Appalling. Disinterested, hurried, apathetic man who is clearly unhappy with his career path. Find another doctor. read more

I have had numerous orthopedic surgeries over the past 10 years and was told my an MD at Brigham and Women's in Boston that I had severe degenerative scoliosis affecting my entire spine but especially in my lower back and that surgery was not an option. Over my years of recoveries I had gained about 40+ lbs due to inactivity. physical therapy and acupuncture were somewhat helpful but limited. I also have fibromyalgia which makes PT and recovery time very slow. Of course insurance eventually limits PT visits. After a few years of doing what I could on my own and losing about 15 lbs, my pain and mobility deteriorated. I finally decided with my PCP to give it another go around with a new MD specializing in the back and spine. He might reevaluate and offer PT or maybe an injection to relieve the pain. The staff were very pleasant and caring, accommodating my physical needs without my even asking for assistance. They X-rayed my lower back. I questioned the need for my entire spine and they said that was all Dr Beiner ordered at least for the time being. In preparation for the dr they asked me to roll up my pants and set out the hammer thing to test my reflexes. Dr Beiner came in and asked me to tell him what was going on. I briefly explained my Dx of degenerative scoliosis from my MD in Boston who told me surgery was not an option in my case since it involved my entire spine., and the pain that has been getting more severe and limiting my mobility. He said he didn't know anything about fibromyalgia because they never taught it when he was in school. I also noted that I recognized weight loss and exercise would probably help somewhat . He checked the strength in my foot, then moved his chair away, leaned back with his hands behind his head and asked what I wanted him to do. I was taken aback and said I don't know that's why I came to him. I said, I don't know, physical therapy or something. He asked if I had physical therapy in the past and I said lots over the years. He said then I knew how to do it. He said I should see a pain management MD. I said I thought my meds had been managed well and he said they might be able to offer other medication or injections. I told him I thought he might be able to give me an injection and he said he didn't to that. He left the room and his assistant came in with a list of pain management MDs who were all in long distances in New Haven and Fairfield county and a prescription for PT three times a week for 3-4 weeks. I was so shocked by his behavior and expressed it to the staff member who helped me out. Once in my car, I sat for a few moments while the tears welled up and wondered what had just happened. On the drive home I thought "He just totally dismissed me, but why?". My weight, my complicated case and history ( including fibromyalgia, diabetes, depression) or my age or did he think I wanted narcotics which I do not want? I left the appointment feeling: a total waste of time and effort and money, though covered by insurance. More than that, I fell into a state of depression in pursuing other help or accepting my circumstances that might not ever change or get better. I've been fighting the depression with lots of distraction, I couldn't concentrate on reading or news or keeping up with my profession ( retired pharmacist). I talked with my husband and best friend and they were appalled. I still cannot talk or write about it without the tears. I will pursue physical therapy in a couple of weeks when I have my COVID vaccine and have a follow up with my PCP. I don't know where I will go from there. Risking another back doctor that will possibly intensify my feeling of hopelessness? I have also worked with a therapist who gave me lots of tools which I use, including meditation ( as in breathing and relaxation). Thank goodness for my wonderful PCP who will help me with next steps. read more

There is really not much to say other than the front office experience was poor enough to make me shop for another surgeon. Having severe tinnitus, hearing loss and migraines didn't factor into the way with which I was treated. Doctor Beiner may be the world's best surgeon however that doesn't make up for what is lacking in total customer experience. read more

After a few years of back pain, I contacted Connecticut Orthopedic and made an appointment with John M Beiner, MD Upon a complete examination and extensive consultation I was sure Dr. Beiner could help me and that surgery was appropriate. My operation was on April 3rd, 2018 and my recovery is progressing well. I am walking with a walker and also using a cane and I have no pain. I am extremely pleased with Dr. Beiner, his staff and the follow up rehab program he recommended for me. For anyone in pain with similar symptoms I highly recommend John M. Beiner MD, to you. read more

