About 13 years ago, I started having pain, instability, and even locking of my knees during and…read moreafter playing golf, hiking, running stair climbing exercises, and aerobics classes. At the time, I rarely saw my PCP more than once a year, but I gave in to making an appointment to get a referral with an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Jay Marumoto. After having X-rays and an MRI of my knees, it was determined that I had developed meniscus tears and was a candidate for bilateral arthroscopic meniscus repair. Before the surgery, Dr. Marumoto said he expected me to recover and return to my daily activities quickly because of my fitness level and age. So, I had meniscus repairs done on both knees at the same time while I was actively in the workforce and recovered quickly within several months. However, he also warned me that I'd probably have to return in about 15 years as he could see the beginnings of osteoarthritis and knee replacement could be in my future. Well, I returned within 15 years to Dr. Marumoto, who honestly told me that deciding when to have surgery is up to me. He didn't pressure me into having surgery, and luckily, my pain level is still very low, manageable through exercise, and I've been keeping up my fitness level for faster recovery. I can see myself having the more invasive knee replacement surgeries soon but have several upcoming trips planned up through mid-2025, so I chose to delay surgery and go through a series of physical therapy for further knee functional strengthening or "prehab" at JACO Rehab. I like Dr. Marumoto's candid approach and attention to detail. He identified the health issue(s) and explained effective treatments. He also described expected results and recovery but pointed out the possible risks, as with any surgery. Now, I wish I had followed my parents' advice about swimming for health benefits instead of focusing on land-based activities, which have exacerbated my knee joints' osteoarthritis.

As the saying goes "trust the process" and I for sure am trusting this process that I'm going…read morethrough at the moment. I wanted to make sure I had the right Dr and nursing staff that is gonna be helping me through my surgery process before, during and after. I did my research and asked a lot of people who's a good orthopedic surgeon. Everyone and I mean everyone told me bout Dr Marumoto. No joke this guy did a lot of my friends surgeries along with my friends parents surgeries and even my coworkers. I was already wowed with everyone's answer. During my first visit he told me straight up by just looking at my MRI that if I don't fix this shoulder problem by doing surgery that it'll only get worse. He also said it's a free country and I don't need to get this surgery too. He may seem a bit forward and intimidating but he's straight to the point and I like how he didn't sugar coat anything. During my surgery appointment there was an incident that happened that they had to cancel my surgery appointment. I was like oh no I gotta wait another 2 weeks but the staff was nice to reschedule it the next day after they fixed the problem. One day wait no problem for me. The Dr and his staff had no control over the problem at the hospital for cancelling my surgery appt anyway. I would wait however long as long the surgery was to be successful. During my surgery process all the nurses and staff explained everything and answered all my questions professionally. Now the after surgery process. Rhealyn has been my best friend during the after surgery process. She been answering everything everytime I would call or leave a message. I would call everyday the first week and every other day the second week. Sorry Rhealyn I know I can be a handful lol. So I'm gonna end this review where if you need an orthopedic surgeon I advise you to do your research or ask around I'm sure someone's gonna mention Dr Marumoto. He's been in this for 30+ years and his nursing staff is top notch too. Y'all will thank me later.

If you're living with hip pain and wondering whether surgery is worth it, I can honestly say I wish…read moreI had done it sooner. Dr. Paul Morton performed my anterior hip replacement, and the entire experience exceeded my expectations. From the very beginning, he and his team were professional, reassuring, and incredibly skilled. My recovery has been remarkable. I went home the same day, was off my walker within a day and a half, off my cane after just five days, and was walking up and down stairs normally with both legs only 10 days after surgery--the first time I'd been able to do that in seven months. I know everyone's recovery is different, but my experience speaks volumes about the quality of Dr. Morton's work. The pain that had been limiting my life is gone, and I finally feel like I'm getting my life back. Looking back, my only regret is waiting so long to have the surgery. If you're dealing with ongoing hip pain, I highly recommend meeting with Dr. Morton. He gave me my mobility--and my quality of life--back, and I couldn't be more grateful.

Dr Paul Martin is an amazing doctor. His knowledge and skill in robotic hip and knee replacement…read moresurgery has given me back my life. I will forever be grateful!

