Dr. Gerard Varlotta

Patients should read this New York Times article about Dr. Varlotta prior to seeing him.

Dr. Varlotta is an excellent, world-​class doctor. He has been my doctor for seven years now and was able to diagnose and treat a chronic pain problem that many other doctors were unable to help me with. I can’t say enough good things about him. His bedside manner is excellent as well.

Dr. Varlotta is the best orthopedic surgeon for feet I have found in NYC yet. I tried 2 other orthopedic surgeons (Dr Alleyne, Dr Chapman) for the same condition (chronic tendonitis related to Morton’s Neuromas in both feet). Dr Varlotta spent the most time with me, identified and thoroughly explained the condition and its impact on the rest of my feet, actually answered each of my questions without seeming rushed, and listened to my needs as we identified a healing plan. I agree with the other reviewer (from 2010) that there is usually a long wait. But to me, it is worth it to get over my chronic condition.
In the past month, I have recommended 3 other people to this doctor. 2 have actually gone and both said they had a wonderful experience and will be going back.
It should be noted, his office is now on E 38^th St b/​n 1^st and 2^nd Ave.

I would not recommend this doctor to anyone, especially with all of the excellent doctors in manhattan. I visited him two times and each time waited 2+hours in the waiting room. After waiting 2 hours, I timed our visit and he spoke with me for a total of 6 minutes. The doctor pressured me into getting an x-​ray and CT scan that I didn’t want at the time for several reasons. Because he only spent 6 minutes with me, he didn’t even identify the ultimate issue (my knee, not my shin). We ended up xraying and scanning the wrong part of my leg and 8 months later, I still had pain. Time is money and money is hard earned — spend it elsewhere.
Pros: ???
Cons: Extremely long waiting time, Minimal face time with MD, Pressures you into things you do not want