North American Spine
Reviews and Complaints

I was going to ask for help from the north american spine institute, but changed my mind. Too many bad reviews.

Take a look at this website

http://med.ohio.gov/formala/35057342

Would you want this to be your doctor?

Then add :
http://newstalkradiowhio.com/localnews/2009/10/woman-gets-63-million-award-in.html

A place I will avoid!

When I asked the sales person at NAS about Dr Rotstein and the malpractice suits she said he was doing the procedure without the benefit of nerve monitoring and that he is no longer than and was the pioneer in this procedure

Why post an inactive linl? The Don Adamy post links are inactive and.or bogus http://med.ohio.gov/formala/35057342 and http://newstalkradiowhio.com/localnews/2009/10/woman-gets-63-million-award-in.html

Actually, he is no longer permitted to practice in the U.S. and is overseas now. Thank GOD!

yes they kicked him out.

Dr. Rothstein is now at north american spine so they must have ran him out of ohio.

Oh my Lord, I feel so bad for you and others who have had these horrible experiences. Maybe I need to listen to my OD, and live with pain meds and not try anything else, taking the risk of worse condition. I cannot imagine this back pain (L5/L4) degenerated disc, any worse than it is already...the pain is almost too much to live with.

Just had the surgery on 11/28/12 in Dallas. After reviewing my MRI, they told me they could help me. I had four herniated disc, one bone spur, and stenosis. They only work on the disc problems, so why tell me they could help when they knew I would additional surgery. My insurance would not cover the cost, so it was out of pocket ($18, 000.00), and I'm no better - if anything, worse. Don't pay NSI a visit unless you got a minor disc problem and even then, you may not get relief.

Hello Eddy,
I'm a producer with CNN health. We're looking into the many allegations against North American Spine and what they told patients about the non invasive spinal procedure. Feel free to email our inbox if your interested in sharing your story: empoweredpatient@cnn.com. Feel free to also check out our website for other stories investigating medical errors: www.cnn.com/empoweredpatient

I had an AccuraScope procedure at NAS in Houston over five weeks ago to relieve pain from bulging and protruding discs
on 4 levels in my lumbar spine. The pain has actually worsened and I had dual facet blocks this week from my local pain management doctor to try and help. The pain is now constant and almost unbearable when rising from a seated position. I am taking round the clock narcotic pain killers to function. Since the facet blocks it has gotten somewhat better but is still annoying. The pain is horrible if you need to bend. I am sorry I ever had the procedure.

I had some back and neck surgery at northamerican spine and it was not a secess story for me. and i was told that if it did not help me they would do it over to take away my pain. I have contacted they many times to no avail.
so far ther word means nothing at all. all I want them to do is do what they said they would do. stand behaid ther word.
my phone number is [protected]

they made me promises when I was in terrible pain and desperate to stop the pain I contacted them to see if they would take blue cross and medicare and was told they would not take anything but cash 20, 000 dollars. I felt no pain after the operation but in a few days the pain came back this was because the Novocaine wore off I Complained and tried to get american express to take the charges off they are in Texas and you cant sue for damages they get you to sign allot of papers while hooked up to an IV you do not have enough time to read these legal documents and I rushed I was told so I had to pay the total 20, 000 dollars lost 20, 000 dollars and the pain is worse I have had to have other surgery to try to stop the pain and i am still in pain the whole thing is a scam they look good when you get there it was a nice place but it is a scam in my opinion wish I knew what crooks they are beware of them its hard when your in so much pain and you want relief and they lie to you and steal your money BEWARE!

yes I agree with all the negative comments. had the decompression done. no pain relief. pain is worse now. MRI after shows no sign of change. do not fall for them. DO NOT. they submitted outrages bills to my insurance.
and I agree with the comment: they shoot you up with novocaine to make you think it worked but after a few days it wears off and you will feel worse.

I'm glad I read these comments. I've had ESI done at the Bone and Joint Clinic in Baton Rouge, LA. by DR. McCarthy in the cervical and lower back with with much success! It will be a week or so before I know IF I I have pain radiating from bulging disk in my middle back. He may recommend ESI for that are also. I will do whatever he suggests (after educating myself) . I was reading this to inform myself IF I need something a bit more invasive. After reading these comments I'm going to opt for continued ESI, if necessary, weight loss and physical therapy for as long as I can. All of my back pain was initiated by a car accident.

