need recommendation for pediatric scoliosis specialist in Charlotte, Atlanta or Duke

[dawndd]

We are looking for a 2nd opinion. We need a pediatric scoliosis specialist. We live in Western North Carolina. We will get our first opinion from Dr. Benjamin Allen at Shriners Hospital in Greenville, SC. We are anticipating that he will recommend surgery. For reassurance I know that we will want a 2nd opinion before we make any decisions. Charlotte is 2 hours away, Atlanta is about 3 hours away and Durham (Duke University) is about 4 hours away but we have family in the area. Thanks for your help.

[KRIS ATKINSON]

My daughter sees Dr. Wattenbarger in Charlotte. I am currently debating whether to have her surgery at Shriners in Greenville or with Dr. Wattenburger, who my daughter wants as her surgeon. My understanding is that Dr. W consults with Shriners and used to work at Shriners in Texas, so I am debating whether to use insurance (whatever they pay) or hope we get in at Shriners. I want the absolute best for her surgery, of course. Dr. Wattenbarger is highly recommended by everyone I talk to in this area. He works for Miller Orthopaedic Clinic, which is on the internet. It is now in transition to being Orthocarolina at orthocarolina.com (704)373-0544. What do you think of Greeville Shriners?

[dawndd]

We have our first appointment next week with Dr. Benjamin Allen at Shriners. I'll let you know after that appointment what we think. We have a high deductible on our insurance, but like you I am willing to pay if necessary. Is Dr. Wattenbarger a pediatric scoliosis specialist. Do you happen to know what percentage of his/her practice is scoliosis and what percentage is pediatric? He/she must have a good rapport if your daughter likes him. I think that is important. Have you heard anything about tany doctors at Duke?

[Gail]

I would recommend Dr. Lloyd Hey. He previously was an Orthopaedic doctor at Duke for 10 yrs specializing in Scoliosis and Spinal Deformities. He has just recently opened his own practice "Hey Clinic" in Raleigh,NC. His office is right beside Duke Raleigh Hospital. He did my Scoliosis surgery in Feb. 2003 and I couldn't be happier with the results.

Kindest Regards,
Gail T

[babylilm]

I would recommend Dr. Robert Fitch at Duke. His clinic is in Lenox Baker Children Hospital, which is a part of Duke!!!!

[Pooka1]

I would recommend Dr. Edmund Campion at UNC-Chapel Hill.

He fused my one daughter and will fuse her twin if that is in the cards for her.

He gives out a packet of information about what to expect that proved to be highly accurate.

While I will go anyway to have Dr. Campion fuse my other daughter if she needs it, I will say I think certain protocols for the nursing staff need to be updated to reflect the literature. I'll be ready next time.

Good luck.

[rainbow2010]

My daughter went to Dr Morrissey in Atlanta but he retired. The doctor that took his place isn't very good. A friend of mine takes her daughter to a doctor in Augusta,Ga. There is supposed to be a good group there.

[mariaf]

I've heard some very good things about Dr. Timothy Oswald in Atlanta. He also seems to be very well-respected and up on the latest in the field of pediatric orthopedics, particularly scoliosis.

Good luck!

[rainbow2010]

Mariaf -
Do you know which hospital Dr Oswald practices out of?

[mariaf]

Hi Rainbow 2010,

I don't recall the hospital, but this is the info I have on Dr. Oswald - I took it from the VBS site:

Dr. Timothy S. Oswald
Pediatric Orthopaedic Associates, P.C.
Atlanta, GA 30324
404-321-9900
http://www.mypedsortho.com/

I'm sure you could call or check his website and easily find out.

Good luck!

[rainbow2010]

Thanks for the info. They are out of Emory and I avoid Emory as much as possible. Tooooooo many problems with them in the past.