Do not go to Yuri's office! You may eventually get what you need done, but you'll be disrespected time and time again in the process. You'll wait hours in the waiting room--I was in so much pain that I was sobbing for truly almost 2 hours waiting for my first appointment. Then they tried to give me X-rays I already had received. When I saw the doctor the first time, he did not give a single fuck that I was sobbing due to the amount of pain I was in. In fact, until he looked at my MRI it was clear he thought I was being dramatic. We get past this. Surgery to remove my MASSIVE herniated disc (in fact he gasped every time he pulled up the MRI even AFTER he'd removed it from my back, but we're not there yet). His surgery center that he owns is TRASH. They did not allow my partner to stay with me pre-op. Then when I had barely woken up from SPINE SURGERY the nurse put my bag of clothes on my stomach, told me to get dressed, and left. I was in so much pain, out of my mind, and left alone. THen she came back, wheeled me outside without checking if anybody was there for me, and gave me a sheet of instructions claiming I was good to drive home myself. Wrong and unprofessional and MEDICALLY FUCKED UP TO THE POINT I SHOULD FILE A COMPLAINT. Months later at my follow up, I told Dr. Yuri Falkenstein that I was still in a lot of nerve pain. He said it was normal but I was welcome to get another MRI and then he'd call me to see if I needed further treatment. I got my MRI, had my sister in medical school go through the results with me while I waited for the call, and then he never called. I'm only writing this review, after all of that, because I messaged the office this morning saying "Hey can I get the call from the doctor? Can he let me know I'm all good?" and his office assistant called me to say "nope!" you gotta come back in and pay your copay and be disrespected while you wait hours to see the doctor for seconds! Well of course she didn't phrase it like that, but that's how it comes off. The lack of patient care is despicable, and their OSS physical therapy office sucks too. If you're referred here, ask for something else. read more

My relationship with Dr. Yuri Falkenstein and his office are the worst in my entire life. DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE! I have been in excruciating back pain for several years on and off. I am an otherwise extremely healthy, trim, and very active person. Excruciating and ongoing pain is debilitating. Physically, emotionally, psychologically. Yuri Falkenstein was recommended by my GP. At first, Falkentein seemed knowledgeable. I received an epidural for my pain and it relieved me for several months. I was diligent about PT and pilates to strengthen my core, but when the pain returned in my back and hip my PT therapist said he thought my hip was just as much of a pain source as my back. When I reported this to Falkenstein, he glibly said "He's not a doctor." I then went to a hip doctor and it turned out that I needed a hip replacement, as my joint was bone on bone. I got the surgery immediately and recovered quickly. It relieved the pain but a few months later it returned, now in the form of sciatica - excruciatingly painful down my right leg. Falkenstein is always at least an hour late for every appointment with no accountability and no apology. In my multiple visits with him never looked me in the eye, not once. Stupidly, I went back to him - perhaps afraid to change back doctors at this point. He took no accountability about misdiagnosing the hip issue. He ordered an MRI to set up for another epidural. I never heard anything from the office about the insurance approval. After not hearing for weeks, Melissa, who takes care of insurance, was unreachable. She is negligent and poor at her job. After SIX WEEKS and calling numerous times I reached out to my insurance myself and learned that the request had been declined WEEKS before. No one told me! They had not received enough information from Falkenstein's office and Melissa never responded to them to supply what they requested. She promised to resubmit but nothing happened. After not being about to reach her again, I WENT TO THE OFFICE and insisted I see her IN PERSON. She made excuses and said she would resubmit again. It was as if I was annoying her. Once again, I never heard from her. And then was told by my insurance that she did NOT supply the information requested. Not being able to see Falkenstein in a timely manner, I made an appointment with his associate who gave me some sort of muscle shot for temporary relief which proved to be ineffective. Finally able to get into Falkenstein a week later, (and after another hour wait to see him) he gave me yet another localized shot and ordered yet another MRI, for insurance approval. The shot was ineffective. He asked me to make a follow up appointment. The woman at the scheduling desk office was nothing short of nasty. Mean and a hateful attitude. I wish I knew her name so I could mention her here. When I asked if my latest MRI request was marked STAT, noting that I could not live in this kind of pain, she said "You have to follow up on that yourself, no one is going to call you." And that I needed to check every day on my own through the portal. She said, "I'm not I.T. and I don't do that." (I have never been to any doctor where the doctor's office does not follow up with the patient.) When I said that I could not leave the office without knowing how to follow up on it, she said "It's not part of my job." A kind woman overheard and led me through the process of accessing the portal. I checked every day for a week. Nothing. Finally, at the end of my rope, I changed doctors, (as recommended by my hip doctor) to the wonderful Dr. William Costigan at Congress Medical. It was at Costigan's office that I discovered that if an MRI request is denied, out-of-pocket cost was only $450!!! I would have gladly paid for that but it was never brought up as an option!!!! I waited for MONTHS for this and no one told me. Dr. Costigan was able to get the MRI and Epidural insurance approval IMMEDIATELY. That day!!! I got the MRI and the office called after o see how I was and make sure I got in. Having it examined by Dr. Costigan, I was told that the condition I have is congenital spinal stenosis. Which is inherited and contributes to degenerative spinal disase. Falkenstein never mentioned this. I have five bulging discs and multiple bone spurs. I was also told that the shots I received at Falkstein's office were the wrong choices for my condition which explained why they were ineffective. AND I GOT THE EPIDURAL 3 DAYS LATER!!!!!!! Everyone in Falkenstein's office seems angry, ineffective, and rude. No patient care. There is no follow up, no bedside manner, no respect. That comes from the top. I am relieved to now be in good hands. Nothing remotely human is factored into the care at Falkenstein's office. There are people who become doctors because they have a calling to help others, and others who do not have basic empathetic instincts and who should not be dealing with people at all. They may as well be a car wash. read more

