I can't say enough about my positive experience under the care of Dr. Matthew Buchanan at Nirschl Orthopaedic Center. After months of ankle and foot pain, my PT referred me to Dr. Buchanan and after the first visit, I knew I was on the right path to healing. He was very pleasant and patient with all my questions and concerns and clearly explained what was going on with my foot. I had ankle ligament reconstruction a year ago and my foot is now better than ever. The office was great to work with on scheduling appointments, the PA Jessica was fabulous, and the surgery was very straightforward. One thing I really liked was the detailed instructions for pre and post surgical care. This established realistic expectations for my recovery and something I could refer back to when needed. They are a very caring and helpful group of people and I will continue to use them for my joint care. read more

Was in pain and told to get an MRI, which I did. Pain worsened and my leg went numb (MRI showed bulging disc pressing nerve). I was in debilitating pain and they didn't return phone calls for 2 days and I had to go to ER. read more

Very upset. I called this morning and was able to make an appointment for 2pm today (I had confirmed online that the time was open for today, but had called to make sure it wasn't too late to book it and while on the call, they went ahead and made the reservation (confirming all my info, etc). I then took time off work this afternoon and arrived 15 min early. I was told at check in that they messed up and put my appt in for the wrong day (2 days EARLIER than today - I mean, why would their system even permit that!) and that the Dr couldn't see me because she doesn't like to be double booked. Listen - I get it. No one (patients or doctors) like to be double booked. But in cases like this - where it was not the patient's mistake - their policy should be that the practice needs to honor it. read more

Great visit with a new doctor here, Kurtis Carlock. He was patient, empathetic, answered all my questions, and walked me through what was wrong with my knee. Very impressed. read more

Update: I visited Dr. Buchanan for a subsequent visit, during this visit we addressed future options for my achilles and other concerns that had come up during my first visit. I really appreciate how Dr. Buchanan took his time explaining to me the different options I had for rehabilitation. What really makes Dr. Buchanan stand out over other Healthcare providers is that he listened to the concerns I had with automatic cancelation due to tardiness and implemented policy changes. Dr. Buchanan is empathetic to patients and understands that it may be difficult traveling from the garage to the correct office building and removed automatically canceling patient's appointments. This is a step above from what I've seen with other Healthcare providers. read more

I can't say enough nice things about the staff and surgeons here, they are all so very kind and caring. You will be taken good care of here! The X-ray tech did her very best to make me comfortable and not cause additional pain. The receptionist, Caroline, is so sweet and helpful. I believe it was Nicole who scheduled my surgery and patiently explained everything that was going to happen. My surgeon, Dr Wellborn, went above and beyond taking time to fight the insurance company on my behalf - the day before the surgery! (This is after I was supposedly pre-approved and everything was good to go.) I have never been treated so well at any medical practice. It's no wonder Nirschel orthopedic is consistently voted one of the top practices in the DC Metro area. Highly recommend! read more

Nirschl Orthopaedic Center - Check in and waiting area - Sports Medicine Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

There is a fine balance with every health care office where you can get great doctors with great admin/billing support. Ultimately, I will take a good, not great, doctor to get good admin/billing. In the case of Nirschl, the doctor was great but the billing department made my and my husband's life hell. Had I known what would happen after our procedures I would have gone to another practice. Even their physical therapists complained of the antiquated and lackluster billing department - two of their best PTs I worked with beginning of 2024 has since left the practice. That may tell you something about the practice. Background: I had disputed two charges. The billing person told me they would review. Two bills later, only one dispute was resolved. No evidence provided by email, mail, call, etc. that the 2nd dispute had been resolved. Nothing for another 3 months, and I was so busy putting out fires at home and work I was not able to call to follow up. I returned from a trip and found a letter from a collection agency. My good credit is now in question, and I have to pay the collection fee on top of what I owed. I still have no proof that the balance is correct - why would you send an account under dispute to a collection agency. I wrote to the doctor and her PA to let them know but received no response. I guess they don't much care for their patients once the procedures are done. Unfortunately, I had referred my husband to the same doctor. He had to put down a $250 returnable deposit for the outpatient surgery. Surgery is over two weeks ago and his deposit has not been returned. He called billing and received no help. Had to call another number and all they did was forwarded him to a voicemail. I'm writing this to warn you that if you value your time, money, and sanity you may want to consider another practice. This practice does not understand that health care should not function in a silo. The admin/billing support has huge impact on a patient's total experience. The one star is for the doctor's and her PA's skills....but not for their follow through. read more