Please note that the company that preforms surgery is North American Spine, not North American Spine Institute which is a chiropractic and teaching company. The North American Spine Institute was founded several years before doctors from the North American Spine copied there name.

You can't have the accurascope procedure in the cervical spine. The scope device cannot reach beyond the lumbar spine. If they are offering a minimally invasive procedure in the cervical spine it is probably a laser discectomy which is not covered by many insureance companies. The procedure inserts a needle into the center of the disc and injects some dye to check for increased arm pain and/or leaking of the dye. If positive they use a laser to remove part of the nucleus and "seal" the herniation. It is not considered a very reliable procedure by many suregeons. I asked several doctors here in Indiana if it was an option and they refused to do it. The cited that it is not reliable in all but the most minimal of cases. Most would recommend (depending on your MRI) starting with a Posterior Foraminotomy which enters the neck from the rear, removes a small portion of the lamina ( the bone part of the vertebra that covers the nerve passage) to access the foramen (the opening that the nerves leave the spinal canal through). They then use a bone scalpel and/or high speed burr to open up the foramen to allow more space for the nerve. If the disc is too unstable or the herniation too large then they may recommend going with a ACDF (Anterior Cervial Discectomy and Fusion). THis enters through the front of the neck, removes the disc, places a spacer and bone fragments in place of the disc, and usually uses a plate and screws to hold the two vertebrae together until the bone fuses. Its a very reliable procedure and is highly successful. It does have some risk of added pressure on the other discs of the cervical spine, but they are like 2.9% chance per year of another herniation at a different level. Both procedures are common and should be covered by most insurances. If not, and you are going to have to spend your own money you may want to look into going to germany for a disc replacement. The M6 cervial disc is not approved in the US but has had incredible results in Europe with some 18, 000 discs placed already. It is superior to any FDA approved disc in the US, but will cost you about $30K with all travel and hgospital/hotel stays included.
Hope this helps

North AMerican SPine doctors are all Pain managmentt specialist, they are not board certified in neurosurgery or orthopedic surgey and have no business cutting into the spine! Anyone who uses these docs for a surgical procedure using and enoscope is asking for trouble. BE EDUCATED!

I'm really scared.I have a back and neck problem and problem with walking.I work in one of the best known hosp. and so many times my patients advice me not to have surgery done on my back.So I discover Accurascope.I received a pamphlet and a Cd of patients that had success stories but when I check the comments and complaints...I don't think I want to go though this now. Mine will cost me around $30.000 and up. I don't have any income but I was going to use part of my pension to pay this procedure..I just want to thank the people that posted their experience ...god bless .

Just had the surgery in Dallas (11/28/12). I was told they "could help me" with 4 herniated disc, severe stenosis in two locations, a bone spur and ligament damage. I must state that they tell you up front that they can only address disc problems, but then why invite me down to Dallas when they knew they could only help with one out of four problems. I'm $18, 000.00 dollars poorer and no better, if anything, worse. If you have a small disc problem, they MIGHT be able to help, otherwise seek advice through you primary doctor and don't let them take your money. (PS. you won't find one negative word on their website - that alone should give you cause to look elsewhere.)

I am considering having the procedure done in Houston. What are other options?

Dear Ontario, sounds like a horrible deal you were dealt! I am so sorry! Was this at the Houston or Dallas hospital? I was considering having this procedure done also, now I am reconsidering. So many people with chronic back and neck pain get taken advantage of during a desperate attempt to live pain free. That's all we want is no pain, how can these doctors live with themselves? Such a shame. God bless and take care, Houston

I am so very sorry to hear about your family member. I am extremely grateful for your sharing this information on-line.
Over one year ago I found this North American Spine Institute on-line while doing research/homework. I hurt my neck on the job in October, 2007 and have suffered numbness, paralysis, dagger-pains . . . in my left arm. PT helped, but only have 30% strength in that left arm/hand. Can't do my PaTient Care anymore. Am loosing income d/t not working my professional career.
Anyways, I sent in my MRI interpretations, etc. and they said "I was a surgical candidate" and my insurance won't pay, so I'd need to come up with (minimum) $15, 000 cash payment. We were about to mortgage our home . . . and then a friend found your blog.
Thank you,
Thank you,
Thank you for sharing. You have saved me greatly. I appreciate your candor. Aloha. Pam

I have had a spine fusion with instrumentation at L-4 & L-5. I was basically pain free for many years after now I have a bulging disc at S-1 and I started to look around for a solution other then meds. I came across the Laser Spine Institute and the North American Spine neither of these companies accept medicare or should I say Medicare does not think they are legit, now that should be a big clue to everyone about these companies. I consulted 2 top spine experts in the main stream medical one at NYU Hospital for joint diseases and one in SF at the Spine Clinic both of these doctors advised me against going any where near laser surgery and also advised me not to have any surgery at all at this time so they were not trying to get me on their tables.