He's getting 1 star because he did, in actuality, fix my mom's hip. But that's where the positives end. My mom is 81 years old. While she was going through chemotherapy, she fell and broke her hip. Because she was staying with me in the east Valley, they took her to Providence Burbank, but all of her regular doctors are at Providence Tarzana. We had no choice in who was going to fix her hip. So we got Dr. Falkenstein. We just left her 5 week follow up and I've not met a more apathetic, condescending and curt doctor in my life. He came in to the room with a clear agenda: get in and out as quickly as possible. He started his monologue about how well her hip is doing, there would be no risk of dislocation, blah blah blah. He told her she has zero restrictions...But then told her she couldn't sit a certain way (and while leaning up against the exam table, showed her an example of how she couldn't sit). She didn't understand what he was saying because he was leaning... Not actually sitting, so she started to ask him about sleeping on her side and he interrupted her to carry on with his monologue. After his third interruption of her, I couldn't take it anymore and I asked him if he would just listen to what she was saying instead of interrupting her repeatedly. His eyes got really wide and he actually rolled them at me while he said, "wow...In 17 years of doing this, I've NEVER had someone confront me like this." I told him that I found that very surprising. He then responded with, "Well, you let me know when I can speak again." So passive aggressive and SO condescending!!! I saw red and blacked out from anger a little bit... So I don't exactly remember what happened after that. But we will never go back to this doctor again. I highly recommend you steer clear of him if you have the option. read more

Dr. Yuri Falkinstein is the most amazing surgeon ever. His hands are magical. I mean it. After years is suffering with lower back pain, he did a disc fusion surgery at 2 levels. It was a total success. The 3rd day after surgery, I did not even feel any post surgery pain. I did not even take any pain killers. For me, it was like a miracle having a day without pain. I am very grateful to him and I will recommend him to my family and friends. read more

Falkinstein is a fantastic surgeon who has a great team who work very well together. I needed a two level fusion in my lower back (L5, S1) I was concerned because other surgeons still do this from the back cutting all the muscles. Dr. Falkinstein performed this with a small ( about 5") incision in my lower abdomin. It was a major success. I am one year post surgery. No more back pain! I am able to do all the physical activities I want and did not lose any range of motion. At my one year vist my x-ray shows complete fusion. All of my Dr visits before and after surgery I felt Dr. Falkinstein listened and communicated well. I highly recommend Dr. Falkinstein and his team. read more