Don't use this practice unless you have infinite patience. After 10 years of being a patient, I am done with them. They never, and I mean never, answer their phone. You can leave messages and then they or may not call you back. I have had to physically go to their office to try to make an appointment or to pick up documents. There are lots of practices that are far better than this one. read more

I had an awesome first visit with Dr. Matthew Buchanan recently. He was patient, collaborative, and an excellent communicator, sharing his thoughts on how to best improve an ankle problem that has troubled me for about four years. The front desk was slightly understaffed when I visited, but everyone I interacted with was kind and professional. Thank you, Nirschl Orthopaedic! read more

Initial booking can be a little confusing if you have more than one area of issue but the reception staff is very helpful and helped me get everything booked quickly. Dr Paik is great. He took the time to listen and recommended we try PT before more invasive treatment. Very pleased and on the mend. read more

It's no wonder that NOC docs continue to show up on the Washingtonian and Northern Virginia magazine 'Top Doctors.' I first saw Dr. Root for a trigger thumb surgery -- that I had needed for 2+ years. Dr. Root fixed it up perfectly. My thumbs function perfectly again. Dr. Root listened to me, answered my questions thoroughly, and never made me feel badly for not taking care of my trigger thumb years earlier. The entire process from start to finish was such a great experience. I decided to see what else I could get fixed while I was at the NOC office. So I wandered over to Dr. Ochiai's bay and scheduled an appointment for chronic knee and hip pain. Turns out I had a labral tear that I had been overcompensating for probably a decade or more. Dr. Ochiai was thorough at every appointment. He answered all of my questions. He never made me feel rushed or like I was asking stupid questions. Over the course of one year, Dr. Ochiai took me through other nonsurgical options, such as physical therapy b/c I was hesitant to have such major surgery. Finally, surgery day. I felt very comfortable. Doctor Ochiai did a fantastic job and even showed me the pictures (b/c I was interested) he took of the surgery. Around 2-3 months post surgery, with PT, I'm healing well. I'm walking normally again and even dancing. My follow-up visits with Dr. Ochiai have been great. As per usual, Dr. Ochiai is thorough, kind, and always remembers to ask me about my progress in school. He's my absolute favorite!! I'm glad that I don't have anything else that needs repairing BUT if I did, I trust Dr. Ochiai and the other docs at NOC to take care of me. Thank you Dr. O! Thanks Dr. Root!! Thanks NOC!! read more

Dr. Buchanan has the perfect balance of knowledge, experience, great communications, clear concise detailed guidance, and quality care. You made my experience with a bimilleolar fracture both healing and recovery less complicated. You motivated me to do what was necessary to heal and become active in a reasonable time. Most importantly to move to get back to myself in a shorter time than expected. Thank you! You are truly the very best! Kathleen S. read more

Injured my wrist and attempted to schedule an appointment with a hand/wrist specialist. First strike was it took three calls to get someone to return my call. Second strike was not being able to see a doctor for three months. I found someone on healthgrades with excellent reviews that could see me in two weeks(not great but not three months!). Maybe if I weren't a new student they would have treated me better. Can't comment on quality of care but just a data point for prospective new patients. read more

This review is based on communication problems. I was to have surgery and preoperative blood tests were required. I have Medicare so proper coding of blood test and other tests needs to be selected carefully based on the procedure being done. Otherwise Medicare will NOT pay for the blood test. This is is what happened at Nirschl Clinic. I was stuck with a big bill because the Doctor did not take the time to utilize the appropriate code or codes. Nor did he discuss the need for such blood and lab tests with me. This might suggest a lack of compassion or caring towards patient needs. My other surgeries by other Doctors at another clinic did not result in any charges for identical blood tests. Patient beware. read more

