Dr. Scott MacDonald is a great surgeon. I was very cripple and could barely walk and he rebuilt my back. My life is much improved.

SCHEDULE TO HAVE MRI I RECEIVED UPDATES THAT WERE CONFUSING. I called I had missed my appointment had to reschedule. AI not helpful. The pain in my shoulder isn't improving. Thinking about going somewhere else. read more

I had major back surgery in 2014 and in 2016 I moved to the Johnson City area. Because University of TN is so far A Dr. Richard Duncan was recommended to me due to issues of pain for the past 3 years. I had an appointment with Dr. Duncan on April 17, 2026 and as requested took my current MRI. I explained that I cannot walk more that 20 feet and I can't stand more than 10 minutes. I felt that I was finally going to get help. To my surprise, Dr. Duncan said that there is nothing he can do for me. Surgery or injection won't help. He then just got up to leave and I was stunned. I felt as though someone had just nailed my coffin shut, very matter of fact. I could hardly contain my self. I started to cry. I am 72 years old and is this pain going to never go away and is this what my life is going to be. I finally got home and all I have done is cry. Dr. Duncan was so blunt and spoke to, a patient me as though he had never heard the words, "Do no harm". He did irreparable harm to me. I have never been so hurt and scared. Scared that I will always be in pain and no one will help me. I questioned myself. Was it my age? Was it that I have Medicare and a private insurance company? Was it that he didn't do the original surgery and he did not want to deal with me? Or was it that he only dealt with a certain type of patient? I don't know but this broke my heart for me but how many others has he dismissed like he did me. I will pray for him because he took an oath to help the sick and as I said, do no harm. Maybe this is a place that he need to step back from when he is so non caring. As I said, this has really left me as a senior asking myself, is this what we are worth to not only Dr.'s but people in general. God bless him and I hope that he remembers this if he reads it. I will remember him all of my life When I can no longer walk, can no longer stand and can no longer sleep because of the pain. I will remember every time the pain hits me. Yes I will remember him. The Good Lord will take care of me and my trust is in him now. Thank you Dr. Duncan for making me see. read more

We came here for my wife's shattered shoulder/humorous. They took really good care of her while providing nine screws and a titanium plate. They were super friendly too and the doc actually came out and talked to me after the procedure which was nice! read more

We have been patients at Watauga ortho for quite some time. Our "regular " doctor retired and today we met our new physician. Our nerves and any apprehensions were allayed after meeting with Dr Caleb Kennon. Dr Kennon took all the time we needed to answer questions discuss treatment plans and all courses of care. He is patient, professional, personable and quite reassuring. Dr. Kennon is a great addition to the team at Watauga ortho and we are quite fortunate to be establishing a relationship with him. Thank you Dr Kennon and welcome read more

I sought a second opinion about my herniated disk after getting the runaround with Ballad Health. wow! Amazing place, very responsive and caring staff. I felt they cared about my pain and lack of quality of life. I highly recommend them without reservation. Thank you! read more

I went into the walk in clinic for shoulder pain. I saw NP Seagroves, she is an asset to the practice. Her diagnostic skills are awesome and her bedside manners are exemplary. I slept like a baby last night, pain free for the first time in 2 weeks. Many thanks for the Great care!!!!!!! Eva read more

I had an operation from the knee doctor in 2018 and in 2019, 3 months later I fell on the knee again and retore the meniscus in my knee and the doctor said there was nothing wrong with it because I'm thinking he was afraid I was going to say he didn't do the operation right. But I still hurt to this day and because of him saying that there was nothing wrong with my knee the second time it has end up costing me. Also, the back doctor I saw was no better. They're just out for the money. Wanting to give expensive shots that don't work! I wouldn't go back to them if they paid me! read more

