Orthopaedics NorthEast Review

Doctor Dowd is awesome. But the nurse was very rude and unprofessional.

The Andover office was a little hard to find, but the office staff was very friendly and I was seen right on time. Dr. Biggee is very nice and she explained why my type of arthritis needs pain management rather than the type of treatment or drugs that she could provide. Although she couldn't help me she advised me concerning the treatment I should seek. I am very happy I saw her.

I really like ALL the doctors I see at orthopaedics Northeast. But, with today, I was not treated by my doctor. I do feel and trust the doctors, just not to sure about being treated by another person.

Dr Choi and his PA were amazing from beginning to end. Dr. Choi is very knowledgeable and was able to answer any and all questions.They provided quality care and followed up with me through from the operation until I was done with PT and some time beyond that. I appreciate all they did for me! Thank you!

Needs kids program on one TV. Two TVs both news and adult shows. Office admin said they couldn t change it. During long waits kids need the distraction more than adults.

My first visit with Dr. David Palma and Orthopaedics Northeast was by far one of the best experiences I ve had as a patient in almost 30yrs as an elite athlete and coach.

I had a great experience with Dr. Kuruvilla who performed foot surgery on both feet at the same time. No problems, no pain and I was treated very professionally in a friendly manner. I would recommend him to anyone who has any problems with their feet.

The waiting is awful. I read reviews of this before but really hoped it wouldn't be this bad. Staff is definitely unfriendly and dont care. My appt was at 830 and when I arrived at 815 the place was jam packed. May not stick around long enough to meet this doctor

I can t say enough about this practice. I have accompanied my elderly parents to see Dr Thakur, Dr Dowd, and Dr Pletka. All of them are amazing. They were kind and patient. They explained things clearly and answered all of our many questions. Their treatment plans were excellent and had successful results.

If I have any issues and I have had my share of surgeries. I recommend This place. Every doctor and receptionist are remarkable. Especially receptionist Rhonda and Dawn. Doctors Andriola,Choi,Takur,Parks and Dowd. Thank you all for what you have done for me. I also just had permanent stimulator Surgery at Orchard Surgical. Great facility, Dr. Dowd and Dr. Takur did agreat job. Thanks again for everything.

John was very prompt, courteous, and engaging with my child. He did an excellent job removing the old cast and putting on the new one. Excellent care!

Dr. Dowd is amazing he really listens to you and won't stop until he finds the solution to your pain

The entire staff was polite and attentive. Dr. Harder took the time to really listen to my concerns and explained everything to me in a manner that I understood. I wasn't left wondering or asking questions.

He is super - attentive, good listener, thorough with information/explanations/instructions - does not rush the visit - experienced, knowledgeable, friendly and professional.
Paul F

Dr. Thakur was great. He is honest and very confident. He takes the time to explain things and what your options are. Love him!!!

Dr Palmer is always attentive to my health needs and he respects my input. He is always concerned and kind. I recommend Dr. Palma to anyone who may have orthopedic and/or pain issues.

Special thanks to Dr Dowd his Nurse and Secretary this team has given me above and beyond patient care, quality of life back and could not be more grateful to be up and walking again !

Be prepared to wait, I'm still waiting. The rest of this medical group is so on point, so was disappointed to show up for a 9:30 appt. at 9:15 and I was just given back my ID and insurance card at 10:22, which means my paperwork was just processed and doctor only just notified that I'm here. Watched receptionist check in countless patients, meanwhile leaving my cards and paperwork stacked under her keyboard. Not a good system.

Dr. Pletka is simply fantastic! Very professional with a kind "bedside" manner. He is thorough and considers all options. He does not "jump" into surgery, unless it is the only option. He shares with the patient all the options and discusses clearly the pros and cons of each thus allowing the patient to make clear choices for their own well being.
Each time I have seen Dr. Pletka, it has been met with full confidence that my well being and comfort is a priority.

This is the second time we have had to seek out a orthopedic doctor for a foot/ankle in the past 6 months. After my first daughter and trying Ortho Northeast I would never go back to our old place. Dr Kuravilla is extremely knowledgeable, really knows his specialty and explains it so you understand the issue. Then there is Jesse his medical secretary. She is amazing. She is always looking to make appointments that are convenient for the patient and anything else that needs to be done she goes above and beyond. This is why I just brought my other daughter today unfortunately for an injury Because I know she will get the care she needs and will recover as quickly as possible under their care. They are great

My daughter broke her arm and we were referred here to see Dr Choi. I thought the staff was efficient and friendly. His nurse was wonderful. Would recommend!