The only reason my boyfriend went to this clinic is because they were recommended by the ER he visited when he severely injured his left hand attempting to catch a falling pallet. While they may be knowledgeable and competent, as other reviewers have stated, they are not very compassionate. My boyfriend uses his hands for a living and is also renovating his house. In addition, he has to fly to the other coast to visit me and help me out as I have not been well. THEY ARE NOT TAKING HIS PAIN SERIOUSLY. His hand is injured to the point of where they were considering surgery. He asked them for a few days worth of pain meds to help him sleep at night and function at work. I have known my boyfriend for sixteen years and he has never touched pain meds. For them to treat anyone in this type of pain like an addict, especially him, is ludicrous. Please reconsider if you have a serious injury. They will leave you suffering and begging for relief. If you don't take my word, read the other reviews which indicate the same apathy. I am appalled that they are treating him like a criminal. He is now going to my orthopedic doctor who had no problem prescribing me much needed relief for a broken ankle and a severely injured rotator cuff. read more

The front desk staff is hard to work with for payment and scheduling but I didn't give up at that point because they come so highly recommended. When I was finally seen by Dr. Nirschl he missed a break and diagnosed it as a sprain. Even after x-rays were taken. Even though I heard and felt a distinct snap happen. It didn't seems to be getting any better. "Bad sprains can take a long time to heal" I was told. Months of pain went to another doctor who showed me the break on the x-ray and mri. Pointed right to it. I was beside myself. I had been in some much pain and brushed off as a sprain for that long. read more

Dr Root is terrific! She removed a tumor from my finger last July. I was happy with her explanation of the diagnosis and what the process would be like. The surgical outcome and the entire experience was very positive. When I fractured my wrist in November, I chose her again for the surgery. In fact, I had the accident while on vacation in London and the emergency room staff wanted me to have the surgery there. However, I chose to fly home to have Dr. Root perform the surgery because she is a hand specialist and I had confidence in her from my previous operation. It was a very complex fracture that required two steel plates. She fully explained the x-rays to me and described how she would approach the repair and what the surgery would be like. I felt comfortable throughout the surgical experience. She did a marvelous job. Even though I had a longer incision because two plates were required, I've met three people with similar surgeries who ended up with larger scars from other surgeons. Dr. Root did a neat job, with small stitches. The nursing and front office staff was friendly and efficient throughout multiple visits: to have a cast removed and replaced by a splint, get stitches removed, replace a splint with a cast, and then have the final cast removed, as well as x-rays pre-surgery and for followup exams. Also very convenient is that the practice is located across the hall from a physical therapy center that has done a great job with my wrist recovery treatment. I hope you will never need hand surgery, but if you do I highly recommend Dr Root. I'm back again for physical therapy because of a neck injury. The physical therapists here are terrific! read more

I have used Dr Paik and his talented team of physical therapists twice to recover from running injuries over the past three years. Dr. Paik is attuned to the fact I am a masters runner and that I want to continue this activity. He and the PTs create a plan for me to recover and actually get stronger and better. I also very much appreciate the PTs creating modified exercises that incorporate actions resembling my running (I'm a hurdler!). Highly recommend Dr. Paik and his team to any masters athlete out there. read more

They fixed my finger, but their accounting system is a complete mess. I was charged twice for the same office visit multiple times. Their statements are confusing to understand. Beware. Keep all your records. On the medical side, they did a wonderful job. My finger was x-rayed by three different providers and three different doctors, but only Nirschl's Dr. Root was able to identify the second fracture in my finger. The surgery was successful and I have more mobility in my finger than the expectations that were set by Dr. Root. As far as billing goes, I tried working directly with Nirschl to resolve my billing dispute. I gave them the benefit of the doubt that it was just an accounting error. I understand medical billing is complicated and mistakes happen. But the same double billing mistake occurred several times and Nirschl was uncooperative and responded unprofessionally in written correspondence. I asked my insurer to conduct an investigation into the overcharging and the results of that investigation are consistent with my claims. My insurer has stated that Nirschl was uncooperative and unresponsive to them during their investigation as well. I have all the documentation from my insurer and their investigation to support my claims. read more

