Dr Lown is a man of few words, however he treated me with respect, compassion and expertise. If you want to see a doctor for chit chat find another, however , if you want precise no nonsense and expert care then chose Dr. Lown. I think he and his whole team are amazing read more

I read through all the Yelp reviews and decided to see Dr Lown anyway because the positive reviews are very impressive. It's saddening that folks on Yelp will write a negative review for frivolous matters. Austin Hand Group may not be for everyone, BUT if you are seeking an extremely efficient medical office and best in class hand specialist, then Dr Lown is your doctor. He has a very calm/kind demeanor and gets right to the point/process. Given Dr Lown helps many people with pain management at various locations, don't expect too much chit chat. My first visit, my left index trigger finger was cured! My next visit, my right ring trigger finger was cured with a second injection. For a 20-minute visit, it is money well spent and a doctor that gets right to the point. Excellent doctor that has a great passion for his work. read more

Amazing. He knew what was wrong based on the little info I gave him. Was so reassuring and fixed My issue. Thank you!! read more

I CHOSE DR LOWN BECAUSE OF A SMILING FACE PHOTO ON THE INTERNET.I thought he might be cheerful. Big mistake. He did not say hello. He was brusque, impatient, barked out a few basic commands, had me wiggle my fingers, said "carpal tunnel", see a neurologist, and abruptly left the room. He had all the warmth and charm of a country mortician out of central casting. Although I am a vegetarian, I would rather eat a chicken fried steak with cream gravy than submit to another office visit with this guy. UGH! WHY BOTHER! This is not the way to treat people who come in out of fear for their troubled health. I stand by this. read more

Good thing my middle finger still works I was charged 100 dollars for twenty seconds of this man's time, and I didn't even finish!! read more

About 6 years ago, I began seeing Dr Ira Lown because of right hand and wrist pain, which awakened me at night and hindered my sleeping patterns. After taking X-Rays, he diagnosed my condition as carpel tunnel syndrome. Wanting to avoid surgery at all costs, Dr. Lown treated me with injections, which worked for while but ultimately I needed surgery. Following surgery, which was minimally invasive, there was some discomfort, which quickly passed. I continue to be appreciative of the treatment I received from Dr. Lown. read more

The doctor here is Ira Lown, who is a poor communicator, in that (A) he doesn't listen well, (B) he doesn't explain everything you need to know, often speaking in vague terms, and (C) he doesn't even review his assistants' notes before entering the room. He just barges in while the note taking is happening and asks you to repeat whatever you just told the assistant. Consultations with him are rushed. It should not be a surprise that he is forgetful as would be expected of such an inattentive person. I would highly recommend getting a second and even third opinion before letting his perform any operation. In fact, just don't let him operate on you at all. read more

Making an appointment here was easy and flexible. There was hardly any wait and the staff was exceptionally friendly and very eager to please. Dr. Lown was very professional and helpful. His "bedside manner" was a bit rigid - he wasn't overly warm or friendly - but he was knowledgeable and helpful and gave me the answers I needed. Best yet, I felt like he gave the needed information but let me make the final decision on my treatment. They were also very willing to work with me without insurance and were upfront and honest about pricing. I would go again for continued treatment of my Carpel Tunnel and trigger finger. Recommended. read more

The treatment of the hand and wrist, including consultations, diagnostics, treatment, surgery and hand therapy. Saw Dr .Ira Lown practice consisting hand surgeon, Minimally invasive procedures include Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Releases, did all my electronic medical records ,online and verbal communication with all major insurance carriers for benefits for this surgery . For many years I have suffered from Carpal Tunnel and Amen to my Husband barber who told me about him , I have never felt so good no more dull pain or like I always felt like something had run over my arm it would ached for days no longer do I have too worry about it. Thank You Dr Lown. read more