Definitely recommend Northeast Orthopaedics to anyone in need of their services. Dr. Choi was great with my 6 yrs old, and his broken arm. The office staff was very helpful and professional.

I was scheduled at 9:30, asked to arrive 30 minutes prior for paperwork. Showed up at 9am and saw the Doctor at 11. The appointment lasted less than 8 minutes and he had zero idea why I was there. I had an x-ray to show him and a diagnosis. He ignored my complaint and told me that the finding was incidental, but, he could offer me spine injections! I am not sure how he came to that conclusion based on no examination and not listening to my answers.
Does not listen, does not read the paperwork they ask you to fill out and makes you wait forever. Once I receive my MRI, I will be going to a practice that respects your time and listens when they ask questions!

Dr. Choi is hands down the best orthopedic hand surgeon around. The guy is deadass so chill and quick. I want to shadow him one day.

Dr Beth Biggee is the most caring, compassionate, empathetic rheumatologist in the Merrimack Valley. She is extremely knowledgeable in her field. She treats patients in the healthiest way possible. We have a role to play in our own health. Healthcare is not about taking a magic pill. Dr Biggee tries to find the right balance between treating holistically and medically. She suggests diet. exercise and holistic forms of medicine whenever possible. She treats medically when needed. If your body is suffering from any rheumatological disease and you want to fight the good fight in the most holistic way, Dr Biggee is the doctor you want to see. I have been seeing her for about 7 yrs. I wish I started seeing her earlier.

My 2nd review is about Dr Dowd, my physiatrist. (I see several doctors in this practice and they are all good. In fact, having all their rheumatology and othopaedic specialties in one office since moving from North Andover to Andover is improving all the time). Dr Dowd really cares about his patients. He will treat you professionally, but not in a snooty way. He is very down to earth, explains the problem and what he (and you) can do to for relief. We communicate very well together. I see him for pain mgmt as well as referrals to physical therapy, etc.

Feeling a little stressed yesterday and in a lot of pain I scheduled a follow up with him. Although I wasn't able to book a cortisone shot online nor by phone only because the doctor has to speak to the pt first for those in order to schedule the right injection, once I saw him for follow up in his office (on a day he does cortisone injections), he squeezed in a cortisone shot too, to help relieve the pain I was in. I really appreciate the extra time time he gave me. His kindness and compassion helped a lot of the stress and some of physical pain I was feeling. Additionally he ordered more imaging because he felt an updated image was necessary (thus, his professionalism), all on one day. Extra time was spent with me on a day I really needed it. This is not the norm so I am very grateful. I highly recommend Dr Dowd.

I had carpal tunnel surgery and ulnar nerve surgery and Dr.Choi was Fantastic!!! He explained the procedure before and after surgery, answered all my questions and treated me like a friend, not a patient. Post surgery Dr.Choi and Diana Dion CNP continued to follow up with appointments and I have full range of motion, strength and pain-free. DR CHOI, Diana and his office manager Rhonda are hands down the best orthopedics office to serve your orthopaedics needs. If I could give 100 stars I would. Thank you, Kristin

I have never meet, a Doctor like Dr. Dowd when I have an appointment, I may wait a little bit, but well worth it he listens to everything I have to say and explains to me so I understand what he is talking about. I would not go anywhere else. I will keep going to Orthopaedics Northeast PC for all my medical needs

I have seen multiple Ortho doctors for different issues. After my daughter broke her arm, we were referred to Dr. Pletka. I could not be more happy that we were referred to him. He listened and truly cares about what we had to say and gave us all our options. After such a pleasant experience as my daughter's doctor, I immediately switched to him for my shoulder and could not be more happy. Finally found someone who gave us all our options and truly listened to our problems.

I have had a lot of experience with orthopedists. This practice is one of the best. Appointments are easy to schedule. Wait times in the office are reasonable. They are kind and courteous and have a sense of humor. More importantly, every doctor we have seen in the practice explains injuries clearly without being condescending. Both my son and I received excellent care.

Dr. Palma is kind and caring. He works to find the cause the problem. I highly recommend this practice.

5 Stars! Dr Palma is excellent! Would recommend him to anyone that needs a Spine/Back Doctor.

Very informative. I left having a clear understanding of my current t condition.

From the time I walked into the office, I was greeted with a professional office staff who are correctly following pandemic protocols. I had an appointment with Dr. Choi. He was equally professional through my visit and treatment. I thank him and the office staff for exceeding my expectations. I highly recommend Dr. Choi for any orthopedic issues and procedures!