Im an avid runner but for the last 5 years I've dealt with "groin pain." I was finally correctly diagnosed with labral tears and FAI cam/pincer impingement in June 2018. I met with a few of the local hip arthroscopy experts here in the DMV and ended up scheduling surgery with a doc out of Ortho Virginia. That doc had recommended debridement of both of my hips. While I awaited surgery I continued to research my diagnosis. I read several peer reviewed articles and found out that labral repairs/reconstruction had better success rates than debridements. So I searched for other hip arthroscopy experts and found Dr. Ochiai. It only took two weeks to get in to see him. My first appointment lasted 40 mins. All the other docs I met with only saw me for 15-20 mins tops. They weren't nearly as thorough as Dr. Ochiai. During that appointment he answered every single one of my questions and not once did I feel rushed. Dr. Ochiai explained that debridement was the old way of treating labral tears where you essentially remove part of the labrum which is there to prevent arthritis and in females the secondary role is hip stabilization. He stated his plan would be to repair both of my hips. He emphasized that if he found that my labrum was too beat up to repair he would make a "game time decision during surgery and do a reconstruction with a donated tendon graft." Of all the doctors I had seen, Dr. Ochiai was the most thorough and came across as the most knowledgeable. I canceled my surgery with Ortho Virginia and scheduled with Dr. Ochiai. I had my right hip surgery in Sept 2018 and had a very uneventful and speedy recovery. I was back to grad school and full time work at the 2 week mark. My first surgery went so well that I had no doubt in my mind that Dr. Ochiai would be the surgeon to do my other hip. I just had my left hip done in December 2018. With my second surgery I was also back to work and school at two weeks. I just saw Dr. Ochiai last week and he gave me the go ahead to start an interval running program, I'm 11 weeks post op from my left hip and so far so good. I truly get the sense that Dr. Ochiai cares about his patients, he even remembers the little details. During my first appointment I had mentioned to him that I was getting married in July of 2019. Now every time I see him he brings it up. Its nice to know he actually pays attention to what I say. Dr. Ochiai is an amazing orthopedic surgeon and I highly recommend him! read more

Nirschl Orthopaedic Center - Sports Medicine Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Dr. Wellborn was great. The billing and communication about pricing not so great. They gave me a splint for my elbow which was $40.00 or so they stated. I got my bill and learned that the device was over $200.00. I spoke with the billing office and she said - the $40.00 was only a deposit. Had I known it was this price - I would have never taken it home and bought a similar one at CVS or the pharmacy. The front desk should be more transparent about their prices and insurance ability to cover those items. read more

I am seeing Dr. Buchanan the foot and ankle specialist and I am very confident in his expertise. I have had, fractures, sprains and arthritis and he has treated them all. I will continue to see him for all my foot and ankle problems. The staff is terrific. Very friendly environment. read more

I had an examination back in May 2019 because my knees hurt so bad it was hard to walk. The injury was gradually increasing from weekly tennis play. During my examination, the typical push, pull tests were done as well as some x-rays were taken. I know, x-rays would not show much? I was sold two patella braces and told to do rehab in their facility. That examination was so incredibly wrong, but the billing to me was costly as insurance did not cover their charges. Still in pain, I visited another doctor. We did MRI's of both knees and the true problem was discovered, as well, a terrific treatment was performed. The visits to the doctors offices were night and day. The first office was a poor analysis, up selling braces and PT appointments. The second doctor was knowledgable, used appropriate tech and solid treatment. read more

Long review made short: Dr. Ochiai is rude and condescending. He is aggressive in his treatment plans, and doesn't take your lifestyle into consideration when advising you on a plan of action. His office's billing practices are questionable. Staff (secretary and billing department), while very sweet and nice to speak with, are not very efficient at their jobs. Skip it and go straight to Dr. Andrew Parker at Commonwealth! The full review: After receiving the diagnosis of a torn labrum in my hip, I was told by other runners there were two people in the area to see for the surgical repair. Dr. Ochiai at Nirschl and Dr. Parker at Commonwealth. Booked appointments with both surgeons. Saw Dr. Ocihai first because he had appointments immediately available while it would take three weeks to see Dr. Parker. Within minutes of Dr. Ochiai entering the room I wanted to flee the appointment. Right off the bat, he had a terrible bedside manner. He comes across as very condescending and extremely arrogant. He took no time to talk to me about my pain or symptoms and instead immediately launched into his resume and why he and ONLY HE is qualified to perform this kind of surgery (labral tear repair). He said "really I'm your only hope for getting this fixed". He described what I later learned was a VERY aggressive plan for treatment and repair as my only option. He told me it would be painful, take a long time to heal, and that I may or may not be able to run again. I left his office feeling hopeless about my future as a runner. I put my name on a waiting list for surgery because I thought, as I had been told he was my "only shot". Had a great deal of trouble with the billing department including them trying to charge me $250 for an appointment which was made at 3pm one day, and cancelled at 3:15 of the same day. I'm still waiting for them to sort that out. So extremely happy I decided to wait it out and see Dr. Parker as well. He performed labral tear repair on both my hips and now I'm running strong again. His office is an absolute dream to work with and I couldn't be happier! Bottom line: While I'm sure Dr. Ochiai is an artist in the operating room, he's a stinker in the office. Dr. Parker proves that it really is possible to be a gifted surgeon and a friendly caring doctor. (His review posted separately) read more