I just returned from the first visit for my son to see Dr. Lown. My son is a high school football player and he injured both hands. We referred to Dr. Lown by the emergency room physician. Austin Hand Group gladly worked us in since today is Friday and my son was in quite a bit of pain. As I was sitting in the waiting room at Austin Hand, I opened Yelp on my ipad and looked them up. After reading some of the reviews I warned my son that Dr. Lown may not be very personable. My son could care less since he just needed some relief. After a short wait and some paperwork we were escorted in to an exam room with a spectacular view of the city. Dr. Lown's nurse came in and did an initial assessment. Dr. Lown came in and my son stood up to shake his hand but realized that he couldn't because of the pain. Dr. Lown mentioned he doesn't often shake hands with his patients since, yes...he's a hand Dr. Hence one of the offended patient reviews regarding the rude, non handshake. It all made sense to me. My son offered an elbow bump instead which made Dr. Lown smile. He was all business after that and was very thorough at assessing all the problems. He proceeded to give my son immediate relief with a simple procedure all the while explaining exactly what he was doing and why. Although the procedure was painful, he offered a numbing shot which was declined by my son. We are headed back to a follow up appt. on Monday. I liked the staff, the nurse and the Dr. I appreciated the logical approach and the course of action he took. He was never rude or condescending. I respectfully disagree with some of the other posts here and also hope that my review is NOT filtered. I am a first time customer of this Dr. and when it comes to my kids, I don't mince words. I recommend Dr. Lown. read more

Typical rip off medical facility. You go in for a diagnosis, then the "fix" is way overkill if you have the insurance that will cover it. If you opt out, some confusing billing/credit takes place and you some how have a balance, though you paid almost $100 for the visit. You get a bill for another $65 ? The office manager is the worst human being to deal with. She should not work with people, period. An office visit is an office visit. Should be flat rate? But ask what it is and they can't tell you. You get an answer you would expect from a politician, just on and on and no direct answer. Then finally a condescending, "If you can't afford it and have trouble admitting it, we can take care of the balance for you." What a bunch of crap. No one should be treated this way ! Health care needs to change ! Sick of it... (No pun intended) DON"T GO TO AUSTIN HAND GROUP ! read more

I saw Dr. Lown last year for wrist pain associated with computer use. I agree with the commenters that he wasn't overly warm or friendly, but he answered my questions, helped me understand some possible options and referred me to Lisa Howard. Lisa is very friendly and knowledgeable. She suggested some strategies for managing my wrist tendonitis with stretching, ice and rest. I have nothing but good things to say. read more

My boyfriend broke his hand and the surgeon we were going to was going out of town on vacation and he needed his surgery that upcoming week. So we were referred to Dr. Lown... At the office his assistant who mainly took care of my boyfriend and did X-rays was very nice, friendly, and informative. A lot of these reviews state he is detached and seemed like he didn't care. Dr. Low came off more like a surgeon to us, and that's what we were looking for. He told the the facts and asked if we had any questions. Later that day (a Friday) we had someone call and schedule surgery. We were looking for a time sooner than that Thursday so they for him in to a spot on Tuesday morning. The surgery went well and Dr. Lown visited with me and my boyfriends mom after he was done. He showed us step by step X-rays and told us what he did and how it went. Overall Dr. Lown did what we needed him to do and seemed like he knew what was best. My boyfriend goes to get his pins out this Friday, and he has been healing wonderfully! Four stars for Lown...& one more because his wonderful assistant! read more

I recently cut my ring finger extremly bad when trying take the pit out of avocado with a very sharp knife. The nerves in my finger were severed because of this. I went to see Dr. Ira Lown at Austin Hand Group to see if there would be any way he could repair my finger, because I knew there was bad damage. From the moment I met him, Dr. Lown was extremely calmng and very professional. I decided to have the surgery a few days later and he was able to repair the nerves in my finger. I had 6 weeks of therapy and care. Dr. Lown handled changing the dressing himself each time I went in. He was so kind, attentive and gentle, I really appreciated him and the entire experience. I am not one to not normally write a review, but I was so impressed with Dr Lown & his staff, I had to share my experience. Glenda S. read more

Dr. Ira Lown is a total clown who ruined my hand for life. I had a broken metacarpal and asked for the titanium plate. He said he recommended the pins vs. plate, so I went with pins. He did sloppy work, did not put the bones together properly, and it all fell apart a few weeks later, not to mention the tendons fused to the skin on the back of my hand so I can't move my fingers properly. I had to have him redo it with the plate, a second time, against his wishes, which I had to pay for out of pocket AGAIN, although he did the surgery part free of charge because I raised my voice in his office (I still had to pay aneasthesia, plate and hospital costs). He acts like he cares, but really doesn't. His second surgery again was a sloppy mess, the bones not aligned properly, and the tendons stuck in three fingers now. I loose sensation when I grip things and my hand goes fuzzy like it is not getting proper circulation. I chose Austin hand group partially because of the name, good ratings, and decent pricing. I expected his office to have lots of high-tech equipment like Iron-Man's laboratory, but it is just a bunch of clerical stations for processing insurance claims with only an x-ray machine and a rehab girl. Surgeries are outsourced to South Austin Surgery Center, where Ira shows up late, is in a hurry and has no formal modern equipment at all. Don't go here unless you are an old lady with carpal tunnel syndrome that wants to give him all your insurance money. I paid over $9000 for a $4,500 surgery and came out of this regretting my decision. read more

