Dr. Joel West Ray, MD

Horrible surgeon. He messed my back up so bad, I can’t get another surgeon to touch my back

I saw this physician in an outreach clinic, He was rude and arrogant and talked down to me as though I was an idiot. When I called to cancel the followup because he was such a horse's behind, the clerk said not to worry because she hears it every day about this ohysician.

He messed me up so bad I can't even cut my own fingernails or shave myself. I'm fixing to sue him and I was wondering if anyone else on here has done it or tried to.

He just did surgery on my neck and so far I'm pleased. I'm one week post op. He spent a great amount of time determining what type of surgery I needed and if I needed it. He's put alot of effort into my care. He has a great concern for all his patients. I didn't see him after surgery this time, (sometimes you do and sometimes you don't), but don't let that bother you. He has a great staff that checks in on you after surgery and he would be right there in a heartbeat if you needed him. He has a new pa in his clinic, and you see her first. Just know, even if you don't see him, he still follows your care. Or you may see him briefly after seeing his pa. That's ok too, because you know he is still in charge. He has great nurses and his pa is awesome.

DR. RAY TOOK THE TIME TO FIND OUT ALL THAT HE COULD ABOUT MY BACKGROUND, CURRENT CONDITION AND WHAT MY GOALS WERE. HE THEN EXPLAINED ALL MY OPTIONS AND THE PROS AND CONS OF EACH AND THEN WE TOGETHER MADE A PLAN. DEFINITELY FOR THE VETERANS.

He has done recent surgery on me. He cares so much about his patients and will do whatever he can to help them when they have a problem with their spine or pain. He really doesn't like his patients to suffer. His surgical skills are great. He has a really good bedside manner. I am blessed to have such a great surgeon! Sometimes when you see him in his clinic he may be in and out fast, unless you have a problem or questions, then he'll take the time and talk with you about your concerns and if there's something he can do neurosurgically, he will do it and wants to help you as quickly as he can.

VERY GOOD DR

Awesome

Dr. Ray is an excellent neurosurgeon. The best in the area. He's done my lower lumbar fusion recently and it was well worth it. He cares about his patients and even helps us when we have health issues that may interfere with the surgical sight.

I have had 2 back surgeries the 2nd requiring the insertion of 3 titanium rods. I never did loose the bruise feeling on the outer side of my right leg which I was told by the therapist would eventually go away. At this time after at least 3 land therapies and on my 4th water therapy I feel I need help. I am getting to where I can do less and less and for much shorter times.

Dr. Ray is an A++++ surgeon. I broke my neck,,he saved my life!! Thank you!!

Dr Ray is one of the best neurosurgeons there is. He has a great bedside manner and his surgical staff is great. He treats his surgical patients extremely well. Vary caring doctor.

I don't appreciate Dr Ray hitting on me. He always asks why I don't break up with my (maintenance man) boyfriend and get with a doctor. He is gross, arrogant, and he talks down to everyone. Find someone else as your doctor.

After he tells me I would be paralyzed without the fusion in my neck in 2 levels I opted for surgery. I had been in constant pain for years. Saw him 1 time before surgery and NEVER after, my family neber even got to speak to him after surgery, he walked in one door mummbled something and out the other! Never saw him after surgery. Never had a CT scan to see if the fusion took. Went back to work after 4 months off. 2 years later I am seeing another doctor over my low back and when he hears who did the neck surgery he begins to ask if I still had problems, if I knew if the fusion took, saw the doc after surgery....ect! So he offered to check it for me because it was like I had never had surgery pain wise....welll.....guess what...fusion didn't take!!! So now I had to have 2nd surgery and now have more time off work, metal in front and back of my neck....I just don't understand why or how he can even practice!!

I saw Dr. Ray several times and I couldn't have asked for a better experience with a doctor. I would recommend him to anyone. Also his staff was the best too. Can't say enough good about him and his staff.

Dr. Ray is a wonderful, caring Dr. I know, if not for him, I would not be alive today. I would recommend him to everyone!! Thank you Dr. Ray for being there when I needed you!

Dr. Ray corredtly diagnased my condition and his information prior to surgery was great. He told me what to expect in advance and all arrangements for my surgery and the follow up physical therapy was done in advance. St. Francis Hospital was the best care that I have ever received while in a hospital.

After the threat of paralysis storyI opted for surgery.I saw Dr. Ray 1 time during the whole course of this relentless waiting game. Did not know what to expect after surgery . Had it not been for the nurses at St. Francis I might as well had this done at home.I find myself in worse condition after the procedure and have been advised to take my problems to my Family Dr.Seriously search for your Dr. for your own health because referrals are all about money.-Write about overall experiences-Write about what you like or dislike about your physician-Write about whether you would recommend-Write as if you are talking to a peer who is asking your opinion

Dr. West was considerate of my requests to return to work ASAP, and Kelly and him work together with the other pre-op, medical supplies, and appointment times, to accommodate my 100 mile drive, into 1 trip.The surgery I came out of antiseptic, and NO painslight sore throat, BUT NO PAINSome numbness in both hands, comes and goes, nurse said time will heal, Ill give it 7 days and tell her if its not better.BUT1 day later NO PAINThe entire staff was great from pre-op all the way through recovery.

Dr. Ray is an excellent surgeon. He really seems to care about his patients.