Provider provided excellent service, was knowledgeable, kind and through

PA Markella was extremely thorough, listened well, and was very kind. I appreciated how she took time to understand how I was feeling. I would recommend her and HSS Ortho now to anyone who is in need of their services.

Bear with this story, and it will reflect my opinion of HSS most accurately and a common problem in the industry: I woke with acute severe knee pain which remained with specific movement for 2 weeks. I reached out to NYU Langone, as my doctors are all there, hoping for an ortho consult, but their phone system (menus, ease of making an appointment, finding a doctor that treats specific joints, being able to ask a question etc.,are extremely conducive to just hanging up -- it's beyond frustrating whereby you simply cannot call a department and speak to relevant staff. Everything is a central NYU Langone switchboard and a kafkaesque menu of domino fails. I called HSS and reached the doctor that your website indicated would be most appropriate for my ails - Dr. Jesse [last name] - who was booking into November. :-( But, it was that or NYU Langone, so I made the appt. In the meantime, NYU Langone patient relations returned a call based on a complaint email I generated suggesting they make communicating much easier or they will continue to lose patients' loyalty. The person had their ortho Dr. [last name]'s office call me whereby she recommended going to "Ortho Urgent Care" clinic any day after 4pm - just walk in after I lamented I can't deal with this pain for months. I was filled with hope, and promptly went that afternoon. After following a lonely deserted maze of corridors, I found the suite and it was locked with a typed piece of paper saying, "Sorry, there is no Urgent Care Clinic today". (I had driven in rush hour for an hour to be there - in pain.) A passing person said they had no staff. So, I wondered if HSS also had an urgent care clinic while waiting till November. I called Dr. [last name]'s office where a member of his dep't actually answers the phone immediately. (Blessings) I was informed that there is indeed a similar clinic, "HSS Ortho Now" - but it ran by appointments, not walk-ins, (which means if for some reason they can't see me, they would text/call to inform me). I made an appointment for the next business day. I had close, ample parking, entered a lush entrance pavilion, found my check-in area immediately, dealt with THE nicest person in the world, Mary, who did my intake and gave me all kinds of friendly encouragement and directed me with clear instructions for the next 2 steps: x-ray, then where to wait. Ditto the protocol for the x-ray department - everyone is on the ball, efficient, very friendly, and concerned. And, ditto again while being directed to my PA, Markella. I was apprehensive not dealing with a doctor - only for the experience and training factors. She spent an unusual amount of time with me, dealt with all my paranoia and fears, assured me I did not have bone lesions, explained anatomy and conditions, incorporated my auto-immune relevance into the picture, explained how weeks of PT would be the first conservative approach, recommended care in the meantime and told me if, after my PT, I was still having problems, an MRI might be in order. I left knowing what I had to do, and 90% optimistic. 10% of me is worried that if it's something more treacherous than IT band problem, like tears or sprains that require a brace for protection, etc., I might do irreparable damage and need surgery. I am worried that taking Tylenol might cause me to do things that will tear or harm me further. I wondered if a doctor might have different approach, but I choose to trust her instincts, experience and knowledge and will proceed to the next step with confidence while I wait to see Dr. [last name] in Nov. (Aren't you glad you asked? You got a dissertation.) Thank you for a wonderful hospital and health care system - your ranking is no surprise.

Markella was amazing.

Such an amazing team who went above and beyond for me.

Excellent from beginning of appointment to end.

Markella was very good. I appreciated the time she spent to both listen, observe, diagnose and provide advice. She took the time to answer all questions.

All excellent!

The PA exceeded my expectations. She understood the pain I was in and went out of her way to find a doctor who could administer a cortisone shot without waiting days and living with the intense pain. She found a doctor who could see me the next day. As an aside the HSS "Ortho Now" program is an excellent idea!

Markella was great! Great bedside manners and knowledgeable. I didn't feel rushed and had all my questions answered.

She was great!! She discussed things with me that she found on the X-ray and through an exam that I didn’t even know about. Would definitely recommend HSS!

Everything went very smoothly.

Everyone who I interacted with was friendly and helpful.

The Dr, followed up to get me scheduled for an MRI quickly, as she said she would

I thought she was fantastic

I had an excellent experience with Markella Barry. She took the time to explain my condition to me and answered my questions.

Very clear explanation to my problem, and good advice about what’s next. Thank you

The PA was excellent in treating me. She was very efficient and kind.

Very pleased with your service. Will recommend others to here.

I could not have been happier with the exam and recommendations given. Very confident and thorough and waiting now for the brace she wanted me to get. Hope to see a surgeon and get thier opinion on a surgery.

It was great that I could get an appointment so soon. I was also impressed at how capable Markella is. I’ve had great experiences with PAs at HSS, unlike at other places.

She was understanding about my knee and recommended appropriate measures to address future issues related to it

PA Markella Barry was very thorough with the exam. She explained everything to my daughter. The PA ordered the appropriate tests in order to help determine the reason for the knee pain, rather than a wait and see approach that we received for another provider at another facility. The PA wanted to expedite the MRI but unfortunately there weren’t any upcoming available appointments.

Extremely professional, knowledgeable and compassionate!!

The NP who examined me and provided advice was excellent.

The entire staff was empathic, pleasant and very caring. Melissa at reception was wonderful. She saw me struggling with crutches and immediately came to offer me a wheelchair and took me where I needed to go,as I was alone. I really appreciated everybody. Including the follow up call I received to ensure follow up.

She was patient and explained everything. I felt her exam was very thorough as well

P.A was very knowledgeable and patient.

PA Barry was terrific. Dr. [ ]’s office had called down to the Westchester site to see if they could see me for a possible broken bone in the foot. Dr. [ ] was unable to see me, due to the fact that Dr. [ ] was in surgery all day. PA Barry was very thorough and was able to answer all of my questions. It was confirmed that I had a Jones fracture at the base of the fifth metatarsal. PA Barry even consulted with Dr. [ ] my foot surgeon from HSS in NYC while I was present in the Westchester office and a plan was set for my care. I felt the Westchester facility was very accommodating and was able to see me in appropriate time. I had no idea that the Westchester office had an OUTPATIENT NOW until speaking with Dr [ ] office in NYC. I also would like to thank the nurse who took care of me during my visit to the facility. She was also terrific. I don’t remember her name, but sometimes medical personnel do not get the recognition that they deserve.

A highly satisfactory experience. I am delighted that you offer urgent care. thank you.