Extremely frustrating and completely avoidable…read more I am extremely disappointed with this office. I scheduled my spine specialist appointment three months ago and waited all this time for Monday, September 14. The office had three full months to tell me that I needed an X-ray before my appointment, but they waited until TWO DAYS before the appointment to contact me. Then, when I tried to schedule the X-ray, I discovered that they had sent the WRONG referral. I had clearly explained that my entire back was hurting, but the referral was only for my lower back. I spent an entire day going back and forth between the imaging center and the doctor's office trying to get their mistake corrected. The correct referral was finally sent Friday morning, but by then I couldn't get the X-ray before my Monday appointment. I was then told I couldn't attend my specialist appointment without the X-ray, so my appointment was canceled. I asked to reschedule for the following Monday, September 21, after getting the X-ray, but they said there was no availability and that I would have to wait until October. So because they waited three months to tell me about the X-ray and then sent the wrong referral, I lost an appointment I had already waited three months for and now have to wait more than another month and a half. This was completely avoidable. I am extremely frustrated and disappointed with the lack of communication and organization. Patients should not have to suffer delays because of mistakes and last-minute communication from the doctor's office. 1 star. Very disappointing experience.

First off, this was my 1st ever surgery. From the very start, including a postponement last year…read moreJune 2024, due to an unforseen "anamoly" with my heart that I didn't even know I had. Dr. Roh and his team of SUPER AMAZING PROFESSIONALS took EXCELLENT CARE of me and have my utmost HONOR and RESPECT with regards to all aspects of my treatment!!! -- On January 9, 2001, I had sustained a low lumbar injury following an outpatient medical procedure (spinal tap) to "rule-out" Meningitis. Something went array, blacked out, woke up in ER. Long-story-short, I been living with a low lumbar injury for close to 25 YEARS and the inevitable outcome from wear-n-tear, age, etc., started to show it's "ugly head" around beginning of October 2023 while I was working in Kauai (memorable experience). Pain, gradually started getting worse every week, down my right buttocks, thigh, whole right leg was swollen down to toes to the point I was unable to stand, walk, or let alone drive. Driving was my job! I had a Class B CDL since April 2012. I was even an Operations Trainer for an AWESOME "Employee Owned" Tourism and Transportation Company. I LOVED training Employee's to help them acquire their Class B CDL'S. 12 Wonderful and Rewarding years with Robert's Hawai'i. Sadly, my last day of work was January 18, 2024 -- Before get off track (these pain meds are gooood LOL) - My procedure was done 2 days ago; December 11, 2025 @ 0600 hrs, an RT L5-S1 TLIF. I want to give a "shout-out" to Dr. Jeffrey Roh for thoroughly explaining everything to me pre/post-op stuffs. I think he was talking to me while I was recovering from anesthesia and I was getting kinda emotional. Mahalo nui loa again for taking AWESOME CARE of me!!! I would also like to express my sincere gratitude for Dr. Roh' team. I think I remember majority everyone's name (maybe). Here goes: Robert, for letting my wonderful wife (yeah, she is) and I in a little early through a side door and for making us laugh at such a nervous and anxious moment. Serena or Sara (front desk) for check me in early and being really sweet. Rachel, IV Nurse for sticking my hand. It didn't hurt at all. Gentle as can be! Ched, for making me laugh, feel really at ease, and bringing me over to the Operating Room. Ashley, for explaining the anesthesia process and what you were going to do with the tube you were inserting in my throat to help me breath and keep constant watch of me during surgery. You were so gentle inserting tube in my throat I didn't feel anything afterwards. No pain or any discomfort. Martin, for being Dr. Roh' right-hand man and you're the Spinal Nerve Specialist and would place sensors all over my head and body to detect anomalies during procedure, something like that. Maiyu, for taking care of me post-op and offering me some Water, Apple juice, and Sprite, even though I could've sworn you said "Rice" and my wife kept saying, "Not Rice, she said Sprite" and you were both laughing. But it wasn't registering in my brain maybe due to anesthesia and I kept thinking "Rice" but I was hungry too lol Also for Maiyu assisting my wonderful wife and I all the way to the car and helping me get in. Above and Beyond = AWESOME. Mahalo Maiyu!!! Also, the one Nurse who made everything so funny before leaving the clinic. I was literally laughing on the "inside"- Luckily, I don't remember your name. But, you were looking for your phone in my recovery room and all over the place. Including your own bag like 2 or 3 times. And I could see you getting flustered. It seemed like an eternity because you just wanted to go home. Then, you slowed down looked in your bag and it was at the "bottom" -- Yes, idk why, Mahalo for making me laugh!!! That Anesthesia was gooood :) OH, and Mahalo to Maddie for calling me yesterday, to check and see how I'm doing. She said she didn't meet me the day of my surgery because she was off. She also recommended I call to make telehealth appointment with Cheryl for follow-up with Sara. I can't believe I remember most of your names. I'll re-read and check my post later. Hopefully I not way out there. These pain meds are PERFECT!!! -- Shout-out also to the AWESOME folks at the VA CCN (Veterans Affairs Care in the Community Network) "Kevin, Dawn, and Vanessa" for making this all possible!!!!!

