Went to Dr. Sugarman for a 2nd opinion after finding out I needed a cervical fusion. My appt was at 11:30 - did not get seen until 4:00! While I hear he is a top notch surgeon, when i finally was seen by him (for all of 10 minutes), his bedside manner and humanity were just not there. Very cut and dry procedurally to the point where I was very nervous about having the procedure at all. Ending up going to Abington and Dr. Barrer did my surgery. The hospital and staff were amazing. Now, i'm faced with having another and because Abington is 2 hours away, i decided to try a different surgeon. Sugarman's office has a rule that once you see one of their doctors, even if you don't use them, you cannot see another. What a bunch of crap. So, yes, the top team of neurosurgeons and because of their sanctimonious rule, i'm now faced with having to use a less desirable surgeon..nice..NOT..

Submitted May 8, 2011

Let me tell you!! Dr. Michael Sugarman is a lifesaver. In 2005, my 20 year old son had a Stage IV Glioblastoma Multiforme brain tumor. Dr. Irving Berkowitz was the first doc to handle my David's case. He too was a wonderful doctor; the best. Dr. Sugarman was recommended by Dr. B. This very competent neurosurgeon helped to save my son. He removed the tumor in an emergency surgery which lasted a total of 6.5 hours. I love this man. He is the epitome of a great physician. I admit you sometimes have to wait 30+ minutes to see him, but the wait is worth it. He is very thorough and exact. I know that when we go into his office, we will received the same treatment as the person before us. Why are you looking for someone to talk to you about the weather and what you plan to do on your vacation. Dr. S is much too busy to hold long, boring conversations with you knowing he has another important patient waiting for him. My advice to you: find another doc. I'll take him every time.

Submitted May 5, 2011

Dr. Sugarman is never on time. Waits have been from 45 mins. to a couple of hrs. He is a good surgeon and has worked on several people I know, however, if you want some type of copassion/bedside manner you'll not find it here. If you have Worker's Comp - don't bother!! You'll be treated with disdain as if you were untruthful. He made fun of the radiologist who read and made the report of MRI's taken saying he didn't know what he was talking about? Dr.S. said he couldn't see the MRI's well, but we could still nerve block here to see if it helps and if not we could do one there and...WHAT? Two other neurosurgeons read it well and concurred with the radiologist. I was told later by a former patient of Sugarman's that Dr. S. told them he didn't "fool with worker's comp" he felt it was a waste of his time when he "could actually be doing some good for real patients". So if you are hurt at work or maybe an accident that may need him in court? STAY AWAY - you're not a real patient in his mind

Submitted Feb. 6, 2010

I believe that Dr. Sugarman should review his appointment scheduling system. I had a 1:30 appointment, and was finally called to go to an exam room at 4:30. Then I spent 45 minutes waiting in the exam room before he came in. I think that a 3 hour 45 minute wait is excessive. Other patients in the main waiting room, who had also been there for hours, felt the same. I was told by a receptionist that Dr. Sugarman allots 30 minutes per patient, and he, "sometimes gets behind." No kidding! I think that 30 minutes per patient smacks of overbooking. I've heard that Dr. Sugarman is an excellent surgeon, and I was favorably impressed with his knowledge and attention to my problems, once I was able to get to see him. To his credit, he made a point of apologizing for the long wait; however, I would suggest that if you are going to see him, you should try to make an early morning appointment.

Submitted March 19, 2008

He is very friendly, and cares about your health he is up front with you and listens to you.

Submitted Oct. 23, 2007