Worst service ever AVOID Dr Ochiai at all cost. Also be ready to deal with his rude secretary Jessica. I should have read the reviews and warnings but decided to give them the benefit of the doubt and it was clearly the wrong choice. read more

Fortunately for me, I did not read Tess's review of Dr. Ochiai before seeing him, or else I might not have gone! I was a new runner training for my first marathon when I went to see him. 4 weeks before my race, the pain in my right knee was getting to the point that I couldn't just ignore it anymore. I was scheduled to see Dr. Ochiai and after an x-ray and some poking and prodding, he showed me that my knee cap was slightly displaced and told me I had runner's knee and IT band syndrome (after tell me I had some of the worst hamstring flexibility he'd ever seen, haha). He said that most doctors would probably try to dissuade me from pursuing the marathon, but if I was hell-bent on doing it (I was), then I had to start physical therapy immediately. He wrote me a scrip for 6-7 sessions (which fit my work schedule perfectly), gave me a brace to wear at all times except showering and sleeping, and wished me luck. He also told me that I was absolutely forbidden from resting my knee for 4 weeks and then running the race cold (it was like he read my mind). Anyways, the PT worked like a charm, my knee healed up with all the exercises and extra care I took, and I successfully completed my race (but not before I slipped on a patch of ice and busted my other knee, freaking ugh). Given that I think my "injury" was fairly simple, I'm not surprised that it was easy to diagnose or treat, so take this for what it is. Good thing I never needed any injections... read more

As others have experienced, my first encounter at this center was with Dr Ochiai. I too was very disappointed and left after my appointment with him feeling that my hip would never be right and I was destined to stay in pain until I "was old enough to have a hip replacement". He literally told me I was too old to have a hip arthroscopy and that I was "pretty weak for a Pilates Instructor". Not the most personable physician I've met. Then I was encouraged by the Owner of my PT group to see Dr. Wolff. OMG! What a difference! Dr. Wolff is kind and listens to your issue and tries to understand your lifestyle. He doesn't condemn. He uses his knowledge to help you deal with getting better so you can do what you love to do. His staff is great and I would recommend anyone visit back to this group to see him. read more

It's a three generation tradition in my family to go to Nirschl! My grandfather had his knee replaced, my grandmother had her hip replaced, my aunt and mother had their osteopenia and osteoporosis treated here, my dad had his wrist examined here, and my sister and I have had our various sport related injuries treated here. I started going to Nirschl Orthopedic Center back in 06 when I broke my wrist and elbow playing basketball (back then I saw Dr. Lennen who has since moved) and I was delighted with the staff and the experience. Tina, his secretary, is one of the sweetest, most-wonderful and caring people I have ever met and she always worked with me to make sure I could get seen as soon as possible, including even allowing me to come in super early. The X-ray techs are also a delight and remembered me and made sure to see how I was doing and remembered things about my life so they could make conversation with me. They're also extremely kind and compassionate during the inevitable painful portion of the X-ray process when they have to move your broken joints to get a better view. I later broke my hip playing volleyball and started seeing Dr. Wolff. He is probably one of the best doctors I have ever met! When I tell my friends about Nirschl, I always say that if I had to have heart surgery, I'd go to Dr. Wolff even though he's not a cardiac surgeon because I trust his medical opinion THAT much. A lot of doctors are distant and cold and use big medical words when explaining things, but not Dr. Wolff. He actually cares and makes sure that the patient fully understands what is going on without using crazy medical jargon. He also takes the time to really listen to his patients. My favorite part about Dr. Wolff is that he seems like such a down-to-earth and chill guy, but he is so incredibly smart and not pushy or a show-off about it! I have a medical background and he will use more medical jargon explanations with me, and boy does he know his stuff! My family has also seen Dr. Nirschl and Dr. Wellborn and both are extremely great and friendly doctors! Dr. Nirschl is an older gentleman and it always makes me giggle when I go in his office and hear him say "Yoooo!" when he walks into the room with younger generation patients. Dr. Wellborn is also a great doctor and super friendly and down to earth! My mom was really pleased with him when he checked out her meniscal tear in her knee! Overall I am just so incredibly happy with all of the doctors at Nirschl (NEVER had a bad experience), and I wouldn't take my business anywhere else! My only complaint is they don't take United Healthcare so I have to pay a bit more out of pocket when I go to appointments. read more

