Dr. Tibbs has performed surgery on me twice, 13 years apart and in both instances I cannot imagine having a better neurosurgeon. My first surgery was quite involved. I needed to have a lumbar fusion but what didn't show up on my MRI were cysts adhering to my sciatic nerve on both sides. So he performed both nerve surgery and orthopedic surgery. After a normal recovery period I was good to go on with my life without pain and with normal movement. The second surgery, 13 years later, involved a fusion immediately above the former one. Again, after a normal recovery period I was able to resume my life without pain and with normal function. How absolutely wonderful is that? Dr. Tibbs is an excellent surgeon and a very nice man who deeply cares about his patients. I highly recommend him!

Submitted Dec. 21, 2020

####ATTENTION: PLEASE READ####

My own experience can help you choose the right doctor - UK has many great doctors - here is my story on why to at least not get stuck with Dr. Phillip Tibbs

By my paperwork they knew I had 9 mental disorders. By the cigarette burns seen on the flexibility test - maybe it’d work into Tibbs mind “hey maybe this kid could use some help” but no it somehow went the opposite direction. I stutter because of years of abuse; I did in front of him and he got impatient, raised his voice, threw his hands around agitated like, and was blurting out answers I could respond with while I was thinking of my own answers - he did that multiple times. It was also a very rushed visit that I left with next to zero information on. He never told me how many herniated discs I have and never even told me I had degenerative disc disease; If I wouldn’t have emailed them it would have gone undiagnosed - I spent $1,150 for an MRI that took 11 images and he looks at 1 image for less than 10 seconds - I have to get the MRI reviewed again making the entire visit almost useless; I tried to get some answers/education by having them send me an email and explained my issue with my visit but I got ignored so I couldn’t even see what oral medicine/what’s in the injections used at UK so I couldn’t even do my own research on available options - I’m in extreme isolation and on average leave my home 2-3 times a month and that’s for groceries/doctors. I go into a hospital - holding back tears walking down its hallways - because I can hear distant conversations all blended together and being 3 weeks without hearing a humans voice it was all just really stimulating and it’s like, I’m alone at this hospital not knowing what’s wrong with me

I judge people based off how they treat others and even when this doctor knew some of my pain .. just don’t put your health in his hands. If you don’t know any of the other doctors just make sure his name doesn’t pop up as I’m switching doctors myself. It’s important to feel cared for by people you place the trust of your health in and this just being so far in the opposite direction - I had to voice my experience

Best of luck and remember even the best doctors don’t give you all the information so remember to educate yourself as well. The internet is a place filled with many answers; You just have to ask/google (lol) your questions. Thank you for reading and good luck out there!

Submitted May 17, 2019

Treated me as if I was a number just moving me through. Thought he was my only option. Had back pain he said he could help but now it’s worse. Will never recommend him again. Wish I would have done more research around town.

Submitted Dec. 9, 2018

Five months out from surgery, Fred my cattle this morning and on my way to Louisville for grandparents day. Could not be more pleased with outcome. L3,4,&5 fusion.

Submitted Nov. 16, 2018

He did surgery for malignant chordoma on my lower back. Excellent surgeon; excellent bedside manner and Very caring and concerned.

Submitted May 9, 2018

The nurses were so kind, Dr. Tibbs was the opposite. I waited for 3 hours, he said we just have too many patients and I'm in a hurry. He was extensivextremely ride and i left crying. His nurse even apologized and felt awful. He said I was fine and just needed to lose weight. After a year of referrals and getting into a new Neurosurgeon they found out what was wrong and found Tumors on my spine that Dr. Tibbs apparently missed. I'm now getting the treatments I need. I do not recommend him to anyone no matter what these other reviews say, I ended up in a wheelchair because of him.

Submitted Feb. 13, 2018

Dr. Tibbs performed PLIF on me (posterior lumbar interbody fusion) of L4-L5 and excision of synovial cyst due to the condition: Spondylolisthesis. At 6 weeks out, I'm back to walking daily! The nerve pain down my leg was gone immediately after surgery and my back pain is much better. At 48, I was told I was on the younger end for this surgery, but it was absolutely needed and I don't regret it one second. Dr. Tibbs has given me my life back of keeping up with 3 very active children! He is extremely patient, kind, intelligent, and skilled. His confidence put me at ease, as well as his conservative approach to surgery. Dr. Tibbs is amazing and I highly recommend him! The staff at UK's hospital was wonderful as well.

Submitted Nov. 3, 2017

excellent interactions with patients. my surgery result is excellent. highly recommended

Submitted July 3, 2017

The best of the best!!! He is a very kind and caring surgeon that cares for his patients well being. He goes above and beyond his call of duty.

Submitted June 30, 2017

Had L4 laminectomy and L4 L5 disc replacement with VariLift inserts. Surgery went well. Results are great. A great doctor/surgeon with a really good team. UK Hospital stay was great as well. Good support and care. 5 stars!

Submitted Oct. 26, 2015