This doctor is amazing as second to none, and when it comes to his profession, I was in very very bad shape. I was actually caught on all fours with a bowl of top robin in my mouth around my house because that's how bad I was after I went to go see the doctor. He performed a spinal fusion that was nothing short of a miracle. It's been 15 years now and I probably overexerted myself and I need to see him again. I just hope he can pick you like you did the first time and I won't mess up again. I thought I was brand new. I felt like I was 20 years old again I was running and jumping and lifting weights and I'm sure I went far beyond what I should've done with my spinal fusion, but I'm on my way back to see him again such a pleasant looking doctor. He makes me feel like I'm going to be OK when I see him I smile. read more

Yuri Falkinstein, MD - I am now 56 years old is studio truck driver and I definitely recommend DR Yuri Falkenstein highly. - Orthopedists Near Me - Burbank, California

I highly recommend avoiding this office at all costs. As an existing patient trying to get my Physical Therapy Care Plan signed & faxed back to my PT provider by Dr Falkinstein, it has honestly been next to impossible. Waiting on hold as the 28th caller and then getting disconnected or trapped in their circuitous phone system can't be more infuriating. It's the worst run medical organization I have come across in a very long time. Don't waste your time here. Go anywhere else! read more

I was in the room for no more than 3 minutes. He didn't even look at me in the eye. Neither did he examine me. He literally didn't touch me to see where it even hurts. While he was talking his eyes were on the floor. Mind boggling. Since then I've been to doctors who actually want to know where it hurts by touching and seeing what positions I can bend in, etc. After that, the right stretches were prescribed and a treatment plan was set into motion. This guy, on the other hand, just wants to get you out of there and sell you an epidural shot. Worst bedside manner I've seen. It's crazy how someone can study and become a surgeon but lack normal social skills (for example looking a patient in the eyes while they speak and at least pretend like they want to be there). read more

This guy did my first cervical spine surgery. I was left with nerve damage in my right hand. He never checked on my after the surgery and his stupid PA could only shrug his shoulders at me when I told him there was fire coming out of my fingers. After a while and many more follow up visits, he basically had nothing more to say about the nerve damage. My new surgeon did an MRI and found a screw touching a nerve. Then I had a Laminectomy and finally I have relief. This surgeon is an exbarassment to the orthopedic world. read more

Apathetic, indifferent and a waste of time. I always make my appointments in the early morning to ensure short wait times, as there are not enough appointments before me for the doctor to fall significantly behind schedule. However, despite an 8:45 AM appointment time, I had to wait more than an hour before I was called to go to the patient room and told that I was his next patient. The walls of the patient rooms are so thin that I overheard the patient in the next room complaining to Dr. Yuri because she had waited for more than an hour to see him. Her appointment was apparently also scheduled for 8:45 A.M, so by default Dr. Yuri was planning to be late for at least one of his patients. Since she had complained first about the delay, of course, the doctor saw her first. Initially, she complained for 10 minutes about the wait, then after his diagnosis, they socialized for another 15 minutes talking about his ratings and other non-medical trivialities. When he finally made it to my room, it was clear that he had not reviewed the 10 pages of forms I filled out, my previous test results or any of the information that I was requested to provide to help him with the diagnosis. Instead he provided me with the same general information as provided by my primary doctor with no new insights into my condition. It was very disappointing that a specialist was unable to provide me any input about my condition beyond what I could read for myself on WebMD. His positive ratings on this site are completely at odds with my experience, as his diagnosis was worthless and the 2 hours plus of wait time were disrespectful and completely avoidable. Additionally, the process of making an appointment with Burbank Orthopedic Surgeons is very inefficient. The auto message gives the caller's place in line and the time that it will take for someone to answer the call. On three different occasion after holding for more than 30 minutes, when it was my turn I either got disconnected automatically or was redirected to leave a message. read more

professional,knowledgeable, caring, one of a kind doctor. 10 out or 10 recommend to anyone i know

Thankful for his review of my MRI and attention to the significant impact of why I have been feeling such inflammation and systemic pain that is causing neurological issues for me. Now it is all coming together. read more

Poor results from pain management and surgery. Telephone calls were very frustrating.