I am not one for writing negative reviews and I would like to preface this review by saying I do not do so lightly. After many months of careful thought and consideration however, I still feel it necessary to share my experience. In July of 2016, at 29 years old, I was diagnosed with a 5cm brain tumor. In a hurried fashion the surgeon removed that tumor in August of the same year. Much of my occiptal lobe had been crushed causing 40% vision loss in both eyes permanently. My cerebellum is permanently displaced and protruding out of my foramen magnum causing headaches, balance issues and so on. Shortly after the craniotomy I was informed that the pathology was less than ideal. The uninvited passenger I carried around most of my life was comprised of extremely aggressive cells likely to regrow if even one was left behind. In October I underwent 5 consecutive radiation treatments. On the day of the craniotomy I was placed on a large dose of dexamethasone, a heavy steroid, to help prevent the swelling of my brain. As like any surgery mine had related swelling associated with the healing process. Unfortunately, swelling is also typical of radiation to the brain and can last for up to 2 years. I was to remain on daily doses of dexamethasone which causes extraordinary water retention and excessive weight gain. When I arrived for surgery in August I weighed 145lbs at a height of 5'10 and by October of that year I weighed an incredible 220lbs. I could not recognize myself in the mirror and eventually stopped using mirrors all together as depression began getting the better of me. You are probably wondering what any of this has to do with an orthopedist. I determined after some debate that for any reader to truly understand how I felt during the following experience they must first know what brought me to it. Enter the orthopedist. My knees had begun to hurt me so badly that I was afraid something had torn. I had gone to the emergency room once when the pain in both knees became so intense I could do nothing but cry. This brought me to Dr. Beiner. From the very moment he walked through the door into the exam room I could see the judgment and contempt he felt for me on his face. He listened for a minute or two while I explained the pain and then cut me short to say "Well you need to lose the weight." His tone was judgmental but I understood why someone might feel that way not knowing what I was doing in an attempt to lose the weight. I began to explain to him that I had done careful research about proper nutrition to counteract the side effects of dexamethasone. I was eating high protein, low fat, ZERO sodium and monitoring levels of other key nutrients. I was consuming less than 700 calories a day. I had payed in full for a year at LA Fitness and 400 dollars a month for personal training sessions. I spent 3 to 4 hours per day in the gym doing a warm up and stretch, an hour to an hour and a half of weight training, at least one hour of intense cardio and a yoga cool down and stretch. I had not missed one day at the gym in months and had printouts of my nutrition tracking. Incredibly I had only SLOWED the weight gain in all that time. I had not lost one pound with all that work and so little food. I had gotten to the point of telling him about my time in the gym when I watched his face change to a look that seemed to say "Yea right..." and he cut me off. In a most condescending and biting tone he said "Its simple physics. Take in less than you put out." Looking at the disgust on his face was more than I could handle. I felt the hot tears start streaming down my face as my skin flushed with shame and embarrassment. I began to blame myself for a life situation I did not choose or cause and would not wish on anyone. The whole appointment lasted maybe 5 to 7 minutes and I left the exam room without the ability to speak another word lest I fell to pieces under the weight of his distaste for my presence and his obvious feelings of superiority. I left, drove across the street to a parking lot and sobbed until I couldn't anymore. This doctor had left me far worse off mentally than he had found me and did nothing for my physical discomfort. The tears swell as I relive this experience to relay it to you. I stopped working out due to joint pain when I stopped the steroids. I am averaging 5lbs a week in weight loss simply from stopping the medication. I just thought someone should know how insignificant my feelings seemed, how low he deemed my intellect and how he "silently" shamed me without knowing me at all. read more

Dr. Beiner listened carefully to my health issues. He immediately suggested some potential causes and then surprised me by asking questions concerning conditions I thought were unrelated. He explained how they are. To make an accurate diagnosis and to improve my comfort, he prescribed an MRI and physical therapy, which are logical next steps. He is very knowledgable and focused; he listens carefully and responds directly without a long confusing explanation. His support staff are excellent. They are courteous and on point with everything. Wait time was minimal, just a few minutes. I felt very comfortable concerning Dr. Beiner and his practice and will pursue further to learn more about my health condition. read more

Appreciated the time Dr. Beiner took to assess my situation. Would recommend him!