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Dr. Michael Polinsky, MD

Dr. Michael Polinsky, MD

Neurosurgery*
25+ years of experience

Dr. Michael Polinsky, MD is a neurosurgeon in Saint Louis, MO and has over 25 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN / ANN ARBOR in 1997. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as Missouri Baptist Medical Center and Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

4.5 Star Rating
Based on 46 reviews 4.5 Star Rating (46 reviews)

Practice

12855 N 40 Dr Ste 125 Saint Louis, MO 63141
Telehealth available

Make an Appointment

(314) 806-1770

Hospital Highlight

Dr. Polinsky is affiliated with Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital Creve Coeur, a highly rated hospital.

Dr. Polinsky is a Healthgrades Choice provider in Neurosurgery

The Healthgrades Choice designation helps you understand the most important factors to consider when choosing a healthcare professional. This designation is earned based on four set standards.
Read our methodology

  • Above average experience
  • Good hospital quality
  • Good patient ratings
  • No healthcare sanctions
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Dr. Polinsky's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Polinsky

4.5
46 ratings, 21 with a written review
5 star
85%
85%
4 star
2%
2%
3 star
0%
0%
2 star
2%
2%
1 star
11%
11%

Your trust is our top concern.

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Susie H
Compassionate and extremely informative. Even took time to call spouse to include in explanation.
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
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Aug 14, 2024
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Highly recommend Dr. Polinski
Telehealth
Dr. Polinski took his time and examining me. He listen to me. He made sure he had all of my scans and test reports before he made his decision. I intend on using him as my surgeon as soon as I can get a date. Highly recommend him.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Mary F Holtz – Sep 16, 2023
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Dr. Polanski is a great doctor.
He took so much time checking all the symptoms to come up with a diagnosis. He’s very knowledgeable and caring.
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
Aug 30, 2023
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Dr. Polinsky is compassionate, kind & has an expertise beyond as a neurosurgeon. He explains your problem & offers options. I had total confidence that having surgery was my best decision. I was not disappointed.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
Helpful
Dot Guccione – Jun 09, 2023
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Dr. Polinsky is the BEST!!!
I visited with Dr. Polinsky after he was recommended to me by my neurologist, Barry Singer MD , and my pain MD, Dr. Shah. I liked that he took the time to review my condition, dispel any myths about back surgery that I had been told. He was honest about the risks and benefits of back surgery and very thorough about the different options depending on what I will need depending on more scans. He assessed my lower extremities to assess for any current weakness that could be permanent without surgery. He shared that "only I can feel my pain", so only I know how much I can withstand in regard to taking the risk of surgery. I have had several people have surgical procedures by Dr. Polinsky and they also recommended him to me. There are no guarantees with back surgery, so I know I have to go into this with open mind and with as much information as I can to decide.
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
Colleen Gilmore, RN, ANP-BC, ACHPN – Jun 06, 2023
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Dr Polinski is Extremely knowledgeable, listens, thoroughly explains the problems, gives all options, and is kind and professional. He helped me recover from a debilitating problem(s) and has followed up with me every step of the way. I cannot speak highly enough of Dr Polinski and his staff.
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
May 18, 2023
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I cannot walk again virtually pain-free
The staff that continuous follow ups, dreamer recovery after a lumbar fusion. I was made aware of the discomfort I would have after surgery. First week was rough but it’s weak and much better. After that now, three months later I have my life back and I can walk anywhere I want. Very friendly and professional staff.
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 27, 2023
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Great Dr.
He is so down to earth helps you understand what is going on with you and also takes time to listen. His staff is very nice also
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Explained conditions well
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
D.Shaw – Mar 17, 2023
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Spinal fusion
Dr. Polinski gave me my quality of life back. After my surgery I could stand and walk without being in excruciating pain. He is not only a gifted surgeon but a wonderful man. He listened to me explained what the surgery would accomplish and what the after surgery recovery would be for me. He is really am empathetic man. I am so very appreciative I had the surgery over 5 years ago and I am still reaping the benefits today.
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
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Mary Heidbreder – Feb 04, 2023
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Wondeful Neurosurgeon
Dr. Polinsky was a godsend. He was able to see me, take care of me, and fix my back pain. His office staff was kind and generous!
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
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Bob – Jul 14, 2022
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I don’t really have the word’s to describe how great this doctor is! His bedside manner is beyond top notch! His care for his patients is beyond anything you will ever experience. He went so far above and beyond for me and the way he changed my life with his art of surgery. I didn’t know there were doctors like him out there that cared like this! Highly recommend!
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
Helpful
Daniel OConnor – Jul 10, 2022
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Dr. Polinsky was great...spent as much time as needed, explained everything and answered all my question. Unfortunately his secretary resides on the other side of the spectrum. All calls, and I mean dozens, never get picked up and go directly to voicemail, where the caller is scolded of more than 1 voicemail is left. She was responsible for scheduling my MRI and I was left hanging for 3 weeks; even the MRI staff could not reach her. Extremely frustrating!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Staff wasn't friendly
7 others found this helpful
Helpful
Fred V – Oct 23, 2019
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The office staff is terrible. They don't return calls, they don't reply to emails to their portal. When you are able to get through, they're rude and short with you. Can't understand why an outstanding surgeon has such incompetent staff
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
8 others found this helpful
Helpful
Wayne – Aug 29, 2019
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Dr. Polinsky is excellent. I trust his opinion and his work. His nurses and after care questions, not so much. Getting through to any of the nurses for questions about after care is not easy. It’s actually 1 of the hardest drs offices to get ahold of a nurse for anything.
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Staff wasn't friendly
6 others found this helpful
Helpful
Kendy in MO – Jun 27, 2019
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RUINT me
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
5 others found this helpful
Helpful
Apr 23, 2019
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Never seen Dr. Expects more invasive testing prior to review of current tests and before he will talk to you.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Apr 12, 2019
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An extremely skilled surgeon, Doctor and wonderful human being.
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
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
M Parson in Ofallon, MO – Nov 29, 2018
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Terry and I wish to thank you for your amazing care and successful spinal surgery you performed on Terry recently. We were both scared and unsure as we experienced this medical issue. But you and your staff walked us through with compassion and confidence. Thank you and God bless all. Terry and Joyce Moon
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
Terry Moon in Palmyra Mo – May 23, 2018
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Dr. Polinsky did my Meniere’s surgery where he went in and cut the balance nerve next to my brain. He was the most attentive Doctor I’ve ever had during my hospital stay. Before my surgery he took as much time as I needed to explain what he would be doing. I felt confident in his care. He is also a super sweet man who actually cares about his patients. I highly recommend Dr. Polinsky!!
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
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Debra Rodgers in Park Hills, MO – Mar 16, 2018
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I don't have words to describe how thankful I am for Dr. Polinsky!! If it hadn't been for him doing my dads spine surgery in January, he wouldn't have lived as long as he did. It was a risky surgery due to my dads poor health, but Dr. Polinsky took on the challenge and saved my dads life! I am forever grateful for what you did that day!
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
12 others found this helpful
Helpful
Amy63601 in Park Hills, MO – Jul 31, 2016
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How was your experience with Dr. Polinsky?