Have been helped here by Dr Raven on a few occasions, and although it was rushed and the stress in the office is palpable due to the amount of patients being seen every five minutes, and a rushed and tense dialogue between us, it was adequate to get my needs met. However I am doing the rare thing of writing a negative review based on my experience with Dr Falkenstein who i saw for slightly bulging discs and a minor tear. He gave a cortisone shot without telling me it would last up to six months, deadening any pain but perhaps making my condition worse without the biofeedback needed to rehab it properly without further injury. read more

My husband injured his knee while kneeling on concrete and could hardly walk. He was in extreme pain and his primary doctor referred him to Dr. Falkinstein. He hobbled in to see the doc and walked out pain free after one short visit. He went back for a follow up visit today. All is good. My husband noticed our neighbor who seemed in a lot of pain while walking to his car. He wasted no time referring him to Dr. Falkinstein, an excellent doctor and highly recommended. read more

Dr. Yuri Faulkenstien is Fantastic. I had surgery on May 2. I had a L4 L5 Herniated disc, cyst in the lumbar spine. Dr Faulkenstien is an Orthopeditic Surgeon that is precise , skilled at his job and He is Inovative. I am walking with a quality of life now. I Love Dr. Faulkenstien for giving me my life back. His Administrative assistant Gabby is just Lovely. She is sweet and she was available to answered all of my questions with Disability. She did not brush me off. Actually, everyone in the office was great. From the front desk to Accounting. The Doctors Assistant that came to the hospital to check on me were great as well. I must add that my husband had his knee done by the Stephen Yacoubian and I sent my friend in to see Stephen for her Shoulder . This place is the one stop Shopping. All of theses Doctors are specialist in their field. Don't wait and live in pain, life is too short. Start living today and go to ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEONS of BURBANK you won't regret it. read more

Dr. Yuri Falkinstein saved me! I honestly don't even know how to describe the happiness and relief I am feeling right now after suffering from lower back pain for pretty much half of my life (p.s I am 30 years old). Since my teenage years, I suffered from sciatica. I had been under years of chiropractic care and physical therapy but I continuously got worse. It took one sneeze and I was unable to walk, sit, stand or lay for about 2-3 weeks. I was terrified and upset that THAT had become my reality and I couldn't continue living like that. When Dr. Falkinstein saw my MRI's, he carefully and thoroughly explained the condition my spine was in and why surgery would be the only and appropriate solution. My L5-S1 was bone to bone with Grade 2 slippage and severe impingement of my L5 nerve root. No amount of muscle relaxers, therapy, stretching or injections would aid my situation. I appreciate and trust Dr. Falkinsteins honesty and decision because he truly and genuinely cares for the well-being of his patients. He listens and explains everything so well. My surgery took about 4 and a half hours and it was done through an anterior (with a vascular surgeon) and a posterior approach to completely stabilize my spine. Yes! So they flipped me during surgery (mind blown)! I walked the following day and stayed 2 nights at the hospital. I was off pain meds a few days after I got home and every day everything got easier! Just remember to breathe and take it slow. Thank You Dr. Falkinstein for giving me my quality of life back! I am so appreciative of you and I recommend anyone suffering from spinal pain to only trust Dr. Yuri Falkinstein! read more

Dr.Yuri very friendly and attentive person. I'm grateful for clarification and recommendations, as well as looking forward to see Dr.Yuri in future. Thanks! read more

A talented & sympathetic surgeon, Dr. Falkenstein takes his time with you, explaining your mri & options in detail. When I opted to go straight to surgery because of my pain level & severity of disc displacement, he got me in within a week! The morning before surgery my pain level was a 10. When I woke up from surgery, the pain was GONE! Dr. Falkenstein gave me my life back! I'll be forever grateful! read more

