. George Kaptain misdiagnosed me as having a brain tumor(I had a MS lesion). Then went into CYA mode. I wouldn't let this A-HOLE with a god complex operate on a steak. Messed up my life due to a known unnecessary operation. Used scare tactics to discourage a 2nd opinion. Made surgery seem like time sensitive life & death situation. Withheld results for2 weeks & summons me to the cancer center to inform me I never had a brain tumor. Now my right arm,hand & leg are useless.He stated "I'm a brain surgeon, I only work on brain tumors" .Yet this moron didn't even know the difference between MS (which would have been treatable) and a brain tumor. I would suggest anyone seeing this so called doctor GET A SECOND OPINION before letting this butcher go in your head!!! read more

They are horrible. Billing department is a complete fraud. My insurance sent them payment and they still send us to collection. Called them with proof of payment spoke to the most obnoxious person picked up the phone telling me I have to pay the collection agency and hung up on me. If a manager at this place is reading this I suggest they look into their billing department. Doctors might be good but support staff is horrible which turns people away. Never ever again. Plenty of good doctors around with a staff that talk like humans not jungle animals. read more

Dr. Vingan recommended spinal fusion as the only working solution to my mother's back pain problem. We wanted to avoid surgery, tried this and that but he was right, nothing else worked and eventually we came back. He was extremely patient and understanding, clearly explained what to expect and what not to expect. He did an excellent job. Surgery is a big decision, we are glad he was the one to do it. read more

Dr. khan, outstanding, confident and compassionate. Would not hesitate to recommend him. Preformed lumbar laminectomy with coflex and feeling great at 7 weeks read more

Highly recommended. They are out of network but work with the patient. My husband has 2 level fusion and because of Dr. Vingan, I have my husband back. We couldn't be happier with the level of care with this group. read more

Dr. George Kaptain performed a craniotomy to remove a tumor that was giving me massive headaches for weeks. Me and my family were so impressed with his bed-side manner. He was so professional, knowledgeable and thorough in his explanation of what he found and what my options were. I didn't have a lot of time to pick a doctor who I would trust enough to do a surgery of that type but after meeting with him I knew he was the one I wanted to do this. I was nervous about what he said he would be doing but I felt no pressure to make a decision and he said if I wanted I could get a second opinion. There was no need for a second opinion. This doctor knows his stuff! He was confident in what he could do but humble at the same time. Dr. Kaptain is a phenomenal neurosurgeon. Right before surgery he talked with me and my husband and I felt totally relaxed. He comes HIGHLY recommended. I would have wanted any other doctor in my head. I am recovering well with no issues, no headaches and back to normal again. You wouldn't even know surgery was done. Thank you Dr. Kaptain for giving me quality of life again! and special thanks to Mrs. Kaptain for allowing us to benefit from this skillful neurosurgeon husband of yours. Without your support, we wouldn't have him. read more