Know Before You Go

About Me

biography

Michael N. Polinsky, MD, is a board-certified neurosurgeon with Neurosurgery & Neurology. He treats surgical conditions affecting the brain and spine, including disc disease, degenerative spine disease, spinal stenosis, tumors of the brain and...read more

  • Neurosurgery

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

  • University Of Michigan / Ann Arbor

    Medical School, 1997

  • University Mi

    Residency Hospital, 1997
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Neurological Surgery®
- 
Neurosurgery
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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Dr. Polinsky is a Healthgrades Choice provider in Neurosurgery

    Read our methodology

    Focus on Uncontrolled Emotions

    Locations

    Practice

    St Louis Orthopedic Institute Inc.12855 N 40 Dr Ste 125 Saint Louis, MO 63141
    1
    • Call
    • Fax
    • Hours
      • Mon: 8:00am - 5:00pm
      • Tue: 8:00am - 5:00pm
      • Wed: 8:00am - 5:00pm
      • Thu: 8:00am - 5:00pm
      • Fri: 8:00am - 5:00pm
    • Directions

    Practice

    Office3 Saint Elizabeth Blvd Ste 3900 O Fallon, IL 62269
    2
    Office5301 Veterans Memorial Pkwy Ste 105 Saint Peters, MO 63376
    3
    Neurosurgical Associates of St Louis LLC112 Piper Hill Dr Ste 12 Saint Peters, MO 63376
    4
    • Call
    • Fax
    • Hours
      • Mon: 8:30am - 4:00pm
      • Tue: 8:30am - 4:00pm
      • Wed: 8:30am - 4:00pm
      • Thu: 8:30am - 4:00pm
      • Fri: 8:30am - 4:00pm
      • Sat: closed
      • Sun: closed
    • Directions

    Affiliated Hospitals

    • Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital

      12634 Olive Blvd
      Creve Coeur, MO 63141
      Recipient of 10
      hospital awards

      Patient Safety Excellence Award™ (2025, 2024, 2023)

      Top in the nation for overall patient experience based on nine measures related to doctor and nurse communication, hospital cleanliness and noise levels, and medication and post-discharge care instructions

      Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ (2024, 2023, 2022)

      Top in the nation for overall patient experience based on nine measures related to doctor and nurse communication, hospital cleanliness and noise levels, and medication and post-discharge care instructions

      View all awards

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

      91%
      Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

      4% higher than the national average

      86%
      Patients said that nurses always listened to them and explained things well

      8% higher than the national average

      View all patient feedback

    • St. Luke's Hospital

      232 S Woods Mill Rd
      Chesterfield, MO 63017
      Recipient of 14
      hospital awards

      Surgical Care Excellence Award™ (2025, 2024)

      Top in the nation for overall patient experience based on nine measures related to doctor and nurse communication, hospital cleanliness and noise levels, and medication and post-discharge care instructions

      Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ (2024, 2023, 2022)

      Top in the nation for overall patient experience based on nine measures related to doctor and nurse communication, hospital cleanliness and noise levels, and medication and post-discharge care instructions

      View all awards

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

      89%
      Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

      5% higher than the national average

      83%
      Patients would recommend the hospital to friends and family

      18% higher than the national average

      View all patient feedback

    • Missouri Baptist Medical Center

      3015 N Ballas Rd
      Saint Louis, MO 63131
      Recipient of 19
      hospital awards

      Patient Safety Excellence Award™ (2025, 2024, 2023)

      Top in the nation for overall patient experience based on nine measures related to doctor and nurse communication, hospital cleanliness and noise levels, and medication and post-discharge care instructions

      Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ (2024, 2023, 2022)

      Top in the nation for overall patient experience based on nine measures related to doctor and nurse communication, hospital cleanliness and noise levels, and medication and post-discharge care instructions

      View all awards

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

      89%
      Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

      5% higher than the national average

      80%
      Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

      4% higher than the national average

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