Matthew L. Carlson's Online Review Report Card

Dr. Carlson and his assistant, Dr. Bowen, both seemed unprepared for the appointment. Dr. Bowen outright admitted to not fully reviewing my case. Dr. Carlson seemed to lack common knowledge about my type of tumor and specifics related to my case. I then learned to my horror afterwards that they had the audacity to confirm in writing that they were unprepared in a way that would adversely impact their ability to make an accurate assessment of my situation. Yet, they still went through with the costly appointment instead of addressing a problem internal to Mayo Clinic that would have made a more accurate assessment possible. I can only describe this as fraud given Dr. Carlson's repeated insistence that he understood my case while also admitting to never actually reviewing critical information provided to Mayo Clinic months before the appointment. Dr. Carlson also acted aggressive, uncaring and highly unprofessional during followup calls after I pointed out the above. As a result of their actions, I'm now stuck experiencing additional delays while dealing with life-threatening symptoms. If my negative experiences merely involved them, I would still recommend Mayo Clinic, but I have learned recently that Mayo Clinic in general and in Rochester has received a lot of negative reviews for mistreating complex case and Medicaid/Medicare patients. I highly recommend reviewing the reviews about Mayo Clinic on Consumer Affairs. As for Dr. Carlson: A person's professional skill and acclaim doesn't give them the right to behave in gross, negligent, passive aggressive ways toward another human being, especially a person who is seriously ill. It doesn't give them the right to play God either with the life of someone who came to them for help, especially if as I fear they did so to force an "undesirable" certain type of patient to go elsewhere in favor of patients who match better their target market, which some have claimed is made up of less complex and/or more profitable patients.

I would give a negative star rating if I could. Dr. Carlson seemed unprepared for the telehealth appointment and then his assistant later audaciously admitted in writing that they were unprepared while also trying to claim that Dr. Carlson was able to make a professional and accurate assessment. He also acted in an aggressive and uncaring way during s followup call. His actions have literally put my life at risk. I highly recommend reading patient reviews on Consumer Affairs about Mayo Clinic, especially Rochester, before you waste any time or money.

YOU’VE. FOUND. YOUR. DOCTOR! Exceptionally knowledgeable and thorough physician with an incredible bedside manner! Dr. Carlson explained my husband’s condition with great detail in a way that we could understand and gave us hope. We were beyond confident in his ability and traveled from Philadelphia for surgery. Dr. Carlson accurately projected realistic post-operative expectations, all of which were right on the mark. He performed a highly complex procedure flawlessly and followed up routinely to check on progress. The level of care for his patients is absolutely unmatched – he is caring, warm, brilliant, and so skilled at what he does. He is prompt, efficient, responsive, polite, and very patient (answering all of our questions, never once making us feel rushed). We know for a fact my husband’s remarkable outcome would not have been possible without Dr. Carlson’s expertise and talent. Simply THE BEST DOCTOR – we feel privileged to have been under his care!

YOU’VE. FOUND. YOUR. DOCTOR! Exceptionally knowledgeable and thorough physician with an incredible bedside manner! Dr. Carlson explained my husband’s condition with great detail in a way that we could understand and gave us hope. We were beyond confident in his ability and traveled from Philadelphia for surgery. Dr. Carlson accurately projected realistic post-operative expectations, all of which were right on the mark. He performed a highly complex procedure flawlessly and followed up routinely to check on progress. The level of care for his patients is absolutely unmatched – he is caring, warm, funny, brilliant, and so skilled at what he does. He is prompt, efficient, responsive, polite, and very patient (answering all of our questions, never once making us feel rushed). We know for a fact my husband’s remarkable outcome would not have been possible without Dr. Carlson’s expertise and talent. Simply THE BEST DOCTOR – we feel privileged to have been under his care!

YOU’VE. FOUND. YOUR. DOCTOR! Exceptionally knowledgeable and thorough physician with an incredible bedside manner! Dr. Carlson explained my husband’s condition with great detail in a way that we could understand and gave us hope. We were beyond confident in his ability and traveled from Philadelphia for surgery. Dr. Carlson accurately projected realistic post-operative expectations, all of which were right on the mark. He performed a highly complex procedure flawlessly and followed up routinely to check on progress. The level of care for his patients is absolutely unmatched – he is caring, warm, funny, brilliant, and so skilled at what he does. He is prompt, efficient, responsive, polite, and very patient (answering all of our questions, never once making us feel rushed). We know for a fact my husband’s remarkable outcome would not have been possible without Dr. Carlson’s expertise and talent. Simply THE BEST DOCTOR – we feel privileged to have been under his care!

My experience at Mayo Clinic was absolutely outstanding! The patient care by Dr Carlson, Dr Von Able, and their team was incredible. My unique situation of a carotid paraganglioma and cochlear schwannona removal surgery plus cochlear implantation, was done in one procedure which resulted in a better than expected recovery. The 5.5 hour trip to Mayo is completely worth it time and time again for post op appointments, etc... This very difficult situation was made tolerable by the level of care that was shown to my family and myself. “Above and beyond” are the two words that best describe my experience with Dr Carlson and Dr Von Able.

Dr Carlson is so professional and so intelligent, kind. I’m recovering from a tympomastiodectomy and so far so good. I feel so lucky to have gotten him As a Doctor and surgeon! I recommend him 100%! Thank you Dr. Carlson!!!

Dr. Carlson permanently repaired my recurrent cholesteatoma and performed a Cochlear Implant during same surgery. For many years my hearing in one ear has steadily declined. Dr. Carlson suggested I might qualify and benefit from a Cochlear Implant. I did. I have had a number of surgeries at the Mayo Rochester over the years and every one has been a positive experience. I have come to trust in the Mayo surgical teams 100%. Dr. Carlson gave me back the ability to hear normally again. I cannot thank him and his team enough. He thoroughly explained the risks and potential benefits of surgery. My expectations have been far exceeded. Dr. Carlson is a gifted ear surgeon. He listened carefully to my questions. Answered honestly. I would not hesitate to recommend the Mayo Clinic and especially Dr. Carlson and the Cochlear Implant team. The Mayo audiology team also gets an A+

I recently had a vestibular schwannoma removed at Mayo in Rochester. Dr. Carlson was my Dr. This guy is EVERYTHING you want in your health professional---listens carefully and responds in understandable language, is NOT arrogant but rather very caring and easy to talk to and most importantly is at the top of the game when it comes to the skills necessary to perform this intricate surgery. I felt completely as ease at all stages of my being under his care and now only five weeks after my surgery my tumor is history, I had no facial paralysis issues and I'm walking 5 miles a day on my trails. I can't thank Dr, Carlson enough----this guy is a home run hitter!

Phenomenal physician! We travel over 9 hours to see him. By far the most compassionate doctor we have had the privilege of dealing with. He is truly in it for the right reasons.