Jonathan B-Shafer's Online Review Report Card

He could not have been less caring or helpful. Stay away.

Very nice - explained everything. Had my hubby with me and he was cordial to him as well. The Anacortes staff (including Crystal) seemed friendlier than Mt. Vernon.

Great overall care

Dr Shafer is a true professional and excellent doctor. I am very hopeful for full relief from the pain and numbness in my hand. He saved me from getting the wrong surgery somewhere else that wouldn’t have helped.

Didn't listen to what I was telling him. I have SIRVA and he told me that it's impossible to be injured from a vaccine injection because the needle is so small. Wake up and get up to date with what is happening. If SIRVA isn't real then why is there a Federal program to cover these injuries???

A very thorough examination and explanation of my problem. I had a good surgical outcome. Dr. Shafer is very pleasant and gives comfort.

I was briefly a patient of Dr. Shafer, who I sought care from in 2020 due to an injury to my dominant thumb. Dr. Shafer was dismissive of my symptoms, reported that I had no abnormalities on an MRI which the radiologist reported showed osteoarthritic changes, and did not seem to make an honest attempt to diagnose the cause of my symptoms. Though I was experiencing pain and weakness at the MCP joint, Dr.Shafer prescribed me a brace for the CMC joint which did not at all provide support/protection to the injured joint. When I inquired why this particular brace was being prescribed, his assistant left the room to to ask him on my behalf and instead I overheard her say that I was “angry” about “something”. (Apparently asking a legitimate question is perceived as hostile). He walks back in the room and I ask him if this brace is appropriate, since it is not for the joint causing me pain, and his rational was that “if I use my whole thumb less, then the pain in the MCP joint will get better”. Again, this brace did not stop me from using my MCP joint whatsoever. Then, after weeks of trying the nonsensical brace recommendation, I was told that my MRI was fine (which the radiologist report I independently requested didn’t support) and nothing was wrong and I had no restrictions and my thumb was actually okay! Nevertheless, my thumb was literally bent and contorted, which you could see with your naked eye, so I asked him why my thumb was weak/painful/and visibly misshapen and he said “I don’t know”. Well, there is a difference between a doctor not knowing the answer and a doctor insisting that because they don’t know the answer, nothing is wrong. He did not offer to follow up with me, or refer me to another provider. He and his medical assistant treated me with little to no regard, and borderline disrespect. Thankfully, I found multiple other surgeons who were able to accurately diagnose and repair my injury. They took my symptoms seriously, spent more than 10 min examining me, and discovered I had torn my A1 pully. I’m glad I found considerate, competent hand surgeons after my poor experience with Dr. Shafer.

Dr. Shafer has shown no interest in helping or answering questions after surgery was complete. There were complications during surgery which were never mentioned to the patient or their spouse who was there shortly after surgery. And this was only discovered when another medical personnel mentioned it when reading through all the notes for physical therapy at another office. When at an appointment he was failed to answer questions. He didn't fill prescriptions when asked in appointments and after multiple phone calls to the office. I would give 0 stars if I could. I am extremely disappointed in Dr. Shafer's post care.

Dr. Shafer came recommended by my doctor as well as friends who have had surgery performed by him. This was my initial visit and I was very impressed with how he explained the two problems in my hand and the possible courses of treatment. Fully explained the surgeries and what it meant for recovery time and PT.

I have had six surgeries by Dr. Shafer, 2 carpal tunnel, 3 finger releases and shoulder surgery. Every time he took his time explaining everything to me, gave me great post operative care and was very encouraging and compassionate. The only negative experience was one post operative visit with one of the PA's but that was not Dr. Shafer's fault. I highly recommend him.