My appointment was 3:00. I always try to be early to take care of paper work. I had printed out the paper work earlier in the day and filled it in ready to go. So, I arrive at 2:30 with paper work in hand, took care of more paper work (wasn't much) but I took care of it. Paid my dues which was fare I thought - $300.00 for Xrays, first and second visit. Waited until 3:45 and I still hadn't seen the doctor. This was my first visit, I was in severe lower back pain with walking cane. I specifically asked the front desk to see the doctor ASAP considering I was early but at 3:45 I still hadn't seen the doctor. I realize most doctors are the same and we as consumers have to live with this fact but I trust that at least feedback like this would somehow make a difference and maybe and just maybe they will figure out how to treat customers. I use the word "customer" as I am certain they look at their practice as a business and not as a practice. I forgot to mention, so when I asked for my money back and was discussing the issue, the receptionist tells me that I would have to wait longer in emergency room as if emergency rooms are by appointment. read more

I had back surgery in December 2017 and for the first time in many years my back is to the point of being pain free. Dr Falkinstein is a wonderful doctor and guided me in the decision of surgery after seeing how much pain I was in and after 2 epidural shots. He took the time to explain the surgery and even after my surgery my husband said he explained clearly what he had done. Dr Falkinstein and the staff at OSS were always there if I had any questions or concerns. Dr Falkinstein came recommended by my husband and we are both glad we had him as our surgeon. read more

Was not sent any pre visit paperwork or info, had to fill out 20 pages of paperwork as a new patient, waited an hour past appointment time, waiting room crowded with people not wearing masks correctly and nurses not paying attention. Had to leave without seeing doctor. Least professional doctors office I've ever been in. read more

Dr. Falkinstein is my hero! He gave me my life back with no pain--I repeat: NO PAIN--after he performed spinal fusion surgery on my lower vertebrae. I suffered for years with excruciating sciatic pain because I had heard horror stories about surgery. After consulting with Dr. Falkinstein, I realized surgery was my only hope. It wasn't fun but I am so happy I finally did it. It's been four months since the surgery and I am back to work, normal activities, the gym, and even yoga. It feels great to be in my body again. I will be forever grateful to Dr. Falkinstein and the wonderful staff at Orthopedic Surgery Specialists in Burbank. read more

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Very friendly assistant the time you have your appointment the time you see your dr the doctor listened all my cuestions and I feel in good hands!!! I was dealing with a lot low back pain and finally I found a dr who take care of me. read more

Waited over an hour after my appointment no one came to see me ... the office was like a factory so many people and no attention so I left.

Dr Yuri is the best dr Professional I recommend everyone to visit him. You will be very very happy and healthy .

I cannot stress how wonderful Dr. Falkinstein is enough! After 12 years of back pain that prevented me from working, traveling, and even leaving my house at times, I am now completely pain free and am doing activities most doctors told me I would have to give up. He was always open to answering my questions, and explained all of the imaging and the reasoning behind his opinions. When we first met, he actually suggested I try not to have surgery, but once we looked at the effects on my daily life and how the pain would progress, we decided it was the best option - it was refreshing and incredibly encouraging to speak with a surgeon who has this much care and concern for his patients. The day of the surgery, he really put me at ease, checking in prior to the operation, and speaking with me as we prepared with such a calm, encouraging tone. He is a wonderful, talented surgeon, and I highly recommend him to anyone who is suffering from back pain (I have already referred many people I know who have been told they need surgery). Everyone in the office were also so supportive, communicative and warm. Thank you Dr. Falkinstein for giving me my life back! I will forever be so incredibly grateful that I was referred to you. read more

Dr. Falkinstein has performed 2 lower back microdiscetomies in the past with excellent results. I've seen other doctors since the surgeries and they have all commented on the excellent work performed by Dr. Falkinstein. I am going back for fusion surgery soon and feel very comfortable with him performing this surgery. I've also had questions pop up every once in a while and when I call him, he always returns my calls promptly and answers all of my questions. I highly recommend him! read more