I have rated Dr. Palma previously and nothing has changed. I find him super consultative and methodical with an excellent personality. I have been in his care for a few years now after jumping around a few other pain management practices that definitely did not provide his consultative approach. 5 Stars!

I was nervous about my surgery being that it was the first one I ve had but Dr.Choi made feel at ease when he explained what he was going to do. I was there by myself so he made me comfortable and made me laugh.

Dr Palmer is by far the best dr I have , he treats u like a person, he always asks about u ur family how everything is , is very flexible when there may be a problem, is a very caring dr , he really cares about each of his patients, takes the time to speak to u about y ur there and does his very best to leave feeling better than when u came in, dr Palmer has a great personality he can talk sports with the best of them trust me,
Ty dr Palmer for being my dr,

Could not have gone better. Very little pain after surgery, maybe for 36 hours, then no need for more than two Ibuprophen as needed. Realistic description /prediction of the recovery process. Glad I decided to replace the arthritic joint.

Highly recommend this practice. Easy to get/make an appointment online. Quick check in process. Dr. Choi specifically is great to deal with. Let's you know all of your treatment options and allows you to make the decision on course of treatment. Office staff is always very friendly and helpful.

I would like to start by saying from the greeter at the door the nurse and to the physician's nothing but professionals from beginning to end very understanding they listen and that's the biggest thing

Dr Palma is the best, if it wasn t for him I would never know I have something very bad. I can t thank him enough

I had a very professional evaluation of my condition and
guidance moving forward.

As a patient today I can t say enough about the expertise of the physicians I saw and the experience with the courteous, helpful office staff.

I have leg pain for last 8 months and not going away after PT. I am doing all I am supposed to do and tried everything. my PT recommended seeing Orthopedic and i made an appointment and was very clear I want to see a Dr., not some specialist or nurse.
I went for the appointment and some guy showed up and introduced as Mike, I asked Dr. Mike ? with a pause and said I am expected Dr. Hardler. He didn't answer or correct himself. I said that is okay if you are a Dr and moved on to the issue. I came out of the appointment and asked his lastname and looked up online, he is less qualified than my PT or my Physician. Mike is great, he said the same thing I am hearing , but I was there to see a Dr!
I asked the reception and she confirmed I had an appointment with Dr Hardler. Then the nurse came and said Mike is great and he is equal to Dr. Hardler and he does surgeries etc. I just left as I didn't want to create a scene. If that Mike guy is doing surgerious, everyone should go to jail as he is not a surgeon. Shady place, just want your $$$ . I don't like people who are not honest and try to cover up
PS: I have nothing aginst Mike, I am not going to put his last name. He is a great guy and sounded knowledgeable, I was done with 101. It f* hurts for last 8 months and I was there to see a orthopedic

Office staff is the ABSOLUTE WORST!!!! They are very rude, never call you back, take forever to process any doctor s orders for physical therapy or procedures and give you an attitude when you have questions or request to get in touch with the doctor. They have no compassion and make you feel like you are annoying them.
They ruin the entire experience and only worsen the pain and suffering I already have.
There have been so many instances to complain about.
I m really just fed up.

Very pleased with Dr. Harder and his nurse Yolanda and his assistant Gina. Professional services, great followup

I have been to so many doctors for my shoulder pain and I went to him he gave me a shot there will the pain hurts and thank God I don't have to paint again I never knew I had severe arthritis on my knee until I went to him also tired of going to different doctors but I found one and he's great he is very honest on his work

My experiences have been very good. Dr Andreola is very good. As well as staff.

2/3 visits waited over an hour. Rescheduled first visit. Left practice second time. 11 seats in waiting room 3-7 people leaning against the wall when seats full. Most in pain since this is an ortho practice. Called and left message twice to set time to pick up my records. No one returned call. Large sign in waiting for months about their move to another facility. Letters sent as well. Went to the new facility to pick up my records beyond the move date. They never moved. As an RN I am appalled at their lack of regard for their patients. In my opinion they have a factory going there with unacceptable overbooking. Their staff admitted as much. MARY T. MAZZARELLA BSN . RN.

Great communication, quick diagnosis and practical advice. John O Shea is a winner!

Awful!!! Staff . Long waits! no professionalism! DR.s are all about WC claims and Narcotics!!!!

Dr. Dowd is fantastic. You can tell he likes what he does. He's very personable and makes you feel comfortable. He doesn't rush and wants to do a great job for you. I have had 2 shots with him so far and I will continue to do so as long as needed.

Great surgeon!! Staff is awesome as well highly recommend!!!

Dr Down Was very professional and personal at the same time enjoyed meeting him today looking forward to a pain-free life. His staff well complement him.

