I’ve been a patient of Dr Lubenow for about 10 years. I’ve had numerous procedures done for pain management. Over all the years I would rarely ask for pain meds. I have a list of medical conditions however my chronic intractable migraines land me in the hospital. So Dr Lubenow would provide a few narcotic like one a month to keep me out of the ER. Then in 2023 I had to have back to back surgeries. Due to the fact that I have chronic conditions the surgeons wanted Dr Lubenow to prescribe my pain medications. My first surgery was fine. My second surgery which was shoulder surgery which is very painful he basically called me a drug seeker after my surgeon told me to ask for more pain meds. The last few appointments with him he was no longer listening to me at all and instead just ordering me to do what he wanted. I believe a great Dr listens to their patients and works with them to reach the best treatment plan. Plus the entire time I’ve been seeing Dr Lubenow he’s always been about a hour and a half late for every appointment. I’m sorry that ridiculous. Your parents have a life also. Be respectful! I do feel like when I stared seeing him his care was better. He has changed over the years. Unfortunately not for the better.

Submitted Jan. 18, 2024

I came to Rush because I have been living with excruciating chronic pain for years. I have blacked out from this pain that has cost me jobs, friends, an active lifestyle, my mental health, basically everything in my life that means anything. I told this doctor that. I spent hundreds out of pocket for this doctor to walk me out of the room within 5 minutes. He did not consult with me to go over my illness or a plan. How do these doctors do this to people? They are suppose to save lives. Inside of being full of themselves they can do what they are supposed to, leave their biases and treat their patients. I really don't think 5 min did anything. I didn't pay for Lubenow to tell me I'm fine. Apparently this is Rush's standard of patient care.

Submitted March 18, 2022

Rude, screams at patients & staff, & horrible bedside manner,. Expect to wait hours.

Submitted Dec. 8, 2021

Wish I could say better, but McDonald’s drive through spends more time w ppl & is less rude. Have heard him screaming at other patients & slamming doors. He doesn’t listen & is beyond rude. Has been unmasked during an indoor mask mandate & also doesn’t listen.

Submitted Dec. 4, 2021

This Doctor should be out of a job. Lawsuits here we go.

Submitted March 1, 2021

Dr. Lubenow is THE best at what he does, period. The wait times are long because he is so highly sought after and he truly tries to help as many people as possible, as soon as possible, because he understands pain and is compassionate. The alternative would be for the appointment desk to turn you away, and make you wait several months to be seen, all the while continually suffering, vs. longer wait times on the day of your appointment. I for one prefer the latter, and plan my schedule accordingly. You have to understand that when going to a teaching institution, such as Rush, Residents and Fellows are a part of the process and are at different points in their rotations, and you may be experiencing someone’s first day in the clinic, last day before moving on, or the team may have had an emergency and are now running even more behind schedule. Often they are working through lunch or staying late. The support staff, especially the front desk at the Rush campus, can be lacking to say the least, however, there are amazing people that work him as well (Susan). Important to note, Dr. Lubenow was not the first, second or even seventh doctor I’d seen for my pain over the course of five plus years, so perhaps I have a bit more perspective than most who seem to have unknowingly been fortunate enough to have gotten to see him for their first opinions. There is no better doctor out there who is more respected, knowledgeable, and conscientious about providing the best care for his patients. No matter how behind Dr. Lubenow has run, he has always listened to my concerns, and made me feel that he has my best interest at heart. If I had the opportunity to treat with him off the bat, my condition would have been diagnosed correctly, treated promptly, and would not have progressed to the point of no return. Despite that, I am living my highest quality life because of Dr. Lubenow and he continually seeks to improve my quality of life through pain managment with his innovative approach in the latest advanced modalities.

Submitted June 8, 2019

dismissive, rude with attitude. Had a house. born staph infection in my spine created adhesive arachnoidits & RSD in legs. He said I did not have RSD, his methods were limited & lacking. Was Dx'ed by 3 other neurologists.

Submitted Aug. 20, 2017

I saw this doctor for workman comp. he released me without getting new doctor and would not fill refills other is doctor did not accept in yet when I ran out of addictive meds when back and refused to refill

Submitted July 20, 2017

Third visit to Dr. Lubenow. Interns answered more questions than Dr. L. Over 2 hour wait on all 3 visits. Very rude, arrogant, dismisses your concerns & questions, wants to do implants and that's it. Out of the room!! Will NOT go back to him. EVER!! He didn't even have my chart, they went digital, and there was NOTHING on the screen. He was guessing at my diagnosis, even changing his mind the more we talked. Got highly irritated that I was fearful of the spinal implants. I have a hard time with the side effects of all the nerve pain drugs, wanted to discuss that, he became quite angry that I wasn't ready to just jump in and have the implants. He suggested I see their psychologist(to talk me into the implants). Meanwhile I have my OWN therapist which I told them... They are way too busy there, he doesn't have time to even think clearly per patient. Rude, arrogant person! Very disappointed and discouraged. Will seek help elsewhere.

Submitted Oct. 14, 2015

This doctor has no regard for other peoples time nor their needs. Each time I saw this doctor I had to wait well over an hour to over 2 hours. I explained that I am the caregiver to my spouse who has ALZ and I cannot wait that long. This doctor did not care about my needs and had no empathy what so ever. The last visit I waited over 2 hours and when he walked in the exam room he asked if another doctor had come in. I said no and he stormed out of the room. I opened the door and expressed my frustration over the wait time and his lack of concern. The nurse told me I should tell him, which I did and he didn't care. Also after seeing him 4x's and having nerve block procedure 2x's no relief. I was told I need and electro procedure done. All I will say at this point is NOT WITH HIM!!!!

Submitted July 28, 2015