Going off on the left foot…read more.. Yup left as it's been through a lot these past several years and just not really knowing what to do my first visit with Dr. Kikuchi was for a mid foot arthritis that developed after I broke my ankle amongst many other issues as well and was given medication for that as I was doing another procedure and had plan to return once give the all clear. After much some time it somehow had cleared up on it's own which was a huge relief but had some how twisted my ankle again and the pain erupted. With lots of physical therapy I've gotten much of the pain reduced but somehow it just wasn't the same not that I expected it to be like how it was got another referral to Dr. Kikuchi by a different team and got another visit to see what my options would be and thankfully no surgery was needed but explained thoroughly with the X-ray taken what my situation is currently after agreeing and got the best treatment and it feels so much better. He is located amongst various other physicians at Queen's Orthopedic Associates in Hale Paawa. Thank you!

Anyways, - 2nd update - I believe another person might have a better outcome than I did on my…read moresecond foot surgery on my right foot. He is very knowledgeable. It's worth asking his opinion for sure especially if you have a neuromuscular condition like CMT and have super high arches. He might be one of the few doctors on the island who can help with that. My right foot surgery did not come out well and I was pretty disappointed. I actually had a podiatrist fix it and release some tenants. It helped a lot, but neuromuscular diseases can be tough to treat!

Aloha! A family…read moremember in their late-70s went in for a right hip arthroplasty. Patient chose Cass Nakasone out of a pool of available surgeons. When going to the hospital to start the process, I noticed the communications between departments is disorganized. That was a giant red flag. The patient history and ailments were *clearly* communicated to staff multiple times. Despite repeated awareness of spine, tailbone, and other issues, the tailbone area had severe swelling causing significant pain during recovery likely due to the fact it was not supported in the procedure. Patient had to be admitted back into the hospital for pain mgmt under extreme pain. Nakasone did not even meet the patient until just before the procedure in hospital prep. This was concerning - another red flag (too busy). He also never visited the patient in the same facility after the procedure for a personal follow-up though he was on the same floor. To be fair, looking at imaging and results post-op, the work done by Cass for the procedure was good in itself. Specifically in Nakasone's office, some clinicians in the office were very attentive, others not so much. Unfortunately, the ones in charge of post-op care were not the attentive ones. Post-op, the phone number given for emergencies, etc was not working and no response from staff nurses. We were told to use the Straub portal to message the office, but we could not initiate messages. Again, communication issues. My family member would not have made it though the ordeal if I was not being a strong patient advocate 24/7 for weeks at their bedside. Thus, in final, if you are a patient with special needs/requirements I would not recommend. This office moves way too fast and does not have the proper communications system in place to help ensure a positive outcome.

Knee replacement, quality care,great orthopedic support, knowledgeable staff, definitely worth it.read more

My husband threw out his back 8 years ago, and Dr. Lin was able to help him through the healing…read moreprocess. More recently, my husband threw out his back again. I was able to join on his visit with Dr. Lin. The visit was very thorough. Dr. Lin addressed all facets of care and wanted to make sure we were clear on what was going on and how to prevent it, especially in this life stage. My husband was able through go through several PT visits, which have helped greatly. Dr. Lin is a caring person, smart and committed to his patients. His staff members Christina and Abigail are on top of it and make you feel welcomed. I highly recommend Dr. Lin's office to anyone who has struggled with back issues.