Most of the staff are excellent. My little girl had broken her and she was seen straight away. I was even able to get an appointment the same day when she reinjured her arm. Now for my appointment. I was by ivan paperwork a week before. I had the completed paperwork with me at 9.05am for a 9.15am appointment. The woman took my paperwork and b.c said she needs to enter the information into the system. Ok fair enough. However it is 9.40, I'm still waiting to be registered and Miss cranky still hasn't entered my information into the system. Seriously. Why do the paperwork ahead of time, if you still have to wait over 20 mins to be registered? And what's with the attitude? I'm sure that they can find more cheery willing to work people nowadays. Unfreaking believable

If if you need orthopedics for anything aches and pains whatever. Go see these guys they're very knowledgeable I've had both my hands done shoulder back and neck, and I feel a lot better than what I did before. They're very knowledgeable no time at all do they say okay we need to operate. They take their time to do the right thing, if it an injection most likely first after x-rays most likely and they have fixed my mother's rest after she fell on it and shattered it. My wife is going there and two of my children have gone to see him or someone on the practice. Both feel a lot better this is the place to go.

Dr Andriola is amazing, performed shoulder surgery and was very informative of the operation, answered all of my questions and did an amazing job on the surgery. The front office staff is rude, incompetent and go to great lengths to avoid having to do their job. The medical records department is also suffering from the same issues. Both departments seem to get annoyed at having to do their job and take it out on the patients. Honestly it s not worth it, there are plenty of good surgeons with much better staff. I ve had 4 different orthopedic surgeons in my lifetime, all performed surgery, as well as other surgeons outside of the orthopedic specialty and this office staff is by far the most frustrating to deal with. Do not make an appointment here.

Dr. Richard Choi put my hip back together (with a plate and rod) end of March. He did an awesome job and today 3 months later I can say I am doing great. I do just about everything I want but I do use a cane at times and I am careful. During my follow up visits the Staff was professional and courteous.
Thank you again Dr Choi.

Dr. Harder did a total knee replacement recently and it went well. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to any of my friends who might require knee surgery in the future. The practice has an excellent staff who are very helpful with scheduling needed visits.

Dr Choi is a class act! He is efficient and caring. Always takes the "whole" patient into account for treatment plans especially those with an active lifestyle. Highly recommend him!

This was my first visit with Dr. Palma. I really appreciated that he took the time to explain his thoughts on the options for my back issues and listened to my thoughts.

Very professional, the staff was efficient and courteous. I felt they protected the public and the staff well during this time of Covid-19.

I was experiencing spinal stenosis, in the cervical and lumbar regions of my spine. I came to Orthopedics Northeast, not knowing at the time how fortunate I was to do so. Dr Nikhil Thakur s skillful surgical care has restored my back and neck to pain-free health. I feel my strength returning every day. And he is a great person to meet with and come to know the man is a blessing.
Dr David Palma engaged with non-surgical remediation, and he was terrific doing so.
Dr Richard Choi reconstructed a torn finger tendon I encountered. Another fantastic provider there.
My wife has since had the same experience there for her cervical disc failures. My daughter is now doing the same.
And the staff is as great as the providers. Friendly and responsive.
I wouldn t wish my amount of care needed on anyone, but would wholeheartedly endorse seeing these folks for it.

Had a great experience. Every question was answered and the doctor was very helpful.

Really easy to talk to. Its not always comfortable seeing someone new.

Great staff. Took my mother here. I love my mother. I definitely would not put my mothers health at risk. Definitely trust them with my mother.

I have been seeing Dr. Choi for five or six years now getting Cortizone shots in my left thumb due to arthritis. I finally decided to have the situation corrected through surgery, CMC arthroplasty with implant. Although it is too soon to tell the final outcome. I am very happy with the surgery and follow up treatment afterwards so far. I still have a cast on my hand for another three weeks but I am eager to take it off and start therapy. Dr. Choi seems very confident that I will be happy with the choice that I made.

best doctor i ve ever gone to. really takes the time to get to know his patients and proves that he cares. very thorough and efficient and everyone in the office is pleasant and courteous

My son saw Dr. Choi after breaking his collar bone. Dr. Choi has an excellent bedside manner. He answered all of our questions and closely monitored my son's healing. The office staff is wonderful and quick to respond to questions. I would recommend this office to anyone in need of a good orthopaedic doctor.

Office is very well organized and efficient. Dr. Choi was punctual, thorough and compassionate. I was pleased with the care I received.

Very good service, I had to wait only once due to an emergency on my doctor's end.