Was referred to Nirschl by my primary care dr. for a wrist issue. I cannot submit a specific review to the quality of care since I was never treated nor was any diagnosis made. I never made it past the first appt. As a new patient I arrived 20 min early to ensure I had all my paperwork complete only to wait an hour and half to see the doctor. I had mentioned to the front desk that I did have to leave by a certain time to get back to work. The front desk was courteous but provide no updates as my wait continued to get extended. Another patient graciously allowed me to go ahead of them since they were not in a hurry. Once in the treatment room I waited another 15 min equaling a wait of over 2 hrs. I spent a grand total of approx 7 min with the Dr. to review my history and get list of tests I would need in order to have a fruitful discussion. Like an X-ray, some of which could be done on site. Unfortunately I couldn't stay and will admit to being annoyed that some of this should have been done during my wait instead of extending my visit further: I ended up having to leave with a script for the tests. Bonus: I am in network. After the in-network discount and the fact that I had a deductible... I got an adjusted bill for $200. Needless to say I never went back and I submitted an appeal with my insurance company to re-evaluate the coding. read more

This review is for the Physical Therapy dept down the hall. I was astoundingly unimpressed. (And I went in with low expectations.) I pay out of pocket and made that very clear at the outset. Still, they bilked me constantly and made no effort to give me the exercises to do at home even tho I asked. I had a Marymount college student doing the "work" (as in rubbing my arm and showing me very basic exercises) on me, so it's even more painful to pay over $800 for 3 sessions that did nothing and know I paid for a untrained college student. I am not even sure the Marymount student was paid by the office. Just for your amusement, even if your insurance covers this place, ask about billing. It will explain a lot of how your time is used (uh, wasted) there. For example I could fly through my minimal exercises so then they were stumped how to get me to 15 mins to get the $40. And when they offer you ice, you pay per 15 mins for ice and it's about $40. In my house, an ice pad is free. Don't be fooled. Thank goodness I didn't take the "medicine." They were going to put something on my arm and I said--wait my doctor said not to do that. I cannot even fathom what that would have cost. I am really dubious about the medical need for it too. Never have I been in medical place and wondered more about whether I was getting care or helping them check off boxes to ratchet up fees. I hope my doctors never replicate physical therapy methods. read more

I'm really surprised by all the negative reviews as I was referred by a friend to this office. I saw Dr. Wellburn and have nothing but wonderful things to say about him. He'd been called into surgery the morning of my appointment and was running about 15 minutes late. As soon as he walked into the room and introduced himself he apologized for the delay. After explaining my problem - dealing with my first ever running injury (I've been running for over 20 years), he was understanding and immediately said, "Okay, we need to get you running again as soon as possible." I didn't have to explain to him the importance of running or argue that this sport was something I wanted (needed!) to continue. He listened to my concerns and explained everything thoroughly, including my diagnosis. He took his time and I never felt rushed. Overall I was very pleased and I'm hopeful that when I return in a month for my follow-up exam I can state the PT helped correct the problem and I'll be cleared to return to my previous levels of running. read more

A wonderful practice! Dr. Root has operated on me for 2 separate problems, and both times I had a total resolution of my symptoms. Her new receptionist, Nicole, is such a nice introduction to the office. And their outpatient rehab center? Wow! I'd like to give a special shout out to 4 individuals who were so attentive to me throughout my program: Courtney, (a therapy student), Matt, Jeremy, and the queen of hand rehabilitation, Kat! I could not have had a better experience. Thank you all so much! Kathi Vazquez read more

