Don't go there if you are in pain Dr. Won't even see you. Have had lumbar issues over 4 years ..

Submitted Jan. 10, 2017

Excellent surgeon. Advised against a course of action I took and fixed the entire problem with multi-level lumbar fusion 18 months later. Patient, takes time to answer questions, highly recommend.

Submitted Nov. 27, 2015

Absolutely the most disingenuous man on Earth. He ruined my neck and my life.

Submitted Feb. 11, 2015

My mom has had 2 spinal fusions performed by Dr. James Farmer and we both were extremely happy with the outcome and the care she received.
I had a lengthy 7.5 hr spinal fusion performed by another spinal surgeon who had operated on me 4 other times and I happened to see Dr. Farmer after being admitted to my room. Dr. Farmer came in every day to see how I was doing even though I wasn't his patient at the time. He has been highly recommended by other MDs at HSS and if I can't see my spinal surgeon who I now see, Dr. Farmer would be my next choice. He is experienced, knowledgeable, and a very concerned doctor. He treats you like family and is truly caring. His office staff is very professional and very caring also. Actually, I have been seen at HSS for the past 15-20 yrs by other MDs and every employee that I came in contact with were exceptionally courteous and professional. I gave the highest ratings for the MDs , employees and care at HSS. And I have the highest recommendation for Dr. James Farmer.

Submitted Feb. 10, 2015

After 3 other orthopedists told my then 15 year old son to quit all sports and forget his dream of becoming a fireman someday, we found HSS and Dr. James Farmer. That meeting changed my son's life and gave him back his dreams. Rather than a permanent fusion or the use of bolts and pins to forever hold his fractures together, Dr. Farmer transplanted bone into the two spinal fractures, generating fresh bone growth, and held it together with pins for one year. 4 months ago the pins came out and my son is pain free with a fully healed back and most importantly, his dreams restored. Dr. Farmer's constant smile was contagious, his confidence gave my son and I confidence, his personal care and concern was always evident, and there are no words that will ever be able to convey our appreciation for him, nor our personal regard for him.

Submitted Oct. 31, 2014

Dr Farmer operated on my lumbar region two years ago. He visited me in the hospital everyday and was kind and caring. His surgery has left me pain free, able to walk without pain, and can travel long distances by car and plane without pain. My life has improved . I am very grateful to Dr Farmer for his expertize.

Submitted Sept. 29, 2014

Dr. Farmer is a brilliant surgeon who gave my daughter her legs back. Her lumbar region...4 areas were moderately and severly filled with stenosis. She could barely walk and was confined to a seated walker. She was one step away from being crippled. She is 50 years old and has a very active lifestyle. Thanks to Dr. Farmer she is 3 months past her surgery and is walking again, unassisted. Today he gave her the go-ahead to go back to golfing in one month. Dr. Farmer has phenominal personality, made us feel so comfortable from the very first visit and was explicit and accurate about her condition and what the surgical procedure would involve. I will be eternally grateful to him for his brilliant care of my daughter.

Submitted July 17, 2014

Was told I needed immediate ACDF C3-C6 surgery by another HSS Dr (who terrified me). Farmer recommended no surgery at this time because while MRI shows severe degeneration, I have no symptoms & was cleared by a neurologist. I do have other joint issues. Of course Farmer said to follow spine closely with neuro, & repeat MRI in 6 mos- a yr. I also saw a 3rd top spine surgeon (at Jefferson in Philly) who said the same thing as Farmer- basically you treat the patient not the MRI. I would recommend Farmer because he was candid, down to earth, & comes in himself to assess you- ie-there was no Fellow who talks to you fist, which is very typical at HSS. There was no BS or pomp with Farmer, which I liked. He is very direct & concise- don't look for any small talk him. I would not hesitate to have surgery with him. For what it's worth, a secretary in another HSS-Dr. office told me he is "the man" to see for any cervical spine issues & that lots of VIPs see him. Waited 2+ mos for appnt.

Submitted Oct. 29, 2013

My name is Joe Quattrachi I live in New York. I recently had microdisceptomy surgery in Hospital for Special Surgery. My surgeon was Dr. James Farmer. Anyone who needs to have this done should most definitely seek Dr. Farmer. I'm 2 days in of recovering and I feel amazing. Dr. farmer gave me my life back after suffering from unbearable pain from the Siatic nerve running down my right leg. He removed a piece of a herniated disc pressing on the root and in less then an hour it was all over. Not only was he a true professional but I felt extreme confidence and never felt nervous or uncomfortable at any time. The Hospital is second to none there's a reason there ranked #1 in Orthapedics in the Country. I hope this helps anyone who has to have this done.

Submitted April 21, 2013

This Doctor is a monster and his bottom line is money. He did a surgery on my back that I told him not to do . Four experts agreed and he said he does what he wants and does not seek advice. He refused to visit me or call me the entire time I spent in the hospital. The pain I have is worse than before. He is gruff and uncaring once the surgery is over. He looked **** after the surgery. The room was ice cold and he was sweating from head to toe. He told me he would never call me to see how I was doing and would not visit me because I was too far from his office. He sucks! I swear the statements are true. My family cried as this creep never showed up to see me. Now he sent me a letter and told me I needed a doctor right away but he refused to see me again. He put fusion screws in wrong as verified by donal Corenman md dr Apostolides md and many other experts.

Submitted Dec. 31, 2012