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Dr. Joseph Kowalski, MD

Dr. Joseph Kowalski, MD

Orthopedic Spine Surgery*

Dr. Joseph Kowalski, MD is an orthopedic spine surgeon in Buffalo, NY. He is affiliated with ECMC Health Campus. He is accepting new patients.

4 Star Rating
Based on 23 reviews 4 Star Rating (23 reviews)

Practice

4949 Harlem Rd Buffalo, NY 14226

Make an Appointment

(716) 204-3200

At a Glance

  • Area of Expertise
    Dr. Kowalski specializes in the area of Orthopedic Surgery. • See board certifications
  • Explains Conditions Well
    Patients said this doctor explains conditions well. • See reviews
  • Recent Reviews
    Reviews made in the last 30 days. • See reviews
  • Trustworthy
    Patients said this doctor is trustworthy. • See reviews
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Dr. Kowalski's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Kowalski

4.0
23 ratings, 9 with a written review
5 star
74%
74%
4 star
0%
0%
3 star
0%
0%
2 star
0%
0%
1 star
26%
26%

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Excellent surgeon
I had a fall and needed surgery on my neck. Not only is he an excellent dr but also kind and compassionate! His NP Mary Jo is also excellent, and very compassionate. His office staff from check in, X-ray, and nurses are all fantastic. Highly recommended him if you need surgery.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Apr 24, 2025
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ECMC Office is terrible
Dr. Kowalski himself is great but try getting on contact with his office at the Erie County Medical Center is a nightmare. Regular 45-60 minute holds when calling, no return calls, no empathy or real assistance.
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
  • I didn't feel respected
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Long wait times
Helpful
Aug 11, 2023
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I was the first appointment of the day, got in at 7:30am. Never saw the doctor my entire time there. I saw one PA for about 5 minutes. She was extremely short and rude. I left at 9:30am, 2 hours after I got there, because I had been waiting in the exam room the entire time. No idea where the Dr was or what he was doing. Horrendous experience. Won’t be scheduling an appointment here ever again.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Long wait times
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Matt – Apr 15, 2021
Hi Matt, thank you for letting us know, and we... Read More
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Kowalski?
Being a new patient, my waiting period was a little long but well worth. Dr KOWALSKI is a good man and he was very helpful in answering my questions.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Ken Thomas – Aug 08, 2020
Hi Ken, this is so great to hear! Thank you for... Read More
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Best back surgeon in the state. Has an amazing bedside manner. Is super attentive. Tell you in detail every step along your journey. I totally recommend dr kowalski and his staff. He is as great and his entire staff is the same way.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Stephanie – Apr 10, 2020
Wow!! Reading this has made my day, this is... Read More
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During my recent spine surgery Dr Kowalski was efficient, kind and communicated to me in language I could understand what was happening. I would not hesitate to recommend him to others.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
5 others found this helpful
Helpful
Janet pisto in Buffalo , NY – Nov 20, 2019
Janet, thank you so much for this recommendation.... Read More
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Best Dr ever! I broke my back when I was 17, and 35 years later he was able to fix it. He fused from L1 to S2 and I can do all kinds of things except skiing and horse back riding. He is straight forward and honest!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
5 others found this helpful
Helpful
Michelle Raney in Mount Holly , NC – Feb 12, 2018
Dr. Kowalski's Reply –
Thank you for your feedback. We value it!
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Kowalski?
Outstanding surgeon! Dr. Kowalski saved my life after an accident damaged my body so badly, it would have seemed easier just letting me die. He talked honestly with my family, described the injuries and the likelihood of my not even surviving the surgery... then welcomed my daughter's hug when he announced I had made it through. We will never forget this amazing man who did his best to put me back together. The accident left me paraplegic, but Dr. Kowalski gave me a second chance to live again!
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
8 others found this helpful
Helpful
Mar 12, 2017
Thank you for your review! It is greatly... Read More
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Never had another ache or pain after my back surgery. No pain ever after procedure was completed. I highly recommend Dr. Kowalski not only for his complete information and care prior to the operation, and the post checkups also.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
6 others found this helpful
Helpful
Anthony Rotolo in East Amherst, NY, 14051 – Nov 16, 2016
Thank you for your feedback! It is very valuable... Read More
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Know Before You Go

About Me

care philosophy

UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine's Commitment to Excellence:

We will improve lives through compassionate care for those with musculoskeletal conditions; innovative research to discover, develop and deliver treatment; and collaborative...read more

  • Orthopedic Spine Surgery

  • Orthopedic Surgery

*Healthgrades does not verify qualifications for medical specialties. Please verify your provider's specialty and qualifications directly with your provider and applicable medical board.

  • State University Of New York At Buffalo-orthopaedic Surgery

    Residency Hospital

  • State University Of New York At Buffalo - Orthopaedic Surgery

    Residency Hospital

  • Emory University - Spine Fellowship

    Fellowship Hospital, 1999

  • Emory University-spine Fellowship

    Fellowship Hospital, 1999

  • State University Of New York At Buffalo-general Surgery

    Internship Hospital, 1994

  • State University Of New York At Buffalo - General Surgery

    Internship Hospital, 1994

  • Doctor Of Chiropractic

    1989

  • National College Of Chiropractic

    Undergraduate School, 1987
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery®
- 
Orthopedic Surgery
For detailed information about any of the below board actions, please search for the provider's records on the linked state licensing board or the Federation of State Medical Boards. To learn more about the difference between these sources, please refer to our FAQs.
Healthgrades has not received any data indicating a board action exists for this provider.

Healthgrades receives board action history for physicians and physician assistants. The information displayed here is sourced from independent information providers, such as state board websites, and may not be the most up-to-date information. Healthgrades makes no representations with respect to the accuracy of any information provided here and assumes no responsibility or liability for such information.

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Locations

Practice

Denardin Family Practice PLLC4949 Harlem Rd Buffalo, NY 14226
1

Practice

Univ. Orthopaedic Services Inc.111 N Maplemere Rd Ste 100 Williamsville, NY 14221
2
Office462 Grider St Ste 16 Buffalo, NY 14215
3

Affiliated Hospitals

  • ECMC Health Campus

    462 Grider St
    Buffalo, NY 14215
    Recipient of 5
    hospital awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    86%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    2% higher than the national average

    70%
    Patients said that nurses always listened to them and explained things well

    5% lower than the national average

    View all patient feedback
Learn more about how Healthgrades measures Hospital Quality