Jan. of 2010 had had the Accrascope procedure at North American Spine in Dayton, Ohio. Lawrence Rothstien was the surgeon. After paying $4, 000 out of my pocket I was left with the same low back pain, pain in my left leg, and foot drop of my left foot after his surgery. Now after a year of physical therapy I can now walk short distances only. This Quack destroyed my life. Stay away from North American Spine. Any one interested in filing a class action lawsuit I am interested.

I too was conned into paying $13, 000 out of pocket to these dirt bags. I am now permanently crippled by Dr Kenneth Reed in Dallas. He is not a certified spinal surgeon.During my surgery, he burned 3 nerves leading to my left leg with the laser and he lied to me about the results. Before the surgery he told me that the laser doesn't even get hot enough to burn the nerves, and the worst that could happen is you will be the same as before the surgery. He told me the surgery went flawlessly. I could walk fine before the surgery. Right after, I could not walk at all the leg was almost totally paralyzed and he told me every time I talked to him a different lie. First he said oh you can't walk, that's just from the swelling from the surgery. You will be walking again in a few days, then he said a week, then 2 weeks, then three weeks and on and on and on. He would tell me different facts every time I talked to him. Then I did some research and he doesn't know anything about burned nerves. When I asked him how its possible that he does not know basic facts about nerve regeneration. (they tell you your nerves will grow back) that was when he stop coming to the phone. My leg has atrphied and I will never be normal again. Don't even consider letting these guys touch you.

Quack, scam, quack, scam, Quack, scam, quack, scam,

hi,
my husband had an accura scope procedure, done in dayton .oh. before the op, april 2010 he COULD walk!
Dayton is closed, surgeon gone, hubby`s life ruined..he is in a wheelchair since the op. he had all his hopes set on that surgeon.
we are in touch with dallas, tx. they offered the money back..is my husband a piece of furniture?
The MRI does not show any evidence of an procedure. they cut 2 nerves which caused the pain in his back. ok, pain is gone for 95%,
BUT he cant walk or stand anymore. I fear dallas is as dangerous as dayton...they want my husband to come for a check up...free ofcourse...i am in touch with a lawyer, although we do not have any income, thanks to that doctor.
can anybody help with suggestions?

thanks

THANKFUL THAT BOTH SIDES OF THE COIN ARE BEING DISCUSSED. SEEING THAT THE STATES THESE PROCEDUERS ARE DONE IN EXPLAINS WHY THERE ARE NONE IN MY AREA--THE LOWEST LAW SUIT LIMITATIONS MAKES TEXAS, FLA, PRIME AREAS TO PRACTICE. WHEN I WORKED FOR HEALTH INSURANCE COMPAINES, THEY WOULD WRITE POLICIES OUT OF STATES THAT GAVE THEM THE MOST "PROTECTION" AND SELL THEM IN OTHER STATES BYPASSING THE LAWS IN THE ACATUAL STATE BEHIND THE POLICY BEING WRITTEN IN ANOTHER STATE. THIS EVEN APPLIED TO STATE MANDATES AT THE TIME. I SHOULD HAVE RECOGNIZED THE REASONING BEHIND WHERE THESE CLINICS ARE PRACTICING FROM. BUT, BEING HUMAN, BEING IN PAIN, AND HOPING FOR SOMETHING BETTER THAN WHAT ACTUALLY EXISTS---I TOO WAS LOOKING INTO THESE MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINE CARE CLAIMS.

THANKS FOR MAKING RESULTS AVAILABLE AS WELL AS BUSINES CLAIMS!

Check this out:

http://www.bendbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100524/NEWS0107/5240367/1159&nav_category=

South Florida is rampant with crime ... and S FL doctors and dentist are behaving no differently than the rest of the criminals.

They are facade oriented, hooked on alcohol and drugs, pushing services that are costly, unneccessary and even dangerous. Whenever these individuals are brought up on charges they cover for each other and the AMA i(and their buddies the drug industry is the umbrella coverup organization ... bigger than the meat packing industry and with equivalent ethics.

And they work hand in glove with the pharmaceutical and health insurance industries.