I made an appointment for 3:00 for my wrist, thinking I was getting carpel tunnel. I was not brought back till 4:15 then put in a room where I waited till 4:50, then was moved to a different room and waited till 5:20. Finally the Dr came in. No introduction, no smile, no questions about my wrist. He moved my wrist around for a minute and said I didn't have CT and suggests I make an appointment with his physical therapist. After two minutes with me he was gone and I was shoved out to the front desk. Wont be going there again. read more

I was referred to Dr Lown for a fractured finger. First, I will say that I was very pleased with the office staff. They initiated contact with me to inform that they didn't accept my insurance (no surprise to all of us in the TX insurance marketplace, sigh). He did provide cost for out of pocket expense which I felt it worth the visit to get more information. His treatment manner is detached, almost stoic. His first assessment is that my finger would have a permanent dip, or divot. He then set finger in a splint for 2 weeks. Upon return he recommended surgery right away and discussed the consequences of losing mobility and again, the forever dip in my finger. I opted for a second opinion and thankfully, saved myself from further damage and unnecessary cost. The splint position he had set my in had caused my joint to become stuck while ligaments and tendons had to be forced down and the entire hand reset. First comment from my second ortho was "no way should you have surgery". The bone fracture healed in a matter of weeks and the joint and ligaments are gaining better mobility. Surgery would undoubtedly have further complicated my situation. A simple fracture should be able to heal itself with proper immobilization, and it did. The rest of my hand was not considered in his assessment and would have lead to multiple surgeries. Very grateful I went for a second opinion! Reviews online from other patients also guided my decision to do so. read more

I went to see Dr. Lown for a broken finger. His office was able to get me in and they quickly performed surgery. I found Dr. Lown to be both confident and capable, but I would give my outcome a C. My finger now is permanently rotated several degrees off, and my hand no longer functions as before. I do believe that the surgery could have offered a full recovery and that he is a capable surgeon. After surgery, it was quickly apparent that there would be some issues with the outcome. His attitude was detached, apathetic, and pulling any explanation from him was difficult. The saving grace in this situation was Lisa Howard, their occupational therapist. She was sympathetic, understanding, and never gave up. I'm confident that Lisa tried everything possible and then some. read more

I went in with a broken hand. I specifically wanted an analysis of whether or not I needed surgery for a proper healing. He basically wouldn't give me a straight answer and provided very little information or insight on how I would make this decision. I pressed and he explained well surgery also had risks. I instead chose to try and get the bones in place and heal in a cast with no surgery. I picked wrong and now my hand is weak and painful all the time. I thought the charges billed to me were excessive. My insurance would only cover a fraction of what was actually billed. read more

I have had a good experience here. I was recommended to Dr. Lown by a chiropractor who was unable to correct a wrist condition I've been dealing with. Within a days notice (got an appointment within one day of request),Dr Lown was able to diagnose my wrist condition in 10 minutes. The diagnosis was wrist intersection syndrome, and his easy treatment prescription has thus far worked tremendously over the last two weeks. I can plank, lift weights, etc...in other words, I'm doing the activities I was unable to do bc of the injury. I've only spent maybe an hour and half total in their office over two appointments to fix this. They are an efficient group which is appreciated. Also, the pricing is favorable. I didn't give them 5 stars bc I'm still in the process of healing (although 90% there). I will likely revise upwards to 5 stars once I'm completely healed. read more

The Doctor is okay its the Office manager who is horrible, At my last visit she rudely said u owe me $700.00 I said wow knew nothing about this , she then became very Curt and unprofessional saying oh so your not going to pay the doctor? Nasty Rude woman I sure her name is Sondra, After some strong words I say send me the bill and walked out, well i never got a bill until about 5-6 months later with a note saying pay this now or go to collections! I have never been shown such disrespect and abysmal customer service then this woman showed me. She should not be in the public sector at all. I'll be filling a formal complaint about her. read more

