Justin Michael Sweeney's Online Review Report Card

I had spinal fusion with Dr. Sweeney 15 months ago. Dr. Sweeney and his office were wonderful every step of the way. He was very through in preparing me for the surgery and after the surgery he and his office staff were kind, professional, supportive and helpful as I recovered. I am thankful for the experience I have had and would recommend him as an amazing doctor and surgeon.

My husband came with me to see Dr. Sweeney, and it was a complete waste of our entire morning. My appt time was at 10:30, I was told to be there at 10:15. He walked into the room after 12:00. I was very patient. My husband started to get antsy around 11:15, and I told him "he's a neurosurgeon, I'm sure he's busy." I was very kind to every person I spoke with. I was a scrub nurse in the O.R. for over ten years. I've worked with some very rude doctors. This guy was the worst. Dr Sweeney walked into the room, and was immediately hostile. I don't know if he was having a bad day or something, but I've never had a doctor make me feel so insignificant so quickly. I said " I'm having 4 issues I'd like to talk about." I got one sentence out, and he immediately cut me off. Told me nothing was wrong, and asked why I was in a wheelchair. He spoke mostly to my husband. Apparently women can't understand medical dialogue. I could have understood that there might not be anything he could fix, but the wheelchair comment was snide, and very very condescending. I have never before been made to feel so small. I very much feel like he was trying to use my appt to make up for how late his schedule was running. I thought even if there weren't surgical issues, maybe he could point me in the right direction. Apparently I wasn't worth the time.

This morning, I took my wife to see doctor Sweeney, to address concerns brought up on spinal MRI imaging. We waited an hour and a half past her appointment time before he came into the room. When he did finally come in, she asked if he had seen the images or just read the radiologist's report. He told her that he always looks at the images, because he doesn't trust the radiologists. He then asked her why she's in a wheelchair, because he didn't see anything to indicate a need (despite the fact that her GP and rheumatologist have long since confirmed the need). He launched into a rant about her spine looking good for someone her age, not giving her an opportunity to express her concerns. She finally broke in enough to ask if she could talk. She told him she had four main concerns, and began telling him about the first. He interrupted her almost immediately to tell her there was nothing in the images to support what her thought she was saying (completely misunderstanding what she was attempting to say), and would not stop talking. She attempted to continue what she was saying, but he just talked over her. I attempted to speak, and he would not stop until I literally yelled at him. He continued being very condescending to her, and directing all his explanations to me. She asked about a specific finding from the radiologist report. Her told her (me) that he thinks the radiologist was just being "overzealous", and tried to make the test to forget anyone it sounds as frightening as possible. We both have medical backgrounds and are familiar already with the procedure he described, and it is nowhere near as bad as he made it sound. Overall, we were left with the distinct impressions that he thought A) she was a crazy woman who couldn't understand him, B) she was being hysterical about her pain, and C) we were doing nothing but wasting his time. She would have been fine with being told "I'm sorry, it looks like your pain is soft tissue related, and you'd be better off seeing a neurologist", but his condescension and refusal to even listen to her were simply unacceptable.

Dr. Sweeney was very professional in my office visit. He recommended surgery which was much needed for my case. He did very well on my back surgery. I am writing this review 2 years later and my back has improved leaps and bounds from what it was before surgery.

Dr. Sweeney is a gift to the world, he did a disk replacement and solved all my pain the day of surgery! He found a large portion of my disk in the nerve canal that was causing most of the pain.

I was seen promptly by Dr. Sweeney for Trigeminal Neuralgia...otherwise known as the "suicide disease". I feel lucky that I had a brain tumor because most people don't ever find a cure. I had a list of questions but he answered them all in his description and solution to my problem. Does anyone want brain surgery? No...but he's the one I want performing it. He is compassionate, listens to your concerns and is just a really nice guy! Had a second opinion at Barnes the next week just to cover my bases. Dr. Sweeney encouraged me to go, even though I knew he was the Dr. I wanted. Neurosurgeon at Barnes was egotistical and dismissive. Just wanted to prescribe drugs and watch the tumor. I hated that place!! I have had some problems with hearing...which was the least of possible side effects from the surgery. We are working with a Neurotologist at Mercy and hearing is better. However, I will take some hearing loss over excruciating pain in my face. Highly recommend Dr. Sweeney!!

Dr. Sweeney was excellent. He took the time to explain everything to me in terms that I could understand, answered all of my questions and even used a diagram to show me exactly what he was telling me. I would highly recommend him!

Dr. Sweeney was excellent. He took the time with me to explain exactly what was going on in terms that I could understand. He answered all of my questions and even provided a diagram for a visual so I could see what he was talking about. Great bedside manner.

The absolute best Dr. in the world, staff as well...Allison, Sue, everyone!!! I wish I could have Dr. Sweeney for all my Dr. s...I ve had 5 surgeries with him(maybe 4), and all of my care is covered by the VA...I have had quite a few times when the VA has left me hanging and Dr. Sweeney has always been there to help...above and beyond...It s a big deal for me, the cluster we had with transfer of care on the 16th of Feb. was awful...in the end you guys helped me NOT them(the VA), thank you all for all you have done for me...and continue to do, thank you!!! Matt W.

Dr Sweeney is very knowledgeable and provides detail information. He is kind, patient and has a wonderful bedside manner.