They are part of big business and, it is unfortunate that they cannot be trusted with our health and lives. To make matters worse most got through college and med/dental schools with lousy grades, uncaring attitudes, are still covering up for their lack of skills and knowledge ... hopefully their mothers are proud of them as that and making big bucks is in most cases the only reason they scratched their way through.

It is no longer "And first do no harm." That was many centuries ago., It is get into the business and then give your customers the business ... just get paid back for what you spent to get at them, and then make them keep paying. Even with their health and lives.

After many promises from the North American Spine Institute that they could "absolutely" remove scar tissue
and help with sciatic pain due to nerve damage they could not deliver. That was all after they collected the $15, 000
for the procedure and after a ten minute surgery delivered NOTHING. They did a "dog and pony show" the day prior
to the "minimally invasive laser surgery." They explained that my scar tissue was "too dense" and I could always "come back
and give it another try some other time?!" They are a bunch of scam artists that are no better at surgery than snake oil salesman!
Do not trust ANYTHING they say. If it sounds to good to be true, IT IS! Don't walk, run away from these doctors and don't believe
a single word they have to say. Especially Dr. Lawrence Rothstein! HE IS THE WORST ! COMPLETE FRAUD OF A DOCTOR!

my husband has passed away.. a blessing for him..he did not want to go on like this. in a wheelchair, no future, just feeling useless and terrible pain. I cant say more..scared for tel calls.

Had the AccuraScope procedure done by North American Spine in Dallas, Tx by Dr. Robert Bulger on Dec. 15, 2011. I walked into the facility with slight numbness in right foot and now I am totally bedridden with numbness in both feet and ankles. When I get upright the disc pain is severe and numbness quickly progresses in depth and spreads up my legs. Thus, here I lie in bed in fear of being paralized for good. Stay away from North American Spine! The doctor claims I was in the same shape before the surgery which is very far from the truth, his report was riddled with half truths and lies about my pre-surgery status vs. post surgery status.I walked in and now totally bedridden for 3-1/2 months with no signs of relief.

I've you were told by North American Spine that their procedure was "risk-free" and ended up with a serious injury, please email your story to cnn's empowered patient: empoweredpatient@cnn.com.

Don't go! Look up a true neurosurgeon at a reputable hospital! The doctors at north american spine are all anesthesiologists, I don't know about you guys but thats not who I want working on my SPINE! Canada2003- my husband and I went through the same exact thing!

sorry, merry christmas

dont be.. talk to them...and do your homework. we are stil afraid. but you might be the lucky one. the surgeon who treated him cant practice any more. check facebook North american Spine institute. call them. our experience doesnt happen all the time.check the internet.
good luck

merry christman

I to am in need for anonther back surgery and cervical have had 4 failed back surgeries and was planning on going to north american spine but after reading the negative reviews very afraid to go.

my husband was treated in dayton. he had or still has spinal stenosis..with 1 difference..before the procedure he COULD walk. now 7months later he is in a wheelchair. dayton closed, surgeon gone...

WHY IS IT ONE CAN NOT SUBMIT MORE THAN ONE COMENT ON THIS BLOG ?
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
TARGETDESIRE@GMAIL.COM

DANGER! READ THIS REVIEW AND ANOTHER FROM 8/29/16!

I am waiting to hear back from North American Spine about the bill. I was adamant about getting the total costs before surgery. My coordinator (Cristi Wilcox of Texas) said she had checked with both my insurance company and her insurance department and that her numbers where good and that all but the anesthesiologist where in network and I was given a max cost for that. Well someone is lying since Blue Cross just sent me a letter saying my part of this bill is 14+K. WTF? DO NOT USE NORTH AMERICAN SPINE!
DO NOT USE NORTH AMERICAN SPINE!

DO NOT USE NORTH AMERICAN SPINE!

DO NOT USE NORTH AMERICAN SPINE!

The doc's are great. Just reach out to Dr. Burgher on the side at his other office. Good surgeon. Just got hooked up with a shyster group pimping him.

DO NOT USE NORTH AMERICAN SPINE!

I had surgery 1 year ago. I have suffered complications since. I went in for 2 herniated disks, and came out with nerve damage in my right foot, leg, and hip. I have been on medicine and in physical therapy since the operation. The whole point of the procedure was to stop having to do either. Not only have I been very discouraged by the results. One year later I am now just receiving medical bills telling me I owe money because two of the anesthesia providers are OUT OF NETWORK. The main reason I committed to doing the procedure was because I was told it would all be covered by my insurance. EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS WAS A LIE. I am disgusted.