I love this office, and I love Dr. Ochiai and his amazing receptionist Nancy. I went to this office for a second opinion on my hip, as my first doctor told me it was tendinitis but the pain wouldn't go away no matter how much I rested. I'm a marathon runner, and rest is not my friend. I called Nirschl out of desperation, and explained that I needed an appointment fast. They had me in the following week. Dr. Ochiai did various stretches/movement of my hip, and from this alone could determine something was off. He then did an x-ray, and was able to point out some issues with the x-ray that he wanted to further explore (my previous orthopedic surgeon said that the pelvic x-ray he did was 'fine.') The following week I had an arthogram/MRI, and the week after that went in and had it reviewed. The week after that I had surgery so that Dr. Ochiai could repair the CAM impingement/torn cartilage. After months of doctor visits and wrong information, Dr. Ochiai met me, ran tests, figured out the diagnosis, then was able to squeeze me in for surgery to have everything fixed. I could not be happier. I would recommend this office to anyone. Even if you live in DC you can take the Ballston metro and then a bus, and trust me it is worth it to have this kind of care. read more

I am a 24 year old doctorate of physical therapy and masters of athletic training student and an ex-college athlete. I have swam and played water polo my entire life and due to my active lifestyle, I managed to acquire an FAI (femoral-acetabular impingement, basically excess bone spurs) and a hip labral tear. I was no longer able to run, swim, or play water polo; even sitting for extended periods of time was miserable, always resulting in deep groin pain. It was through my advanced rehabilitation and musculoskeletal courses in school where I first heard of Dr. Ochiai. In our profession, he is considered one of the best orthopedic surgeons, especially in regards to hip arthroscopic procedures. Obviously I was more than willing to drive the hour out to Arlington to meet with him. At first impression, he was incredibly quiet, a bit shy, but 100% professional and to the point. As a student, I was eager to chat with him and bombard him with a multitude of questions for my own self-interest...which he answered graciously and informatively. In my line of work/studies I have encountered numerous surgeons and have become accustomed to their demeanors, but Dr. Ochiai is in NO way, shape, or form rude or unprofessional. He is blunt and to the point, which in all honesty, is what people need if they are facing potential surgical procedures. (Regardless, who truly cares how a surgeon's bedside manner is, as long as they are awesome at their work? I'd rather have a jerk who is amazing at what he does versus a so-called "nice guy" who is mediocre at best...but with Dr. Ochiai, he is BOTH nice and gifted at what he does). Dr. Ochiai was always available to me, as a patient, for questions and both pre- and post-operative visits. Even on the day of my surgery (December 2012), he stopped by before and after the procedure to check on me and to chat with my parents. Throughout the entire process he was incredibly honest about potential risks and side effects of the procedure, which come with any form of surgery. However, I am now 8 months post-op and I am running, swimming, and back to my normal and active lifestyle. This is the first time in my life I have been pain-free and god forbid I need the same procedure on the other hip, I would not think twice about going to Dr. Ochiai and doing it all over again. Also- every secretary or other Nirschl employee I had the pleasure of meeting was polite, professional, and more than willing to assist me with any questions I had. read more

Dr Ochiai is extremely knowledgeable .I saw him for a SLAP tear. To my surprise he also diagnosed two unrelated conditions . This happened because he completed a thorough examination of my entire body . Knowing is half the battle because for years my conditions were misdiagnosed . Kudos for giving me a better understanding although I have some closure . Wish I had seen him years ago and not wasted time on years of conservative treatments and enduring pain. He also took X-rays and interpreted MRI's by explaining the medical terminology and options. Like others have mentioned, he does present poor beside manners . He does cone off arrogant and condescending alI I did was ask questions and he seemed bothered by them.I think he would off done a great job especially since he provides so much education and training in this field. Overall I decided I needed a Doc that I felt comfortable communicating with during and post op.so I decided to decline the procedure. Overall he is well known in the community and his staff understand have mastered insurance billing. read more

My experience with Dr Ochiai was extremely positive. His office staff is polite and sensitive to my needs. Dr Ochiai is knowledgeable and thorough, in his examination and explanation of my condition. He suggested a process known as PRP (plate rich plasma)as an alternative to surgery to repair a torn tendon. At 7 weeks out, I am returning to my regular exercise routine and I no longer have pain, amazing. I can't thank Dr Ochiai enough for his cautious approach to remedy my situation. MCA, Arlington, VA 05/16/17 read more