Polite, considerate and knowledgeable doctor who I highly recommend. Dr. Palma truly cares about his patient's well being.

Dr. Harder is an excellent Orthopaedics MD. I m pleased with no complaints about him or the support staff.

Dr. Dowd was very kind, informative, and reassuring of the outcome to my spinal problem. He was able to put my mind at ease with the decision-making that I made for myself and my family. His kindness and understanding was very appreciated today! Now onto the healing process.

Doctor Thakur was Very friendly and gave thorough care. Everyone was attentive and nice.

Excellent communication describing the process at today's session (first time) and making me feel at ease. It went great.

Dr Andriola is the best knee doctor there is.
He is caring, compassionate and takes time and listens.
He replaced my knee back in July with minimal pain. After physical therapy, my knee was 100%.
Unfortunately in November, I tripped and broke my kneecap and might have to have another surgery. Fortunately, I know I will be in good hands again.

Very professional Did take a while for secretary to call back today. This is basically my first experience with this group so wasn't sure how they respond to phone calls. I was able to be seen for which I was grateful.

I ve been going here for a couple years and have no complaints.

I have been a patient of Dr Biggee s for over 10 years. She always explains everything to me in detail and easy to understand terms. She makes sure any questions I have are answered. She is very kind, courteous and compassionate. The attention she gives me is very caring. I highly recommend her.

My son is a college athlete and broke his clavicle which required surgery. Dr Choi did a fantastic job, minimal discomfort during his recovery and 2 weeks later he is moving without any pain, we are amazed. Dr Choi helped make the best of a difficult situation, he has done a great job explaining everything along the way and takes the time to answer questions. I would highly recommend Dr Choi. Rhonda is an added bonus, personality plus, goes above and beyond. Overall a great experience.

Dr. Biggee took her time with me. She asked many questions. She suggested options to me. I am impressed that she is training with Dr. Andrew Weil. I am very happy with the care I received.

A bit overwhelming when you first go in due to the high volume that they cater to but over all was a great experience!

My first time today bringing my mother. The woman at the desk (Gina) was completely rude. Not to mention it's our first time I didn't see the sign in computer so I went straight to the desk and she said rudely next time use that because I can not sign you in from here. We get into the room. Rooms are clean, the woman comes in and my mother procceds to tell her what's wrong and she completely cuts her off. I am so disappointed with this place. I am definitely checking for another place for my mom.

Very considerate and efficient. I was extremely nervous before my EMG and he made me feel totally at ease. I appreciated his expertise.

ZERO stars! Worst billing and office staff I have ever seen in my 30 years of using doctors offices. They are rude, unaccomodating, unfriendly and definitely don t care. Most of the staff are shockingly similar here! The billing lady SHELLEY ( bully) was unwilling to give an appointment despite a severe pain injury the patient had because of a two year prior insurance unpaid small amount that the patient had no idea of and said will clear on the day of appointment!!!! She even cancelled the one another office staff Gleny made by saying that I scared Gleny ( exact words) to create an appointment when in fact she should not have given me one! WHAT!! The other staff never said there was any such rule and in any case it s terrible -who says this to a patient in pain specially a patient in good standing of this practice for the last twenty years! How can one atrocious billing lady have so much authority over an whole orthopaedics office of ten plus doctors! She was unwilling to explain what the billing issue was and said will mail something and after that I may be able to make an appointment! Money over patient needs that too unwilling to explain!! I call back and she left at 2 pm when her office hours I was told was till 5 pm! What a job to have and how arrogant to say the least!! Pls
don t go here to put yourself through such agony!!! Will post this in many town and local groups as well so this practice knows to fire staff like Shelley!
Too many choices around, pls don t waste your time and energy on such valueless practices!

Professional, compassionate, caring and knowledgeable. Took the time to listen and then explain. Couldn't have asked for better treatment.

Great experience. I was in and out in less than an hour including x-rays.

Dr. Scott Dowd is extremely professional, knowledgeable, & punctual. Pain management has been a positive experience for me.

Very professional, on time, highly recommend him for his knowledge and experience! He also works in a great practice!

Dr. Pletka was very helpful, describing my condition (ruptured bicep tendon) in detail, eliminating totally the nervousness I felt after hearing my PCP's scary assessment of my situation. Turns out it's best to leave the fear at home until speaking with a real expert, as Dr. Pletka most certainly is. Best news of all: Dr. Pletka informs me that the situation does not require surgery, & symptoms will largely resolve themselves over time. I would recommend Dr. Pletka totally & without reservation, should your situation warrant a shoulder/arm/hand surgeon such as he is.

Very Professional and super caring to the patients.