I was told I would meet w/a dr - I met with a STUDENT!! I was told the total reason (full body) would be addressed - not just one little area... They REFUSED to discuss the issue. Not even the pa took my info - oh, and the STUDENT gave her 'diagnosis'!! - said my RHEUM. ARTHRITIS in wrist was a strained muscle (even though the joints were very swollen, both wrists the same, left ankle - the same, hip - the same (boy, the strained wrist muscle sure extends through a lot of my body, doesn't it?!). Then the pa came in - barged, actually. He 'HONEY'ed' me with such a demeaning and condescending tone and implication - "honey, if I had to talk to you about all of your pain I wouldn't see any other of the patients out there, now would I?" -- I could give a dang about your schedule - this ONLY MEANT THAT I & MY EXTREME PAIN THAT KEEPS ME FROM HOLDING THINGS, FROM WALKING, ...WAS NOT WORTH HIS TIME OR CONSIDERATION & THAT I WAS LESS IMPORTANT TO HIM THAN ANYTHING ELSE HE HAD TO DO. This guy was w/me for about 5 min. total. I was there for near two hours. He knew I was not happy with him and his attempts at INTIMIDATION SO -- when he shot steroid into my right wrist I didn't flinch (have had this done many times) but when he shot steroid into left wrist - he actually turned the needle - while still in wrist for medicine to inject instead of taking the needle out and placing it where he wanted rx to go - never had a shot done in this manner - he came close to my grabbing his arm and jerking him away from me. pa is a jerk, rude, with an 'I'm greater than God' demeanor. I reviewed business and pa on their website in response to their review request, it asked if I wanted a call from Watauga Ortho about the ALL AROUND HORRIBLE situation and the way I was treated. Of course, I said 'YES"... they all must have died as I haven't heard a word. Pretty typical for the area I live... absolutely disgusting. Yes, and regarding appointment reminders - they sent me 13 of them - they kept sending even after I cancelled the next upcoming appointment, they kept sending up to an hour prior the scheduled appointment. I called, she said it is a glitch -- same glitch occurred for 1st appoointment. STAY AWAY!! read more

Im still in so much pain but if there is anyone out there that try to help themselves be very away of the scrutiny you will have to deal with. I had surgery on my knee to replace the acl. I was upfront about the fact that I went to a suboxone Dr. The Dr's are why I became dependent to begin with. Anyways, my suboxone Dr faxed paperwork and the orthopedic was supposed to work with them to help me. The Dr that said I needed surgery but did not perform it was the one that saw me for my follow up. I'm black and blue all over and he even said " you can see how much you've been bleeding". I hurt still hirt and he said he would give me something else for pain. I told him I hoped I didn't need much and he said " yeah ill give ya some". Well he knew nothing about me and could not even have even looked at my chart because I received a message from the pharmacy saying I had an issue with my meds so I called the Dr and the girl said " Well, he didn't realize you was prescribed suboxone so he canceled that prescription for tramadol". I have probably 15 bottles of that in my medicine cabinet cause it always just gave me headache and it used to not be a narcotic. That didn't bother me but the fact that he knew nothing about me and didn't have the balls to call and tell me bothers me very much! He also whispered to me that he would rather I did my physical therapy there since I have a choice but no way in crap will I do that! The dr that did my surgery was awesome tho...his name was Hurst but Cook is horrible!! Situations like this is probably a big reason people relapse. read more

I went to the walk in clinic yesterday. I waited and talked to real kind nurse who took my info..I waited....no problem.... Then in comes an immature girl who wanted to know my problem. I explained I had taken fall....I am 68 and feeble...I had fallen on my butt and partial left side. No arms were broken coz she lifted arm up and down... now to my spine explained to me nothing could be done. No explanation..She was not a PA to my knowledge... Got home...message on IPhone to rate my PA....I had never seen this man...never was he in my room...never did I speak to him, coz I never met him......wish I could go lower than 1 star. I had been to the regular offices before but this was my first and definitely my last visit there!! The girl that came in my room needs to go back to school to learn compassion and stop bouncing off the walls Debra William P.O. Box 206 Hampton, TN 37658 read more

Not a great experience. First of all, I was forced to pay the fee, before I even saw the doctor, or teenager, or whatever he was. It was also quite annoying, that the NURSE (or whoever) determined which X-rays that I received, NOT THE DOCTOR. Consequently, I was given the wrong ones. I suffered for two weeks, with a misdiagnosed injury. WHY does the DOCTOR not determine the appropriate X-rays? This is a cattle-call kind of place. I just decided not to go back, and allow my injury to heal on its own. I spent a hunk of money at this place, for really BAD assistance. What is wrong with "doctors'" offices??? It is getting to the point that one must always go to the Mayo Clinic web site before visiting any doctor, in order to assure a PROPER diagnosis. EDIT: ONE MONTH later, I am still in pain. And they basically told me that it would be gone in a week. EDIT 2: SIX weeks later - still in pain. "Teen doc" got it all wrong. This is ludicrous. I hear that they are a chain that sold. EDIT 3: This facility provided a temporary response in here, then it disappeared. I was in transition between locales at the time. Very interesting. EDIT 4: Oh, it turned out that I had a FRACTURED ANKLE. They totally missed that fact. I was told that I would be fine in a "week." Staff, have the DOCTOR determine which X-ray is taken! read more

I broke my arm recently and was sent here to follow up after my trip to the ER. Although it took some time to be seen (which is to be expected since I had no appointment and it was during walk in hours) as soon as I was in a room I was greeted by Stephanie, one of the kindest nurses I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing. She treated me with kindness and empathy and worked to make sure I got what I needed out of the visit. I had done x-rays done and finally met with the doctor who was prompt and kind. read more