The Nirschl Group has a stellar reputation nationally. They are the best of the best. My husband and I both are patients of Dr Guidi. As is my MIL. I can say with no exaggeration that I owe this man my life. Two shoulder surgeries, bicep repairs, both feet with plantar fasciitis, PRP injections, cortisone injections, knee pain, cubital syndrome, fractured hand from a fall ... he is so competent and kind I have recommended him to dozens of friends and colleagues. I have seen lots of doctors in my 60 years and many I like and respect. But I haven't found another doctor as competent or caring as Eric Guidi. His staff is amazing as well. His assistant, Melissa, goes well beyond what is expected and she gets results. She knows me every time I call. She advises me on testing, and hospital and insurance protocol. And she's friendly, always. I really don't understand these comments that say they had trouble with the front office. They are all very capable and great communicators. I wish I could say more about this practice. Do your research. You'll find these doctors to be respected and admired by their peers, practicing and researching today's most cutting edge orthopedics. read more

Incredibly poor service. First my name is spelled wrong on my file. That should have been the red flag. The doctor was no better diagnosing my knee problem. He told me I had a weak leg and tried to sell me a brace and pt. I had to ask/demand to get an MRI which he told me would show nothing. I had the MRI and am still waiting to hear from him after 4 days. I was able to go through my patient portal at the hospital and see my results. A tear in my meniscus. Needless to say I will be seeing another dr to take of the tear. Commenting on Reply. Dr. Nirschl was incredibly condescending and patronizing. He told me after I told him of my incredible pain was to take two Aleve for the leg and Tylenol for my head. What kind of response is that? It also took him four days to give me my test results and I was the one to call and ask for them. His remedy when he finally called that evening was a shot of cortisone. I expect better from a doctor. My knee had to be repaired and it was by a competent doctor. read more

I do not recommend. I had a boxer's fracture and saw Dr. Root. She spent mere minutes with me (not exaggeration). When I asked what the course of healing would be she said, we'll see. She then left the room and I thought she was coming back to answer my questions about physical therapy and regaining motion in my hand, but she was gone. I wouldn't go back if she paid me. The good news is I found a better doctor that spent more time with me and helped me understand the course of my healing. read more

DO NOT GO TO DOCTOR OCHIAI, HE IS A MEDICAL MALPRACTICE SUIT WAITING TO HAPPEN When I came into his office one visit, I asked if he would give me a steroid injection using the flouroscopic technique into my SI joint, like my previous doctor used to do, to get rid of the severe pain I was experiencing. So he agreed to do this, and pulls out a needle and ready to go! I expected him to bring me to another room where the fluoroscope was to perform this, and I asked him why he didn't plan to use the machine as all of the other doctors do in this remedy. He insisted there was no need to use the machine because I was so skinny he could feel my sacrum (yeah right, I am not that skinny, no one is!) But I naively thought that since he was a doctor in a fairly reputable clinic he must know what is is doing, so I let him inject my upper left butt cheek (above the sacrum ~ except the sacrum is deep in the middle of your hip!) with cortizone summary: Instead of giving me a usual injection using the appropriate technique ((flouroscopic technique) which is very precise using a 7 inch needle and a special machine to see EXACTLY where to place the steroid into the SI joint / which is very deep inside the hip/low back.) He used a standard syringe to inject cortizone. His MISTAKE atrophied 2 1/2 inches round and 1/4 inch deep of tissue in by left butt cheek (right above the sacrum). There is currently no fat or tissue covering or protecting my bone in that area! The mark is hideous looking, and uncomfortable. When I confronted him with this issue, he was very cold and withdrawn and told me that normal patients would not care. REALLY! He told me that! Unbelieveable.. And he wouldn't blink when he gave me that evil cold stare that I will never forget. He also admitted it is possible for a cortizone injection to cause atrophy of the tissue in rare cases. I asked him why he NEVER told me about this prior to the injection, and that otherwise I never would have agreed to let him to perform the injection, and he would not answer the question! He told me I'd have to go to a plastic surgeon and get a fat transfer?!?!? And I told him my health insurance would not cover plastic surgery... and he said that he was not willing to pay for the damage that he caused! Do not go to this doctor, he is incompetent and not well versed in his specialization AT ALL. He is completely non-professional, ignorant, arrogant and a wierdo to top all of that off! read more