Dr. Abernathy did a decompression surgery on me in Nov 2008 at L4/L5 and I was VERY sick, vomiting post-op.......I called the office time and time again telling the receptionist and nurse that "something is WRONG" the first couple of times, they were sympathetic and once, he even called in PT for me and steroids but after that-not so sympathetic.......I kept calling and calling-the nurse was downright NASTY the last time even telling me "you need to realize you just had major surgery and you need to give yourself time to recover" and at the 3 week mark, I could not sit, stand or walk and could only lay in one position........my husband had to carry me to the bathroom........I spent FOUR DAYS like that and on day #4, I finally told my hubby to carry me to the truck and take me to UIHC because I knew they have an MRI machine and I knew that was what I needed.........yeah, I would say so........so, the resident there discharged me home (I am quite certain he got in trouble because first thing the next morning, the secretary called me and said that the Attending had reviewed my MRI and how fast could I get there because I needed emergency surgery and I should have had it last night for Caudal Equina Syndrome) anyhow, once we got in the truck to get home, my hubby called Dr. Abernathy's service and demanded to talk to the Dr. He had no idea about my problems, I told him how bad I was and he told us to get up the next morning and be at his office first thing and to bring the disc from the MRI and labs I just had at UIHC. So, we had just passed the I-80 interchange (we live S of there and use 218 to travel) when the U called and told me that and I said that I had just passed Ia City on my way to see Dr A. We got there, Dr A walked in the room, took one glance at the MRI and said "you want me to fix this right" (by this time I think I would have allowed my 5 year old to operate using a butter knife) and then buzzed the nurse and told he to "take her upstairs and she goes to the front of the line" yeah-all good right..........NOT........my problem is that when I came to, the first time I saw Dr A, he told me he had to remove the entire disc and he "rolled up a piece of gauze to maintain the disc space and I think you will do just fine" and then, I found out later that he had told my hubby the same thing when he went out and talked to him...........I don't know who would do that ESPECIALLY when my hubby HAS POA........so, since that time, I have been in agony and this past Sept (2014) I had to have another decompression, and the 2 awesome neurosurgeons I have worked with since both thought it was insane that Dr. A did that and during this past surgery, the neurosurgeon had to remove a golf ball size knot of scar tissue from between the vertebrae and the nerve root was in the middle of it.......he said that it was because of what Dr. A did............he crippled me FOR LIFE-I was 34...........my life since then has been centered around trying to be as pain free as possible; I will have this terrible pain for the rest of my life

Submitted April 27, 2015

I had surgery with Chad in April and wow I'm a new person. I couldn't sleep, hardly walk and in pain 24/7. Now tomorrow II'm going in for a cervical fusion,none related I have all trust in him and wouldn't want anyone else do it. I've read where others have more problems than before the surgery, I'm. sorry they dont have Dr. Abernathey . I feel very fortune to have him close and would recommended him to anyone thank you Dr. My husband is 3 weeks out from surgery and is doing great.

Submitted Feb. 11, 2015

my first back surgery was a great success, my back felt like nothing ever happened to it , but now more disk have deterioted and in need of longer rods to correct the problem and I am staying Dr Abernathy

Submitted Dec. 7, 2014

He is an amazing doctor!!! One in a million!!! Wouldn't go anywhere else!

Submitted Oct. 27, 2014

My husband had anterior cervical neck surgery. When he awoke, his right arm was numb. Post op week one, the muscles were shrinking in his right arm and back. On his post op visit his scapula was "winging", sticking way out. Dr. Said "this is right where I want you". Unbelievable. He had to undergo 4 hour surgery at the U with a real surgeon and still has a numb arm due to previous nerve damage. I wouldn't trust him to treat my dog. And you can't even try to sue him as he has lawyers all the way to Des Moines in his scrub pocket.

Submitted Sept. 27, 2014

Dr Abernathey should be ashamed, he picks and chooses who he wishes to help, no matter how severe the spinal injury,

Submitted Aug. 27, 2014

Chad Abernathey did my first two lumbar surgeries in 2007. He explained was work related but would have nothing to do with work comp. Did 1st surgery and I was back in a month due to him not removing all bone spurs. Said I was to blame for moving out of bed wrong. After 2 surgery I continued to have numbing in left leg and still pain in back. 2009 I was brought to hospital by ambulance, back gave out and couldn't walk. I was suppose to get injections that day. I over heard Dr Abernathy arguing with the ER Dr. About doing 3rd surgery. He felt I should just get injections. ER Dr said 3rd surgery was needed. Did so. Went back a week later to have stitches removed. Could barely walk. He said I was fine. Explained it hurt to walk. Did MRI, again another bone spur. 4th emergency surgery. Never said to do physical therapy. Continued pain went to differ Dr. 5th surgery was a fusion to fix what he did. Still having issues. Being told now to young for anything further. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND EVER

Submitted July 24, 2014

I had read some of these reviews criticizing Dr. Abernathey on his bedside manner, so I went into my appointment expecting him to be kind of a jerk. My local physician's office gave me the wrong date, so I actually showed up for my appointment a week early. I live 11/2 hours from Cedar Rapids, so rather than making me come back, they worked me in. The staff was very courteous and helpful. Dr. Abernathey was very professional and knowledgeable and answered all of our questions about the procedure and its risks. He walked us to the business office and helped get my surgery scheduled within 3 days. I had an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, and within hours of the surgery, my symptoms had already improved. Dr. Abernathey is a very skilled surgeon and I would not hesitate to recommend him to others that needed this surgery.

Submitted Oct. 4, 2013

Submitted July 16, 2011

Dr, Bernathy is the most skilled surgeon in Iowa. Other doctors refer people to him. I had surgery with him to repair what a quack tried to do. While not perfect, my pain was significantly reduced. He does have a probem with bedside manner, but he is BUSY and cannot answer everything you may want to know. Come prepared to his office with questions. Research your problem before seeing him and KNOW what you want to ask. In my book, he is perfect, and the staff at the hospital are exemplary. Thank you, sir, for asll you have done for me.

Submitted Feb. 26, 2011