Dr. Fletcher Hartsell III, MD

During my first encounter with Dr. Hartsell and being diagnosed with MS I cried, and he looked at me and said he didn’t know why I was crying. I thought that was very insensitive. I’ve even had to address him about his arrogance during Several appointments, both in person and Telehealth!When I notify him of symptoms I was experiencing he brushes them off stating that they have nothing to do with MS but when you look up the definition of MS and how it affects people, it’s clear as day that the symptoms are coming from the autoimmune disease.

Very disappointed in the care recieved from Dr. Hartsell. I want to preface this review by stating that I was assigned a doctor when I called the scheduling line for an appointment, I did not get to choose my provider. Dr. Hartsell does not respond to patient messages through the MyChart portal. I've only been a patient of his since January and already this has happened on three separate occasions. After the second time, he actually addressed his lack of follow through at my appointment, apologized, and promised he would do better next time. I took him at his word. He ended up wanting to consult a colleague for advice on my prescription/condition and how it might impact my fertility and promised he would reach out to me on the portal within a week of my appointment. 7.5 weeks later, still no update. I have followed up several times in the portal to no avail and even spoke to a nurse who promised she would follow-up with him personally the next day and make sure he reached out to

I really like Dr. Hartsell he listened to my concerns and offered optional treatment plans for my situation.

He refused to listen and cited out-of-date studies.

Disregards symptoms, cuts you off, makes you feel stupid and that nothing is wrong with you despite a list of symptoms. I’m never going back.

He is arrogant and has a poor bedside manner. Not empathetic to the myriad of symptoms that MS patients have. I much prefer my old Neurologist but I moved to Durham. He may be technically proficient but not personable.

Limited knowledge. Very defensive when questioned of his findings. Contradicting statements from the first visit in 2016. Did not review the previous appointment notes. Seemed to just “wing it” and have a hope they don’t call me out attitude. with what he was saying. I would NOT recommend Dr Hartsell to anyone.

Horrible 1st Visit - Went to Duke Neurology to see Dr. Hartsell as he specializes in MS, Transverse Myelitis and other Immunology conditions. He had not looked up my concerns and issues prior to my visit (even though all the notes and CD MRI was uploaded into his system so he had no clue as he was not 100% sure what disease I had. Once I went through the symptoms I was having then he leaned one way which is weird to me as if he looked in the notes it was all there and we would not have wasted precious appointment time. I was referred from another Duke Neurology doctor that was excellent, but Dr. Hartsell is the most uncaring provider I have come across. His lack of concern, empathy &attitude that there is nothing he can do for me except see you in 6 months. Trust me please do not waste your time going to see him. My husband was with me and he was displeased as we drove 3 hours and waited over a month to see him. Save yourself time and money and see someone else in the practice.

He cancelled my appointment (for which I was going to have to drive a long ways to get to/spend the night) at the VERY last minute.

He knows his stuff, but is a bit of an arrogant jerk. The office also tends to cancel longstanding appointments last minute.

Unfortunately my experience with Dr Hartsell and painful and frustrating. Largely due to the administrative side of attaining my MR. What prompted me to seek a new neurologist was a total lack of understanding and compassion. I arrived 24 minutes late for an appointment. Clearly my problem(tending to my husband who had an emergency root canal). The issue is I called twice and let them know they said ok and still canceled my appt. So I never got started on meds for my MS. Horrible.

Saw Dr. Hartsell yesterday for the first time. We waited a while to be seen BUT that speaks volumes. Typically if you have to wait for the doctor it means they are taking the time to listen and help their patients. He spent an hour going through my diagnosis, he listened to all my questions and had an answer for everything. He actually took the time and made me a diagram discussing MS and how it effects the brain. I look forward to working with Dr. Hartsell.

I thought Dr. Hartsell listened to my concerns and answered questions very well. He seemed compassionate and caring during the entire visit. He didn't seemed rushed when I asked him several questions and I thought he was patient in explaining his thoughts and diagnosis to me.

While he was very knowledgable about his area of expertise, he had very little compassion and would not listen to concerns placed by me and my family. If we did not agree with his method of treatments he was very standoffish and rude. If I had felt more at ease with him, I definitely would have stayed at the 1L clinic. When you cry or walk out of the office mad then it's time to cut your losses, despite how much you love the facility.