For basic wrist sprains that don't require much treatment, and for people who also don't care about a doctor having good bedside manner, Dr Lown is mostly sufficient. I had a much more complicated injury that Dr. Lown made worse with multiple surgeries. I wound up having a very complex, lenghty hand surgery (with a different surgeon) that required a plate and screws and lots of tendon repair to fix what happened under Dr. Lown's treatment. One more surgery left to go (five total, three with Dr. Lown). I actually have had great experience with his office staff, but not the occupational therapist he has there. Much left to be desired in a doctor... Check out his record with the medical board. read more

Made an appt. to see Dr. Lown for wrist tendonitis. He was very friendly and knowledgeable as was his medical assistant. I called back after my initial appt. and spoke to one of the staff there for the first time named Saundra. Unfortunately this was the person I had to speak to for all issues during my 3 visits. Saundra had a very hostile personality and a 'take or leave it' attitude when I requested a medication be changed do to a drug interaction. After my 3rd visit I felt uncomfortable calling or returning for any other visits because of her poor customer service. Would have given 4 stars if it weren't for her because he really is a great doctor. read more

I've never written a review on someone before, but I feel compelled to on Dr. Lown! He is honestly the best doctor and surgeon I have ever seen! The day after my hand surgery, I didn't have any bleeding, swelling or bruising. I think that alone shows how gifted Dr Lown is! I highly recommend him to anyone who is having trouble with their hand! read more

I woke up one day with a numb hand, trigger finger and a lot of swelling. I was in so much pain that it was impacting every facet of my life. My General Practitioner referred me to Dr. Lown. Thank goodness I was able to get in immediately. Dr. Lown took the time to educate me on what was wrong with my hand, how it developed and what my options were. After Dr. Lown's treatment and then a couple of months of OT with Lisa Howard, I am able to resume my normal activities. Lisa Howard is great. She will take the time to explain what's happening to you, how your environment, age, diet, etc... can contribute to your condition. She'll explain what the exercises are meant to do and how to avoid setbacks. Now, all the pain is gone!!! Thank goodness. I highly recommend Austin Hand Group. Everybody in the office is very committed to providing exemplary services. read more

Easy to schedule an appointment, wonderful experience Clearly the 2 bad review do not know what they are talking about read more

I broke a bone in my hand while on holiday in another country. I had it casted knowing that when I returned home to Wimberley,TX that I would have my family doctor see to the injury. X-rays showed that I would require a specialist to see to the hand. My doctor told me about Dr. Lown and Austin Hand Group. My first visit to the office to see Dr. Lown couldn't have gone any smoother. Sondra in scheduling made sure I knew what to expect when I arrived at the office, Suzie, the nurse, couldn't have been more gentle with removing my cast and taking X-rays! I was so scared about losing the ability to use my hand and what the appearance would be after surgery. When Dr. Lown came in to see me, he was very kind and ensured me that they could take care the hand. Dr. Lown took the time to sit and show me the X-rays and explained in detail what needed to be done. Before surgery Dr. Lown again made sure that I understood the procedure that was going to take place and made sure that my family members knew what to expect after surgery and made sure of the "after care" instructions were clear. Every follow up visit was smooth and I could go anytime I needed to be re casted. My hand is mended and I will need physical therapy. Austin Hand Group even found a physical therapist in Wimberley for me. I highly recommend Dr. Lown and the fine staff at Austin Hand Group if you or a loved one ever need hand surgery. L.Stearns read more

I found Dr. Lown to be "a man of few words". He is very professional and I felt confident of his ability to take care of me and put me in the best place possible physically. His office staff was more than courteous, organized and professional! Never once did I find any of them to be rude. I also had physical therapy once a week for eight weeks. Lisa Howard was such a delight to work with and I had great improvement in my recovery. I will definitely recommend Dr. Lown and won't have any reservation if I need his expertise in the future! read more

I had nothing but good experiences at Dr Lown's office. The doctor and staff were very professional and efficient. My condition was diagnosed and treated successfully. The physical therapist, Lisa Howard, is the best. She knows her stuff and is genuinely interested in your progress. She'll make you sure you do the work you need to. And besides that, she is a very funny and warm and entertaining person. I will miss her. (I would almost hurt my hand again on purpose just to go back to her...that's how good she is.) read more