Really grateful to have been seen by Dr. LIN. He was patient and listening to all my concerns. He…read moreis very realistic about the expectations and is not upselling you anything. I thought that was real awesome. I spent like an hour with him and didn't think he would spend that much time with me which I really appreciate. He is worth a visit!

Dr Kaminskas gave me a lot of opiods and told to go home and get used to it. I kept asking for an…read moreMRI so that I coul pursue surgery in the mainland. Apparently saying this is a kiss of death with doctors as they will think you have unhealthy thoughts as to doing it locally. It was Ego issues towards me not wanting local surgery. What ever it was, he did not take heed to my lack of bowel movements. He kept saying that I would eventually go and not to worry about it. Same answer all the time until I was, by his records, over three weeks due for a bowel movement. I was still trusting him at this point. He then said he would make sure I was taken care of by Castle Medical ER department. I was turned away from my first visit to the ER and his office said they need to schedule my surgery to save my life now. I waited at home for another 5 days calling his office every morning and afternoon wondering when I would be saved from a blocked Colon. That Friday they told me that the girl scheduling me went home and I would have to call back in three days on Monday. It was at this time that I called a friend to take me to Queens ER. I was septic checking in, as per the nurses observations. I lost so much muscle, 42 pounds as well as coordination and abilities. Completely rotting in the ICU for over two weeks while they performed five surgeries to save my life. I lost my colon. I now have a bag on my hip for life which really sucks! An obvious Malpractice. I took my case to the Medial Inquiry Conciliation Panel. This is a panel that protects doctors from frivolous cases. In all of the Attorneys quotes about them is that,'' they never rule in your favor even if it is blatant.'' The panel looked at my records and the medical expert witness said that, "Dr. Kaminskas was guilty on one piece of paper. It shows that he tested you with a constipation touch test against your stomach every time you visited. It also shows him prescribing you Opiods. If it was constipation that caused this, then he is guilty on this one paper only." A very easy case to solve. I reviewed over 500 attorneys even contacting some on the mainland. I could not get the money or the attorney so I handled my case all the way to 30 days before trial. I could not afford all the fees I was getting from the Doctors Insurance Defense attorneys whom lived up to their reputation of stopping legit cases with as much paper work and BS they can throw in the way. I will say that Dr. Kaminskas was sued every year during the time that I was chasing after my law suit to settle with him legally. I do think he is a great neurosurgeon but his office apparently can not handle his patients. I think this is where I fell through the cracks. My emergency should have been the most important business during that week alone. He left me for dead. I am lucky I saved myself from their BS process.

Dr. Harpstrite and his staff are very straight forward on diagnosis, surgical procedure and the…read moreallotted healing recovery time, that allows your body to adjust from the trauma of your ordeal. I am exceptionally grateful for his detailed explanations on my prognosis and reassurance on taking the proper time to heal. I am making great strides toward recovery, since my surgery by following his prescribed PT Treatments at "Enchanted Lake PT" where Mark has applied hands on and directional exercises that continue to increase my strength & mobility. Looking for that return to work letter to get back in da groove! Mahalo to the outstanding support from the VA and the entire staff at Ortopedic Associates & Dr. Harpstrite for his expertise and attention to detail. I'll be seeing him again next year for a new knee to make my right side "RIGHT" AGAIN!

I went to see Dr. Scarpino and he was such a pleasant Doctor. He had a lot of information for me…read moreand gave a lot of advice of my situation. He also answered all of my questions and was very detailed and direct with instructions. As I walked in the girl at the front desk clerk (Kui) was very nice and helpful from the start till the end. Need more doctor visits experience like this all the time! It makes you feel happy and comfortable when you're going through tough times. 5+ stars for them

I went to meet Dr scarpino and it was the most pleasant Drs appointment I've ever had. He answered…read moreall my questions and was very informative. His front desk lady I forgot her name but was very welcoming and kind. 10 stars if I could .