Had triple discectomy and nerve burn in Feb., 2016. No better now than when I went in. They reviewed the MRI's, and informed "you're a good candidate". I think they were looking at my bank account. Took a month to get a statement of my invoice and receipt for payment. Yes, no insurance. Paid for it myself. No one will even return calls. Support staff was excellent, but the result was a total waste of time and money. Maybe being Canadian makes a difference. Feel scammed. North American Spine is just a broker. They advertise, hook people and send them to Drs. and surgical units doing this procedure.
Never again for me. Be very, very careful.

North American Spine made my situation worse! promised me the earth moon and stars and delivered only regret and disappointment. Very unprofessional and have no intrest in making things right ! Before warned should be their motto or proceed at your own risk. However I would like to say that the LSI is providing some real relieve from back pain how I wish I would have chosen them ! They did a great job on my neck but I did not have the funds nescary for a back operation so after much lies and deceit from NAS I chose them one the biggest mistake in my life I wish these people could excperence the pain and agony that they say they will spare you from. Nothing but greed at the expence of others

Don't pay any notice to the comments on here praising North American Spine. After they crippled me, I was so mad I said I am going to warn everyone by posting on the internet. Dr Kenneth Reid told me go ahead, we have an army of people that just post all day long. No one goes on this site to post if they were happy with their results. These guys are crooks, liars and theives. Just to give you an idea how slimy they are, they have a lawyer on staff, full time. He's not on retainer, he's a full time employee.

PEOPLE, PEOPLE, PEOPLE! Dont Believe all these complaints. If your reading this, it means you're doing your part in conducting your due diligence.
I for one cannot express my TOTAL SATISFACTION and GRATITUTUDE towards North American Spine and all persons involved with their practice. I myself now wake up NATURALLY and am not awakened by UNSPEAKABLE LOWER BACK PAIN!, under which I suffered for upwards of fifteen years.
I would like to thank EVERYONE at North American Spine, Starting with my very Professional Intake Rep. and continuing with my WONDERFUL! Nurses, (which are to numerous to mention here, but they know who they are).
I would continue by THANKING! North American Spines, Dr. Marti and his Staff.. meaning PRE-OP., POST-OP. AND FOLLOW-UP Staff. Dr. MARTI, OF COURSE! and all the employees at Elite Surgery Center in Dallas, TX.
I would also like to Mention and THANK John, and his Assistant in Marketing for taking the time...to record a television video for the Spanish Speaking Community in Dallas and for trying to reach out to HELP and Cure... our Latin Friends and Family.
To all those at North American Spine that were involved with me...Please Know ... ALL OF YOU... YOU! were a GODSEND to me!, Especially after all the years of suffering and after undergoing the Unnecessary S.I. Joint Fusion Surgery I underwent in Colorado Springs.(And I Mean TOTALLY UNECCESSARY! SURGERY! (Please Note: Any Malpractice Attorneys reading this and Licensed to practice in Colorado, please contact me at davdelacr7@aol.com) ).
All of you at North American Spine, I repeat once again you all were a GODSEND to ME.
To all reading this as part of their due diligence... North American Spine was a literal GODSEND to me. I thank the LORD each and every day that I no longer suffer as I once did.
Anyone wanting to hear my story ...Please do not hesitate to reach me at (davdelacr7@aol.com)

Thank You, Dave
(davdelacr7@aol.com)

I was promised a smal incision on my neck and pain relief and I didn't get either one. I have an inch long scar on the front of my neck and my pain worsened after my procedure. These people are not truthful.

Ok my friends, I am a 58 yr old fem
ale and live in Alabama. I need u all to let me know more about ur experience's with North Ameri
can Spine, ones that has had the surgery for a while and ones that has just had it done. Im really scared and want to make the best choice I can so I want any advice from all of u that I can get! So please, please get on here and help me out! Thanks

North American Spine contracts with several Doctors. Dr. Kelly Will, who recently performed laser surgery on three of my cervical levels due bulging and herniated discs, is as professional and knowledgeable as anyone could hope for. Don't believe all the negative crap you hear on this and other websites. Find out who your Doctor will be and speak with them directly about your problem and the proposed procedure. Personally, my twenty years of severe neck pain and headaches have diminished incredibly. Also every surgical center should be as great as Victory Healthcare in Plano. All the staff were incredible, with a special thanks to Eric, my post op nurse.