Richard D. Fessler's Online Review Report Card

The staff was kind, helpful and friendly. Dr. Fessler however was not interested in what I had to say about what I was going through. He actually asked me if I could answer questions with only a yes or no? He then looked at my husband and said “I feel very sorry for you”. ?!?! He seemed more interested in scheduling expensive, invasive procedures than talking with me about my problem to see if the procedures were necessary and why I was there. Dr. Fessler was arrogant, pompous and condescending. I wouldn’t even give him one star!

Avoid Dr. Fessler like your life depends on it, because it does. He demonstrated what I would consider criminal neglect in “treating” my father, and also exhibited sociopathic tendencies in my meeting with him. He rushed us out of a follow-up visit after his botched surgery left my father nonverbal, he refused to answer questions, and refused to properly examine my father. Man belongs nowhere near any other patients.

Insulting, Arrogant, and disdainful. I would never recommend visiting this doctor to any sane, intelligent person. His staff are FAR more pleasant, helpful, and professional than he. This doctor even dismissed results which had been described in my post-operative documentation as absolutely irrelevant to Him - though they were described as the cause of needing to visit the ER. I cannot urge avoidance of this guy enough. One star only because ZERO Is un-available.

Dr. Fessler is an outstanding doctor!!! He is likely the most competent doctor in the state - or possibly even the entire country. I had a rather complex medical concern, but nevertheless I felt at ease, knowing that I was in good hands. I have the utmost confidence in Dr. Fessler, and you too can rest assured that his expertise, experience, and dedication to his craft are second to none!!!

After saving my mom's life at St. John's we visited Dr. Fessler at his office. The staff came from behind the desk to deliver a clipboard to my mom who was using a walker at the time. We had short waits both in the lobby and exam room. The staff was great and Dr. Fessler was professional. I'm also aware of his reputation and highly recommend his services.

Dr. Fessler was incredibly unprofessional and demeaning with zero bedside manners. I accompanied my boyfriend to a c-spine consultation this morning. He has suffered from pain, numbness, tingling and burning sensations in his arms for over six months. When explaining his history, Dr Fessler interrupted and said "If someone asks you what color the sky is, you wouldn't tell them the color of the sky two weeks ago." After already stating that he would not treated my boyfriend because he has had a previous surgery done by a different surgeon, Dr Fessler began a physical examination of tests involving forcible pushing his arms. These are fairly standard tests, however my boyfriend is in pain and told the doctor that he is unable to perform this exam. Dr. Fessler was not understanding of this whatsoever and made many rude comments about it. I understand that doctors are very busy and we weren't even upset with the fact that we didn't see the doctor until one whole hour after the assigned appointment time. But to by that blatantly rude is unacceptable. After waiting for this appointment for weeks, hoping that this would be the solution to months of struggle, pain and appointments, we are left disappointed.

Dr. Fessler is an outstanding doctor!!! He is likely the most competent doctor in the state - or possibly even the entire country. I had a rather complex medical concern, but nevertheless I felt at ease, knowing that I was in good hands. I have the utmost confidence in Dr. Fessler, and you too can rest assured that his expertise, experience, and dedication to his craft are second to none!!!

His innovative approach to lumbar fusion surgery utilizing the, ALIF anterior approach was extremely effective and the least invasive to the spine requiring no rods, bolts or heavy hardware. No other neurosurgeon I sought for an opinion even offered to attempt this procedure. Simply Amazing!!! Please, do yourself a favor and seek out this amazing neurosurgeon.

Best surgeon PERIOD! I had a neck surgery by a very good neurosurgeon before but always had pain afterwards. However after I was told at one look from another neurologist there was nothing wrong on my MRI, Dr.Fessler found things wrong the other didnt. He did a disc replacement and theres hardly a scar! My next day I felt virtually no pain and it's been that way since. I can't thank him enough because he changed my life. Ive had neck pain since 1994. Been going to M.H.S.I. for years they r best!

Dr Fessler has operated on my back twice. Complete trust and admiration for this man. First time he was just a baby, second time was 20 years later. I drove over two hours to go to Dr. Fessler I have referred a family to Dr Fessler for their 10 year old son with an aneurysm and has two procedures and is not doing well, I have urged them to contact Dr. Fessler and I pray that he can help this young man. His name is Scott Lake. Sincerely Vivian Houchins