I consider Nic R's review of 05/11/2010 a bit misleading. Below is the entry from the tmb website ADVERTISING VIOLATIONS LOWN, IRA GENE, M.D., AUSTIN, TX, Lic. #M4308 On February 16, 2007, the Board and Dr. Lown entered into an Administrative Agreed Order assessing an administrative penalty of $500. The action was based on allegations that Dr. Lown used the term "board certified" in advertisements in a manner that created a false and confusing impression to the public that he was board certified in orthopedic medicine when he was instead board certified only in surgery. While my impression of Dr. Lown's "bedside manner" during our initial visit was that he was "all business", subsequent visits have demonstrated that he is a caring competent physician genuinely interested in his patient's well being. read more

I had been dealing with DeQuervains for two years and had been treated by another Ortho, including tendon release surgery this past June. I was still having pain and problems and the other Dr just told me it was arthritis. I wanted a second opinion. Dr Lown had x-rays taken and advised there was no sign of arthritis and explained that the tendon release may have been incomplete but wanted me to have physical therapy before discussing further surgery. PT Lisa Howard is wonderful! She gave me stretches and exercises to strengthen my wrist and hand. Worked wonders. I am not looking at further surgery, my pain is almost completely gone and I am using my hand normally again. I am glad I got a second opinion. The staff here has been the nicest I have dealt with. read more

I highly recommend this practice and especially Lisa L. Howard, OTR. I am seven months pregnant and suffering from a horrible case of carpal tunnel and Lisa was a miracle worker. She went above and beyond to relieve my pain. I only wish I had found her early on. read more

I went to this place last year on referral from another physician, for chronic wrist pain that I suspected was related to computer use. It was one of the worst experiences I've ever had with a doctor. When Dr. Lown came into the exam room, there was no introduction, no handshake, no "nice to meet you" -- just walked in the room without even glancing up from the paperwork, saying "So Dr. X referred you, what's the problem." (Personally I like when a new doctor shakes your hand and introduces himself.) After doing the exam and an x-ray he pretty much said, "I don't know what's wrong with you, I guess come back if it starts to hurt more" -- not very helpful. He summed up by saying he thought it probably had to do with computer use (which was the first thing that I had told him when I came in, so that wasn't exactly news) and told me to take computer breaks every 20 minutes. I said, "Taking breaks every 20 minutes is going to be hard, my whole job is on the computer, so that's my entire day." Then he shrugged & replied (this is a direct quote): "Then don't. It's a free country." I would never go back, or refer anyone to, a doctor who is so cold and who treats patients so rudely (and doesn't even address the medical problem). read more

Can say nothing but good things about Dr Lown and his practice. I have had only great interactions with him and his staff and seen great outcomes. He is compassionate and knowledgable, making a scary thing such as surgery a cinch. read more

Dr. Lown and his staff were fantastic. They worked me in right away, wait time not long, he diagnosed the problem quickly, gave me options, and did not charge me for unnessessary imaging. Getting results is the most important concern when you are in pain. Thank you for doing a great job with my wrist! read more

The Dr. came in to see me, after 45 minutes past my appointment, never made eye contact with me nor asked me how I was or felt, looked at my finger, told me what i knew from doing research online, shoved a $45 splint on my finger but told me to have a $100 custom one made, and walked out. He might be a good surgeon, but nothing more than that. read more

As I discovered a few years ago that I am prone to trigger fingers, I've dealt with Dr. Lown and everybody at the office a number of times, had steroid injections, physical therapy, day surgery, and for the most recent one, an in-office tendon release. Dr. Lown offers the conservative approach first and guides you through your options. My hands work great because of the wonderful care I've received at Austin Hand Group, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. I'm even willing to drive MoPac under construction to get there!! read more

I have nothing but great things to say about the staff at Austin Hand Group. This is my second time having to see Dr Lown. Different injury. Dr Lown was very thorough with my broken hand and provided clear and concise answers to all my questions. Although he might not have the best bedside manner, he is a good doctor who truly cares about his patients. read more

I saw Lisa again last week. My hand is almost 100% now. She's magical! Thank you so much Lisa. I should be able to play guitar again soon. I didn't think that would ever happen! And my job requires the use of my hand too. My productivity is back up, thanks to you! read more

endless loop of therapy, therapy and more therapy. fingers are still painful, not functioning correctly. The office manager/business manager has the disposition of a rabid possum and if you confront her, she calls you abusive! Beware! read more