My 92-year-old father who was still athletic, active, and walked several miles a day, took a bad fall in March 2014, breaking his hip in the process He was taken to a hospital in Burbank. Dr. Yuri Falkinstein was apparently the surgeon on call and assigned to do the surgery on my father. Unfortunately, he chose to repair the hip instead of following protocol (for elderly patients) and do a hip replacement (this, told to me by another surgeon). In the follow up visits to Dr Falkinstein's office, my father was told (in my sister's presence) that his hip was healing "just fine", but Dad was never out of pain. Walking was excruciating, but as a retired P.E. teacher, he knew how to push through. He progressed slowly from a walker full time to using only a cane for short distances. Finally, a few weeks ago he got a second opinion, and it led to a hip replacement this week (in early July 2015). When the (wonderful) new surgeon came to talk to the family after the surgery, here's what he told us: The first surgery was an overlap repair (my words). In other words, instead of putting the broken ends back together and using appliances to keep them together while the bone healed, Dr. Falkinstein overlapped them and drilled screws through them to keep them together. The result was that all Dad's weight was borne by the screws which were not capable of holding his weight; he suddenly had a leg that was an inch shorter than the other; and it was not at all healed as the people in Dr. Falkinstein's office repeatedly claimed. (We are not sure who he saw there.) Dad suffered inexcusable and unrelenting pain, lost 35 pounds (mostly muscle) to a low of 120, and had a hard time maintaining his usually sweet temperament. I would NEVER recommend Dr Falkinstein to anyone. He's just lucky it's difficult to file any kind of complaint that would punish or censure him, because I'd be doing it. read more

I was in horrible leg pain. I couldn't wait and was working on 6 Norco per day. I am a chiropractor and knew it was a disc herniation but MRI revealed a small disc. I went to Yuri who tried all pre surgical options. When they failed he performed surgery and found, as he suspected, a larger herniated disc that wasn't evident on MRI. He also found an unusual vascular formation on my spinal nerve. Yuri tool longer than usual and I woke PAINFREE. I was back to work in one week. I can't thank him enough. Other spinal surgeons did not recommend surgery bases on minimal MRI results but I was convinced. Yuri was also convinced and without him I would likely now have permanent nerve damage and unable to supp9my family. I highly recommend Dr Yuri as a compassionate capable surgeon who I owe my life to. Thank u Yuri for you professionalism and your compassion. read more

Unable to work, stand, sit, move or sleep due to the debilitating pain down my back and leg, three months after surgery I am PAIN FREE. My 74 years old body is happily back to the gym. Dr. Falkinstein's expertise and caring soul gave me back my life. I just couldn't be more grateful. read more

After two years of trying everything he could, which means he is not one to quickly do surgery. He did surgery after all else failed to relieve the pain and now I am totally pain free and I was walking 5 miles within a few weeks after . He explained in detail the procedure and answered every question. He is the most patient Doctor I have ever had. read more

I interviewed several doctors for my spinal fusion. I actually have had three done on my neck but was not happy with my doctor and his love for the patient . Dr. Falkenstein is a great doctor and actually spends time with you to explain what is wrong and how he can fix it. He sits down with you shows you your MRI and shows you at the cases where people have made a complete recovery. I got my surgery and I am very satisfied one month after the operation. Granted I am still very sore but I was moving around the next day pretty well. Yes it's painful but it is one of the most complex surgeries to do as explained by him. Even my follow-up appointments were very easy and professional. Several other doctors just seem to be treating you like a number and he actually treat you like a patient which is important for confidence. read more

Yuri Falkinstein, MD - Fusion - Orthopedists Near Me - Burbank, California

Doctor Yuri Falkinstein is simply the best! He is extremely knowledgeable in his field. He is a very attentive, patient & caring doctor. He takes time to explain how the surgery will be done, he shows the steps by using a model of the spine, and he explains what to expect after the surgery. I came to Dr. Falkinstein with excruciating pain in my back that radiated into my left leg. When Dr. Falkinstein examined me, he did not go beating around the bush suggesting therapy, which was too late in my case. And yet, he did not automatically go to the other extreme of suggesting surgery right away as well. We tried epidural injections twice, but when that did not work, which he did warn me was a possibility, he said that surgery is the next step. I felt very comfortable with this excellent doctor and trusted him completely, and I did not even seek another opinion, even though I was very scared. My intuition was right, I did not need to waste time and money for the second opinion because 3 weeks after the surgery, the original pain is gone. Yes, I have the after-the-surgery pain, and it will take time to recover, but this is a temporary pain, and I definitely can handle it. I'm forever grateful to Dr. Yuri Falkinstein for giving me my life back. From the bottom of my heart, thank you Dr. YURI FALKINSTEIN! I also would like to thank the outstanding staff at Orthopedic Surgery Specialists in Burbank for your professionalism and compassion. read more