Literally the worst Physical Therapy ive ever received . Ive been to many that actually have the doctor helping you and staying with you through out your whole session. This time i had (i think his name is Will ) dr will as a the dr for this sessions at this place and he was in his office a good amount of the time . Didn't ever even say good bye or follow up on anything. The first day in there i waited for 15 minutes and the tech came out and told me she was sorry that he is just sitting in his office . Im thankful for her honesty . He comes out and finally asks me questions . The second day there he made a joke about me to the other techs like i didnt hear him and i turned around and laughed it off really loud . I don't appreciate the jokes and humor about my accident or pain . It was very strange and im in such bad pain im going to take it serious . He had me do a few things and then left and went and sat in his office and the tech led me out . I didn't feel my $35 dollars were very worth the help i didnt get . This place gets at least a three star for the nice techs that do most of the work while he sat around . This review is for the PT area only . This area of the Watauga is a joke . Just dont get The "doctor" i had . read more

I managed to damage both shoulders in a mower accident. My dominant (right) shoulder was dislocated and multiple muscles and attachments completely torn. I am at 8 weeks post surgery and very grateful for Shannon Asbury (PA), Dr. Wells, and Vanessa Gilley (PT). I am 68 and was doubtful of what surgery could repair. At this point, I am sure, I will recover 95% of my function in the right shoulder. They have also in PT helped reduce my pain in the L shoulder and restore function to that shoulder. Shannon and Vanessa have answered every question frankly. That reduced my fears significantly! One extra comment: Ask any joint surgeon about CRYO-CUFF. It will reduce your pain and narcotics by half. Unfortunately many insurances will not cover it (~ $300) but the reduction in pain will be worth much more than that. read more

Shawn Sutterline, Chris, & Steven went above and beyond helping my father at the after hours walk-in clinic in Johnson City. Austin Box was great in the Hospital. read more

I'll summarize why my experience here was so terrible, and why I would tell anyone considering going here for sports injuries to look elsewhere: 1. I was forced to pay for a procedure I didn't want or need in order to get the desired treatment. 2. I never spoke to an actual doctor, even after specifically requesting it. 3. the Physicians Assistant that worked with me, gave me a false diagnosis, even after I asked for a second opinion, which caused me to miss a week of work and a massive amount of stress. FULL STORY: I am a professional distance runner, with a long history of experience at orthopedic practices for injuries. I went in looking to get an MRI to check for a femoral stress fracture, and they would not allow me to have an MRI without getting an x-ray first. If you know anything about stress injuries, you know that the early stages of stress injuries are often not visible on x-rays. I told them I did not want it, and that i wanted just the MRI. The PA I saw told me that 'sorry, thats just how medicine works these days', which is complete BS... that is just how orthopedics who are concerned solely with making as much money as possible work. I've never had an ortho turn down a request like this. Due to time constraints, I could not go to a different facility with an MRI, so I decided to swallow the cost of the pointless X-ray so I could get the test I ACTAULLY needed. I get the X-ray, and the PA comes into the room and tells me I have a stress fracture, possibly two. Keep in mind this is not a doctor, but he felt he was confident enough to diagnose me. I asked for him to get a second opinion, because the pain wasn't that bad, and if a stress injury is so clearly visible on an x-ray it would mean it is a fairly bad injury. He left, and came back, and said it was definitely a fracture, possibly in two places. (Mind you, I had not, nor did I ever even SEE a doctor at this joke of a practice.) I got the follow up MRI two days later - where I STILL did not see a doctor even after requesting to speak with one. A few days later, I got results back from the MRI via an EMAIL saying that there was no abnormailty in the bone, and that I had inflammation in the muscle. This means that the PA who was so confident about his diagnosis was completely wrong. He gave me a diagnosis that prevented me from doing my job for over a week (Professional distance runner hearing they have a stress fracture in the femur is basically a death sentence). IF YOU ARE AN ATHLETE WHO IS OR MAY BE INJURED, DO NOT GO HERE. THEY DO NOT HAVE YOUR BEST INTEREST IN MIND. ($$$) read more

my mother's been in pain for several months. she broke her leg a couple of years ago and thinks that that may be whats causing it. its her knee and hip. so she was referred by her primary doctor to Watauga Orthopaedics. She saw Dr. Marc Aiken who was rude, unsympathetic, and very unhelpful. He told her he didn't know what the problem was, refused to do an MRI, and to top it off asked her, "what do you want me to do about it?" she left the office in tears. She's not one to complain so im doing it on her behalf. Very unprofessional!!! read more