Alicia Velez's Testimonial

Comments: Dr. Ellis is a wonderful combination of skilled surgeon with warm bedside manner, and best of all, he still accepts insurance. I had torn my Achilles tendon while playing tennis. When one tears an achilles, you have about a two week window to have surgery. I met with two other surgeons over the next couple of days, but I just wasn't feeling right about either of them. It may sound silly to get a third opinion, but even when I called Dr. Ellis' support staff to ask for an appointment, Carlos validated me and did not make me feel like I was a burden or wasting the doctor's time. He understood that I needed to feel comfortable with the surgeon who was not only going to repair the tendon but who would understand that I was going on a journey for the next year with my rehab and recovery. Upon the consultation, Dr. Ellis knew I had seen two other surgeons but was very understanding and supportive. I felt no shame from him. He explained how he would go about repairing it. I came with a list of questions and he took his time to listen and answer each one. I never felt pressured. He just seemed like a solid dude, doing his job with integrity and no ego, and letting his personality and body of work speak for itself. I knew he was the surgeon for me. And I attest that he was. Even at follow up appointments, he takes his time. I remember I was being wheeled out post the ultrasound to make sure I had no blood clots after being fairly sedentary for a few weeks. I was wheeled out to the sidewalk waiting for my car and there comes Dr. Ellis. He's a busy man. He could just waved or smiled and walked by. No, he comes over to check on you and see how the test went. This meant a lot to me. He's a human being. Now, a year later, I have recovered back to my active lifestyle. I just hiked the rim to rim of Grand Canyon, back to my Orange Theory HIIT workouts, took a learn to row class, strength training, and occasionally run a 5k here and there.
And let me make sure I nod to the support staff, they were phenomenal. They get you the appointments when you need them. Steve - the PA - has had a lot of experience and you might have appointments with him while Dr. Ellis is in the OR, but don't worry, you are in great hands. He's been doing this a long time and he also takes his time to answer all of your questions whether via the HSS patient portal or in the office. One time, I even forgot to ask him some questions, and I went back to find him dictating his notes, and even though I was probably interrupting him, he took his time to answer my forgotten questions with pleasure and no annoyance. Carlos in the office does a great job with the billing. He's fully transparent. He takes his time to go over the upfront costs and copays. Both admins, Esther and Rosalety, were so kind when I would check-out. They even let me borrow a knee scooter that another patient had left behind. This was a God-send! Unfortunately, I had bought an indoors knee scooter, without the thick enough tires to roll around the mean streets of NYC. This knee scooter that they let me borrow increased my freedom, allowed me to escape from staring at the same four walls every day, and gave me the ability to do things and feel fresh air on my face during this difficult time. I'll never forget this act of kindness. Lastly, with the ability to finally fly and with the hopes of recovering in a more scenic place, my husband and I mistakenly booked a trip. Unfortunately, the resort was not letting us get out of it, even though we had jumped the gun thinking I could do more activities than I really could. Rosaletty was able to write a support letter attesting to the fact that I was not in the condition to do any of the activities that the resort offered. Our mistake, but thanks to her, we were able to get our money back. This was huge.
Can't say enough good things about this office. I would go back if I ever needed Dr. Ellis and his team again.