After a poor experience at another specialists office, my doctor referred me to Dr. Falkinstein. My experience at Dr. Falkinstein's office was exceptional, everything from the ease of scheduling, the convenient parking, the supportive staff and most importantly meeting with the doctor to go over my records. When I made my appointment I was told up front what my cost would be since my deductible hadn't been met, I really appreciated that. With a very full waiting room, Dr. Falkinstein took his time to explain my x-rays and MRIs. He was very patient and answered every one of my questions without rushing me out the door. Thank you Dr. Falkinstein and staff for a great experience, I would definitely recommend this office. read more

AVOID THIS MAN IF AT ALL POSSIBLE. This quack kept me in horrible pain for over a year. he kept insisting that my back "wasn't that bad." Occasionally he was very kind and personable, but usually he was snide and dismissive. I never once asked for narcotic painkillers (I hate opioids) but he treated me like some sort of psycho junkie. When I had a bad reaction to a non-narcotic painkiller, he just rolled his eyes and said "I may not be able to help you." I saw another doctor at SCOI and within 3 months I FINALLY got the surgery I needed to repair my spine. I got an inch back of my height and am no longer in constant pain. read more

Dr.. Falkinstein may be a brilliant Surgeon, but I'll never know. After stalling my recoverory for months he said " I don't know what to do" referred me to another expensive Surgron out of my network and discontinuing my Disability insurance before I could get an appointment . He requested a cervical Spine fussion without viewing my MRI films. I was uneasy because he mumbled what he was going to fuse and I asked for another meeting. Then he ordered an additional MRI and while reviewing those images, muttered "You have a bad neck. You have a really bad neck... I don't know what to do". It was clear that the only time he looked at my tests was while I was in his office. He went from Scheduling a fusion without making it clear where, to saying he didn't know what to do. When I said "it's a good thing we didn't rush into that fusuion, he said "I would never do that"...... He doesn't appear to remember his patients from one appointment to the next. While waiting for apporoval and appointments for a neurve block and to see another specialist that takes insurance, I was informed that Dr. Falkinstein was no longer treating me and would not sign off on the renewal of Disability Insurance claim. I would have been back to work months ago if Dr. Falkinstein payed propper attention to my case from the beginning. This Dr. appears Overworked, Distracted and Mumbles important imformation, while sending you off to his surgery scheduler. He just may be a great surgeon, but for me, but he waisted 5 months of my life, my carrer and is leaving my family in a financail crises after dropping my case, before I could find another Dr. that takes my excellent insurance. To my IATSE Union Brothers and Sisters who will have the same Neck and Spine issues....If you want to return to work, I suggest you pick another specialist from the list. read more

Super knowledgeable. Very patient and caring doctor, will answer all your questions. He definitely doesn't recommend anything you don't need. read more

On November 3rd my 78 year old, frail husband had to have surgery for a fractured hip. No call from the surgeon prior to or after surgery. Thankfully, I am a retired critical care nurse, so I knew what we would be facing. I feel for the elderly man or woman whose spouse is experiencing the same situation. They do not have a clue on what to expect. This is just plain cruel. He may be an excellent surgeon, but as another surgeon once said to me, we are merely technicians. In Dr. Falkensteins arrogant mind he is the "God of surgeons", but he is a lousy human being. He has no understanding of or compassion for people. Pitifully, this is what medicine is today. In his self-aggrandizing manner, he will never see this, as he doesn't think anyone could or would write a negative review. I have two thoughts for him-what goes around comes around and Karma is a bitch! I'm sure I will get an obscene fee for his so-called services. How can you rate someone minus zero? read more

I am 56-year-old male who had an L5-S1 anterior/interior fusion on February 17, 2016, performed by Dr. Falkinstein and Dr. Wagmeister. The operation was a complete success, and I am having no negative issues at all. The office staff was super nice and helpful. read more